Vancouver & the Rockies
RAIL & SELF DRIVE TOUR
VANCOUVER | VICTORIA | WHISTLER | ROCKY MOUNTAINEER | JASPER | LAKE LOUISE | EMERALD LAKE | BANFF
See the very best of Western Canada as you journey by train, plane and car on this fantastic tour. Ride the iconic Rocky Mountaineer not once, but twice, as you journey through the very best of British Columbia and Alberta, experiencing one of the world’s best rail journeys. Go for search of whales and other marine life in Victoria, explore the alpine resort of Whistler and then beautiful Quesnel. Discover the beautiful Canadian Rockies and stay in the towns of Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise and enjoy some time at beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge located on the shores of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Take a scenic floatplane journey from Victoria to Vancouver
• Search for wildlife on a whale-watching tour
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1&2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
Day 1&2 : Vancouver
On arrival in Vancouver, a private transfer is included to your hotel. The next day is free to enjoy the city; see the city’s sleek high-rise-framed waterfront, or visit Vancouver’s historic heart - Gastown, reinvented as a hip hub for culture and cuisine. You may like to take the opportunity to embark on a tour to Vancouver’s famed Granville Island Public Market or take the Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge tour which take will take you from sea level to 4,100 feet above Vancouver on the Grouse Mountain Skyride for breathtaking views of the city.
Day 3 : Victoria
Depart Vancouver this morning and cruise across Georgia Strait. Arriving on Vancouver Island, tour the Butchart Gardens (admission included). Tour scenic Ocean Drive, Uplands, Oak Bay, University of Victoria as well as the Victoria City before being taken to your hotel.
Day 4 : Victoria
This morning depart on an exhilarating, wildly authentic boat trip in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. The afternoon is free to explore Victoria.
Day 5 : Vancouver
Around midday depart Victoria Harbour by floatplane for an unforgettable trip over the Gulf Islands into downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. Overnight in Vancouver.
*Due to space and weight limitations on the floatplane, luggage is restricted to 25lbs per person. We suggest that you pack an overnight pack for the Victoria portion of your itinerary; your Vancouver hotel will be able to store luggage until you check in again. Transfers to & from the floatplane terminals are not included.
Day 6 : Whistler
Depart Vancouver this morning aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountain Range. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Upon arrival in Whistler you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 7 : Quesnel
Early this morning depart on the Rocky Mountaineer train in SilverLeaf Service through Caribou Country to Quesnel. Highlights along the way include towering views of the Fraser Canyon, Anderson and Seton Lakes. Upon arrival into Quesnel you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation.
Day 8 : Jasper
This morning, re-board the Rocky Mountaineer for your continuing journey to Jasper. Your route today follows the famous Fraser River, keep your eyes open for grizzly bears, moose, beaver and osprey! Crossing into the province of Alberta, you will arrive by early evening in the peaceful alpine town of Jasper.
Day 9 : Jasper
This morning go to the Avis depot in Jasper to collect your rental car. The day is then free for you to explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights.
Day 10 : Lake Louise (130 miles)
This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an included Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier, and visit the Glacier Skywalk, also included. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).
Day 11 : Emerald Lake Lodge (40 miles)
A short drive today through Majestic Mountain passes into Yoho National Park. This 1313 sq. km (507 sq. miles) National Park is filled with gem coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock.This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).
Day 12 : Emerald Lake - Banff (70 miles)
Enjoy the leisurely drive from Field and Lake Louise to Banff. At Lake Louise take the lovely Bow Valley Parkway, a two-lane roadway with numerous scenic outlooks and pullouts. Be sure to stop for a quick nature walk at Johnston Canyon. The rest of the day is free to explore Banff and area.
Day 13 : Banff
A full day to explore Banff and area, in town you’ll find lots of things to do. Perhaps you’ll browse the shops along Banff Avenue, take on optional helicopter tour over the majestic Rockies, visit one of the charming local cafés, dine out, or just relax and enjoy the facilities in your hotel. If you’re feeling adventurous why not try a canoe trip on the Bow River, or for a more serene experience try a float trip and look for wildlife along the river banks. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, or take a dip in the hot pools at the Upper Hot Springs.
Day 14 : Banff - Calgary (75 miles)
Drive to Calgary today. En-route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (admission not included) before dropping off your rental car at the Calgary Airport or downtown location, where your tour ends.
Tour also available in reverse direction from Calgary to Vancouver, please ask for prices & itinerary.
One way fee for Car Rental not included. Approx. $60 plus taxes.
