13 Days Western Canadian Rail Adventure Tour Package
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Priced From: $4,379 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Jun, Aug, Sep
See the splendor of Western Canada—by rail! Board the Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver and head for historic Kamloops, east to Shuswap Lake, and over the Continental Divide to breathtaking Banff National Park. Experience Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, then travel north on Icefields Parkway, take an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier, and pass Athabasca Falls en route to Jasper. Cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake and depart for Prince George, passing Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Next, your rail journey takes you to coastal Prince Rupert to learn about the canning industry at the Northern Pacific Cannery Village Museum. Ferry south through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage, a 15-hour voyage into prime humpback whale, porpoise, and sea lion territory. In Port Hardy, travel south by motorcoach to charming Victoria and its world-famous Butchart Gardens, then return via ferry to mainland Vancouver, a perfect ending to your exciting adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver, BC
Your Western Canadian Rail vacation begins this evening with a Welcome recept ion hosted by your Tour Director. (WR)
Day 2 Vancouver–Rocky Mountaineer®–Kamloops
At Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the Rocky Mounta ineer. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and a show at Two River Junction. (B,L)
Note:
Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2- or 3-star hotels or motor inns. The city does not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; however, you can rest assured it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Banff. Checked luggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items (Goldleaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their Kamloops hotel).
Day 3 Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Banff
Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. The Kicking Horse River leads to passes over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Banff. Lake Louise Excursion
Tour the highlights of Banff, then travel north to two of the crown jewels of the Rockies: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. (B,L)
Day 5 Banff–Icefields Parkway–Jasper
Today, travel north on the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, where snow-domed peaks, waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife compete for your attention. Experience an “Ice Explorer” ride on the gigantic Athabasca Glacier, then continue past thundering Athabasca Falls en route to Jasper. (B,D)
Day 6 Jasper. Choose Your Experience
This morning, enjoy an included CRUISE to Spirit Island on nearby Maligne Lake. Choose between a FLOAT TRIP on the scenic Athabasca River or a guided NATURE WALK to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna. (B)
Day 7 Jasper–Mount Robson–Prince George
This morning is at leisure to explore more of Jasper. We depart for Prince George following the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, peaking at 12,972 feet. Then it’s on to Prince George, formerly a fur-trading post and now a thriving commercial center. (B,D)
Day 8 Prince George–VIA Rail’s The Skeena–Prince Rupert
Your rail journey takes you along the Skeena River Valley. Enjoy at-your-seat meal service and large reclining seats as scenic highlights along the route roll by. Bald eagles, black bears, moose, and other wildlife are often spotted from the train in this remote and beautiful area. Arrive in Prince Rupert this evening for a 2-night stay. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Prince Rupert
This morning, take time to experience Prince Rupert. The city, which is located on Kaien Island just 140 miles south of Ketchikan, Alaska, is surrounded by huge forest-covered hills. Learn about the canning industry at the NORTHERN PACIFIC CANNERY VILLAGE MUSEUM. Later this afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. (B,D)
Day 10 Prince Rupert–BC Ferry–Port Hardy
Depart Prince Rupert and cruise southward aboard a BC FERRY through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage, a natural marine highway. This 15-hour journey takes you past spectacular coastal rainforests and majestic coastal mountains. Marine life is abundant in this area. Watch for humpback whales, porpoises, and sea lions. The ship offers open-air decks for sunning and viewing. You will arrive in Port Hardy this evening around 10:30 p.m. (B)
Day 11 Port Hardy–Victoria
Travel south by motorcoach along the entire length of Vancouver Island to the charming British “Garden City” of Victoria. (B)
Day 12 Victoria
Victoria sightseeing includes a visit to the world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, whose 130-acre estate boasts Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER. (B,D)
Day 13 Victoria–Vancouver
This morning, travel via BC Ferry through the Gulf Islands back to the British Columbia mainland for a transfer to Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2 p.m. (B)
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
9/08
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