Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer Tour

Itinerary

Day 1

You fly to Calgary, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel.

Day 2 - Calgary & Banff

Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, now-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Our hotel, for the next three nights, is the three-star superior Banff Park Lodge in the spa resort of Banff. With its wood-panelled interior and excellent indoor pool, our hotel is a easy 5-minute stroll into the centre of this attractive town.

Day 3 - Lake Louise & Peyto Lake

This morning our journey takes us along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas. Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. Then we take in Peyto Lake, one of the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters. Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rockies, covering an area of over 200 square miles, at depths of over 1,000 feet, a mind-blowing display of the power and majesty of mother-nature. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.

Day 4 - Free Day, Banff

Today we have a free day. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also exciting helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of 7,500 foot Sulphur Mountain, on the Banff gondola. Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with open-air terrace. Also very popular is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.

Day 5 - Rocky Mountaineer & Kamloops

This morning we set off on one of the world’s great train journeys! Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned, comfortable reclining seats, which rotate through 360 degrees, with plenty of legroom and large panoramic windows. The train begins its spectacular two-day, 585-mile journey following the wide Bow River valley before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. Next come the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, as we follow the Columbia River and cross the dramatic 500–foot steel span of Stoney Creek Bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns and villages on route and the building of the railway itself. Meals in SilverLeaf Class include excellent hot meals served at your seat on each day, as well as plenty of complimentary snacks, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic drinks served at your seat (bar service available at extra cost). You may also upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Services and their impressive Dome Carriages (see Price Includes tab for details & prices). Our overnight stay is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops.

For 2016 RedLeaf Service will be withdrawn and replaced with SilverLeaf Service for all departures which is incorporated into our 2016 prices.

Day 6 - Rocky Mountaineer & Vancouver

We continue our journey to Vancouver. Following the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon, we criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after our once-in-a-lifetime journey. Our hotel for the next two nights is the three-star superior Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver, close to the main shopping areas and the harbour front promenade.

Day 7 - Vancouver

Vancouver regularly features as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities: the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning we tour the city stopping at Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, which offers lovely views. The afternoon is at leisure, though there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. A popular, easy walk starts from Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade to the huge expanse of Stanley Park. Here you can visit the city’s aquarium, with its Beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters - a delightful experience! The walk continues along the shoreline path, which affords stunning vistas across the bay, until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach, a lovely spot from where to watch the sunset.

Day 8

This morning is at leisure. Those returning home will transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for their flight.

Day 9

We arrive back in the UK, with a heart full of wonderful memories.

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