Tour: 8640 - 2012 (8640) - 2012 / 2013

Itinerary

Day 1Toronto

Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2Toronto–Niagara Falls Excursion–Toronto. Via Rail The Canadian

This morning, wake up to the promise of an unforgettable excursion. Travel to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural splendors. Towering to 180 feet, the 12,000-year-old Falls are nothing less than awe-inspiring. As well as soaking up spectacular views of the Falls from the rim of the gorge, your sightseeing includes a trip on the MAID OF THE MIST, which cruises close to the thunderous columns so you can experience their power from the deck. Afterward, return to Toronto, where you’re invited this evening to join our optional dinner outing to enjoy stunning vistas over the city’s illuminated 1,815-foot CN Tower. Next, transfer to the station for your late-evening departure on the Canadian, VIA Rail’s premier transcontinental train, for your classic 3-day trip through Canada’s heartland.

Note:
Operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. When unfavorable conditions exist, a walking tour of the scenic tunnels will be offered.

Day 3Via Rail The Canadian

Today, watch, spellbound, as your train glides effortlessly through the ever-changing vistas that form the heart of this beautiful country. Alternatively, enjoy some of the train’s excellent amenities, perhaps chatting over coffee in the comfortable Skyline Car, soaking up the 360-degree views from the observation dome, or relaxing in the luxurious Bullet Lounge. Later, settle into your private sleeping berth for a restful night of moonlit train travel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Via Rail The Canadian–Winnipeg

After a brief stop in Winnipeg, the largest city in the Canadian prairies, reboard your train for a memorable journey through the country’s stunning plains. This evening, savor the onboard cuisine once more, with supper in the train’s exclusive “Sleeper Touring” dining car. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Via Rail The Canadian–Edmonton–Jasper

After a hearty onboard breakfast, a short morning stop in Edmonton, Alberta’s capital. Next, onward to the scenic highlight of your journey: the magnificent Canadian Rockies. This unspoiled wilderness is rich in wildlife, so you may spot mountain goats, caribou, and even grizzlies along the way! This afternoon, arrive in Jasper and disembark for your 2-night stay. Surrounded by soaring mountains, this charming resort is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy an orientation tour and, later, why not take our optional float trip on the Athabasca River? This leisurely afternoon excursion takes you over gentle river rapids amid phenomenal scenery. (CB,BR)

Day 6Jasper

Make the most of your surroundings today, starting with an optional cruise around stunning Maligne Lake, the Rockies’ second-largest glacier-fed lake, which is ringed by ice-clad mountains and thick forests. This evening, perhaps walk along one of the many local hiking or wildlife trails.

Day 7Jasper–Columbia Icefield–Lake Louise–Banff

Today, bid farewell to Jasper for your journey through JASPER NATIONAL PARK to Banff. This epic park is the most northerly in the Canadian Rockies and combines lingering serenity with dazzling mountains, glistening glaciers, and crashing falls. On the way, stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 1,200 feet (365 meters) thick. Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, where cold waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in BANFF NATIONAL PARK for a leisurely 3-night stay.

Days 8-9Banff

Nestled in BANFF NATIONAL PARK, Banff draws nature-lovers year round with its outdoor attractions. You have two whole days to explore this scenic area, so why not start with a thrilling optional helicopter ride, giving you a unique birds-eye view over the snow-clad peaks? Don’t miss the optional gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for amazing views, and a stop at beautiful Bow Falls.

Day 10Banff–Rocky Mountaineer–Kamloops

Another rail adventure begins today as you board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable 2-day, all-daylight journey. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as your train sets off along the legendary first passage to the West route, which traces the historic transcontinental railroad linking Canada’s east and west. On the way, marvel at rugged Yoho National Park, where your train passes through the incredible Spiral Tunnels, a series of corkscrew-shaped mountain tunnels. Other highlights include spectacular Rogers Pass, which winds through glittering glaciers and dark tunnels. After continuing past ranchlands and picturesque Shuswap Lake, arrive in Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia’s interior. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

Note:
It will be necessary for all RedLeaf travelers to pack an overnight bag for the train journey. Suitcases for SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf travelers will be delivered in Kamloops, but suitcases for RedLeaf travelers will be checked and unavailable for the overnight in Kamloops.

Continental breakfast and a cold lunch are included on board the Rocky Mountaineer in RedLeaf; breakfast and lunch with choice of entrees are included and served at your seat while traveling in SilverLeaf; gourmet hot meals from an a la carte menu when seated in GoldLeaf, and served in the GoldLeaf dining room. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also provided free of charge.

Day 11Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Vancouver

All aboard today as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Thompson River and majestic Fraser Canyon—a stunning, 600-foot walled gorge. En route you’ll see legendary Hell’s Gate, a thundering waterfall that powers millions of gallons of water through the narrowest point of Fraser Canyon. From here, travel through the dramatic Pacific Coastal Mountains, arriving in Vancouver in the early evening. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 12Vancouver

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further with a variety of exciting optional activities.