Tour: 8930 - 2012 (8930) - 2012 / 2013

Itinerary

Day 1Calgary

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

Day 2Calgary–Banff

The discovery of oil converted this all-Western cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. See many of the city’s attractions this morning on your sightseeing tour, including downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies and into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. Upon arrival, take the optional gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of Banff’s spectacular scenery. Then, enjoy a visit to sparkling Bow Falls.

Day 3Banff

Full day at leisure. Banff is one of Canada’s favorite resorts, with summer activities that include hiking, boating, and fishing. Your Tour Director will suggest an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.

Day 4Banff–Lake Louise–Columbia Icefield–Jasper National Park

First stop is Lake Louise, its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as the motorcoach scales two mountain passes. Another highlight on today’s agenda is a 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. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. Upon arrival in Jasper, an orientation tour showcases Jasper’s unspoiled beauty. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be in JASPER NATIONAL PARK.

Day 5Jasper

Join the optional trip to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island for a narrated cruise. On the return journey, you’ll be mesmerized by the dramatic Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, you might consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local town charm with its occasional wandering wildlife!

Day 6Jasper–Rocky Mountaineer–Kamloops

An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass by Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

Note:
It will be necessary for all RedLeaf travelers to pack an overnight bag for the train journey. Suitcases for 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 (hot meals in GoldLeaf); snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also provided free of charge.

Day 7Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Vancouver

Reboard the train and head through the ranchlands along the South Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. Then, pass through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley, surrounded by the snowcapped Coast Mountains. Arrive in Vancouver at the Rocky Mountaineer Station in early evening and transfer to your hotel. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8Vancouver–Ferry Crossing–Victoria

Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, the beautiful beaches and harbor, and lovely STANLEY PARK. Afterward, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.

Day 9Victoria–Ferry Crossing–Vancouver

Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm.