Canadian Rockies by Train
$4,109.00
From $4,109* pp | 8-9 Days • 11 -14 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Discover lush green western Canadian coast and the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies on a tour featuring VIA Rail’s overnight train journey.
- Look upon the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and Mt. Robson – the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
- Stop at the Columbia Icefield and choose from a Glacier Experience across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick or take a walk on the Glacier Skywalk.
- Spend two nights at the magnificent The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, properly nicknamed the “Castle in the Rockies.”
Embark on a Timeless Journey
From the lush green Pacific coast of Vancouver board VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” for a once in a lifetime overnight train journey. Relax in the dome car and experience panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers and the sheer unspoiled wilderness of Canada. Arrive in Jasper and see the dramatic Maligne Canyon and its picture-perfect lake, where you enjoy breakfast with a view! Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Stop at Columbia Icefield and choose from a Glacier Experience across this mass of glacier ice or take a walk on the Glacier Skywalk. Feel like royalty while overnighting at the fabulous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs Hotel. Discover the natural beauty of Moraine Lake, the powerful Bow Falls and impressive Hoodoos. Experience a day on a Ranch in the Alberta plains, complete with a wagon ride in search of buffalo and a barbecue lunch in the great outdoors. End your journey in cosmopolitan Calgary.
Itinerary
Day 1. Vancouver, British Columbia – Tour Begins
Join us for a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes, charming towns and beautiful lakes of the Canadian Rockies. Your adventure opens in Vancouver.
High 18 Low 10 Westin Bayshore
A city tour of Vancouver begins this morning at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest, and continues to Chinatown, the waterfront, and Gastown, a turn-of-the-century centre comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and the world-famous steam-powered clock, perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. Stroll picturesque Granville Island and its fascinating markets. This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the city skyline. Later, board VIA Rail’s The Canadian to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your private accommodation.
Breakfast & Dinner High 22 Low 11 Via Rail Canada
Day 3. VIA Rail – Jasper, Alberta
Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car as your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the Dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. This evening, enjoy a “Taste of Alberta” dinner complete with several choices featuring various Alberta products and special recipes that highlight the cuisine of the province.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 11 Low -1 Sawridge Inn And Conference Centre
Day 4. Jasper
This morning we travel to Maligne Lake and enjoy breakfast* against the backdrop of the picture-perfect sparkling waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Whilst there you may choose to embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Later, enjoy the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks. Return to your hotel with leisure time to explore this lovely town.
Breakfast High 11 Low -1 Sawridge Inn And Conference Centre
Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing en route to Lake Louise. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway! Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas – so have your camera handy! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. Stop at the Columbia Icefield and choose a fun ride** across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle; or, take a walk on the Glacier Skywalk to experience the breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and witness the dramatic landscape from the glass-floored platform. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Peyto Lake – a turquoise glacier-fed lake that evokes pure serenity – before arriving in Lake Louise. Enjoy a stay at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This evening it’s Diner’s Choice…your dinner is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s great restaurants.
Breakfast & Dinner High 9 Low -2 The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Day 6. Lake Louise – Banff
En route to Banff, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. The jagged Ten Peaks are distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Arrive at the grand Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” for a luxurious two-night stay. This evening experience another Diner’s Choice…tonight you’ll choose the perfect spot from one of the Fairmont Banff Springs’ great restaurants.
Breakfast & Dinner High 9 Low -2 The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Day 7. Banff
Set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and Hoodoos – known as the “Land of the Sleeping Giants.” Next, meet a local ammolite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. During an afternoon at leisure, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown.
Breakfast High 9 Low -2 The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Day 8. Banff – Calgary
Leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Visit a local ranch where you can play a game of horseshoes, take a line dance lesson and enjoy a wagon ride** in search of buffalo. Then, delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, enjoy the views of the prairies before you reach the vibrant city of Calgary.
Breakfast & Lunch High 9 Low -2 Westin Calgary
Day 9. Calgary – Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Calgary.
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- Alberta is 17 hours and British Columbia 18 behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- Highest elevation included on tour is 7,500 feet above sea level.
- The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar.
- Canada uses 110 volts.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
March 2017.
Mar 13 – Mar 24. $3,469
Mar 27 – Apr 7. $3,599
April 2017.
Apr 3 – Apr 14. $3,729
Apr 24 – May 5. $3,729