2023053 Canadian Rockies VIA Rail

Day 1

Arrive in Vancouver and meet you Tour Director. One of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in North America, Vancouver dazzles with views of the Pacific Ocean, magestic mountains and a glittering skyline. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2

Today ferry through the scenic Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival visit the world famous Butchart Gardens to stroll among fifty acres of floral gardens, fountains, and meandering paths. Then visit Victoria, British Columbia's beautiful capital. Enjoy a Victoria City Tour featuring the inner Harbor, the imposing Parliament Building constructed in 1897 and views of the famous Empress Hotel. Enjoy a bit of leisure time to take in City's turn of the century Victorian charm or shop in the downtown heritage district. Later return to Vancouver by ferry.

Day 3

This morning enjoy a Vancouver City Tour including Stanley Park, famous for its colorful Indian totem poles, chinatown, & Gastown, Vancouver's turn of the century pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants along cobble-stone streets. This afternoon board VIA Rail's trail, The Canadian for a memorable 2 day & overnight rail excursion into the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies. Explore the train before settling into your comfortable Berth in the Sleeper Plus Train Car for this evening. The Berths feature seats the conver to upper and lower beds for sleeping. Each 20 passenger Sleeper Plus Train Car features washrooms and a shower. Dinner is included with this class along with exclusive access to the Park Car for panoramic views.

Day 4

The Canadian winds along the North Thompson Rivver passing towering peaks and glacial valleys in a cast wilderness once only accessible by rail. Enjoy views of the incredible passing scenery like Mt.Robson the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Criss the Continental Divide into Alverta, arriving in Jasper for a one-night stay. This afternoon discover Jasper National Park, whose incredible scenery is comprised of carefully protected ecosystems, and is a photographer's paradise. Visit to Maligine Canyon, a Jasper landmark. Next watch for wildlife as you drive to see the crystal blue waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 5

Today travel south along the Icefileds Parkway, linking Jasper and Lake Louise, one of North America's most spectacular drivers. Travel the America's most spectacular drives. Travel the road as it winds between snow-domed peaks and immense hanging glaciers; you may see elk,deer,big horn sheep or bear. Stop to see the raw power of the Athabasca Falls. Later ride in a specially designed Ice explorer on the 1000-foot thick Athabasca Falls part of the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice massess outside the Artic Circle. Then travel into Banff National Park and arrive at your hotel in the quaint town of Banff for a three-night stay.

Day 6

Today view two of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies. stop to view spectacular Moraine Lake and the VAlley of the Ten Peaks before visiting the Chateau Lake Louise, located ithing a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capture spectacular views and photos of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Then travel through Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho National PArk to see the Natrual Bridge, the remarkable Spiral Tunnels and cross the Continental Divide before returning to Banff. This evening enjoy your evening on your own.

Day 7

This morning enjoy a Banff Area Tour including Mt. Rundle, Bow falls. Tunnel Mountain & the Hoodoos. Later explore Banff and the surrondings on your own. An optional tour will be available this afternoon. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers in the Banff area.

Day 8

Transfer to calgary and fly home filled with wonderfull memories of your Canadian Rockies VIA Rail Tour.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner