Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver, and make your way to your centrally located hotel for check-in. Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers in the lobby at 5:30 for a quick briefing of the excitement to come. Following, enjoy a welcome dinner that gives you the first taste of the city’s excellent cuisine. Overnight Vancouver. (D)
Day 2 – Vancouver City Tour
Vancouver is chock-full of history and culture, and we get a hefty dose of both on this morning’s city tour. As we travel between popular locales, such as Stanley Park, historic Gastown, Granville Island and Chinatown, our guide offers interesting commentary and little-known stories to enhance the experience. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the city on your own terms. Soak in the beauty of nature from high above the treetops with a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge, marvel at the Pacific from the scenic seawall or one of the beaches at Stanley Park or browse the great variety of shops, galleries, museums and restaurants throughout the city. Overnight Vancouver. (B)
Day 3 – Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
Get ready for an exciting day of travel; today we board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. We will be transferred to Vancouver’s train station from our hotel, and it is here that our train awaits. You will have ample space to spread out in your seat for this full-day journey, and you will be treated to some of the best railway cuisine in Canada with breakfast and lunch aboard the train. As you savor the delicious offerings, watch as the city and the coastline fade into the distance and the deep emerald hues of the Fraser Valley appear. Today’s train ride takes us along the Thompson River, past Hell’s Gate and through the dramatic peaks and valleys of the region before arriving in Kamloops. Overnight Kamloops, BC. (B, L)
Day 4 – Rocky Mountaineer/Jasper
It is back on the rails for another grand day of pampering by your railcar attendant, impressive sightseeing and little-seen glimpses at the Canadian Rockies today. We will reboard the Rocky Mountaineer this morning in Kamloops and set out through the vast landscape, following the banks of the North Thompson River en route to Jasper. Highlights of today's journey include Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls and the climb over Yellowhead Pass. Upon arriving in Jasper this evening, we will check into our hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Overnight Jasper, AB. (B, L)
Day 5 – Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
Get your fill at breakfast this morning, today’s adventures are grand! Jasper is surrounded by natural beauty, thanks to Jasper National Park, and we get a taste of it with our visit to Maligne Lake. This glacier-fed lake features clear turquoise waters and an amazing backdrop, with soaring mountain peaks, glaciers and lush forests encircling it. We set out onto the lake by boat, allowing us to take in all the glory and to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. Our cruise ventures out to one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada, Spirit Island. This land mass is only a true island for a few days each year, but its cluster of trees set against the surrounding scenery make it a breathtaking sight to behold. Gather this evening for a group dinner at the hotel. Overnight Jasper, AB. (B)
Day 6 – Banff/Columbia Icefield
Our journey into the heart of the Canadian Rockies continues today as we make our way to Banff. Also surrounded by protected National Park land, Banff has appeal as both a resort town and a destination for nature lovers. Before arriving in the quaint town, we will make a stop at the Columbia Icefield for in-depth look at it and Athabasca Glacier. Besides ice you will see waterfalls, beautiful mountain scenery and wildlife in its natural habitat. The Ice Explorer vehicle makes for an easy, and unique, ride across the icefield. Following the tour, we reboard our motorcoach and make our way to the world-famous Lake Louise for a picture-perfect photo opportunity. After checking into our Banff hotel, you have the rest of the evening to get acquainted with this charming town. Overnight Banff, AB. (B)
Day 7 – Banff
Gain a different perspective of the Canadian Rockies today with a ride aboard the Banff Gondola. Located just 5 minutes outside of town, the Banff Gondola is situated on the shoulder of Sulphur mountain and takes us nearly 7,500 feet above sea level to the summit. Each gondola car offers space for four passengers and is completely enclosed in glass, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, Bow Valley and Banff town. At the top, there is a short self-guided walkway, as well as an observation deck from which to take in all the surrounding mountain majesty. Following our descent of the mountain, we will return back to Banff, and you will have the afternoon and evening to hike, explore the local shops and art galleries or even take a dip in the hot springs. The group will reconvene tonight for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Banff, AB. (B, D)
Day 8 – Tour Conclusion
As you savor your breakfast this morning and take one final look around Banff, your time in Western Canada comes to a close. A group transfer to Calgary International Airport will accommodate planes departing after 1:30 pm. (B)
Destination & Sightseeing
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