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Grand Rail Circle
Tour Description:
CIRCLE THE MOST BREATHTAKING SPOTS THROUGHOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA'S INTERIOR AND THE STUNNING CANADIAN ROCKIES.
After a stay in Kamloops, you'll continue your travel by train as you head toward the resort town of Banff. Travel through the extensive tunnels as you cut through the Canadian Rockies, and enjoy mountaintop views of the land. Keep an eye out for wildlife! Enjoy two days to explore Banff and its National Park.
Next up is a tour of Yoho National Park, set along the western slope of the Continental Divide. At Lake Louise, your backdrop is the stunning turquoise lake, which is fed by the surrounding glaciers on high mountain peaks.
Watch the scenery of Banff and Jasper as you travel along the majestic Icefield Parkway with breathtaking views of mountain peaks and valleys. Once in Jasper, you'll take a glacier ride and tour the largest national park in the Rockies.
Loop back west into British Columbia again as you spend a night in the quaint town of Quesnel. Next, it's on to Whistler, home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Explore Whistler village before the last leg of your trip as you return to Vancouver.
Highlights:
* 5 days onboard the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer
* 12 nights hotel accommodation
* 4 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 1 light meal
* Vancouver Lookout
* Banff Gondola
* Yoho National Park Tour
* Jasper Highlights Tour
* Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer
* Rail station transfers and luggage handling
* National Parks Pass
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey, you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. (B, L)
Day 3 - Kamloops to Banff
Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff. (B, L)
Day 4 - Banff Sightseeing
This morning enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Banff and Banff National Park. Among the highlights are visits to Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola (admission included), Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 - Free Day in Banff
Today you will have an entire day to spend exploring Banff National Park on your own. Optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff’s historic museums, cruising on Lake Minnewanka or playing a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.
Day 6 - Banff to Lake Louise
A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River. The tour ends in Lake Louise where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Please note: While arrival at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:00 p.m., scheduled check-in time is not until 4:00 p.m. In the event that your room is not ready, your luggage will be stored, and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
*Banff to Lake Louise sightseeing is available from June 15-September 30.
Day 7 - Free Day in Lake Louise
Enjoy a free day in Lake Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 8 - Lake Louise to Jasper
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper national parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Lunch is included at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon. Overnight in Jasper. (L)
Day 9 - Jasper Highlights Tour
Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park. Today you will enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the park’s natural attractions and rugged peaks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this region home. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently. Overnight in Jasper. (B)
Day 10 - Jasper to Quesnel
Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains either side, and on to the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia’s Northern Interior. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass, and Moose Lake. Your day concludes as Rocky Mountaineer passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel. (B, L)
Day 11 - Quesnel to Whistler
Your journey continues south today to the four-season resort of Whistler. Enjoy the breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, through the rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau, to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, and the shorelines of glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Overnight in Whistler. (B, L)
Day 12 - Whistler to Vancouver
The morning is free to explore Whistler Village at your leisure. This afternoon return to Vancouver onboard Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights of the trip include the Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Brandywine Falls, and breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. An afternoon meal is served canapé style. Your rail journey ends upon your arrival in Vancouver.
Day 13 - Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends upon checkout from your Vancouver hotel.
