8-Nights Western Canada By Rail - Rail, Value Vacation from $5,050

Itinerary Details

Western Canada By Rail

Day 1: CALGARY Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.



Day 2: CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK Home to the Calgary Stampede, Calgary was transformed by the discovery of oil from a ranching town into a thriving city. See many of downtown Calgary’s attractions on today’s sightseeing tour, including The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains into Banff National Park. Enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite upon arrival. The evening is at leisure.



Day 3: BANFF NATIONAL PARK Enjoy the day exploring Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many trails, stroll through Banff townsite, or relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is also an excellent place for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. For a different perspective, choose an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. If you prefer to stay on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit gorgeous Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.



Day 4: BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK First stop is stunning Lake Louise, the crown jewel of Banff National Park, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then travel the Icefields Parkway, crossing three mountain passes as gorges, snowcapped peaks, and glacier-fed lakes come into view. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a tour highlight – a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Late this afternoon, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Upon arrival in Jasper National Park, enjoy an orientation tour of the townsite.



Day 5: JASPER NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Immerse yourself on a memorable optional narrated cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island*. Along the way, see Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. Then perhaps hike one of the park’s trails or browse the shops in the Jasper townsite.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.



Day 6: JASPER NATIONAL PARK–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all-daylight rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and follow the North Thompson River with views of the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy free time in Kamloops this evening. (B,L)



Day 7: KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER This morning, continue your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Travel through the Fraser Canyon and see the powerful whitewater of Hell’s Gate on the Fraser River. Arrive in Vancouver this evening and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)



Day 8: VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Morning sightseeing highlights Stanley Park and other Vancouver landmarks. Afterward, sail through the Gulf Islands, to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. Sightseeing includes Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, and Thunderbird Park home to an impressive collection of totem poles. Consider joining an optional excursion to see the 55 acres of floral displays at world-renowned Butchart Gardens. This evening, perhaps enjoy a stroll along Victoria’s Inner Harbour and dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.





Day 9: VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER Sail by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver this morning. Continue to Vancouver International Airport where your vacation ends. Please schedule flights after 2:00 p.m. Guests who have purchased extra nights to explore Vancouver further will be taken to the tour hotel.