Spirit of the Canadian Rockies

Overview

Elevate your senses on an epic journey into the heart of British Columbia. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer Train through imperial forests past mirrored-lakes and snow-capped peaks, and cross the 1,200 ft thick Athabasca Glacier on a tour that captures the true spirit of the Rockies.

UK - Vancouver

Fly to Vancouver and transfer to your hotel.

This evening you will meet your travelling companions and Tour Director for a welcome drink.

Vancouver

This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The remainder of the day is free to explore the many attractions at your leisure.

Vancouver - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

At Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the Rocky Mountaineer. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops.

Note - Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2- or 3-star hotels or motor inns. The city does not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; however, you can rest assured it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.

Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Banff

Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its many miles of shoreline. Follow the Kicking Horse River and pass over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park.

Banff

Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. Enjoy your choice of activities this afternoon: take a leisurely Nature Walk with a picnic lunch or enjoy a thrilling ride on the Banff Gondola. Enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you savour lunch.

Banff - Lake Louise

En route to Lake Louise, a side trip showcases one of the crown jewels of the Rockies—Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Later, we arrive at enchanting Lake Louise. After checking into your room, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beauty, romance, and serenity of this famous location.

Note-The visit to Moraine Lake is normally possible from late May to early September. 

Special Feature-Overnight at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built as a log cabin in 1890, the historic chateau has become world famous, hosting celebrities and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper yourself in the spa, or just relax with Afternoon Tea.

Lake Louise - Columbia Icefield - Jasper

Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to Jasper National Park. Ride an exciting Ice Explorer on the 1,000-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier, and see thundering Athabasca Falls. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park.

Jasper - Sun Peaks

Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while travelling the Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. This is the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson’s Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to the Pacific Coast. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Sun Peaks - Whistler

A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler—one of Canada’s newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics—and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Special Feature-Overnight at the all-season luxury resort, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, the chateau brings old and new together in a seamless meld of historical style and modern beauty. Enjoy impeccable service and outstanding cuisine in this pristine mountain wilderness.

Whistler - Victoria

This morning, enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC Ferry for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British “Garden City” of Victoria. This afternoon, discover British Columbia’s capital on a city highlights tour. Later, perhaps stroll around the Parliament buildings or do some shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this delightful harbour city.

Victoria

Today, another choose-your-experience activity! Enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea at the Grand Fairmont Empress Hotel or, for the more adventurous, choose the Whale Watching excursion from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This afternoon, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens. This estate offers more than 700 varieties of flowers on 55 acres and includes Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Later, your tour director hosts a farewell dinner in the original Butchart family residence.

Victoria - Vancouver

This morning travel via BC Ferry through the Gulf Islands back to the British Columbia mainland which is where your tour ends.

UK

Transfer to Vancouver Airport for your flight to the UK, or take an Alaskan Cruise.

Home landing in the UK