Spirit of the Canadian Rockies

Overview

Experience the majesty of the beautiful Canadian Rockies aboard the 'Rocky Mountaineer' from Vancouver and continue to Banff and the glacial blue waters of Lake Louise before arriving at Victoria on Vancouver Island.

UK - Vancouver

Fly to Vancouver where on arrival transfer to your hotel.

Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Vancouver

This morning, an included city tour highlights STANLEY PARK, Chinatown, the harbor, beaches, and more. The remainder of the day is at leisure; your Tour Director will have suggestions. You could take a water-taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, and art galleries!

Vancouver - Rocky Mountianeer - Kamloops.

An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all daylight, classic rail journey. The train travels through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Follow the Fraser River through snowcapped mountains, eventually arriving at Kamloops.

Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Glacier National Park - Yoho National Park - Banff National Park

Reboard the train and prepare for spectacular sights, such as Shuswap Lake, the Monashee Mountains, and GLACIER NATIONAL PARK. Travel through the heart of the Selkirk Mountains before entering stunning YOHO NATIONAL PARK. The train winds through the Spiral Tunnels before climbing Kicking Horse Pass. Cross the Continental Divide and enter the province of Alberta and BANFF NATIONAL PARK.

Banff National Park

Today is at leisure. Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is the perfect place for photographers and wildlife watching and as a visitor you may be lucky enough to encounter some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The national park is home to 53 species of mammals. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep. If the timing is right, you may spot black bears, grizzlies, or wolves. Your Tour Director will also have suggestions for an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies and can offer recommendations for dinner.

Banff National Park - Lake Louise - Columbia Icefield - Jasper National Park

Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. Travel to Lake Louise and return to Yoho National Park, see the Natural Bridge spanning Kicking Horse River, and visit Emerald and Moraine Lakes. Stay overnight in Lake Louise, where green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria.

Lake Louise - Columbia Icefield -Jasper National Park

Scale Bow Pass for splendid views of Peyto Lake, then climb Sunwapta Pass for stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next stop: the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to ride the Ice Explorer that travels on ice that’s 750 feet thick.

Jasper National Park - Mount Robson - Sun Peaks

Stand at the base of awesome 12,972-foot Mount Robson. Travel through British Columbia’s Fur Trade and Cariboo regions for tantalizing glimpses of the soaring granite mountains of Canada’s Rockies. Watch for wildlife as you continue to the internationally renowned Sun Peaks ski resort.

Sun Peaks - Lillooet - Whistler

Head south, following the once-treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillooet, “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” our coach will follow the shores of Seton and Duffey Lakes, with a mid-afternoon arrival in Whistler. There are optional activities to choose from, including flightseeing by floatplane over glaciated peaks or a Gondola ride between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains that creates a perfect bear-spotting perch.

Whistler - Ferry Crossing - Victoria

Set sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, sightseeing includes BUTCHART GARDENS, the Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park.

Victoria

A day at leisure gives you the chance to stroll around the harbour, go shopping on Government Street, or have lunch in one of the many pubs. You may choose to join an optional wildlife and whale-watching trip cruising the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles. Your Tour Director will suggest several optional excursions, including a flightseeing excursions with spectacular vistas of downtown Victoria.

Victoria - Vancouver

Board your ferry this morning and head back to the Canadian mainland, where transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included.

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