Overview
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Board your VIA Rail train to journey over the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver, British Columbia. You’ll pass through the ranchlands along the South Thompson River, Fraser Valley, and the snowy Coast Mountains. Once in Vancouver, enjoy guided sightseeing in Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Next, board the ferry across the spectacular Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Dock in Victoria for sightseeing, including the fabulous Butchart Gardens and totem poles of Thunderbird Park. You’ll also enjoy a free day in Victoria with a variety of optional activities, including whale watching on the waters of San Juan and the Gulf Islands. This value vacation in Canada is an explorer’s dream—from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest.
Highlights
Sightseeing; Daily passes to the Stampede Grounds, Rodeo admission, Chuckwagon Races, Grandstand Show
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Orientation tour; stay two nights inside Banff National Park
LAKE LOUISE
Visit the lake
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD
Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Orientation tour; stay two nights inside Jasper National Park
VIA RAIL
Journey aboard VIA Rail’s the Canadian in Sleeper Plus class
VANCOUVERSightseeing; Stanley Park
VICTORIASightseeing; visit Butchart Gardens
2020 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 1 breakfast
CALGARY
Day1
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
CALGARY STAMPEDE GROUNDS
Day2
Welcome to Calgary and “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Dressed in your best Cowboy fashion from belt buckles, boots to chaps, explore the CALGARY STAMPEDE grounds at your leisure with your included admission. Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement. Walk back in time and experience the traditions and culture of Canadian First Nations at Elbow River Camp or stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages, and then maybe head into the dazzling array of international exhibits and displays of Western art. This evening, watch the heart-stopping CHUCKWAGON RACES in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. You’ll be out of your seats cheering on your favorite driver during each heat. Afterward, get ready for an outdoor STAGE SHOW featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
CALGARY STAMPEDE GROUNDS AND RODEO
Day3
Fuel up for the day’s activities by visiting Fluor Rope Square at Olympic Plaza for a pancake breakfast. Return to the Stampede grounds this morning to see anything you missed yesterday, and cheer on your favorite rodeo contenders. If you haven’t already, get suited with a cowboy hat, threads, and boots at one of the many stalls before heading to the Grandstand for the Calgary Stampede RODEO this afternoon. See the best of the best as they saddle up for world-class rodeo action. Top professionals take on the West’s wildest horses. You’ll also enjoy rodeo’s most famed event—bull riding! You will be in awe of the talent as you sit on the edge of your seat. Make the most of your time here and discover Canada’s country core. With square dancing, mock gun fights, country bands, bars, restaurants and livestock, there is loads to see.
CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Day4
The discovery of oil converted this cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing shows off downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Day5
Full day at leisure. Banff is one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and 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 suggest an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day6
First stop is Lake Louise, whose cold waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as the motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight today is a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights are in JASPER NATIONAL PARK.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Day7
Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, you’ll be mesmerized by dramatic Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife which includes grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN
Day8
Board a morning departure on VIA Rail’s the Canadian, for the journey west across Canada’s Rocky Mountains to Vancouver. The Canadian features renovated cars, comfortable cabin accommodations in Sleeper Plus class, and delicious meals. Spend time in the Skyline car, with dome seating and a lounge area, or relax in the Park car and meet other travelers. The comfortable cabins come with bed turndown service, in-car shower access, and lots of little extras, such as a personal toiletry kit. (BR,D)
VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN–VANCOUVER
Day9
Continue through the ranchlands along the South Thompson River, the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley, and snowcapped Coast Mountains. Upon arrival in Vancouver, city sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely STANLEY PARK.
Meals included:
- Continental Breakfast
VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
Day10
Today, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
VICTORIA
Day11
. A day at leisure gives you the chance to discover this splendid city; including the Royal British Columbia Museum, shopping on Government Street, or a leisurely stroll around the harbor. Perhaps join the optional wildlife and whale-watching cruise on the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands for possible sightings of whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER
Day12
Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm.
Things to note
This special departure includes all activities on our regular departures with two additional days in Calgary plus Calgary Stampede 2-day admission.Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Superior Tourist-Class
Conveniently located in downtown Calgary, the Sandman Hotel is minutes away from local transportation and shopping areas. The hotel features a fitness center, an indoor pool, and 301 well-equipped guestrooms.
Location
888 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Concierge desk
- Business Center
- Pool
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Pay Movies
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Voicemail
Bow View Lodge
Superior Tourist-Class
The Bow View Lodge is the only 3-Star Canada Select hotel located directly on the beautiful Bow River, where you can enjoy a river walk along a tree-lined path that offers an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains and occasional wildlife. This limited service hotel is able to offer guests access to facilities at their sister property, the Banff Park Lodge, located next door; guests at the Bow View may use the swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and concierge services. There are also two restaurants available, and a variety of shops.
Location
228 Bow Avenue, Banff, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Gift Shop
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Elevator
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Voicemail
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Wake-Up Calls
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Daily Housekeeping
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
- Window Opens
Marmot Lodge
First-Class
The Marmot Lodge features a number of services including concierge service, currency exchange, indoor pool, business center, and Embers Steakhouse restaurant. All 107 guestrooms are all equipped with coffeemakers, mini-fridge, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Location
86 Connaught Drive, Jasper, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Concierge desk
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Pool
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Hair Dryer
- Climate Control
- Voicemail
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Pay Movies
- Television
- Daily Housekeeping
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center
Superior Tourist-Class
Located in the heart of the theater district in downtown Vancouver, the hotel features 302 comfortable guestrooms, an indoor pool, and three restaurants.
Location
180 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- ATM
- Spa Services
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Smoking Rooms
- Daily Housekeeping
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Pay Movies
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
First-Class
Located in the center of downtown, the Royal Scot hotel & Suites is just a short walk to Victoria's famous Inner Harbour as well as shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, concierge service, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, Internet access, restaurant, and lounge.
Location
425 Quebec Street, Victoria, Canada
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Ice Machine
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Pool
- Elevator
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Television
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Voicemail
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Daily Housekeeping
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Newspaper
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