Itinerary for: Canada's Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer Train (Redleaf) 2010 (DCRD)
- Calgary
- Japer
- Baniff
- Kamloops
- Jasper National Park
- Columbia Icefield
- Banff National Park
Day 1:
Welcome to Calgary! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to greet you and answer your questions. Join us at 6:00pm for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.
Hotel: International Hotel Suites Calgary
Day 2:
Today our Tour Director will share a Hidden Treasure. We travel along the worldfamous Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain drives. Marvel at the unsurpassed scenery including sub-alpine forests, meadows, massive glaciers and remarkable lakes. Keep an eye out for grizzly and black bear, moose, elk and other wildlife. At the Columbia Icefield, we board an Ice Explorer for the trip of a lifetime as we drive onto the massive Athabasca Glacier. En route to Jasper, perhaps enjoy an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. We then drive to the quaint township of Jasper, where we spend the next two nights. After dinner, we enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the area’s abundant wildlife. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: The Sawridge Inn
Day 3:
We start the day with a narrated walk along Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Marvel at the spectacular rock formations and waterfalls and learn about one of Canada’s longest underground river systems. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy an optional cruise on Maligne Lake or a guided nature walk. Activities abound in Jasper National Park and your Tour Director will provide you with suggestions. (Full breakfast)
Day 4:
Snow-capped peaks, hanging glaciers, pounding waterfalls and surging rivers dominate the landscape as we head to Banff National Park and explore three of North America’s most beautiful lakes. First we cross the Continental Divide and enter Yoho National Park where we view the Natural Bridge, the Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake, a jewel sparkling with the blue-green hue of an emerald. Next is Moraine Lake, nestled in the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks. We then head to Lake Louise, one of the most breathtaking settings in the world. Here we enjoy a narrated promenade along the lakeshore and learn about the geography and history of the area. We end the day in the quintessential alpine village of Banff for a relaxing threenight stay. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Banff Park Lodge
Day 5:
Today we enjoy an orientation tour of the Banff area viewing Bow Falls, the classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive and the wind-shaped hoodoos overlooking Bow Valley. The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional activities in Banff include a helicopter flight over Mount Assiniboine, a ride aboard the Banff Gondola, or a relaxing float trip down the Bow River. This evening, perhaps join an optional fun and entertaining musical dinner show. (Full breakfast)
Day 6:
Today is at leisure in Banff for you to pursue your own interests. A variety of optional activities will be available from your Tour Director who will be happy to assist you in planning your day. This evening, join newfound friends at our Farewell Dinner. (Full breakfast/ Farewell dinner)
Day 7:
Bid farewell to your Tour Director as you board the Rocky Mountaineer train in RedLeaf Service (GoldLeaf Service upgrade available) for a two-day independent daytime rail journey from Banff to Vancouver. Travel through the Spiral Tunnels, past the glaciers of Kicking Horse Pass, under Mount McDonald and along the South Thompson River to Kamloops where you are transferred to your hotel. (Continental breakfast / Lunch)
Hotel: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Day 8:
Continue your rail journey through the Thompson and Fraser Canyons, arriving in Vancouver at approximately 5:30pm. A complimentary transfer is provided from the train station to Vancouver International Airport or the tour hotel in Vancouver for passengers extending their stay. The train’s arrival into Vancouver can be subject to delays; we therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time for your onward travel arrangements (Continental breakfast / Lunch)
Note: Please do not schedule any flights before 9:00pm