Day 1- Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and transfer independently to your hotel, centrally located in order for you to make the most of your day in the city. You may wish to shop along Robson Street, visit Stanley Park or the Vancouver Aquarium, swing from the trees at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or dine in Gastown. Get an aerial view of this beautiful coastal city with included admission to the Vancouver Lookout Tower. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 2 - VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the sights before you transfer to the train station for your departure to Jasper. Board VIA Rail's Canadian, settle into your accommodations and prepare for your journey eastward. As the train pulls away, take time to explore your new surroundings and meet your fellow travelers. Overnight train. (D)
Day 3 - Jasper
Admire the stunning scenery as you wake this morning on your way to Jasper. Upon arrival, transfer from the rail station to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring what is considered to be one of the most photographed locations in the world. Overnight Jasper. (CB, L)
Day 4 - Jasper Sightseeing
Jasper is brimming with beautiful wildlife and unspoiled scenery. Travel the trails of the early explorers to get an in-depth look at Jasper National Park and this beautiful area on today's sightseeing tour. Learn about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem as you begin to discover Jasper's hidden treasures along the Athabasca Canadian Heritage River. Your tour takes you above the narrow gorge and limestone walls of Maligne Canyon to Medicine Lake to learn about the Native legends surrounding this mysterious place. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore the National Park and townsite. Overnight Jasper. (L)
Day 5 - Jasper to Prince George
Take the morning to enjoy Jasper at your leisure before you transfer to the rail station for your train to Prince George. Spend the afternoon relaxing as the Jasper-Prince Rupert train whisks you northwest along the Skeena River. Read a book, nap, chat with fellow travelers or chart your travels as the train takes you through interesting towns along your route, including McBride, whose station was built in 1919 and is a showcase of elegant railway architecture from a bygone era. You'll know you're nearing Prince George when you reach Willow River with its quaint general stores near the tracks. Arrive in Prince George this evening and check in to your hotel. Overnight Prince George.
Day 6 - Prince George to Prince Rupert
Arrive at the railway station early this morning for your departure aboard the train bound for Prince Rupert. Spend the day admiring the breathtaking scenery as you travel closer to the coast and your final destination. Highlights of this route include Burns Lake, a popular fishing and boating area; Smithers, a railway town founded in 1913 and now popular as a recreation destination; Moricetown, a vital fishing site for more than 5,000 years; Kitwanga, famous for its totem poles, some of which are visible from the train; and, the Kitselas Canyon and tunnels, which are best viewed from the dome car where you will be in awe of the breathtaking river flowing over jagged rocks as the train skirts the edge of the canyon as it makes its way through the tunnels. Overnight Prince Rupert.
Day 7 - Prince Rupert
The morning is yours to get acquainted with this quaint town. Visit the historic downtown area and Cow Bay for unique shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. As you navigate the streets, take note of the totem poles dotted around town as well as small details in the town's architecture and monuments that herald its rich history. Other stops this morning may include the Sunken Garden project, Pacific Mariner's Memorial Park, and Prince Rupert Waterfront Park.
Select departures include a sightseeing adventure of either a whale watching tour off the shores of Prince Rupert or a grizzly bear viewing excursion in Khutzeymateen, north of Prince Rupert and home to the largest population of grizzly bears in the world. Overnight Prince Rupert.
Day 8 - Conclusion
Your trip comes to a close upon check-out from your hotel. You may wish to extend your time in British Columbia by traveling back to Vancouver for additional nights, or with a ferry transfer to Vancouver Island.
Destination & Sightseeing
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