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Rockies and Vancouver Island Circle
Tour Description:
EXPLORE THE EXCITING CITIES AND WILD SPACES OF THE CANADIAN WEST ON THIS 11-DAY JOURNEY ABOARD THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER.
From the comfort of your elegant onboard accommodations, you'll witness some of the world's most breathtaking natural scenery, including dense alpine forests, snowy peaks, and pristine lakes. Venture out onto the immense Athabasca Glacier on an Ice Explorer vehicle, relax in Victoria's gorgeous Butchart Gardens and admire the geological wonders in Banff. This tour is the perfect combination of adventure and leisure, all with the backdrop of the majestic Canadian Rockies.
Highlights:
* 4-day Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service
* 10 nights hotel accommodation
* 4 breakfasts and 5 lunches
* Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer ride to Athabasca Glacier
* Vancouver to Victoria Tour including Butchart Gardens and BC Ferries
* Coach and ferry transfer to Vancouver
* Rail station transfers in Jasper, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Banff
* Transfer between Banff and Calgary
* Luggage handling and National Park Pass
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - Calgary
Arrive in Calgary and spend the day at your leisure
Day 2 - Calgary To Lake Louise
Depart Calgary (or Calgary International Airport) today and transfer to Lake Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 3 - Lake Louise to Jasper
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper National Parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk, and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Lunch is included at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon. Overnight in Jasper. (L)
Day 4 - Jasper To Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south, you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today's highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. (B, L)
Day 5 - Kamloops To Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today's journey, you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver. (B, L)
Day 6 - Vancouver
Take full advantage of a free day at leisure in Vancouver, and check out Vancouver's must-see attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium (admission not included), Stanley Park, or Granville Island. Explore the city's museums, art galleries, gardens, and varied neighborhoods, or take a day trip to discover the nearby resort town of Whistler. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 7 - Vancouver To Victoria
Today a full day tour takes you to Victoria. Among the highlights are a BC Ferries trip through the picturesque Gulf Islands, a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a scenic ocean drive, and a visit to Victoria's Inner Harbour. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 8 - Victoria
Spend the day exploring Victoria at your leisure. Recommended activities (not included) are whale watching, touring the Royal BC Museum or the BC Parliament Buildings, or enjoying a traditional tea at The Fairmont Empress. In the afternoon, depart for Vancouver by motorcoach and ferry. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 9 - Vancouver To Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. On today's journey, you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. (B, L)
Day 10 - Kamloops To Banff
Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff. (B, L)
Day 11 - Banff To Calgary
After checking out from your Banff hotel, transfer by motorcoach to downtown Calgary (or Calgary International Airport), where your vacation ends.
