The package name says it all. Awestruck, pass lush coastal forests, majestic mountain peaks and emerald green lakes throughout your holiday. Keep your camera handy and you will be rewarded with many beautiful photo opportunities.
Highlights
Vancouver | Kelowna | Banff | Lake Louise | Jasper | Rocky Mountaineer Jasper to Vancouver (overnight in Kamloops) |
Itinerary
DAY 1
Vancouver to Kelowna (L)
Your two-day journey through western Canada starts with a morning departure from the sights and sounds of downtown Vancouver. The first leg of your journey today travels from cityscape, through the lush Fraser delta region, and over the Coquihalla Pass. Start along the mighty Fraser River (named after Simon Fraser, a fur trader who explored the area in 1808), a major salmon spawning route. Up to 10 million fish a year travel up to this waterway each fall to the exact stream bed of their birth where they will complete their life cycle by spawning and dying. This act, in turn, will attract and feed many predators such as eagles and bears who depend on this yearly feast to build body fat that will sustain them during the lean winter months ahead. Later in the day, a two hour stop at Minter Gardens will feed your body and soothe your senses with a delectable lunch (included) and guided walk through the exquisite gardens. After lunch, continue your trek on the Coquihalla Highway up into the heart of ranching country. A brief stop at the Merritt Visitor Centre allows time to stretch and learn about this historic territory, one of the premier ranching settlements in British Columbia from 1880. Turning east, the road takes you into the famed wine region of the Okanagan Valley. The last stop of the day is at a local winery for an exclusive tour and educational wine tasting. Sample a variety of hand-crafted Okanagan wines in this unique and authentic setting, surrounded by the actual vineyards where the fruit is produced on site. Kelowna is the cosmopolitan and cultural centre of the Okanagan Valley, including five pristine golf courses, white sand beaches, orchards and Big White ski area, in addition to over a dozen local wineries. An evening arrival at your selected Kelowna hotel allows time for dinner (meal not included) and exploration of the lakefront.
Overnight in Kelowna.
DAY 2
Kelowna to Banff (B, L)
After a hearty breakfast (included), embark on another day of exploration that leads north through the Okanagan Valley, through the town of Vernon, home of Silver Star ski area, and into the small town of Armstrong. Enjoy a short stop before continuing on your journey. Driving further north, after a quick stop in Sicamous, the “Houseboat Capital of Canada”, you reconnect with the Trans-Canada Highway #1, where the road winds its way into the Monashee Mountains and travels past Craigellachie, which is the site of the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. This railway system connects Canada from coast to coast. A lunch stop (included) is made in the alpine town of Revelstoke, founded in 1880 when the CP Railroad was built through the area. Today, it’s a growing favourite destination among outdoor enthusiasts for golf, hiking, skiing and heli-skiing. Ascending Roger’s Pass, the summit of Glacier National Park, this route follows the Canadian Pacific rail line all along the way. One of the highlights of the trip is a stop at the Spiral Tunnels. This unique feature is an engineering marvel that loops into the heart of Mount Stephen. This was created in 1909 in order to reduce the steep grade of the rail line, a hazard of early travel that caused the concern for runaway cars due to the 4.5% grade (2.2% is the desired grade). Shortly afterwards, enter Banff National Park and make the last stop of the day at world famous Lake Louise, one of the most stunning emerald green lakes in the Canadian Rockies. It was originally named “Emerald Lake” by Tom Wilson (former member of the North West Mounted Police and CP Rail employee), before being renamed for Princess Louise, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. There will be enough time to walk to the lakeshore for your own photo shoot of this famous scene and explore the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake on your own. Continue to the town of Banff for your overnight stay.
Overnight in Banff.
DAY 3
Banff
This morning’s excursion tours through the town of Banff and its environs. Ascend Tunnel Mountain Drive to view Bow Falls and the hoodoos, followed by a visit to Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Later, take a ride (included) on a gondola car to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy a 360º panorama of a sea of mountain ranges, valleys, lakes and a bird’s eye view of the Banff town site, 770 metres (2526 feet) below. Later this afternoon, take a short excursion to Lake Minnewanka, one of Alberta’s largest bodies of water for a boat cruise. Learn about the natural history and native legends that make this lake a landmark. After your 1.5 hour cruise, continue on the motor coach drive to some animal 'hotspots' where you will have excellent opportunities to spot some of Banff's famous wildlife, including Deer, Sheep, Elk, Coyotes, Bears, and much more!
Overnight in Banff.
DAY 4
Banff to Lake Louise to Banff
Depart Banff this morning and travel to beautiful Johnston Canyon, following a winding path along the base of the Bow Valley. Visit Moraine Lake, with the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflecting off its turquoise waters. Continue to Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Rockies”, with its backdrop of the glistening Victoria Glacier. After a lunch break at Lake Louise, cross the Continental Divide and enter Yoho National Park. Visit the scenic Yoho Valley and such sights as Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Return to Banff in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Banff.
DAY 5
Banff to Jasper
Today’s journey travels north along the famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in North America. Travel through Banff and Jasper National Parks with a stop at the Columbia Icefield allowing time for the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. A memorable trip onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier in a specially designed Brewster Ice Explorer, takes you to the middle of the glacier while the driver/guide explains how the glaciers are formed and points out interesting geological features (Ice Explorer included). The ice is 365 metres (1,200 feet) thick - about the height of the Empire State Building. At the icefall below the glacial headwall, take the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow that fell 400 years ago. After this unique adventure, time is allowed at the Columbia Icefield Centre, to relax over lunch (not included) and visit the new and expanded Parks Canada Interpretive Centre. Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls, prior to your arrival into Jasper.
Overnight in Jasper.
DAY 6
Jasper to Kamloops (B, L)
This morning, transfer (included) to the Jasper Train Station and board the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train for a two-day journey through the Rockies. Complimentary breakfast and lunch are served at your seat. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also provided. Some of today’s highlights include Pyramid Falls, the Albreda Icefield, located in the majestic a Premier Mountain Range and Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies at nearly 3,954 metres (12,970 feet). A wide array of wildlife can often be seen in close proximity to the railway tracks. Upon arrival in Kamloops, you will be transferred to your hotel (transfer included).
Overnight in Kamloops.
DAY 7
Kamloops to Vancouver (B, L)
Early this morning, transfer (included) to the Kamloops Train Station and re-board the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train for your journey to Vancouver. Breakfast and lunch are once again served at your seat. Today, begin following the Thompson River through the stark arid beauty of interior British Columbia. Pass the raging turbulence of Hell’s Gate, where millions of gallons of water per minute rush through the narrowest point of the Fraser Canyon. Before reaching the coastal city of Vancouver, travel through the final range of mountains, the Pacific Coast Mountains and into the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley. Upon arrival at the Vancouver train station, transfer via taxi to your selected hotel (taxi transfer included).
Overnight in Vancouver.
DAY 8
Vancouver
Transfer from your hotel to Vancouver International Airport (transfer not included) for your homeward or onward flight, by taxi or limousine.
This tour commences with an early morning departure - an overnight stay is essential the night before the tour starts.
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