Rockies Adventure by Train
8 days

Enjoyable for all in reasonable health.

Quality transportation and accommodation in an uncommon environment, with the chance of occasional slight discomfort. E.g. an arctic polar bear tour

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Activity Level
This Canadian train trip, like several others, came about because some younger members of our team asked themselves, ‘What would I do if I just had a week to spend in Canada’?

The result is an active journey that in just 8 days showcases the best of the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver and Whistler – traveling by train in between – with options to hike, bike, ride a horse, canoe, and more along the way.

Though we say it ourselves, if you are young at heart and fit, it’s the perfect introduction to western Canada – and you can always extend it by adding more days and activities, or combining it with another trip.
Outline
Arrive Vancouver*
2 nights Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night aboard VIA Rail
2 night Jasper
1 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
ITINERARY
Eastbound shown. Westbound works in reverse.

Day 1 – Your Canadian train trip begins - Arrive In Vancouver
Today you fly into the city that is a byword for the laid-back, healthy lifestyle of western Canada. After settling into your hotel (you have choices of popular, superior or deluxe), take time to explore the many parks, beaches and markets on foot or bicycle.

Day 2 – Explore Vancouver the way the locals do it
Enjoy a tour of Vancouver’s rainforest, where you will enjoy a tour to the natural cathedrals, pillared by 500-year-old-trees and translucent canopies hundreds of feet above you. Plus see the marvelous Capilano Canyon.

Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip to Whistler and a Ziptrek adventure
Today you board the Whistler Mountaineer for a spectacular train journey to Whistler, famous in summer for its alpine meadows of wildflowers and as a Mecca for mountain bikers. In the evening enjoy a Ziptrek – ‘flying through the trees with the greatest of ease.’

Day 4 – Horseback riding, then a sleeper train to the Canadian Rockies
Mount up cowboy and head on out across the nearby Pemberton Meadows, up through the trees, and across mountain streams… You are in Grizzly country here – a true Western Canadian adventure. This afternoon return to Vancouver to catch the sleeper train to Jasper.

Day 5 – By train into the Canadian Rockies & Jasper
Waking to the gentle rocking of the train, you pull back the curtains to see a remarkable vision - train’s ascent into the realm of the high Rockies. Arriving around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to stretch your legs and explore this quaint mountain town.

Day 6 – Canoeing Pyramid Lake
Paddle a canoe on the tranquil waters of Pyramid Lake and perhaps glimpse a bald eagle soaring overhead, or witness a moose grazing in the water. Take in the backdrop of this canoe trip which is Jasper’s National Park’s rugged alpine beauty. The rest of the day is free for other adventures as you wish.

Day 7 – Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is the name given to a truly remarkable road that goes along the spine of the Rockies past the famous Columbia Icefield. You can get out along the way and this excursion takes you through two National Parks - Jasper and Banff. Overnight in Banff where you can sample local Albertan foods.

Day 8 – Depart Calgary - Your Canadian train trip comes to an end
Relax in the morning in the town of Banff before you sit back in a private vehicle and are taken to Calgary Airport, for a late afternoon flight home.
Options & Upgrades

This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice

  • Venture into the high alpine by adding a Whistler Gondola ticket
  • Explore the trails by mountain bike in Whistler
  • Extend your time in Banff to try Rafting or explore by horseback
  • Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island or visit the adventure capital - Whistler
Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
HIGHLIGHTS

  • Coastal Rainforest Adventure in Vancouver
  • Whistler Mountaineer along Howe Sound to Whistler
  • Ziptrek through the forest canopy
  • Overnight rail journey through the Rockies
  • Choice of Whitewater rafting, a horseback adventure or a day guided hiking in Banff
  • The majestic Canadian Rockies & the towns of Jasper and Banff
  • Ride across the Athabasca glacier aboard the Ice Explorer

Testimonials

We had a great time on our trip to the Rockies... Fabulous scenery and excellent service.

Colin Taylor (Australia)

The trip you organized for us was sensational and the Rocky Mountaineer was superb.

Jeff Mousley

I just returned home from one of the best vacations in my life and it all went off without 1 problem.

Josh helped me customize a Canadian Rockies vacation for my family and we had nothing but the best experience. All the vouchers, transportation, events, etc. went together beautifully.

Jill Heft (USA)

The trip was wonderful. The hotels were great. We really enjoyed everything about the trip. Dealing with Josh and Fresh Tracks was extremely easy. Thanks.

Jim Dyer

Just a quick note to Genevieve to say Claire and I really enjoyed our trip on the Rocky Mountaineer and the hotels we were accomodated in. The Banff Springs was the best hotel I have ever stayed in, so thank you for the upgrade. Chateau Lake Louise was also wonderful with the best view I have ever seen. All in all a wonderful last few days to our honeymoon.

Jim ODwyer

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2010 Package Start Dates

Starting in Vancouver
Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

May 13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
Jun 1,3,5, 8,10,12,15,17,19, 22,24,26,29
Jul 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27,29,31
Aug 3,5,7,10,12,14,17,19,21,24,26,28,31
Sep 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21, 23,25


Starting in Calgary
Departs Tuesdays & Thursdays

May 13,18,20,25,27
Jun 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29
Jul 1,6,8,13,15,20,22,27,29
Aug 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26,31
Sep 2,7,9,14,16,21, 23
Standard Hotels USD$ CAD$
Double Single Double Single
May 13 - May 27 2010 2,491 3,646 2,491 3,646
May 29 - Sep 25 2010 3,228 4,607 3,228 4,607
Superior Hotels USD$ CAD$
Double Single Double Single
May 13 - May 27 2010 2,812 4,290 2,812 4,290
May 29 - Sep 25 2010 3,555 5,345 3,555 5,345
Deluxe Hotels USD$ CAD$
Double Single Double Single
May 13 - May 27 2010 3,317 5,115 3,317 5,115
May 29 - Sep 25 2010 4,145 6,312 4,145 6,312
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room

Includes
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• Coastal Rainforest Adventure
• Whistler Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Whistler - Standard & Superior are in Coast Classic Service, while Deluxe is Glacier Dome
• Ziptrek tour through Whistler’s forest canopy
• Explore the wilderness around Whistler by horseback
• private luxury airport transfers, including meet & greet on day 1
• private luxury transfers from Whistler to Vancouver train station
• motorcoach transfers between hotels and rail stations in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel & Jasper
• VIA rail aboard The Canadian in a cabin for 1 or 2, between Jasper and Vancouver
• canoeing trip in Jasper
• Sightseeing transfer from Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
• Ride across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package


Not Included

• National park entrance fees
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)