Rockies, Islands and Gardens by Rail
10 days

Enjoyable for all

Comfortable transport & accommodations. Any physical activities are optional. Temperate environment. Mostly guided. E.g. a train-bus tour

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Activity Level
Picture a modern city, a provincial capital and 5 beautiful Canadian mountain resorts. Now add the ocean, 2 spectacular sightseeing trains, old-growth forests, and towering snow topped mountains. What do you get? The best of Canada’s west coast, all rolled into one vacation package! Travel by sea, road and rail on this Canadian train trip as you explore Victoria, Banff and all points in between.
Outline
Arrive Vancouver*
Transfer to Victoria
2 nights Victoria
1 night Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night Quesnel
1 night Jasper
1 night Lake Louise

2 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
*trip may be taken in reverse
Day 1 – Begin your Canadian Train trip - Vancouver to Victoria
The ocean air whips through your hair as you travel to Victoria by ferry. A large outdoor deck lets you turn the transfer into an independent sightseeing trip as you keep an eye out for otters and whales in the water below.

Victoria’s British charm is evident in the quaint shops and antique stores that line the streets downtown. You never know what kind of treasures lie there, so get out and explore the capital city with the small town feel!

Day 2 – British Charm – Tour Victoria
Step onto a deluxe motorcoach this morning to travel through pastoral landscapes, dotted with sprawling farms. Arrive at the gorgeous Butchart Gardens, the medley of fragrances and colours is a treat and a relaxing way to while away a morning. Returning to the tour, enjoy an insight into the culture and history of Victoria from a local perspective. As you admire the stately homes, historic landmarks, and lively communities you will surely discover the infectious charm of the city.

Day 3 – Victoria Whalewatching – Victoria to Vancouver
The coastal breeze wakes you up this morning as you bob with the rhythm of the sea. With orcas, mink whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and more in the water below, you’re almost sure to see wildlife in natural surroundings!

The ferry back to Vancouver is just as exciting as the journey over. Your hot tea keeps your hands warm as you get some fresh air on the deck. Enjoy your evening in Vancouver sipping coffee at a cafe, dining at a premier restaurant and most importantly anticipating your train trip to Whistler tomorrow.

Day 4 – Canada Train trip from Sea to Sky – Whistler Mountaineer
You feel right at home onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s newest train - the Whistler Mountaineer. You start the day off with the aroma of coffee and taste of a hearty breakfast. Picture mountain peaks, covered in deep green trees, rising up from the water just outside your window. These are the Coastal Mountains that British Columbia is famous for. Hold your breath as your train chugs slowly through the Cheakamus Canyon, and then wander out to the open air observation car for your first taste of the postcard worthy sights that await you on your Canada train adventure.

Day 5 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer – Whistler to Quesnel
The train’s whistle breaks the mountain silence and the smell of hot tea and sizzling bacon wafts through your car as the famous Rocky Mountaineer rolls out of Whistler. Over coffee you chat with old friends and new, but mostly you can’t help staring out the window at some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. As you unwind in your comfortable bed, you can’t help but wonder what new adventures you will find tomorrow on your Rocky Mountain train adventure.

Day 6 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer – Quesnel to Jasper
This is the day you’ve been waiting for – the day you reach the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountain trench engulfs you and makes you realize just how small you really are as you look up to see the Rockies to the north. You step off the train in Jasper tonight and are overcome with the serenity of the mountains. You’re on top of the Earth, far from the stresses at home, and ready to embrace the calmness of the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7 - The Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Lake Louise
Welcome the morning by boarding a luxury motorcoach and relaxing in comfort as you head south along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. An optional snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier will have you in awe of the wonders that nature builds - and that feeling only gets more intense when you arrive in Lake Louise. Picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine, and then frame this water with some of the most majestic mountains in the world – Lake Louise is like nothing else.

Day 8 – Banff to Lake Louise
The mist hangs above Lake Louise this morning, only in the Rocky Mountains could you wake to such a stunning sight. Continue discovering the unrivaled beauty of the Canadian Rockies as you arrive in Banff, the most lively town in the Rockies.

Day 9 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff
Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and get to know the wonders of Banff. From the pristine wilderness to the charming town. From the wildlife to the sweet scents of fudge and ice cream. From the calm of the towering mountains to the laughter on the streets. You now understand the charm that keeps people returning to Banff year after year.

Day 10 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Banff
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your West Coast and Rocky Mountain train adventure comes to an end.
Options & Upgrades

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

  • Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery,freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform provide wonderful photographic opportunities
  • Upgrade to Glacier Dome onboard the Whistler Mountaineer
  • Extra nights in Vancouver, the Rockies or Calgary as well as day-trips and tours make great additions to this trip
Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2 days Rocky Mountaineer Rail journey
  • Western Canada’s must -see locations : Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff & Calgary
  • Whalewatching
  • Gardens and national parks

Testimonials

We had a marvelous trip and thoroughly enjoyed everything. The trip far exceeded our expectations.

Tom and Linda Davis, USA

Request A Booking

Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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    Office hours:
    M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
    Friendly Expert Sat 10am - 4pm.
    A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.

  2. Reserve Online using the form at left. We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
    At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.

Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.

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2010 Package Start Dates

Eastbound
May 13, 20, 27
June 3, 17
July 1, 8, 15, 29
August 5, 12, 26
September 2, 3, 26

Westbound
May 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 19
July 3, 10, 17, 31
August 7, 14, 28
September 4, 11
Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ CAD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$
May 8 - May 31 2010 2,639 3,817 2,639 3,817 970 970
Jun 1- Sep 15 2010 3,275 4,892 3,275 4,892 970 970
Sep 16 - Sep 30 2010 3,017 4,513 3,017 4,513 970 970
Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ CAD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$
May 8 - May 31 2010 3,161 4,881 3,161 4,881 970 970
Jun 1 - Sep 15 2010 4,049 6,359 4,049 6,359 970 970
Sep 16 - Sep 30 2010 3,637 5,811 3,637 5,811 970 970
- -
Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service USD$ CAD$
Double Single Double Single
May 8 - May 31 2010 4,831 6,941 4,831 6,941
Jun 1 - Sep 15 20105,781 8,625 5,781 8,625
Sep 16 - Sep 30 20105,334 8,030 5,334 8,030
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available

Includes
• 2 days Rocky Mountaineer journey - Standard & Superior includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• Whistler’s Sea to Sky Climb -Standard & Superior includes Coast Classic Service while Deluxe includes Glacier Dome
• 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• 9 nights accommodation
• City Tour in Victoria, including Butchart Gardens
• Whale Watching excursion
• Coach and ferry transfer between Vancouver & Victoria
• Motorcoach rail station transfers
• Sightseeing tour from Jasper to Lake Louise
• Private transfers between Banff and Lake Louise & Banff and Calgary Airport
• Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package

Not Included
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Driver gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)