A leisurely journey that traverses the dramatic beauty of the Canadian Rockies – tour snow covered mountain peaks glisten amid glacier blue lakes where ever present wildlife roams free. Ride a “snow coach” to a glacier, cruise on a crystal clear lake, and take a quiet water raft trip to watch the pristine landscape glide by. Alpine villages, ice-fields, pounding waterfalls, and the great outdoors… await.
Why you’ll enjoy this trip:
♦ Fresh air and natural wonders are only part of the best destination in Western Canada.
♦ Canada’s most livable city - Vancouver.
♦ Meet wildlife in Jasper National Park! You can possibly spot elk, moose, bears, deer and more among the towering verdant pines.
♦ Dotted with over 100 glaciers, waterfalls and pristine emerald lakes, the Ice-fields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world.
♦ Experience the Rockies by train onboard VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ and relax in the dome car for endless sweeping views of the mountains.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Calgary, Canada
Transfer from Calendar House to the airport for the flight to Calgary. Upon arrival in Calgary, we transfer to our hotel in Banff. Dinner is included this evening. (D)
Day 2 - Banff
Banff and the best of Yoho National Park. Today we will visit Moraine and Emerald Lakes, both beautiful and different. We take a walk to the Lower Johnson Canyon Waterfall - what a sight! No visit would be complete without a stop at Lake Louise where we will have the opportunity to walk the paved path along the edge of the lake, relax on one of the many benches and savior the peaceful beauty. Return to Banff by mid-afternoon with the remainder of the day to explore on your own. (B)
Day 3 - Banff
Experience a once in a lifetime journey as you sweep above the treetops on the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Once at the top, the views are breathtaking. Enjoy the multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre, here you will soar over the Canadian Rockies from the perspective of the majestic bald eagle. The observation deck will allow you to see 6 different mountain ranges, and the town of Banff below, so don’t forget your camera! You will also have time to enjoy the interpretive center. This afternoon is free to explore on own. (B)
Day 4 - Banff - Jasper
Depart Banff and travel along the Icefield Highway always being on the lookout for wildlife as we make our way to visit Bow Falls. We stop at Athabasca Falls to wonder at the sheer beauty and power. Then we board our special “snowcoach” for a ride where you will be able to get out and walk atop a glacier. Later we continue on the Columbia Icefield Highway … with snowcapped mountains and rushing rivers, and impressive cliffs. We arrive in Jasper and check into our hotel. (B,D)
Day 5 - Jasper
What a day we have today! To start, we begin with a very mild float/rafting tour on the Athabasca River, the same route once used by ‘Fur Traders’ years ago. Our adventure continues this afternoon as we take a walk into Maligne Canyon to enjoy its natural beauty. Then it’s on to Maligne Lake for a relaxing cruise and a brief stop at ‘Sprite Island’. This evening, after dinner, we embark on a wildlife safari in search of Moose, Bear, and Caribou. (B)
Day 6 - Jasper - Kamloops, British Columbia
This morning it’s “All Aboard!” VIA Rail Canada as we depart Jasper bound for Kamloops. Our relaxing daytime journey will take us past snowcapped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and perfectly pristine Canadian wilderness. “Oh what a journey!” Our train arrives in Kamloops late this afternoon, we check into our hotel, the Accent Inns Kamloops. (B)
Day 7 - Kamloops - Vancouver
This morning, we motor our way to Vancouver, BC where this afternoon we meet our local guide. Our city tour of Vancouver includes the beautiful Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, including the world famous steam-powered clock, the 2010 Olympic torch and village. After, we check into our hotel. (B,D)
Day 8 - Depart Vancouver
After breakfast, we depart for the airport for our flight home. Once back, we transfer to Calendar House. (B)
