Canadian Rockies by Train

Tour #24

April 28 - May 6, 2011

This exciting tour begins in VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA including a two day overnight train ride through the CANADIAN ROCKIES. One of the highlights will be staying at the world famous hotels located at LAKE LOUISE and in BANFF SPRINGS before ending the tour in CALGARY, ALBERTA. Your Canadian Adventure will begin by visiting Vancouver Island followed by the two day train ride from Vancouver to Jasper, Alberta. You'll see some of the world's most breathtaking mountain scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies including glaciers, snow capped mountains and waterfalls. On one day you will be able to walk on the glacier at the Columbia Ice Fields. This tour includes breakfast daily, plus lunch on the train and five dinners. You can make your own airline reservations or call our office for the lowest airfare.

April 28 Today everyone will meet at the beautiful Westin Bayshore Hotel located on the Harbour front in downtown VANCOUVER. This city is simply called “spectacular” because of the setting and scenery as it's situated between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

April 29 Your first breakfast will be a memorable one as it takes place at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This is a fascinating sight as you will see people making their way across the swaying bridge with breathtaking views of the canyon below. It's called “Walking on the Treetops.” Next, you'll experience the splendor of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour that begins at beautiful Stanley Park which is actually a rainforest that juts out into the sea. You will also visit Chinatown, and the historic waterfront area. Your tour will end in Gastown, Vancouver's turnof- the-century pedestrian mall with restaurants, specialty stores, and the world-famous steam-powered clock that is the most photographed subject in Vancouver. Tonight, dinner is included at a restaurant before boarding VIA RAIL'S CANADIAN TRAIN to begin your journey through the Canadian Rockies. Imagine reliving train travel as it was in the days of old, only this time you will be traveling in style as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your own private compartment for two persons on the train.

April 30 After a comfortable night's sleep on the train, breakfast will be served in the dining car as your train whisks pass the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home and is why this is known as the most spectacular train trip in the world. A delightful lunch will be served on the train and later this afternoon you will arrive in JASPER, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. You'll enjoy staying the next two nights at Fairmont's Jasper Park Lodge. This evening, dinner is included in the beautiful dining room at the hotel.

May 1 Following breakfast, you'll begin your day with a trip to the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper's most spectacular landmarks. You will then travel to the picture-perfect sparkling waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.The afternoon will be free for shopping and to explore this lovely town of Jasper in the heart of Canada.

May 2 Board your motorcoach for a scenic day of sightseeing on the way to LAKE LOUISE and the unforgettable Icefields Parkway! Watch for waterfalls, rushing rivers and snowcapped peaks. Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its beauty and power. At Columbia Icefields, enjoy a fun ride across a mass of glacial ice where you can get out and actually walk on the glacier that’s over 1000 feet thick. As you continue down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, moose and elk. Enjoy a stop at Peyto Lake, a unique turquoise glacier-fed lake. Tonight you will stay at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise including dinner in the dining room that has an incredible view of the lake and glacier.

May 3 Today you will have great views of Moraine Lake in the “Valley of the Ten Peaks” as you enter Banff National Park. Next is the charming town of BANFF where you will visit a local Ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. Another highlight will be the elegant Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel known as the “Castle in the Mountains” where you will enjoy a luxurious two night stay. Dinner is included in the dining room with views of the mountains.

May 4 Continue on a scenic drive around Banff and to see the powerful water flow at Bow Falls and the impressive Hoodoos, known as the “Land of the Sleeping Giants.” Afternoon at leisure to visit the shops or to take a ride in a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

May 5 After breakfast, continue to CALGARY passing the Winter Olympics area. After checking in at the Westin Hotel, the afternoon is free and tonight there is a special surprise “Farewell Dinner.”

May 6 Following breakfast, you can depart Calgary to your hometown.