Itinerary:
Day #1 Vancouver, British Columbia - Tour Begins - Join us for a remarkable journey through Alpine vistas, stunning landscapes, charming towns and beautiful lakes. Explore the beautiful Canadian Rockies by train. Your adventure begins in Vancouver.
Day #2 Vancouver - VIA Rail - Enjoy a memorable breakfast at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, taking in the fascinating sight of people “walking on treetops,” making their way across the swaying planks. A sightseeing tour of Vancouver begins at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest, and continues to Chinatown, the city’s waterfront, and Gastown, a turn-of-the-century center comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and the world-famous steam-powered clock, perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding VIA Rail’s The Canadian to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your private accommodations.
Day #3 VIA Rail - Jasper, Alberta - Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car as your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the Dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. Settle into Fairmont’s Jasper Park Lodge for a relaxing two night stay.
Day #4 Jasper - Begin your day with a trip to the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper's most spectacular landmarks. Later, behold the picture-perfect sparkling waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, where you can embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Return to Jasper with leisure time to explore this lovely town.
Day #5 Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise - Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing en route to Lake Louise. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway! Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas – so have your camera handy! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. At the Columbia Icefields, enjoy a fun ride* across a mass of glacial ice over 1,000 feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Peyto Lake – a turquoise glacier-fed lake that evokes pure serenity – before arriving in Lake Louise. Enjoy a stay at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day #6 Lake Louise - Banff - En route to Banff, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. The jagged Ten Peaks are distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Arrive in charming Banff and visit a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. Arrive at the grand Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Mountains,” for a luxurious two night stay.
Day #7 Banff - Set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and impressive Hoodoos – known as the “Land of the Sleeping Giants.” During an afternoon at leisure, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown.
Day #8 Banff - Calgary - This morning, it’s off to the Calgary Stampede which has been entertaining people since 1912. You will travel to the Stampede grounds where you can visit the Midway, an authentic Indian Village, various exhibits and entertainment. After dinner you will have the opportunity** to have reserved seating for a great view of the various Stampede performances including the Chuckwagon races and musical entertainment.
Day #9 Calgary - Depart for Home -