First Passage to the West Discovery Drive (Rail & Drive Tours) Calgary to Vancouver

Package Includes

• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• 7 nights hotel accommodation
• 5 days full-size car rental, including one-way drop charges and unlimited kilometres
• Gypsy Tour Guide - audio commentary
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• Rail station transfers in Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver
• Luggage handling
• GST

Not Included

• Transportation from Calgary airport
• Transportation to Vancouver airport
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Optional services for rental car
• Hotel parking fees
• National Park Pass
• Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
• Fuel surcharges

Day 1 Arrive in Calgary. Pick up rental car
Arrive in Calgary and collect your rental car. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Calgary on your own. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 2 Calgary to Lake Louise
Today’s two and a half hour journey from Calgary to Lake Louise takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos, Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 3 Lake Louise to Jasper
Travel north to Jasper via one of the most scenic highways in the world, spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Athabasca Falls, Bow Summit, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. At the Columbia Icefield you will have the opportunity to ride on an Ice Explorer (not included) to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. With sightseeing stops, we recommend allowing at least eight hours for today’s drive. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 4 Exploring Jasper National Park
Enjoy a day at your leisure in Jasper National Park with your rental car. Among the area’s highlights are Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistler’s Mountain. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 Jasper to Banff
Travel to Banff via one of the most scenic highways in the world, spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Athabasca Falls, Bow Summit, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. At the Columbia Icefield you will have the opportunity to ride on an Ice Explorer (not included) to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. With sightseeing stops, we recommend allowing at least eight hours for today’s drive. This afternoon return your rental vehicle in Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Day 6 Banff to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey takes you through a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 7 Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver. B, L.

Day 8 Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.