Canadian Rockies Getaway (Circle Rail Tours) Starts Vancouver

8 nights/9 days

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Itinerary

Package Includes

• 4 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches
• 8 nights hotel accommodation
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Jasper to Lake
• Louise
• Guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Yoho Park Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
• Banff Tour, including Banff Gondola
• Summit Helicopter Flightseeing
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper and Banff
• Luggage handling and National Park Pass
• GST

Not Included

• Transportation to/from Vancouver airport
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
• Fuel surcharges

2010 Package Tour Start Dates:

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Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper
Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Jasper this evening. Overnight in Jasper. B, L.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff
This morning you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. After lunch, a half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 2:25 p.m., scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 a.m. Your luggage will be stored upon check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.

Day 6 Banff Sightseeing with Summit Helicopter Tour
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the highlights are visits to Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola (admission included), Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Continue on to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure, a 12-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure in Banff. Overnight in Banff.

A price reduction of £60 will apply for the Summit Helicopter Tour in the event of inclement weather or if a guest chooses not to fly.

Day 7 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 8 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 9 Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.

† 30 September departure is 1 night longer with an additional night in Lake Louise. 30 September departure is also available in reverse.