Grand Rail Circle (Circle Rail Tours) Starts Vancouver

10 nights/11 days

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Itinerary

Package Includes

• 4 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
• 3 hour Rocky Mountaineer Coast Classic Experience
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 light meal
• 10 nights hotel accommodation
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• Banff Tour, including Banff Gondola
• Summit Helicopter Flightseeing
• Yoho Park Tour, Banff to Lake Louise
• Guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Lake Louise to Jasper
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Jasper, Quesnel and Whistler
• Luggage handling and National Park Pass
• GST

Not Included

• Transportation to/from Vancouver airport
• Meals, other than specified
• 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 Banff
Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends in the resort town of Banff this evening. Overnight in Banff. B, L.

Day 4 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 5 Banff to Lake Louise
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. The tour ends in Lake Louise where you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Please note: While arrival at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:00 p.m., scheduled check-in time is not until 4:00 p.m. In the event that your room is not ready, your luggage will be stored and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Jasper
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper national parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon. Overnight in Jasper

Day 7 Jasper to Quesnel
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the steep Rocky and Cariboo mountains either side, and on to the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia’s northern interior. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass and Moose Lake. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel. B, L.

Day 8 Quesnel to Whistler
Your journey continues south today to the four-season resort of Whistler. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon to the rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, and the shorelines of glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Overnight in Whistler. B, L.

Day 9 Free Day in Whistler
Enjoy a free day exploring the picturesque mountain resort of Whistler on your own. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 10 Whistler to Vancouver
The morning is free to explore Whistler Village at your leisure. This afternoon return to Vancouver onboard the Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include the Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Shannon Falls and breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. An afternoon meal is served onboard. On arrival at the North Vancouver train platform, you will be transferred to your accommodation in downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 11 Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.

† 27 September departure operates in reverse and includes 1 extra night in Lake Louise, and 1 extra night in Banff.