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

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 Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff
• Luggage handling
• GST

Not Included

• Transportation from Vancouver airport
• Transportation to Calgary 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 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. On arrival in Banff collect your rental car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Banff. B, L.

Day 4 Banff to Jasper
Travel to Jasper via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. At the Columbia Icefield you will have the opportunity to ride on an Ice Explorer (not included) to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 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 6 Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel south to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the 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 Lake Louise.

Day 7 Lake Louise to Calgary
Travel through awesome Kananaskis Country and the ranching regions of Alberta before arriving in Calgary. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 8 Calgary Car Rental Return
Drop off your rental car in downtown Calgary or at Calgary International Airport, where your vacation ends.