Journey through the Clouds 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 kilometre
• Gypsy Tour Guide - audio commentary
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper
• 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 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 Exploring Jasper National Park
Today is free to explore Jasper National Park with your rental car. Among the highlights are Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistler’s Mountain. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 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 6 Lake Louise to Banff
Today, drive the scenic one-hour journey from Lake Louise to Banff. Along the way look out for deer and elk crossing the specially constructed wildlife bridges over the highway. Alternatively, take a more leisurely drive along the Bow Valley Parkway for views of Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon (requires a short walk). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the shops, restaurants, pristine scenery and plentiful wildlife of magnificent Banff National Park. Overnight in Banff.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary
Travel through 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.