Rainforest to Gold Rush Discovery Drive (Rail & Drive Tours) Vancouver to Calgary

Package Includes

• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
• 3 hour Rocky Mountaineer Coast Classic Experience
• 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• (Reverse itinerary features 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 light meal)
• 8 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, Whistler, Quesnel and
• Jasper
• Luggage handling
• GST

Not Included

• Transportation from Vancouver airport
• Transportation to Calgary airport
• Meals, other than specified
• Optional services for rental car
• Additional car rental taxes and fees
• 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 Whistler
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Following your motorcoach transfer from downtown Vancouver, the Rocky Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. On arrival at the Whistler train station, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Whistler. B.

Day 3 Whistler to Quesnel
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley to the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon to rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacialfed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel. B, L.

Day 4 Quesnel to Jasper
Your journey continues eastwards today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George, then travels east through the forests of northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife, including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded to the north by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains and to the south by the Cariboo Mountains. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. On arrival in Jasper collect your rental car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Jasper. B, L.

Day 5 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 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 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 8 Banff to Calgary
Travel through Kananaskis Country and the ranching regions of Alberta before arriving in Calgary. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 9 Calgary Car Rental Return
Drop off your rental car in downtown Calgary or at Calgary International Airport, where your vacation ends.