Rockies, Rails and Luxury Wilderness
Eastbound
Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
You will be met on arrival at Vancouver International Airport and transferred to downtown Vancouver by limousine. Spend the rest of the day exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Day 2 Vancouver to Sonora Resort
Depart Vancouver this morning from the South Terminal at Vancouver airport, where you will board your direct flight by float plane destined for Sonora Resort on Desolation Sound, a stunning jewel in the crown of British Columbia’s coastal paradise. One of the most varied and unique topographical areas in the region, this far-reaching inlet is blessed with breathtaking scenery, thriving wildlife and precious old-growth forest. Sonora Resort offers luxurious accommodations, gourmet cuisine and activities that showcase this spectacular location.
On arrival you will be welcomed with a beverage and introduced to the luxurious facilities at the lodge, and each day before dinner you’ll enjoy fresh oysters or sizzling tapas from the outdoor grill as you sip a glass of wine and revel in panoramic sunset views. Also included in your stay at Sonora is unlimited access to the resort’s luxury Wellness Centre, which includes a full gym, sauna, steam rooms and several outdoor hot pools. Overnight in a luxury ocean view suite at Sonora Resort.
Please note: Total luggage weight per person is not to exceed 25 pounds.
Day 3 Sonora Resort
During your stay at Sonora Resort, your choice of one of the following exciting activities is included.
- A five-hour Grizzly Bear Viewing tour (available August 15 to October 30). Cruise for an hour in a custom-built eco-tour boat equipped with headphones allowing you to hear the story of the lands and waters that surround you. Arrive at the Homalco First Nations Band property and board a vehicle to continue your journey along the Orford River to a series of three protected 10-foot bear-watching stands specially constructed to avoid disturbing the local bear population. Here you will observe these amazing wild animals amidst the hush of this special place.
- A five-hour guided salmon fishing trip (available May 1 to October 30) in a state-of-the-art Grady-White sportfishing boat. Discover the difference that expert guides, high-tech fish finders and GPS equipment can make to the success of your fishing trip. The resort will prepare your catch for transportation however you wish – fresh frozen, candied, barbecued or smoked. A saltwater fishing licence and all equipment are provided.
- A two-hour eco-nature tour by Zodiac (available May 1 to October 30), and a four-hour guided kayaking trip (available June 1 to September 30). Enjoy these two guided tours presented by knowledgeable local guides who will show the natural highlights of the area. Depending on the season and the weather, you may see bears, copious bird life and marine wildlife, including whales, seals and porpoises. All transportation, lessons and equipment are provided.
- A five-hour ATV tour through Orford Valley (available May 1 to July 30). Enjoy the thrill of ATV travel in the rugged British Columbia wilderness. All transportation, lessons, ATV, helmet and gloves are provided.
Meals, snacks and beverages (excluding premium wines) are included during your stay at Sonora Resort.
Day 4 Sonora Resort
Today is at your leisure to explore Sonora Resort or enjoy your selected activity (if you haven’t already done so). The main lodge boasts an open bar and 12-seat movie theatre, and the new games room offers a great variety of activities – including pool, shuffleboard and two golf simulators – all for the comfort and convenience of resort guests. Once again, all meals, snacks and beverages are included. Overnight at Sonora Resort.
Day 5 Sonora Resort to Vancouver
After breakfast and a morning enjoying the resort, board your return flight to Vancouver. Overnight at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Day 6 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior, while enjoying the added comforts and amenities of GoldLeaf Service. Watch panoramic views of the spectacular scenery through dome windows and enjoy gourmet meals in the GoldLeaf Dining Room. 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.
Day 7 Kamloops to Calgary
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. After a brief stop in Banff, hors d’oeuvres will be served as you continue on to the “Stampede City” of Calgary. Overnight at The Fairmont Palliser in Calgary.
Day 8 Calgary Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from The Fairmont Palliser.
Westbound
Day 1 Calgary Arrival
You will be met on arrival at Calgary International Airport and transferred to downtown Calgary by limousine. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at The Fairmont Palliser.
Day 2 Calgary to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior, while enjoying the added comforts and amenities of GoldLeaf Service. Watch panoramic views of the spectacular scenery through dome windows and enjoy gourmet meals in the GoldLeaf Dining Room. Your journey offers you a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the high 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, Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 3 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 journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Day 4 Vancouver to Sonora Island
Depart Vancouver this morning from the South Terminal at Vancouver airport, where you will board your direct flight by float plane destined for Sonora Resort on Desolation Sound, a stunning jewel in the crown of British Columbia’s coastal paradise. One of the most varied and unique topographical areas in the region, this far-reaching inlet is blessed with breathtaking scenery, thriving wildlife and precious old-growth forest. Sonora Resort offers luxurious accommodations, gourmet cuisine and activities that showcase this spectacular location.
On arrival you will be welcomed with a beverage and introduced to the luxurious facilities at the lodge, and each day before dinner you’ll enjoy fresh oysters or sizzling tapas from the outdoor grill as you sip a glass of wine and revel in panoramic sunset views. Also included in your stay at Sonora is unlimited access to the resort’s luxury Wellness Centre, which includes a full gym, sauna, steam rooms and several outdoor hot pools. Overnight in a luxury ocean view suite at Sonora Resort.
Please note: Total luggage weight per person is not to exceed 25 pounds.
Day 5 Sonora Resort
During your stay at Sonora Resort, your choice of one of the following exciting activities is included.
- A five-hour Grizzly Bear Viewing tour (available August 15 to October 30). Cruise for an hour in a custom-built eco-tour boat equipped with headphones allowing you to hear the story of the lands and waters that surround you. Arrive at the Homalco First Nations Band property and board a vehicle to continue your journey along the Orford River to a series of three protected 10-foot bear-watching stands specially constructed to avoid disturbing the local bear population. Here you will observe these amazing wild animals amidst the hush of this special place.
- A five-hour guided salmon fishing trip (available May 1 to October 30) in a state-of-the-art Grady-White sportfishing boat. Discover the difference that expert guides, high-tech fish finders and GPS equipment can make to the success of your fishing trip. The resort will prepare your catch for transportation however you wish – fresh frozen, candied, barbecued or smoked. A saltwater fishing licence and all equipment are provided.
- A two-hour eco-nature tour by Zodiac (available May 1 to October 30), and a four-hour guided kayaking trip (available June 1 to September 30). Enjoy these two guided tours presented by knowledgeable local guides who will show the natural highlights of the area. Depending on the season and the weather, you may see bears, copious bird life and marine wildlife, including whales, seals and porpoises. All transportation, lessons and equipment are provided.
- A five-hour ATV tour through Orford Valley (available May 1 to July 30). Enjoy the thrill of ATV travel in the rugged British Columbia wilderness. All transportation, lessons, ATV, helmet and gloves are provided.
Meals, snacks and beverages (excluding premium wines) are included during your stay at Sonora Resort.
Day 6 Sonora Resort
Today is at your leisure to explore Sonora Resort or enjoy your selected activity (if you haven’t already done so). The main lodge boasts an open bar and 12-seat movie theatre, and the new games room offers a great variety of activities – including pool, shuffleboard and two golf simulators – all for the comfort and convenience of resort guests. Once again, all meals, snacks and beverages are included. Overnight at Sonora Resort.
Day 7 Sonora Resort to Vancouver
After breakfast and a morning enjoying the resort, board your return flight to Vancouver. Overnight at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Day 8 Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
