Escorted Best of Banff (Eastbound)

Package Includes

• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer Escorted Service
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• 6 nights hotel accommodation
• Services of a Tour Escort throughout
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• Welcome reception
• Banff to Calgary Tour, including ranch visit
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff

Not Included

• Transportation from Vancouver airport
• Transportation to Calgary airport
• Meals, other than specified
• Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
• Fuel surcharges

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott hotel in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Meet your Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ Tour Escort and travel companions at the welcome reception and dinner. Overnight in Vancouver at the Residence Inn by Marriott. D.

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 at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn. B, L.

Day 4 Free Day in Banff
Spend the day exploring Banff National Park on your own. Your Tour Escort will be available to assist with your activities for today. Some optional activities include wildlife viewing, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, cruising on Lake Minnewanka, rafting some whitewater or taking in a round of golf. Overnight in Banff at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 5 Second Free Day in Banff
Another day to enjoy the delights of this resort town nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Visit the mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs, enjoy the stunning scenery from the Banff Gondola, learn some Canadiana at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site or simply enjoy a day at the hotel. Once again your Tour Escort will be available to assist with your planning. Overnight in Banff at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 6 Banff to Calgary with Summit Helicopter
Today you will enjoy a full-day tour concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Continue on to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure, a 15-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Enjoy lunch at a local ranch and spend time exploring Kananaskis at your leisure before your afternoon transfer to Calgary.

Tonight, reflect on the highlights of your tour of western Canada during your farewell dinner at the Calgary Tower. Overnight in Calgary at the International Hotel Suites. L, D.
Day 7 Calgary Departure