Grand Rail Circle (Reverse)

(10 nights/11 days)
Grand Rail Circle (Reverse) Tour Map
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Itinerary (also available in reverse)
Day Activities Overnight
1 Arrive in Vancouver Vancouver
2 Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops Kamloops
3 Rocky Mountaineer to Banff Banff
4 Free Summit Helicopter Tour Banff
5 Yoho Park Tour. Transfer to Lake Louise Lake Louise
6 Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer Jasper
7 Rocky Mountaineer to Quesnel Quesnel
8 Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler Whistler
9 Free day in Whistler Whistler
10 Whistler Mountaineer to Vancouver Vancouver
11 Vacation ends  

On all departure dates, guests are eligible to receive one additional FREE night in Vancouver either pre or post tour in their respective accommodation category. Please note, if the free night of accommodation is added at the beginning of the tour, the tour departure dates will commence one day earlier. Addition of 15-minute Summit Helicopter Tour. Banff Gondola admission now included in Exclusive Attractions Pass

Package Includes

  • 4 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
  • Whistler Mountaineer Coast Classic Experience
  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 light meal
    (Reverse itinerary features 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches)
  • 10 nights hotel accommodation
  • Exclusive Attractions Pass
  • Yoho Park Tour, Banff to Lake Louise
  • Guided lakeshore stroll at Chateau Lake Louise
  • Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Lake Louise to
    Jasper
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Jasper,
    Quesnel and Whistler

Not Included

  • Transportation to/from Vancouver airport
  • Meals, other than specified
  • Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
  • Fuel surcharges
2009 Package Tour Start Dates:
Starts Vancouver (Roundtrip)
Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays
May 6 11 16 20 25 30
Jun 3 8 13 17 22 27
Jul 1 6 11 15 20 25 29
Aug 3 8 12 17 22 26 31
Sep 5 9 14 19 23 28
Oct 3 7
Starts Vancouver (Reverse Depature Dates)
Wednesdays
May 6 20
Jun 3 17
Jul 1 15 29
Aug 12 26
Sep 9 23

Full Itinerary »

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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. Your rail journey ends in the resort town of Banff this evening. Overnight in Banff. B, L.

Day 4 Summit Helicopter Tour
Today enjoy a five-hour tour to explore the many places of interest in Banff by motorcoach, including Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Free time for lunch in Banff will be provided before continuing on to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s journey, a 15-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Canadian Rockies. Treasure the unique vantage point offered by flight, high amongst the majestic mountainous peaks. Your tour ends on return to Banff early this evening. Overnight in Banff.

Day 5 Banff to Lake Louise
A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The tour ends in Lake Louise, where you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Please note: While arrival at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be ap­proximately 1:00 p.m., scheduled check-in time is not until 4:00 p.m. In the event that your room is not ready, your luggage will be stored and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
Day 6 Lake Louise to Jasper

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper national parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 7 Jasper to Quesnel

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the steep Rocky and Cariboo mountains either side, and on to the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia’s northern interior. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass and Moose Lake. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel. B, L.
Day 8 Quesnel to Whistler

Your journey continues south today to the four-season resort of Whistler. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon to the rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, and the shorelines of glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Overnight in Whistler. B, L.
Day 9 Free Day in Whistler

Enjoy a free day exploring the picturesque mountain resort of Whistler on your own. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 10 Whistler to Vancouver

The morning is free to explore Whistler Village at your leisure. This afternoon return to Vancouver onboard the Whistler Mountaineer through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include the Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Shannon Falls and breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. A light meal is served onboard. On arrival at the North Vancouver train platform, you will be transferred to your accommodation in downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 11 Vancouver Departure

2009 Package Tour Prices inclusive of 2.5% GST
RedLeaf Service
Starts Vancouver SingleDoubleTripleChild Rail Seat Upgrade per person Accommodation
06 May–25 May £2338£1753£1670£1002£880Vancouver Georgian Court
Banff Brewster's Mountain Lodge
JasperSawridge
Whistler Delta Whistler Village Suites
30 May–23 Sep £2895£2115£1976£1280£880
28 Sep–07 Oct £2310£1726£1642£1002£880
Modified American Plan tba 
GoldLeaf Service
Starts Vancouver SingleDoubleTripleChild Accommodation
06 May–25 May £4009£3062£2895£2060Vancouver Hyatt Regency
Banff Rimrock Resort
Jasper The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont room
Whistler Hilton Whistler
30 May–23 Sep £4766£3508£3229£2216
28 Sep–07 Oct £3842£2951£2834£2060
Modified American Plan tba
Fairmont Deluxe & GoldLeaf Service
Starts Vancouver SingleDoubleTripleChild Accommodation
06 May–25 May £4705£3396£3062£1893Vancouver Waterfront Centre, Portside Deluxe room
Banff Banff Springs Hotel, Deluxe room
Jasper Jasper Park Lodge, Deluxe room
Whistler Chateau Whistler, Deluxe Slopeside room
30 May–23 Sep £5552£3897£3452£2054
28 Sep–07 Oct £4566£3324£3006£1893
Modified American Plan tba