Western Explorer (Eastbound)

(7 nights/8 days)
Western Explorer (Eastbound) 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 Jasper Jasper
4 Choice of activity Jasper
5 Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer Lake Louise
6 Yoho Park Tour. Transfer to Banff Banff
7 Free Summit Helicopter Tour and ranch lunch. Transfer to Calgary Calgary
8 Vacation ends  

Changes to 2008 Product: Addition of 15-minute Summit Helicopter Tour and ranch lunch. Banff Gondola admission now included in Exclusive Attractions Pass. Tour option in Jasper

Package Includes

  • 2 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • Exclusive Attractions Pass
  • Choice of activity in Jasper
  • Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Jasper to Lake
    Louise
  • Guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  • Yoho Park Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
  • Banff to Calgary Tour, including ranch visit
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper

Not Included

  • Transportation from Vancouver airport
  • Transportation to Calgary airport
  • Meals, other than specified
  • Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
  • Fuel surcharges
2009 Package Tour Start Dates:
Starts Vancouver (Eastbound)
Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays
Apr 15 20 25 29
May 2 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 23 25 27 30
Jun 1 3 6 8 10 13 15 17 20 22 24 27 29
Jul 1 4 6 8 11 13 15 18 20 22 25 27 29
Aug 1 3 5 8 10 12 15 17 19 22 24 26 29 31
Sep 2 5 7 9 12 14 16 19 21 23 26 28 30
Oct 3 5 7 10 12
Starts Calgary (Westbound)
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
Apr 14 18 23 28 30
May 2 5 7 9 12 14 16 19 21 23 26 28 30
Jun 2 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 23 25 27 30
Jul 2 4 7 9 11 14 16 18 21 23 25 28 30
Aug 1 4 6 8 11 13 15 18 20 22 25 27 29
Sep 1 3 5 8 10 12 15 17 19 22 24 26 29
Oct 1 3 6 8 10

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 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 Jasper Sightseeing
Jasper tour option, select one of the following Jasper tours to be included during your stay: Maligne Valley Tour, Wildlife Safari, Athabasca River Float Trip, “Mile 5” Rafting Trip or a one-hour horseback ride. All tours include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this after­noon. While in Lake Louise you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. Overnight in Lake Louise at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff
This afternoon, 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. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 2:25 p.m., scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 a.m. Your luggage will be stored upon check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.
Day 7 Banff to Calgary with Summit Helicopter Tour

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. Overnight in Calgary. L.
Day 8 Calgary Departure

2009 Package Tour Prices inclusive of 2.5% GST
RedLeaf Service
Starts CalgaryStarts Vancouver SingleDoubleTripleChild Rail Seat Upgrade per person Accommodation
16 Apr–25 Apr14 Apr–24 Apr £1224£963£946£612£345Vancouver Holiday Inn
Jasper Lobstick Lodge
Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont room
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Calgary International Hotel
30 Apr–28 May28 Apr–29 May £1598£1197£1113£679£490
30 May–28 Sep31 May–27 Sep £2026£1447£1369£868£490
01 Oct–12 Oct29 Sep–11 Oct £1559£1191£1113£690£490
Modified American Plantba 
GoldLeaf Service
Starts CalgaryStarts Vancouver SingleDoubleTripleChild Accommodation
16 Apr–25 Apr14 Apr–24 Apr £1821£1442£1419£1041Vancouver Hyatt Regency
Jasper The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont room
Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Lakeview room
Banff Rimrock Resort
Calgary Delta Bow Valley
30 Apr–28 May28 Apr–29 May £2750£2004£1938£1392
30 May–28 Sep31 May–27 Sep £3380£2394£2199£1459
01 Oct–12 Oct29 Sep–11 Oct £2561£1943£1887£1408
Modified American Plantba
Fairmont Deluxe & GoldLeaf Service
Starts CalgaryStarts Vancouver SingleDoubleTripleChild Accommodation
16 Apr–25 Apr14 Apr–24 Apr £2105£1592£1480£918Vancouver Waterfront Centre, Portside Deluxe room
Jasper Jasper Park Lodge, Deluxe room
Lake Louise Chateau Lake Louise, Deluxe Lakeview room
Banff Banff Springs Hotel, Deluxe room
Calgary Palliser, Junior Suite
30 Apr–28 May28 Apr–29 May £3190£2227£2016£1158
30 May–28 Sep31 May–27 Sep £3887£2656£2310£1252
01 Oct–12 Oct29 Sep–11 Oct £3034£2188£1976£1163
Modified American Plantba