Canada

Rockies Rail Adventure

See the untamed wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Discover the area on sightseeing tours and take in the vistas of cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes and snow-covered peaks. Board VIA Rail's The Canadian train and make your way through the interior of BC. Discover the coastal city of Vancouver on a trolley tour through historic Gastown and Stanley Park. Cross the Strait of Georgia to Victoria on Vancouver Island and take a realxing stroll though the magnificent Butchart Gardens.

Typical Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Calgary's International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to create your own urban adventure in this dynamic city. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 2

This morning is your transfer to Banff, bringing you through the ranching country west of Calgary and into a surrounding of snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes. Arrive in Banff and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for exploring the town of Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3

This morning, discover the resort town of Banff and its natural surroundings on a sightseeing tour. You will take the Tunnel Mountain Drive to see the town of Banff and visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site (admission is included). Take a relaxing walk along Lake Minnewanka before the tour continues to Sulphur Mountain. Here you can take the Banff Gondola ride to the top of the mountain (ride is not included). The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Banff.

Day 4

Leave Banff today and travel north along the famous Icefields Parkway into the untamed wilderness of Jasper National Park. Every turn unveils spectacular vistas of indomitable peaks, outstretched valleys, cascading waterfalls, and colourful meadows. At the Columbia Icefield, take the opportunity to tour onto the surface of Athabasca Glacier onboard the Ice Explorer Snocoach ride (ride is not included). Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5

Today you board VIA Rail's The Canadian heading west to Vancouver. You will have some of the most spectacular views of the Rockies, interior British Columbia and the Coastal Mountains. You will pass by rugged mountain peaks, arid ranchland and rolling wind-swept hills. Overnight aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian . Dinner is included.

Day 6

After you arrive in Vancouver this morning, transfer independently to your hotel. Today you will enjoy a
'Hop on' / 'Hop off' trolley tour of Vancouver. Visit historic Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, English Bay, and more. After the tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating oceanside city. Overnight in Vancouver. Breakfast is included.

Day 7

This full-day trip to Victoria begins with a BC Ferries cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands. A visit to the acclaimed Butchart Gardens is included. Afterwards, continue to Victoria for a sightseeing tour of Victoria's stately homes and gardens, as well as historic landmarks. You will see the University of Victoria, Beacon Hill Park and pass by the Royal British Columbia Museum, Thunderbird Park, Parliament Buildings, and the exclusive homes of the Uplands and Oak Bay areas. Return to Vancouver this evening in time to experience its vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 8

Transfer independently to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight.


ONBOARD VIA RAIL


On VIA Rail sleeping cars, passengers enjoy a reserved seating area for daytime travel, which is made into sleeping berths by an attendant in the evening. A shower room and toilet facilities are located in each car. Section accommodation is included in our rail packages.

Deep-cushioned seats with an optional table by day are converted to upper and lower beds with privacy curtain at night. A complimentary shower kit including soap, shampoo, cap, towel, and washcloth is included.

Private rooms are available on VIA Rail for an upgrade :

. Roomette - small private room with toilet facilities. There is access to shared showers with a complimentary shower kit. The room accommodates 1 adult in a single bed and 2 can sit together at least part of the time during the day if desired. Two people travelling together in roomettes are usually located adjacent to each other.

. Bedroom - private room for 2 people with toilet facilities, containing comfortable armchairs in the daytime, which convert to upper and lower beds at night. There is a small closet (holds 1 large and 1small suitcase). Access to shower room is just a few steps away, with a complimentary shower kit.

2006 Departure Dates

Starts in Calgary - Sun, Tues, Thurs

May 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Jun 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 29
Jul 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
Aug 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Sep 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28
Oct 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12

 

Prices Per Person - US $ / GBP £*

STANDARD
USD $
GBP £
Twin
Single
VIA Rail Room Upgrade
Twin
Single
VIA Rail Room Upgrade
May 14 - 25
1285
1725
160
756
1014
94
May 28 - Sep 28
1770
2435
255
1041
1432
150
Oct 1 - 12
1495
1895
255
879

1114

150

SUPERIOR
USD $
GBP £
Twin
Single
VIA Rail Room Upgrade
Twin
Single
VIA Rail Room Upgrade
May 14 - 25
1335
1825
160
785
1073
94
May 28 - Oct 12
1815
2515
255
1067
1479
150

DELUXE
USD $
GBP £
Twin
Single
VIA Rail Room Upgrade
Twin
Single
VIA Rail Room Upgrade
May 14 - 16
1850
2840
160
1088
1670
94
May 18 - 25
1975
3095
160
1161
1820
94
May 28 - Jun 27
2430
3475
255
1429
2043
150
Jun 29 - Oct 1
2465
3720
255
1449
2187
150
Oct 3 - 12
1995
2850
255
1173
1676
150

* Triple, quad and child rates are available - contact us for more information.

Note: Arrivals in Calgary are subject to a surchage July 6 - 16 due to the Calgary Stampede, and June 11 - 16 due to the Global Petroleum Show -- please call us for more details

 

Tour Details

Booking Terms & Conditions

Trip Length
8 Days / 7 Nights

Depart From
Calgary, Alberta

Return From
Vancouver, BC

Dates
See Dates

Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels Section accommodation onboard VIA Rail

Price
See Prices

Included in Tour Price

. 7 nights accommodation (including 1 night onboard VIA Rail)
. Scheduled transfer from Calgary to Banff
. 3-hour sightseeing tour of Banff
. Full-day sightseeing transfer from Banff to Jasper including stop at Columbia Icefields (Snocoach ride is not included)
. Transfer from Jasper hotel to train station
. Overnight train ride from Jasper to Vancouver (section accommodation)
. Hop on/off trolley tour of Vancouver
. Full-day tour of Victoria including Butchart Gardens
. 1 dinner and 1 breakfast onboard VIA Rail
. Provincial taxes
. Documentation package

Excluded from Tour Price

. Airport and Rail Station transfers, unless otherwise specified
. Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
. National park entrance fees
. Gratuities
. Trip Cancellation Insurance

Weather
The summer weather in British Columbia's interior is very pleasant. Because of the relatively high altitudes, however, be prepared for cool evening temperatures and the possibility of rain.

Daytime temperatures in July and August often reach 25°C, with average summer temperatures in the 9-10°C range. The effects of winter are normally evident through April, even early May.

 

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