DAY 1: UK - Calgary.
Fly to Calgary where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Calgary - Banff.
The discovery of oil converted this cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. On this morning's tour you'll see many of its attractions including the Saddledome, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park and Canada Olympic Park. Then drive into Banff National Park, and the mountain resort of Banff, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies.
DAY 3: Banff.
The day is yours to enjoy the many pleasures of Banff, one of Canada's favourite year-round resorts. Perhaps you'd like to take an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies?
DAY 4: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper National Park.
Travel first to Lake Louise, its azure-blue waters a perfect natural mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then, precipitous gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite colours come into view as you head through two mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield for a snowcoach ride over the 1,200-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier. End the day with a short tour to experience Jasper's unspoilt beauty, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Note: Unfavourable weather conditions may affect the availability of the Columbia Icefield snowcoach excursion.
DAY 5: Jasper.
Why not join our optional morning trip to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you can enjoy a narrated cruise?
DAY 6: Jasper - Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops.
Prepare for the trip of a lifetime as you board the famous Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Passing Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, the train follows the route of the 'Overlanders', 19th century homesteaders who attempted to settle this rugged region. Follow the Thompson River and admire vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops, a major cattle ranching centre. (B,L)
Note: For convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Vancouver and will not be available for the night in Kamloops. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities.
DAY 7: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver.
Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer as it continues its amazing journey through the vast ranchlands along the South Thompson River, the stark beauty of the Fraser Canyon, the raging turbulence of Hell's Gate, where the river funnels into a gap just 100 feet wide, and the fertile Fraser Valley, surrounded by the snow-capped Coast Mountains. Arriving at The Rocky Mountaineer Station in the late afternoon, you'll be taken to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B,L)
DAY 8: Vancouver - Victoria.
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver's beautiful beaches and harbour, Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterwards, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.
DAY 9: Victoria.
Discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, a whale watching cruise and fine shopping along Government Street.
DAY 10: Victoria - Vancouver - UK.
Morning departure for Vancouver. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 11: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 7,500 ft.