DAY 1: Fly to Vancouver
Door-to-Door†† transfer to Heathrow for the flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival you will be met and transfered to your hotel.

DAY 2: Vancouver - VIA Rail
We include a sightseeing tour of beautiful Vancouver, beginning at Stanley Park, Canada's renowned urban rainforest that meets the sea. Visit Chinatown – one of the largest in North America – and explore its waterfront. Next, enjoy a visit to Gastown, a turn-of-the-century town comprising of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and its world-famous steampowered clock, which is perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding Via Rail's 'The Canadian' to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep in your private accommodation. (An overnight bag is required). B,D

DAY 3: VIA Rail - Jasper, Alberta

Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car as your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the Dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, we arrive in Jasper at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. B,L,D

DAY 4: Jasper
We begin with a trip to the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper's most spectacular landmarks. Later, behold the picture-perfect sparkling waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, where you can embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Return to Jasper with leisure time for personal exploration. B

DAY 5: Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Banff
Today you'll journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. At the Columbia Icefields, enjoy a fun ride' across a mass of glacial ice over 1,000 feet thick (weather permitting) – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Peyto Lake, a turquoise glacier-fed lake. Settle in at the worldfamous 'Castle in the Rockies,' Fairmont's Banff Springs Hotel, for a relaxing threenight stay. This evening, the choice is yours! Choose from one of several dining establishments on your included Dine Around evening, and sample some of Alberta's culinary specialties. B,D

DAY 6: Banff - Yoho National Park - Banff

Enjoy a day trip to Yoho National Park, named by the Cree (using their expression for 'awe'). See the Spiral Tunnels cut through the mountains during the railroad's development and learn about the train system in Canada. Next, enjoy a visit to Fields, a cozy town known for its charm, nestled in the grand Canadian Rockies. Later, travel along Kicking Horse River and enjoy a visit to the Natural Bridge to learn how this amazing limestone rock formation was created. Continue your journey along the river and enjoy some time to explore spectacular Emerald Lake, named for the vibrant green color of its water. B

 

DAY 7: Banff
Start your day with breathtaking views of Banff's Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy a gondola ride to the summit where you will enjoy breakfast overlooking the town and valley. Later we enjoy a visit to a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. Next, we set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and impressive Hoodoos – known as the 'Land of the Sleeping Giants.' During an afternoon at leisure, perhaps you'll take a stroll through Banff's delightful downtown, with its chic boutiques and cafes. B

 

DAY 8: Banff - Calgary
We leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Enjoy a visit to a local ranch where you will have some leisure time to play a game of horseshoes, take a line dancing lesson and enjoy an optional wagon ride (May not be available in the 'off season'), enjoy an included traditional Albertan barbeque with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, enjoy the landscape of the prairies en route to the vibrant city of Calgary. B,L

 

DAY 9:
Depart for home with a lifetime of memories.

DAY 10:
Arrive in U.K. airport. Door-to-Door return home.††

Included Meals: B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

 

†† Available within 100 miles of departure airport, supplements apply for longer distances.

July 7 departure.

Originating in 1912, the Calgary Stampede is the world's largest rodeo. On Day 8, you will travel to the Stampede grounds where you can visit the Midway, an authentic Native North American village, various exhibits and entertainment.

In the afternoon, enjoy a festive show of Alberta locals at the yearly Rodeo show. Tonight you will have the opportunity to purchase* reserved seating for a great view of the various Stampede performances including the Chuckwagon races and musical entertainment.

*Chuckwagon race excursion is a pre-sold option.

Listen to the peaceful sounds of a bygone era while natural beauty dances to life before your eyes in a scenic wonderland.

 

THE CANADIAN
It's a veritable journey back in time as you travel from Vancouver to Jasper. Relax and discover the delight of overnight training aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian. Heralded in 1955 as 'the first and only all-stainless steel 'dome' streamliner in Canada,' The Canadian has been exceeding passenger expectations ever since. Enjoy first-class meals and awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies vistas during the day. Spend the night in the comfort of your own bed inside a private sleeping room that includes a private bath. From the moment you board VIA Rail's The Canadian, you'll embrace the nostalgia of a golden era as rail lines trace history while whisking you through scenery far removed from the highway.

'The Canadian' overnight rail from Vancouver to Jasper. (An overnight bag is required).

Hotels are 3 and 4-star standard and have a restaurant or bar. Bedrooms in all hotels have T.V., telephone and en suite facilities.

 

• Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC or Listel, Vancouver, BC
• Via Rail's The Canadian, Train/Via
• Sawridge Hotel, Jasper, AB

• Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB

• Westin Calgary, Calgary, AB

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

 

• Door-to-door transfers from home to the airport††
• Return flights to Canada
• Return Airport to hotel transfers
• 8 nights' accommodation, sharing a twin room
• 7 continental breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 evening meals

• Fully escorted by a Tour Manager
• Air-conditioned coaching
• Rail rides as described
• Excursions and visits as below
• Airport taxes
• Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)

 

Economy class flights are from London Heathrow direct to Vancouver.

£3449
£3277

£2749
£2622

Extras: Single room supplement from £450 (Apr 23); £500 (Jul 7); £550 (Sep); £450 (Apr 20). Travel insurance, essential, from £69; optional excursions, admissions and gratuities except those mentioned. † Calgary Stampede. †† Available within 100 miles of departure airport, supplements apply for longer distances. Ask for details.