Canadian Rockies At Leisure By Rail (Westbound) *

Tour Information

Enjoy the best of the Canadian Rockies at leisure on this relaxed tour, heading westwards from Calgary with plenty of time at each location along the way. First up you’ll drive to Banff, stopping off for an exciting helicopter ride over the mountains. After time to explore Banff National Park it’s onwards to Lake Louise to stay in grandeur at the lakeside Fairmont Chateau. You’ll then follow the Icefields Parkway and take an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier before arriving in the mountain resort of Jasper.

The next part of your journey is by rail, on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer, which heads across the Rockies in style, taking in sights like Mount Robson and the Pyramid Falls before climbing Yellowhead Pass to arrive in Kamloops. Continue by rail to coastal Vancouver, your last destination, and one of North America’s most scenic cities.

Day 1

Transatlantic flight to Calgary
Arrive in Calgary and transfer independently to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing in the “Stampede City” independently. Overnight in Calgary at International Hotel.

Day 2

Calgary to Banff with Summit Helicopter Tour
Depart Calgary this morning for a full-day tour concluding in Banff. Journey to Kananaskis where you will enjoy the highlight of today, a 15-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Spend time exploring Kananaskis at your leisure before continuing on to Banff for a sightseeing tour including Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Your tour ends on arrival in Banff late this afternoon.
Overnight in Banff at Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 3

Free Day in Banff
Today you will have an entire day to spend exploring Banff National Park on your own. Optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff’s historic museums, cruising on Lake Minnewanka or playing a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs.
Overnight in Banff at Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 4

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, the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location.
Overnight in Lake Louise at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 5

Free Day in Lake Louise
Enjoy a free day in Lake Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views.
Overnight in Lake Louise at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

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 at Whistler’s Inn.

Day 7

Jasper Sightseeing
Enjoy a short scenic tour including many natural attractions, rugged peaks and wildlife
Overnight at Marmot Lodge or similar
Overnight in Jasper at Whistler’s Inn.

Day 8

Jasper to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops.
Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 9

Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
Overnight in Vancouver at Hampton Inn. B, L.

Day 10

Vancouver Departure
Your holiday ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel before returning to the airport for your flight home.

Day 11

Arrive back in the UK at your chosen airport in the early afternoon

What's Included

• Transatlantic flights on scheduled airlines
• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• 9 nights hotel accommodation in hotels listed or similar
• Summit Helicopter Flightseeing
• Calgary to Banff Tour, including ranch visit
• Yoho Park Tour, Banff to Lake Louise
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Lake Louise to Jasper
• Choice of activity in Jasper
• Rail station transfers in Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver
• Luggage handling and National Park Pass