Splendors of Western Canada

This tour will highlight some of its best Western Canada has to offer, from cosmopolitan Vancouver to Whistler to a classic rail journey on "The Canadian" across the Rockies. You'll visit mountain resorts like Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise before travelling through the rural Okanagan Valley back to the Pacific Coast, and crossing the Straits of Georgia to Vancouver Island.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver

Arrive in the cosmopolitan Pacific Coast city of Vancouver and transfer to your downtown hotel for a two-night stay. Meet your Tour Director in the afternoon to find out more about the upcoming adventure and join your fellow travelers later for a Welcome Reception.

Hotel: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel

Day 2 - Vancouver

We head to Vancouver Aquarium for breakfast and a chance to learn about west coast marine life. Next there will be a city tour, taking in spots like Stanley Park, the historic Gastown district and Chinatown. You can spend the afternoon exploring independently, with dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel

Day 3 - Vancouver - Whistler - The Canadian train

We depart Vancouver for the mountain resort of Whistle, where we take a walking tour and visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center. Take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak gondola or relax in town before boarding "The Canadian" for a classic train journey into the Rockies. The Dome Car allows fantastic panoramic views, and you can enjoy dinner in the dining car before settling down in your private en suite cabin. Hotel: Onboard The Canadian train

Hotel: Onboard The Canadian

Day 4 - Jasper

The Canadian glides through the heart of the mountains, passing Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, crossing the famous Yellowhead Pass to approach Jasper National Park, and finally stopping at the quaint resort of Jasper, where you will enjoy a two-night stay. There will be a nature talk in the evening to learn more about the area's diverse wildlife.

Hotel: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 5 - Jasper

We drive from Jasper to see Maligne Canyon, one of the most impressive spots in the Rockies. Take an interpretive walk and learn about the area's geology with its large network of underground rivers, then head back to town for an afternoon exploring independently.

Hotel: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 6 - Jasper - Columbia Icefield - Lake Louise

We leave Jasper and drive down the spectacular Icefields Parkway, stopping on the way at the Columbia Icefield to take an exciting Ice Explorer ride onto the vast expanse of Athabasca Glacier. After that there will be more stunning scenery in store, as you arrive at Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. You'll stay at one of Canada's most luxurious and impressive hotels - the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Dine in the hotel at one of its gourmet restaurants.

Hotel: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 7 - Lake Louise - Banff

Take a guided lakeside walk and ride the Lake Louise Gondola for superb views before moving onwards to the lively resort of Banff. You'll stay at another classic hotel for the next two nights - the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs.

Hotel: The Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 8 - Banff

A free day to relax in Banff or try some of the many adventurous activities on offer locally. In the evening, join the rest of the gang for a meal at a local restaurant.

Hotel: The Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 9 - Banff - Kelowna

Now we travel through some of Canada's greatest national parks, taking in Yoho, Glacier and Mount Revelstoke as we get closer to the rolling orchards and farms of the Okanagan Valley. You'll visit a typical orchard to find out about the local fruit-growing industry and sample some of its award-winning iced cider, before checking in to your lakeside hotel.

Hotel: The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort

Day 10 - Kelowna - Strait of Georgia - Victoria

We cross the Cascade Mountains and pass through the Fraser Valley to the Pacific Coast, where you will hop on a ferry to Vancouver Island with a two-night stay at British Columbia's elegant capital Victoria. Take an orientation tour to get to know the city.

Hotel: Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

Day 11 - Victoria

We visit the colourful Butchart Gardens for breakfast, and learn about its vast botanic collection with the help of a local horticulturalist. There will be free time in the afternoon before joining your travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner.

Hotel: Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

Day 12 - Victoria - Depart Vancouver

Take the ferry once more across the Strait of Georgia to mainland British Columbia, and transfer to the airport or to a downtown hotel if you opt to extend your stay in Canada.

Departure Dates & Prices

All prices and tour information is correct at time of publication on our website, however is subject to change and availability – please check all details at time of booking

Departs On	Returns On	Tour + Air
Wednesday, April 22, 2009	Sunday, May 03, 2009	€3959
Wednesday, April 29, 2009	Sunday, May 10, 2009	€3959
Wednesday, May 06, 2009	Sunday, May 17, 2009	€4559
Wednesday, May 13, 2009	Sunday, May 24, 2009	€4559
Wednesday, May 20, 2009	Sunday, May 31, 2009	€4559
Wednesday, May 27, 2009	Sunday, June 07, 2009	€4559
Wednesday, June 03, 2009	Sunday, June 14, 2009	€4955
Wednesday, June 10, 2009	Sunday, June 21, 2009	€4955
Wednesday, June 17, 2009	Sunday, June 28, 2009	€4955
Wednesday, June 24, 2009	Sunday, July 05, 2009	€4955
Wednesday, July 08, 2009	Sunday, July 19, 2009	€5159
Wednesday, July 15, 2009	Sunday, July 26, 2009	€5159
Wednesday, July 22, 2009	Sunday, August 02, 2009	€5159
Wednesday, July 29, 2009	Sunday, August 09, 2009	€5159
Wednesday, August 05, 2009	Sunday, August 16, 2009	€5159
Wednesday, August 12, 2009	Sunday, August 23, 2009	€5159
Wednesday, September 02, 2009	Sunday, September 13, 2009	€4955
Wednesday, September 09, 2009	Sunday, September 20, 2009	€4955

There is a no smoking policy in all rooms for all travellers.

The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.

Included Highlights

• Vancouver - breakfast at Vancouver Aquarium; city tour
• Whistler - guided walking tour and visit to First Nations' Cultural Center
• VIA Rail - Silver and Blue Class travel on The Canadian
• Jasper - visit Maligne Canyon and learn about the underground river system
• Columbia Icefield - Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier
• Lake Louise - narrated lakeside stroll
• Banff
• Kelowna - visit a local orchard
• Victoria - orientation tour; breakfast at Butchart Gardens

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Reception in Vancouver
• 11 full breakfasts
• Lunch and dinner onboard The Canadian train
• Four three-course hotel dinners
• Dinner at a local Vancouver restaurant
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Victoria

19 included meals in total.

First Class Travel Highlights

• Professional Trafalgar Tour Director
• Silver and Blue Class travel on The Canadian rail service
• Complimentary airport transfers
• Luxury motorcoach transport with reclining seats, restrooms and air conditioning
• Twin hotel accommodation with en suite facilities
• All hotel taxes and baggage charges included (one suitcase each), along with local taxes and tips to train staff

Airport Transfers

Complimentary airport transfers on standard arrival and departure dates are included. Trafalgar can arrange inexpensive transfers on other days - more details are available at time of booking.

Please Note

Return flights from western Canada cross the international dateline and therefore take two days. Some operators include this in the duration of their tours, while Trafalgar only promote the 'true duration' of their tours.