Scenic Delights by Road and Rail

 

Day 1 Vancouver to Whistler (122 km/76 mi)
Your self-drive holiday begins today as you pick up your rental car.
Thismorning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway
to Whistler.Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon
Falls and theStawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the
globe migrate toclimb the granite cliffs. Arrive into Whistler by early
afternoon.

Day 2 Whistler to Sun Peaks (293 km/183 mi)
Begin your spectacular drive on the Duffey Lake Road where you will see
breathtaking views of Joffee Glacier. Continue on through Lillooet known
as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and into Cache Creek where you stop
to visit the historic Hat Creek Ranch (included). From here travel a short
distance to your overnight accommodation at the Cahilty Lodge, located
in a stunning resort of Sun Peaks.

Day 3 Sun Peaks to Jasper (444 km/277 mi)
Today, follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy
peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive
glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres
(12,972 feet), which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Arrive inJasper late afternoon.

Day 4 Jasper Sightseeing
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic
highlights.Take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne
Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy
a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard
setting (MaligneLake cruise not included). You will marvel at the
magnificent shorelinewith dense forest and glacial peaks rising
abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will
have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous
photograph of the lake.

Day 5 Jasper to Banff (292 km/182 mi)
Your scenic drive today takes you through the spine of the Canadian
Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains,
jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes.
Along theway see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an
Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Also watch for the
Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing
the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise.
From Lake Louise choosethe Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River
with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk
along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls
before continuing to Banff.

Day 6 Banff Sightseeing (Banff Gondola)
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement
- shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin
National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a
panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral
pools at the Upper Hot Springs.

Day 7 Banff to Kamloops (Rocky Mountaineer)
All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in
the interior of British Columbia. As the train crosses over the continental
divide you pass through the spiral tunnels in Yoho National Park, a
remarkable engineering achievement. Continue on through Rogers Pass
in Glacier National Park with endless views of snow capped mountains and
stunning glaciers. A stop will be made later in the day at Craigellachie,
where the last spike was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway
Trans Canada link in 1885.
(Breakfast & Lunch is included today)

Day 8 Kamloops to Vancouver (Rocky Mountaineer)
Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer train and follow the Thompson River
through Ashcroft -one of Canada’s driest towns (with an average rainfall
of just 18 centimetres). Pass through Rainbow Canyon with its cliffs
striped with pinks, greens and greys creating a stunning affect. Continue
on to the Fraser Canyon where at Hells Gate you will observe a water
torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point. The last leg of the
journey takes you through the lush farming region of the Fraser Valley to
arrive in the pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon.
(Breakfast & Lunch is included today)

• Accommodation including provincial taxes for 7 nights

• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours

• Admission to Hat Creek Ranch

• Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs

• Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier

• Transfer to Rocky Mountaineer Rail Station

• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches onboard Rocky Mountaineer

• Exclusive travel documentation package including personalized maps,

itinerary and driving directions

Hotel Information

Moderate Grade

* Whistler - Aava Whistler Hotel (Deluxe Room)

* Sun Peaks Resort - Nancy Greene Cahility Lodge (Standard Room)

* Jasper - Lobstick Lodge (Standard Room)

* Banff - Irwins Mountain Lodge (Standard Room)

* Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours (Kamloops Moderate Hotel)

Superior Grade

* Whistler - Hilton Whistler Resort (Hilton Room)

* Sun Peaks Resort - Delta Sun Peaks Resort (Delta Room)

* Jasper - Sawridge Inn (Standard Room)

* Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge (Standard Room)

* Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours (Kamloops Moderate Hotel)

Deluxe Grade

* Whistler - Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Fairmont Room)

* Sun Peaks Resort - Delta Sun Peaks Resort (Delta Room)

* Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont Room)

* Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont Room)

* Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours (Kamloops Moderate Hotel)

Not included:

• Rental Car

• Road Tolls