Gems of The Rockies

8 Day/ 7 Night Coach & Rail Tour of the Rocky Mountains and Western Canada. Roundtrip Vancouver/Vancouver.

Circle Trip Vancouver / Vancouver

Day 1 Vancouver to Kelowna (Coach)

Your journey through western Canada starts with a morning departure from the sights and sounds of downtown Vancouver. The first leg of travel today travels from cityscape, through the lush Fraser delta region, and over the Coquihalla Pass. Expect an exciting day of sightseeing and activities as you travel into Canada’s garden and wine country. Tease your senses with a walk through a 32-acre world-class show garden. Then discover one of the top-rated wineries in British Columbia - complete with plenty of time for wine tasting. The day’s journey concludes as you check into your Kelowna Hotel and the evening is yours to explore this gem of the O kanagan Valley. (lunch is included today)

Day 2 Kelowna to Banff (Coach)

Today brings another remarkable itinerary, complete with scenic vistas and unique attractions. Sample fresh fruit and locally produced cheese.Then indulge at the ‘Home of the World’s Greatest Ice Cream’ with a stop at a local dairy farm. This afternoon, travel through some of the most spectacular scenery as you make your way into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. A camera is a must with one spectacular sight after another! Your two-day adventure comes to an end as you arrive in the mountain town of Banff. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 3 Morning sightseeing tour of Banff

This morning, tour through the town of Banff and its environs. Among the highlights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind), Surprise Corner, Sulphur Mountain (gondola ride included), and Tunnel Mountain Drive - which overlooks the splendour of Bow Valley and the Cave and Basin where Banff‘s history began. Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore this charming resort.

Day 4 Banff to Lake Louise (Coach)

Depart Banff early afternoon for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Lake Louise.

Day 5 Lake Louise to Jasper (Coach)

Travel by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefields Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of nearly 325 sq km’s and reaches a depth of 320 metres. Time allows for an Ice Explorer ride (included) on the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way stops will be made at Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightings of bear, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. Please note: mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June.

Day 6 Evening wildlife tour of Jasper

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the spectacular wonders of Jasper. This evening experience the Jasper Wonderland for some amazing close-up photo opportunities of wildlife. Destinations can include the Maligne Valley and the Pyramid Bench (with its beaver ponds).

Day 7 Jasper to Vancouver (Rail)

Spend the morning relaxing in the mountain town of Jasper before boarding VIA Rail Sleeper Touring Class to Vancouver. Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, then following the mighty Thompson River all the way to the Fraser Valley and the coastal city of Vancouver

Exclusive to Sleeper Touring Class:

By day, sit back in comfortable armchairs and enjoy the stretch out comfort of your very own accommodation. At night attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or bedroom. Guests have access to the Park Car, always at the tail end of the train whose tapered shape gives the car its distinctive look. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee or in the evening before dinner complimentary hors d’oeuvres. In the Dome you’ll feel the true essence of travelling by train - where scene after memorable scene sweeps by. This evening retire to your Sleeping Car where a comfortable bed awaits you. Some of the amenities include thick towels, plump pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit. (dinner is included today)

Features:

• Accommodation including provincial taxes for 6 nights

• Sleeping berth on board VIA Rail Sleeper Touring service for 1 night

• Driver-guided commentary on day 1 - 6

• Winery Tour

• Admission to Minter Gardens

• Sightseeing tour of Banff

• Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride

• Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier weather permitting

• Evening Jasper Wildlife Tour

• Taxi transfer between hotel and rail station

• National Park fees

• 452 page Canada Guide & Rand McNally Canada Map

• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners

Hotel Information

Moderate Grade

* Kelowna - Moderate Hotel (Provided by Brewster)

* Banff - Spruce Grove Inn (Standard Room)

* Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn (Superior Queen Room)

* Jasper - Lobstick Lodge (Standard Room)

* Via Rail (Semi Private Sleeper Berth)

Superior Grade

* Kelowna - Moderate Hotel (Provided by Brewster)

* Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge (Standard Room)

* Lake Louise - Deer Lodge (Heritage Room)

* Jasper - Sawridge Inn (Standard Room)

* Via Rail (Private Sleeper Berth)

Fairmont Deluxe Grade

* Kelowna - Moderate Hotel (Provided by Brewster)

* Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont Room)

* Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Fairmont Room)

* Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont Room)

* Via Rail (Private Sleeper Berth)