Mountain Tracks 5 Day/4 Night Self Drive

Self drive tour through the Rockies taking in Jasper,Lake Louise & Banff . Including overnight trip on VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper.

Eastbound:

Day 1	Vancouver to Jasper (Via Rail)
	Late afternoon, check in at Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail's 'Canadian' for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Travel back in time to the days of classic rail travel. The original stainless steel 'streamliner' railcars (made famous by the 'Canadian' in the 1950's) are totally refurbished with air conditioning, a café £ar, lounge car, and access for all onboard to the dome car. Exclusive to Silver and Blue 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 traveling 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)*
Day 2	Arrive Jasper
	Upon arrival into Jasper, pick up your rental vehicle and explore this charming mountain village. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Jasper. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain and be sure to visit Maligne Lake. In the evening soak in the pools at Miette Hot Springs and watch the sunset over Pyramid and Patricia lakes. *(Breakfast is included today)*
Day 3	Jasper to Lake Louise (208 km / 129 miles)
	This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take a snocoach 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. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).
Day 4	Lake Louise to Banff (62 km / 38 miles)
	Take the short drive from Lake Louise to Banff. Choose the 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. This afternoon explore Banff and area. In town you'll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafes, nightlife, museums. *Included in your FlexiDrive package is the Parks Canada Discovery Pass allowing admission to:* Cave & Basin National Historic Site The birthplace of Canada's National Parks System. Visitors can walk into the Cave and learn the fascinating story of the springs' discovery. Historical exhibits, geological displays, and videos tell the park's history. Explore the effect of heated spring water on the surrounding marshes and the flora and the fauna. Interpretive displays, self-guided trails accessible year-round. Banff Park Museum One of Canada's oldest and grandest Natural History Museums. This turn of the century museum displays an extensive collection of birds, mammals, insects, and curiosities of Banff National Park. The site is well known for its fine wood architecture. It also offers a reading room plus a hands-on discovery room.
Day 5	Banff to Calgary (115 km / 72 miles)
	This morning, ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola, and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view *(Gondola Ride Included)*. Latter in the day depart the Rocky Mountains at your own leisure to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometers and extend as far south as Mexico. This is 'cattle ranching country' and the breadbasket of Canada. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental vehicle in Calgary.

Accommodation including provincial taxes for 3 nights.
(See below for information on accommodation in each grade.)
Sleeping accommodation on board Via rail Silver & Blue service for 1 night
For further information on Silver & Blue Sleeper Service,
please click here.
Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs Jasper.
Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch onboard VIA Rail (Vancouver Departure) 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast onboard VIA Rail (Jasper Departure)
Exclusive travel documentation package including personalized maps, itinerary and driving directions.
Hotel Information
Moderate Grade
* Via Rail
(Semi Private Sleeper Berth)
For further information on bedroom.
please click here.
* Jasper - Lobstick Lodge
(Standard Room)
* Lake Louise - Deer Lodge
(Heritage Room)
* Banff - Rundlestone Lodge
(Standard Room)
Superior Grade
* Via Rail
(Private Sleeper Berth)
For further information on bedroom.
please click here.
* Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
(Deluxe Room)
* Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
(Deluxe Mountain View Room)
* Banff - Rimrock Resort
(Deluxe Room)
Deluxe Grade
* Via Rail
(Private Sleeper Berth)
For further information on bedroom.
please click here.
* Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
(Junior Suite Lake View)
* Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
(Deluxe Lake View Room)
* Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
(Deluxe View Room)
Not included:
* Rental Car
* Road Tolls
* National Park Entrance Fees