Northern BC & Rockies Explorer

Day 1 - Fly to Vancouver

Fly from UK to Vancouver. Coach transfer from Vancouver Airport to Whistler. (included)

Day 2 - Whistler

Spend today at your leisure. Take advantage of your Peak2Peak Gondola ride ticket for some awe-inspiring views.

Day 3 - Explore Whistler

Today is yours to spend at leisure exploring Whistler. Take advantage of the walks/hikes and lakes in Whistler.

Day 4 - Whistler to Vancouver - Jasper

This morning depart on the coach from Whistler to Vancouver Downtown where you will then transfer to the nearby rail station for your trip on VIA Rail's 'Canadian' for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. 

Board VIA Rail's "The Canadian" for an unforgettable train journey! Pass through Vancouver's eastern suburbs and into British Columbia's agricultural heartland. Take in the stunning views of the Fraser Canyon as the train winds its way through the Cascade and Coast Mountains perched alongside the mighty Fraser River and past the raging rapids of Hell's Gate. Ride through golden prairie fields, rugged lake country, waterfalls, picturesque towns and the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies. Take in the view of Mt. Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

By day, rest comfortably in an armchair while enjoying the spectacular views of the landscape rolling by. Each spacious bedroom has private toilet facilities, a sink, a mirror, razor outlet, small closet, large window with blind and locking door. A shower, just a few steps away from the bedrooms and berths, is reserved for sleeper plus class passengers. Complimentary shower towels and an amenity bag for body care articles are provided. At night, your armchair will be converted into a cozy bed equipped with a reading light. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided.

Inclusions: All meals and non-alcoholic beverages included in the dining car. Complimentary coffee, tea, fruit and cookies in the lounge cars.

**Meal Plan: Dinner on day of boarding. Breakfast on day 2. **

Day 5 - Canadian Rockies; arrive Jasper late afternoon

Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail). Transfer from Jasper Rail Station to your hotel is included. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 6 - Maligne Lake & Guided Walk

This morning you will be picked up for your 5-6 hour excursion - Maligne Lake & Guided Walk. 

This amazing tour is a guided interpretive drive up the Maligne Valley. Our exploration will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a gentle guided walk to the first two bridges above the gorge, a short stop at the "disappearing" Medicine Lake, and finally Maligne Lake. At this picturesque gem of the Canadian Rockies enjoy a guided walk along the Mary Schaffer Loop (3.2km return).

Day 7 - Jasper to Banff

Around 1pm you will be transfered from Jasper to Banff via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefield Parkway. Pass by the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of nearly 325 sq km's and reaches a depth of 250 - 320 metres. Other highlights along the way include the Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto and Bow Lakes. This highway is also renowned for sightings of bear, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. A brief stop will be made at Lake Louise before continuing on to Banff. Two of the more outstanding landmarks along the way are Castle Mountain (2750 meters) and Mount Temple (3523 meters). Upon arrival in Banff your driver will take you to your hotel, arrival approx 7.30pm.

Day 8 - Banff Sightseeing

Today we have included a terrific tour to take in the best of Banff National Park - Explore Banff with Gondola ride & Lake Cruise. Learn about culture, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights of the renowned mountain town of Banff. This sightseeing tour will take you to some of the most incredible sights and sounds that western Canada has to offer. Head up the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for a 360 degree panorama of the Bow Valley. Complete the day with a historical tour of Lake Minnewanka on the Lake Minnewanka Cruise. You will visit points such as: - Bow Falls - Sulphur Mountain - Tunnel Mountain Drive - Surprise Corner - Hoodoos - Two Jack Viewpoint - Lake Minnewanka Cruise (admission included) - Banff Gondola (admission included) - Dedicated on-board host - Light snacks & refreshments included - Light lunch included in tour Note: - When Lake Minnewanka is unavailable due to ice on the lake, additional programming will be provided. - Stops listed in the itinerary may be substituted based on the driver's discretion. Some stops may be unavailable due to seasonality, weather conditions or traffic delays.

Day 9 - Explore Banff

Spend today at your leisure to explore Banff.

Day 10 - Banff to Jasper

Today will be a big highlight of your trip with the Banff to Jasper tour with various stop offs along the way to allow for a stroll and photo opportunities.

Duration: 11 hours* *Note: Not all of the regularly scheduled stops on this sightseeing tour are accessible during the Winter, so the length of this tour may be shortened during this time.

Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield where we allow time to enjoy the "Ice Explorer Ride" and the Glacier Skywalk. From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.

Highlights: - A boxed lunch is included - Glacier Adventure Package (Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk) admissions are included

Day 11 - Jasper to Prince George

Today (approx noon) embark on a memorable rail journey with VIA Rail 'Skeena' across British Columbia's Cariboo Region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pass the cloud-veiled peals of Mount Robson and watch the horizons widen as the train descends from the Rockies onto the rugged interior plateau. The northern arm of the Fraser River leads to Prince George. Arrive approx 7.10pm

Day 12 - Prince George to Prince Rupert

Continuing west this morning, enjoy the rugged beauty and pioneering character of a landscape once solely travelled by First Nation people and fur traders. The train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River and meanders through spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever present mountain ridges. Arrive in Prince Rupert this evening approx 8.30pm for your overnight stay.

Day 13 - Prince Rupert to Port Hardy

Welcome to the glorious Inside Passage, a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Sail to Vancouver Island through a maze of enchanting islands, relishing the ever-changing vistas of deep fjords, densely forested shorelines, massive ice-flows and jagged inlets. Watch bald eagles soaring overhead, sea lions slumbering on the rocks and whales traversing the offshore waters. Full day cruising, before arriving in Port Hardy for your overnight.

Day 14 - Port Hardy to Vancouver

This morning depart on a scheduled flight to Vancouver. Make your own way to downtown Vancouver (taxi not included) for your 3 night stay.

Day 15 - Vancouver Sightseeing

This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour to help you take in the best of the city.

Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island.

Remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 16 - Vancouver

Spend today at your leisure taking in more of Vancouver's attractions. We highly recommend the full day trip to Victoria, ask one of our Canada Experts for more details.

Day 17 - Return Flight

Today you have a transfer included from your downtown hotel to Vancouver Airport for your flight home.