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Winding Rails and Mountains of the West
12 days / 11 nights

Gaze through large picture windows and be captivated by the glorious Rocky Mountain scenery of British Columbia and Alberta on this new rail programme that begins in Vancouver and includes travel on the muchanticipated Whistler Mountaineer. Be one of the first passengers to experience the comforts and stellar views on the introductory, Fraser Discovery Route, linking Vancouver and Whistler, celebrating its operational debut this season. From Whistler, board the Rocky Mountaineer and journey into the heart of interior British Columbia to the town of Quesnel, before crossing into Alberta en route to the popular resort town of Jasper. A subsequent coach transfer to Banff travels along the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic driving routes in all of Canada. Your programme concludes with a two night stay in Calgary, where you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour and feel welcomed by friendly cowboy spirit of this stampede city.

Itinerary


Day 1:Arrival in Calgary

Arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel. Pick-up your information kit at the front desk upon check-in. Get to know this Stampede city a little better and discover the historic and modern highlights of this friendly city. Attractions include Fort Calgary, Scotsman Hill, admission to Canada Olympic Park and a ride up the ski-jump tower. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 2: Calgary to Banff

Today you will transfer by coach from Calgary to Banff. Leave the cowboy city behind and head towards the enchanting Rockies. After arriving at the resort town of Banff, nestled beneath the towering Cascade Mountain, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3: Banff

This morning, discover the town of Banff and its unspoiled natural surroundings on a sightseeing tour with highlights that include the hoodoos, curiously shaped by centuries of erosion, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive which overlooks the beautiful scenery of the Bow River Valley, and the Cave & Basin where Banff’s history began (admission is included). At the end of the tour you have the choice of being dropped off at the base of Sulphur Mountain for a gondola ride (ride not included) to the top of the mountain where you’ll have a breathtaking 360-degree view of the area. Overnight in Banff.

Day 4: Banff to Jasper

Today’s coach sightseeing transfer travels along the Icefields Parkway. Spectacular glaciers, cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes and colourful meadows dot this awe-inspiring mountain wilderness. The coach will stop at the Columbia Icefield where you have the opportunity to venture by Ice Explorer (ride is included) onto the massive Athabasca Glacier. A brief photo stop will also be made at picturesque Lake Louise. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5: Via Rail / The Skeena Jasper to Prince George

Prepare for an early afternoon departure for your rail trip to Prince George onboard VIA Rail’s The Skeena. This daylight journey takes you past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and across British Columbia’s Cariboo Region through old forest into Prince George. The evening is free for exploration. Overnight in Prince George. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 6: Via Rail / The Skeena Prince George to Prince Rupert

Reboard The Skeena for an early morning departure and the continuation of your journey to Prince Rupert. Spend a day aboard the train, absorbing yourself in the dramatic scenery as you relax in comfort. Overnight in Prince Rupert. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7: Prince Rupert to Port Hardy

Get ready for today’s full-day ferry sailing from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy that boasts some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. On your trip through the Inside Passage you will enjoy remarkable views of snow-capped mountains, jagged fjords, massive ice-flows and fishing villages. You may also catch a glimpse of some of the area’s wild inhabitants such as orcas, sea lions and bald eagles. Truly a photographers and nature enthusiasts’ paradise! Overnight in Port Hardy.

Day 8: Port Hardy to Victoria

Your transfer today takes you to the provincial capital of Victoria. Travel the Island Highway through the forested mountains of the interior and along a magnificent coastline dotted with fishing villages. Numerous stops will be made along the way at points of interest. Upon arrival in Victoria the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this charming city. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 9: Victoria

Discover why Victoria, with its quintessential English feel and temperate climate, is such a delight to visitors. Explore Victoria including Butchart Gardens on an insightful sightseeing tour of the city. A bustling harbour, cultural venues and fine shopping and dining all await you. Overnight in Victoria.


Day 10: Victoria to Vancouver

Today is your sightseeing transfer from Victoria to Vancouver by motorcoach and ferry. Enjoy the scenic drive and a short cruise on a B.C. Ferries through the Gulf Islands, proceeding on to Vancouver. The rest of the day in Vancouver is free to relax or perhaps to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Overnight in Vancouver.


Day 11: Vancouver

On a morning sightseeing tour you can familiarize yourself with Vancouver’s many attractions that have contributed to this oceanside city’s international reputation. The tour highlights include historic Gastown, nearby Chinatown, Stanley Park, English Bay and more. After the tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. Overnight in Vancouver.


Day 10: Departure

Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport to check-in for your return flight.

Winding Rails and Mountains of the West

10 days/9 nights - Vancouver/Calgary
Departing Mondays,Wednesdays and Saturdays 26 May to 19 September 2007
Per Person Date
Twin
Single
Standard – Totem Deluxe 17 May - 21 May
31 May - 04 Jun
14 Jun - 22 Sep

£1175
£1241
£1305

£1569
£1702
£1827

Superior – Totem Deluxe 17 May - 21 May
31 May - 04 Jun
14 Jun - 22 Sep

£1282
£1337
£1375

£1789
£1900
£1975

Deluxe – Totem Deluxe 17 May & 19 May
21 May - 18 Jun
28 Jun - 22 Sep

£1511
£1659
£1749

£2245
£2538
£2717

NOTE: A Calgary Stampede surcharge of *£26, **£43 or ***£38 applies to arrivals in Calgary 28 June - 07 July 2007. Single room surcharge on request .
Our Price Includes
  • Accommodation for 11 nights
  • Transfer from Calgary to Banff
  • 3-hour sightseeing tour of Banff
  • Full-day sightseeing transfer from Banff to Jasper with stop at the Columbia Icefields and Ice Explorer ride
  • Jasper / Prince George / Prince Rupert rail passage on VIA Rail’s The Skeena route (Totem Deluxe)
  • Prince Rupert to Port Hardy Inside Passage cruise (passenger only)
  • Port Hardy to Victoria sightseeing transfer
  • 4.5-hour sightseeing tour of Victoria including Butchart Gardens
  • Coach/ferry transfer from Victoria to Vancouver
  • 4.5-hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver
  • 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners onboard VIA Rail
  • Travel and Information kit
  • Provincial taxes and federal GST, less tour package rebate

 

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