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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.
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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.
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