Mountain Rails Westbound

Arrive at Calgary’s International airport and board your transfer to the idyllic parkland town of Banff. Check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to explore the many unique shoppes, eateries and attractions around town. Overnight in Banff.

The full day is at leisure to discover what one of Canada’s most famous mountain resort towns has to offer. Perhaps arrange a wildlife tour to view one of the many unique large animals in their natural environments, or consider a guided hike along the myriad of trails that depart either from the town, or from the nearby trailheads along the highway. Overnight in Banff.

Depart on your full-day sightseeing transfer to Jasper including a stop at the incredible Columbia Icefield along the famous Icefields Parkway. The huge Columbia Glacier covers nearly 325-km2 and dominates the surrounding landscape. An Ice Explorer ride will take you onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier and is followed up by a walk on the Glacier SkyWalk – a glass-floored platform extending 30m out over the Sunwapta Canyon. Continue on to arrive in Jasper late in the afternoon. Overnight in Jasper.

Take the day to create your own adventure in Jasper! Perhaps you may wish to arrange for a thrilling rafting trip down the Athabasca River, or climb aboard a motorcycle sidecar for a different touring experience along the park’s scenic roads. Overnight in Jasper.

After your hotel shuttle to the Jasper train station (depending on availability), board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a spectacular rail excursion from Jasper to Kamloops. This unique daylight service allows you to view some of the most spectacular sights in Western Canada. The route departs the Rocky Mountains through the Kicking Horse Pass. By late afternoon, you are in the arid ranch land of interior British Columbia, where you disembark for the night. Upon arrival in Kamloops, the evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Kamloops.

Breakfast and lunch included.

* The complimentary shuttle from the Sawridge Hotel, Jasper to the train station is not guaranteed for the Rocky Mountaineer train departures. The hotel will make a note of the booking and advise passengers when they are in house as the shuttle timings do not meet the Rocky Mountaineer departure time.

You will set out on the last leg of your spectacular rail experience today. The Rocky Mountaineer takes you through the “cowboy country” ranchlands and along the rushing torrents of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. You are now truly in pioneer territory and en route you can listen to the history and legends of the West while enjoying all the comforts of your luxury train. The last stretch takes you through lush farmlands and past historic towns to Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Breakfast and lunch included.

This full-day trip to Victoria begins with a cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands and includes a visit to the acclaimed Butchart Gardens. Afterwards continue to Victoria for a city sightseeing tour that encompasses Victoria’s stately homes and gardens as well as historic landmarks. You will see the University of Victoria and Beacon Hill Park and pass the Royal British Columbia Museum, Thunderbird Park, the Parliament Buildings and the exclusive homes of the Uplands and Oak Bay. You will return to Vancouver in the early evening. Overnight in Vancouver.

Your tour ends this morning.