Itinerary Details
Canadian Masterpiece With Rocky Mountaineer
Day 1: VANCOUVER Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
Once you get settled, perhaps head out and start exploring this vibrant, culturally diverse city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains. Take a walk to the harbour front or check out the city’s thriving culinary scene that offers a wide array of delicious cuisine.
Day 2: VANCOUVER This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, the harbour, beaches, and more. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Consider taking a water-taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, and art galleries.
Day 3: VANCOUVER–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS Board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a two-day, all-daylight adventure by rail through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Travel along the Fraser and Thompson River canyons, before arriving in the city of Kamloops. (B,L)
Day 4: KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–BANFF NATIONAL PARK Reboard the train and continue your adventure as you travel along Shuswap Lake, through the Columbia Mountains, and into the Canadian Rockies. Wind your way through the Spiral Tunnels while climbing Kicking Horse Pass to cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta. Enter Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, for a two-night stay. (B,L)
Day 5: BANFF NATIONAL PARK Join an orientation tour, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps hike one of the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is the perfect place for photographers and wildlife watching, and you may be lucky enough to encounter some of these amazing creatures, like elk, deer, or bighorn sheep, in their natural habitat. Or set your sights higher with an optional helicopter ride over the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Or if you prefer keeping your feet on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to see stunning Moraine Lake in the famed Valley of the Ten Peaks.
*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.
Day 6: BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First visit famous Lake Louise, where blue-green waters create a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains. Then travel the stunning Icefields Parkway to ride the all-terrain Ice Explorer across ice that’s 750 feet thick! Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival. This afternoon, take the opportunity to glide down the Athabasca River on an optional scenic float trip.
Day 7: JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–SUN PEAKS Start your day with a magical optional cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed Spirit Island*. Then travel to the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue through British Columbia’s Fur Trade and Cariboo regions for glimpses of the soaring granite mountains. Watch for wildlife as you continue to the internationally renowned Sun Peaks ski resort for an overnight stay.
*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 8: SUN PEAKS–LILLOOET–WHISTLER Head south, along the once-treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillooet, “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” you’ll follow the rushing waters of Cayoosh Creek en route to the resort town of Whistler with an afternoon arrival and orientation.
Day 9: WHISTLER Today is at leisure to explore this lively mountain resort town on your own. Choose to soar to new heights on an optional Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride which spans the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and is the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind. If you prefer your feet on the ground, consider a fascinating optional excursion to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a First Nations Museum and Art Gallery, for an authentic Indigenous experience.
*Operation of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is seasonal and may not be available on early departures.
Day 10: WHISTLER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Set sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, sightseeing includes a visit to gorgeous Butchart Gardens' 55 acres of floral displays, the Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. In your free time this evening, perhaps take a stroll along the scenic harbour front.
Day 11: VICTORIA A day at leisure gives you the chance to enjoy high tea at the Empress Hotel, go shopping on Government Street, or have lunch in one of the many pubs. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing. Or take home a whale of a tale by embarking on an optional Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition where you’ll cruise the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
Day 12: VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER A scenic ferry crossing to the mainland, where your trip ends with guests departing on individual schedules. A transfer to Vancouver International Airport is included. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm. Or you may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights to explore Vancouver further.
