AdventureLink Tours
Your Canadian source for Canada Rail

Itinerary

Day 1 Seattle Arrival

Upon your arrival in Seattle, independently enjoy the day exploring any of Seattle’s excellent attractions: such as the Space Needle or the Rock and Roll Museum.  Seattle is a beautiful city nestled between the Coast Mountains and Gulf Islands.  Enjoy strolling through the markets at the harbour’s edge, but watch out for flying fish, a fabulous free show put on by the fishmongers.  Accommodation in Seattle is included with your tour package. 

Day 2 Seattle to Victoria

Enjoy the gentle sway of ocean as you travel aboard the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria.  This large, sturdy, comfortable vessels allow you to move around easily both indoors and out to see the charming Gulf Islands, mountain vistas, and sea life en route.  Check-in to your hotel then spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Victoria. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 3 Victoria to Vancouver

Depart this afternoon for a tour of Victoria. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Butchart Gardens and examine fine examples of local and exotic botany. Continue on to Vancouver by motorcoach and ferry.  Overnight in Vancouver in a downtown hotel.

Day 4 Vancouver to Whistler

A motorcoach will transfer you from your downtown hotel to North Vancouver for your departure on the Whistler Mountaineer train.  Your train travels up the picturesque “Sea to Sky” corridor, snuggling against the Coast Mountains on the right, with the sparkling waters of the Howe Sound on your left.  Fabulous scenic points of interest include the prominent granite monolith known as “The Chief,” the spectacular Shannon Falls, and Mount Garabaldi, looming in the background.  Unlike motor vehicles, the train can enter the amazing Cheakamus Canyon.   A light meal is served on the train.

Upon your arrival in Whistler, you will be transferred to your hotel.  Enjoy the unique energy of Whistler Village, as you stroll though the pedestrian only cobblestone streets.  This exciting resort town, co-host of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is renowned for its fine dining opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor adventure activities.    

Day 5 Whistler to Quesnel

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and view the lush Coast Mountains passing by.  Enjoy the spectacular Mount Currie looming over the fertile Pemberton Valley.  Train passengers can almost touch the crystal clear waters of Anderson and Seton Lakes, as the train meanders past.  Watch for the ginseng plantations on the dry hilltops above Lillooet.  The crossing of Deep Creek Bridge is also a spectacular event, as it is one of the highest railway bridges in the world.  The scenery truly enchanting as the train passes through this sparsely populated, remote region, winding through ranchlands and deep river canyons of the Cariboo Plateau. Breakfast and lunch is included.  Overnight in the historic, rural town of Quesnel, quaintly situated on the banks of the Fraser River. 

Day 6 Quesnel to Jasper

Your train travels largely along the Fraser River, an astonishing journey for the salmon that swim upstream to spawn in it, over 1600 kilometres from where it joins the ocean in Vancouver.  Watch for moose and other wildlife as you journey densely forested rolling hills to the city of Prince George, known as the northern capital.  It is little wonder this area is renowned for its hunting and fishing!  Enjoy travelling along the Rocky Mountain Trench, through the stunning Robson Valley, a wide agricultural valley, nestled between Cariboo and Rocky Mountains.  Along route, view the gorgeous peak Mount Terry Fox, named after the legendary fundraiser, Terry Fox, who attempted to run across Canada with his prosthetic leg before losing his life to cancer.  View the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), the picturesque Pyramid Falls, and the stunning Moose Lake, before arriving and staying the night in the cosy resort town of Jasper, in Jasper National Park.  Breakfast and lunch are included aboard the train.

Day 7 Jasper Sightseeing

Embark on a five-hour tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. The first stop is at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 49-meter deep gorge. Set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon continue to the “mysteriously” disappearing Medicine Lake and then to Maligne Lake for a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise bound for the world-renowned Spirit Island; bring your camera, as this truly is a picture postcard setting. After the boat cruise, we relax and soak up the sights or enjoy a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet. Alternatively, those who would prefer to go for a walk rather than take the cruise can enjoy a guided 75-minute walk along the shoreline trail of Maligne Lake. 

Enjoy the rest of your day in Jasper.  Some recommended activities include golfing at the The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, exploring local walking trials, or taking a gondola ride to the top of Whistler’s Mountain.  Complimentary access, as well as transportation to and from the Jasper Tramway, is included with your tour package. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 8 Jasper to Lake Louise

Aboard a bus, travel southeast down the Icefields Parkway, renowned as the most beautiful highway in Canada.  Glaciated peaks tower breathtakingly along the roadside.  The bus will stop to view Athabasca Falls.  Then, upon arrival of the Athabasca Glacier, board the Ice Explorer, a specialized bus that travels directly to the ice, while a qualified guide explains the geology of the region.  Lunch is not included, however, there will be opportunity to eat in the café.  The bus will also stop for photo opportunities at the pristine Bow Lake, prior to arriving at fabulous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the night.

Day 9 Lake Louise to Banff sightseeing

Enjoy a few hours of mountain relaxation before travelling to your hotel accommodation in the vibrant town of Banff.Take a three-hour guided bus tour through the towering mountains of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay and learn about the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos and the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Be aware of the Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive! Experience a gentle ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain taking 8 minutes in a four-person fully enclosed gondola. A spectacular view and picture taking opportunity wait at the top of this 360 degree panorama of the Bow Valley. Learn all about how these majestic mountains have shaped this unique community. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Banff on your own. You may enjoy walking on the local trails, playing golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs, or having extra leisure time in your hotel. Take advantage of your complimentary admission to both the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the mineral pools of Banff’s Upper Hot Springs.  Overnight in Banff.

Day 10 Banff to Calgary Departure

Depart Banff in the morning by bus to transfer to the Calgary airport or downtown. Thank you for travelling with AdventureLink Tours.

 

This itinerary is also available in reverse on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

 

 

back to top