AdventureLink Tours
Your Canadian source for Canada Train Vacations

Itinerary

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival

Upon your arrival in Vancouver, independently enjoy the day exploring any of Vancouver’s excellent attractions: such as Stanley Park, or the Vancouver Art Gallery.  Enjoy strolling along the downtown beaches which overlook the harbour and Coast Mountains, or take the opportunity to do some unique shopping on Granville Island.  Use your complimentary exclusive attractions pass to view the city from the Vancouver Lookout, or join the Hop-On Hop-Off Attractions Loop Tour.  Accommodation in Vancouver is included with your tour package. 

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops

Depart Vancouver onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train and travel from the coast to central British Columbia.  En route, enjoy passing through British Columbia’s agricultural heartland, the Fraser Valley.  This historic valley is covered by lush green mountainsides, with the salmon rich Fraser River winding through.  The train travels through scenic river canyons carved into the Coast and Cascade Mountains, passing unique geographical attractions, such as the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate.  The environment will gradually change, as the train rises onto the arid environment of the interior plateau, stopping for the night in the city of Kamloops.  Breakfast and lunch are included aboard the train. 

Advance tickets may be purchased for evening entertainment in Kamloops: the Two River Junction Musical Revue or the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show.  Ask your AdventureLink Tour Coordinator for details.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper

In the morning, the train departs Kamloops, travelling along the shore of North Thompson River, through charming rural communities, up into the Rocky Mountain trench.  Geological changes are evident as the train travels through two higher and dramatic ranges, the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Along route, observe 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.  Next, examine the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet).  Pass by the stunning Moose Lake and the picturesque Pyramid Falls before arriving and staying overnight in the cosy resort town of Jasper, in Jasper National Park.  Breakfast and lunch are included on the train. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 4 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 5 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 6 Lake Louise to Banff

Enjoy a free morning in Lake Louise. After lunch, enjoy a motorcoach tour of the area. Cross the Great Divide, enter Yoho National Park and visit Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River. After the tour, transfer to Banff.

Day 7 Banff Sightseeing

Take a three-hour guided bus tour (with pickup at 8:00am) 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.

Day 8 Banff to Calgary

Your vacation concludes after a transfer from Banff to the Calgary airport or downtown (2 hrs).  If you have time before your flight, feel free to use your complimentary pass to view the city from Calgary Tower.  Thank you for travelling with AdventureLink Tours.

 

This itinerary is also available in reverse on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

 

 

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