Western Canada By Rail
| Resort: | Canada |
| Operator: | Cosmos |
| Destination: | Canada |
| Price From: | £2546.00 |
OverviewCreate a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoriathese are just a few of the many highlights on this memorable Western Canada by Rail tour. Youll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canadas most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canadas favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, Canadas largest national park, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, hike, explore on your own, or take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Youll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada toura thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and beautiful Hells Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
ItineraryWelcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions. The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies intoBanff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour. Today is at leisure. Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching, and you may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep. First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience theIce Explorer, an all- terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights is inJasper National Park. Join the optional narrated cruise onMaligne Laketo Spirit Island. On the return journey, you’ll be mesmerised by dramaticMaligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. An exciting morning as you board theRocky Mountaineerfor a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Free time in Kamloops this evening. (B/L) Reboard your train and head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an early evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel. (B/L) Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing inVictoriaincludes world-famousButchart Gardens, Bastion Square, andThunderbird Parkwith its collection of totem poles. Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm. |
