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Rocky Mountaineer (Vancouver to Jasper by rail)

Canada

The romance of travelling through the Rocky Mountains by train has always had immense appeal. For some it is the only way to see this region of untamed natural beauty.

The Rocky Mountaineer is considered one of the world's most spectacular rail experiences. As we enjoy the ultra-modern comforts of our train, we will be following the steps of the early explorers as the rails meander over trestle bridges, along rivers and past waterfalls - all the while in the shadows of the magnificent glacier-clad mountains. While onboard, our attendant will entertain us with interesting commentary, serve our meals and ensure our utmost comfort.

We board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver, and on the first day we journey through the Fraser Valley and the towering Coastal Mountains. After an overnight stay in Kamloops, we reboard the train en route to Jasper. The train follows the Thompson River to the Monashee Mountains, passing expansive glaciers until we arrive in Jasper in the evening.

There are two types of service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Silver Leaf Service includes hot breakfasts and lunches served at your seat, as you enjoy the spectacular scenery through the oversized panoramic windows. Gold Leaf Service includes gourmet hot breakfasts and lunches served in the exclusive Gold Leaf Dining Room, and unparalleled panoramic views through the full-length dome windows. Both services include complimentary wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the rail trip. Note - Gold Leaf passengers will be separated from the main group during the journey.

Also included on this tour are three nights in Canada's most beautiful city, Vancouver and three nights in Jasper National Park, with extensive touring and adventures throughout.

Itinerary / Excursions

Day 1:

Vancouver

We fly to Vancouver and transfer to our First Class hotel located in the heart of downtown. The rest of the day is at leisure until our Welcome Dinner.

Day 2:

Vancouver

Our city tour includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown and much more. A highlight of the day will be crossing the Lions Gate Bridge to visit the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge - an opportunity to walk across the 230-foot high bridge perched above the Capilano Canyon. The evening is at leisure to explore Vancouver - annually voted one of the world’s favourite cities.

Day 3:

Whistler / Vancouver

A spectacular drive on the “Sea to Sky Highway” takes us to beautiful Shannon Falls (for a photo stop) and then to Whistler. This quaint alpine village is North America’s most popular mountain resort. There will be free time to enjoy the fresh mountain air while strolling in the village with its quaint shops.

July tour - We will board Whistler’s “Peak to Peak Gondola” and ride from the peak of Whistler Mountain to the peak of Blackcomb Mountain, and experience the spectacular panoramic views of the Whistler area and surrounding Coast Mountains

September tour (Gondola not operating) - We arrive in Whistler and visit the award-winning Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which showcases the art and history of the First Nations People of this area

Day 4:

Rocky Mountaineer / Kamloops

Today we begin our journey aboard "The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World". Breakfast and lunch are served onboard. On today’s full-day rail tour we will pass through the fertile Fraser Valley and enjoy the natural beauty of the scenic Fraser Canyon. One of the canyon's highlights is Hell's Gate, where millions of gallons of water per minute rush through the narrowest point of the canyon. Then, following the Thompson River we cross into Canada's arid interior, arrive in the city of Kamloops and transfer to our hotel for our dinner and overnight.

Day 5:

Rocky Mountaineer / Jasper

"All Aboard" as the Rocky Mountaineer departs and follows the Yellowhead Route to the quaint town of Jasper. Breakfast and lunch are again served onboard. The train follows the Thompson River along the rolling plateaus into the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. As we enter the Rocky Mountain range we pass by Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. In the early evening we arrive in Jasper, transfer to our hotel and meet for our included dinner.

Day 6:

Jasper

Our full day of wonderful Rocky Mountain experiences begins with an Interpretive Nature Walk conducted by an accredited local expert. Then our coach will take us along a beautiful stretch of highway teeming with wildlife to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies (if not the world!) - Maligne Lake. Here we will enjoy one of the highlights of the tour - a narrated cruise on the lake’s crystal blue waters, surrounded by summits of 10,000 ft. and higher! This area is called the “Hall of the Gods”, and for good reason! The cruise features a fantastic view of Spirit Island - one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7:

Jasper

To begin the day we will be gently transported into Jasper's alpine tundra on the Jasper Tramway - the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. Enjoy the spectacular views of six mountain ranges, glacial fed lakes, the Athabasca River and the scenic mountain town of Jasper. After some free time for lunch we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the town during which we’ll hear stories about the people, places and events that made Jasper what it is today. For the highlight of the day we’ll embark on a leisurely raft trip down the Athabasca River, a route used by the fur traders. Here we will experience Jasper from a unique perspective as our guide will point out the natural and historic points of interest, as we take in the spectacular Rocky Mountain views on either side of us.

Day 8:

Edmonton

We transfer to Edmonton, where we will have an afternoon at leisure and our Farewell Dinner.

Day 9:

Home

Air Canada takes us home.

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