Canada : Canada by rail - The Grand Rail Circle

Vancouver to Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff by rail

The complete Canada by rail experience, featuring three different Canadian rail routes, together with the highlights of the Canadian Rockies and two nights in the resort town of Whistler.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart London Heathrow for Vancouver

Depart London Heathrow on scheduled flight to Vancouver. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation and spend time exploring this scenic city at leisure. Admission to the Vancouver Observation Deck at Harbour Centre with spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean is included. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 - Vancouver to Whistler

Your Canada by rail adventure begins in the coastal city of Vancouver, journeying to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Following your coach transfer from your hotel in Vancouver, the Whistler Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. On arrival at Whistler train station, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation in Whistler Village. Breakfast is served onboard.

Day 3 - Free Day in Whistler

Enjoy a free day exploring the picturesque mountain resort of Whistler on your own. Included in your documentation is admission to the Whistler Gondola, an exciting 20-minute ride to the top of Whistler Mountain where you'll enjoy stunning views of snowcapped mountain peaks and alpine lakes. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 4 - Whistler to Quesnel

Travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer your Canada by rail adventure leaves the four-season mountain resort of Whistler, and on to the charming rural town of Quesnel, the gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, to the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranchlands. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as your canada train holiday follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination.

Day 5 - Quesnel to Jasper

Your Canada train holiday continues eastward today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George and then travels east through the forests of Northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded to the north by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains and to the south by the Cariboo Mountains. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your Canada by rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 - Icefields Parkway Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise

Transfer to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. It is here that you will ride an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 7 - Yoho Tour, Lake Louise to Banff

A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff. Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:30 PM, scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 AM. Your luggage will be stored on check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel or a guided one-hour lakeshore stroll before the tour departs.

Day 8 - Summit helicopter tour

Enjoy a five-hour motor coach sightseeing tour of Banff this morning. Among the highlights are visits to Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, the Cave and Basin Centre, Surprise Corner, and the Hoodoos. Free time for lunch in Banff will be provided before continuing on to Kananaskia for the highlight of the day....A 15 minute helicopter tour over the Rockies. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure in Banff. Overnight in Banff. **Please note that the Helicopter tour is for 2009 only and no refund will be offered in the event a guest choosing not to fly or in the event of bad weather conditions**

Day 9 - Banff to Kamloops

Your Canada train holiday leaves the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey offers you a spectacular range of scenery as you travel between the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels a remarkable feat of railroad engineering, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven and of course the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 10 - Kamloops to Vancouver

Your Canada by rail journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends at your overnight destination of Vancouver.

Day 11 - Vancouver Departure

Your tour ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel and transfer to Vancouver Airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.

Day 12 - Arrive London Heathrow

Arrive London Heathrow

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Prices

Grand Circle Rail - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult	GoldLeaf Service Upgrade	GoldLeaf / Deluxe Hotel Upgrade
06/05/2009 - 25/05/2009	£2,699	£1,328	£1,667
30/05/2009 - 23/09/2009	£3,216	£1,412	£1,808
28/09/2009 - 07/10/2009	£2,671	£1,243	£1,621
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.

Prices for single travellers:

Grand Circle Rail - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult	GoldLeaf Service Upgrade	GoldLeaf / Deluxe Hotel Upgrade
06/05/2009 - 25/05/2009	£2,824	£1,695	£2,401
30/05/2009 - 23/09/2009	£3,462	£1,898	£2,695
28/09/2009 - 07/10/2009	£2,796	£1,554	£2,288
Notes
Prices are per person.

What's Included?

• Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver
• Transfers to and from Vancouver Airport.
• 4 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service, comprising:
  • Assigned seating in reclining seats
  • Extended legroom
  • Large picture window
  • Meal service at your seat
  • Forward-facing seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four
  • Restroom facilities in each coach
  • Temperature-controlled comfort
• 10 nights accommodation
• Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
• Yoho Park Tour, including transfer to Banff
• Banff Tour, including Banff Gondola
• National Park Pass and Exclusive Attractions pass
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Banff and Kamloops
• Luggage handling
• Guided Lakeshore Stroll at Chateau Lake Louise
• Whistler Mountaineer rail excursion
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and a light meal aboard the Whistler Mountaineer

What's NOT Included?

• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and Whistler Mountaineer
• Gratuities
• Personal Expenses

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Mighty Fine Ideas:

• Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service - see price grid.
  GoldLeaf Service includes:
  • Custom-designed bi-level dome coach
  • Panoramic views from full-length dome windows
  • Assigned seating in reclining dome-level seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four
  • Full galley kitchen
  • 36 dining room seats (4 per table) with picture windows
  • Temperature-controlled comfort
  • Spiral staircase and elevator to dome level
• Upgrade to Superior Accommodation - see price grid.
• Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service and Deluxe Accommodation - see price grid.

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