Canada : Western Explorer

Vancouver to Calgary via Kamloops, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff by rail

This is one of the most popular leisure rail tours in Canada and it is easy to see why! All of the must-see attractions of the Canadian Rockies are included in this week-long itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver Arrival

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

Day 2 - Vancouver to Kamloops

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into your overnight destination of Kamloops.

Day 3 - Kamloops to Jasper

Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Pyramid Falls, as well as the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Jasper this evening. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 4 - Jasper Sightseeing

Spend either the morning or afternoon touring Jasper by motor coach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon and Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 - 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 on 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 6 - 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 7 - Banff to Calgary

This morning a sightseeing tour shows you the highlights of Banff before an afternoon transfer to Calgary. Among the points of interest are visits to Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Centre, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Your tour continues to Calgary. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 8 - Calgary Departure

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

Day 9 - Arrive London Heathrow

Arrive London Heathrow

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Prices

Western Explorer - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult	GoldLeaf Service Upgrade	GoldLeaf / Deluxe Hotel Upgrade
15/04/2009 - 25/04/2009	£2,017	£486	£638
29/04/2009 - 27/05/2009	£2,254	£819	£1,045
30/05/2009 - 28/09/2009	£2,703	£960	£1,225
30/09/2009 - 12/10/2009	£2,248	£763	£1,011
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.

Prices for single travellers:

Western Explorer - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult	GoldLeaf Service Upgrade	GoldLeaf / Deluxe Hotel Upgrade
15/04/2009 - 25/04/2009	£2,282	£605	£892
29/04/2009 - 27/05/2009	£2,660	£1,169	£1,615
30/05/2009 - 28/09/2009	£3,290	£1,372	£1,886
30/09/2009 - 12/10/2009	£2,621	£1,017	£1,496
Notes
Prices are per person.

What's Included?

• Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver and Calgary to Heathrow
• Transfers from Vancouver Airport on arrival and to Calgary Airport on departure
• 2 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
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• 7 nights accommodation
• Exclusive Attractions Pass and National Parks Pass
• Yoho Park Tour, including transfer to Banff
• Banff Tour, including Banff Gondola and transfer to Calgary
• Jasper Tour
• Rail station transfers in Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver
• Luggage handling
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer
• Guided Lakeshore Stroll at Chateau Lake Louise

What's NOT Included?

• Meals other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Gratuities

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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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