Prairies and Mountains
From Calgary - 10 Days - Train and Motor Coach
Edmonton - Jasper - Banff - Kamloops - VancouverA "Classic Tour" with many of the main highlights included (tourCCE103)
See the grandeur of the prairies, the majesty of the mighty Canadian Rocky Mountains
including Jasper and Banff, Hell's Gate and finally Vancouver in British Columbia. Wow!
Day 1 We arrange flights (or car rental for the 2.5 hour drive) from Calgary International Airport to Edmonton International Airport, usually under $100 per person. Transfer on your own to Edmonton train station or you may choose to arrive a day early and overnight at West Edmonton Mall or downtown Edmonton. We can pre-arrange either option. Please note we are not responsible for late flights that cause missed connections. Tour can also start in Jasper but we cannot arrange flights to Jasper.
Day 2 We depart from Edmonton in Coach Class of Service on VIA Rail, The train journey takes us past wheatfields, and crossing deep ravines into the foothills of Alberta. The scenery changes dramatically as we roll into the Rocky Mountains and the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" Jasper, Alberta. Disembark and we are transferred to our hotel for the first of 2 nights. Keep on the lookout for wild animals often seen in and around the town.
Day 3 This morning we tour JASPER and, above the townsite, beautiful PYRAMID LAKE. Perhaps take an optional cruise of magnificent MALIGNE LAKE and its incredible aquamarine waters. The views are stunning and the water is a shade of blue found only in these mountains. Spirit Island is a famous spot for photographers seeking the perfect picture. Return to Jasper via the Valley of the FIVE LAKES. A few miles to the south of Jasper is the JASPER GONDOLA from where the views of the valleys and peaks are outstanding and ATHABASCA FALLS / HORSESHOE LAKE.
Day 4 Depart Jasper for Banff on our deluxe motor coach along the Icefields Parkway. This is one of the most scenic drives on earth. We'll ride a Sno-Coach (weather permitting) onto the Columbia Icefield's ATHABASCA GLACIER. The Columbia Icefields are 125 square miles in size (massive!), with no fewer than 30 glaciers where 3 river systems flow to three different oceans. The Icefields Parkway delivers us past BOW LAKE, PEYTO LAKE and MISTAYA LAKE south to LAKE LOUISE, one of the most enchanting spots on earth. We see the reflections of the mountains in her aqua blue waters and we'll find out how rock flour helps the water retain its mesmerizing color. Continue further into BANFF NATIONAL PARK to the majestic town of BANFF for the first of two nights here.
Day 5 Join us on an afternoon tour up Sulfur Mountain on the BANFF GONDOLA. The views will take your breath away. Walk the boardwalk at the summit onto another mountain and see the ancient weather observatory there. In the evening we can enjoy an optional dinner featuring cuisine and entertainment all about Canada. The very adventurous can choose to take a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies
Day 6 and Day 7 Enjoy two days to explore the trails, shopping, tours and sightseeing that this area is Word famous for.
Day 8 Depart for Kamloops by motor coach in the sunny Okanagan via Kicking Horse Pass. Pass over the Continental Divide and begin our slow downhill descent to the Pacific Ocean. Travel through Yoho National Park, one of four parks that comprise a World Heritage Sight. We arrive in the late afternoon at the "cattle country" center of Kamloops.Day 9 We scoot along the shores of Kamloops Lake (Kamloops being a native word meaning "meeting of the lakes") and then shadow the mighty Frasier River past Hell's Gate Canyon. We arrive in lovely VANCOUVER where our orientation tour includes Gastown (be sure to see the steam clock), Chinatown (second largest in North America), the harbor area and the famous Totem Poles at STANLEY PARK. We can pre-book a harbor dinner cruise for you. or perhaps visit beautiful QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK.
Day 10 Transfer to the airport or you may choose to extend your stay and visit Vancouver and the largest island in North America, mighty Vancouver Island. Those extending their stay can go whale watching, see BUTCHART GARDENS and the city of VICTORIA on Vancouver Island or travel up to WHISTLER Resort area (North of Vancouver).
We can pre-book 7 night ALASKA CRUISES at wholesale rates.
Comfortable bedrooms
Vermilion Lakes near Banff
Banff Springs Hotel
This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction
MORE TOURS FROM CALGARY / EDMONTON
From only $2,885.00CAd per person
We recommend travel insurance.
Initial non refundable deposits are $500USD
with final payment due 60 days prior to departure
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We include: Via Rail Trans-Canada train journey including private bedroom (all meals are included aboard the train but not on motor coach tours or in hotels), tourist-class or superior hotels across Canada, motor coach tours as per itinerary, GST tax is additional 7%. Checked baggage is not available on the train, smaller overnight bag is recommended. |
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