Extended Prairies and Mountains

The Capital of Alberta, The Lofty Rocky Mountains, Across the divide to the Pacific Ocean
Edmonton - Jasper - Banff - Lake Louise - Kamloops - Vancouver  

Day 1  Board VIA Rail Transcontinental.  We depart from Edmonton (in coach service), capital and most vibrant metropolis in Alberta.   We continue on the train journey past wheatfields, and crossing deep ravines to the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" Jasper, Alberta.  Watch for wildlife such as bear, deer, elk, mountain sheep, red fox, wolf and many other species.   Disembark and we are transferred to our hotel for the first of 2 nights.  Step out into the fresh and clean mountain air for a walk and dinner in one of Jasper's many terrific restaurants.  Fire-Grilled elk medallions anyone? 

Day 2  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 3  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.  Overnight at one of our Banff Hotels

Keep on the lookout for wildlife!

Day 4  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.  Overnight at one of our Banff Hotels

Day 5 and Day 6  Enjoy two days to explore the trails, shopping, tours and sightseeing that this area is Word famous for.  Overnight at one of our Banff Hotels

Day 7  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 for overnight.  Lac Le Jeune may be substituted for Kamloops.

Lake Louise

Day 8  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.  Overnight at one of our Vancouver Hotels

Day 9 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.

Beautiful Vancouver City