The Canadian Rockies and Vancouver

The Canadian Rockies and Vancouver

Experience the very best of Western Canada on this sensational tour travelling through some of the most scenic routes in the world. Explore the grand lakes of Banff, Vancouver, and Jasper National Park, with guided tours and free time to explore at your own pace.

After three nights in the gorgeous and hugely varied landscape of Jasper National Park you will board the higly acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train. You will pass through the highest point of the Canadian Rockies, witnessing specatular snow-capped peaks on your way to Kamloops. From here you will travel to Vancouver, Canada's most desirable city, where you will have several days to unwind, relax, and enjoy.

What's Included:

• Scheduled International flights.
• 9 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar).
• 2 days' daylight travel in RedLeaf accommodation on the Rocky Mountaineer with meals on board
• Self catering basis.
• All transport and listed activities.
• All excursions, touring and transfers.
• Services of an experienced tour leader throughout.
• Guided sightseeing tour of Vancouver.

Days 1 - 2: London - Calgary and Banff

We depart London Heathrow to Calgary, where we transfer by coach to the Rocky Mountain resort of Banff, famous for its spectacular setting and natural hot springs. We spend three nights at the Caribou Lodge and Spa. Day 2 is at leisure. Banff boasts a rich heritage and is a joy to explore on foot. If you would like spend your day simply unwinding and admiring the scenery why not pay a visit to Banff Hot Springs? Those feeling energetic may like to take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you will be rewarded with breathtakingly fabulous panoramas.
Overnight - Caribou Lodge and Spa

Day 3: Lake Louise

Today we embark on an excursion to the glacial oasis of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed and iconic sights in Canada. This region is famous for its spectacular scenery, from snow-covered mountain peaks to the aquamarine waters of the crystal clear lake. With its shores encased by aromatic larch trees on all sides completing the setting, Lake Louise - despite its widespread renown - has the power to take your breath away. We will spend some time at leisure here before enjoying the scenic drive back to Banff.
Overnight - Caribou Lodge and Spa

Day 4: Icefields Parkway Banff - Jasper

Today we bid Banff a fond farewell and head north to begin our magnificent drive to Jasper on the worldfamous Icefields Parkway. Running parallel to the Continental Divide and traversing the vast, rugged landscape of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, this is one of the world's most scenic roads. Providing us with incomparable views of Crowfoot Mountain and Glacier of the same name, the gentle Bow River and the distinctive Mistaya Canyon - easily recognisable from its curved walls - the Icefields Parkway is truly incredible. We stop at the mighty Columbia Icefield, the largest of its kind in the Canadian Rockies. At the Icefields Centre, we are given the chance to explore the tremendous Athabasca Glacier, one of six offshoots from the Columbia Icefield. We embark on an exhilarating Snocoach tour on to the glacier itself, a unique and unforgettable experience. We continue on to the town of Jasper, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight - Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites

Day 5: Jasper National Park

We embark on a memorable excursion to Maligne Lake and Canyon today. As one of the most enthralling locations on the planet, and with a view that epitomises the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, this is a picture perfect destination in the heart of Jasper National Park. The pristine lake is the largest glacier-fed body of water in the region, and makes for a remarkable contrast to the turbulent river that flows from it. There is time at leisure here to absorb your surroundings and appreciate the naturally turquoise glow of the pure water, framed by majestic mountains on the horizon. Close to the shore of the lake you can also see the legendary Spirit Island, which combines to create the intriguing mosaic that has lent this premier spot its renown. We then continue to Maligne Canyon, a spectacular gorge formed from glacial erosion. Here you are at leisure to explore and admire the thrilling, sheer ravines, the powerful waterfalls as they plunge deep into the crevice, the emerald river roaring below and the lush, surrounding forests.
Overnight - Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites

Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

Leaving Jasper behind, today we head out on our first daylight journey on the acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. We begin our journey on the 'First Passage to the West' route retracing the steps of early 19th century adventurers. Travelling in RedLeaf Service, we receive breakfast and lunch served at our seats, which allows us the perfect opportunity to make the most of the wonderful and varied views passing by the windows. Rugged snowy mountains, luscious forests, dramatic gorges and tranquil lakes all compete for your attention as we traverse the Rockies. The highlights you will see include Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls with its distinctive triangular spray of water and Yellowhead Pass. In Kamloops, we transfer to our hotel for the night.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

We continue our expedition across the country to Vancouver today, travelling on one of the most dramatic and scenic stretches of this historical line. Along the route we will see the powerful Thompson River, the largest tributary of the Fraser River, as our train winds its way through the splendid natural rock formations that characterise the Thompson Canyon. We also pass the rushing waters of Hell's Gate, a narrowing of the Fraser Canyon described by the eponymous explorer as "a place where no human should venture." The Rocky Mountaineer deftly wends and weaves through the canyons, ascending and descending with the natural sloping of their walls. We begin our excursion towards the Pacific Coast this evening where our remarkable rail journey comes to an end in vibrant Vancouver. Here we spend three nights at the Blue Horizon Hotel.
Overnight - Blue Horizon Hotel Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Vancouver

This morning we experience the best of Vancouver, regarded as one of the most vibrant and desirable cities in Canada, on a sightseeing tour of the city. We visit the cultural Gastown area with its array of coffee shops, galleries and native art stores, as well as the sights and sounds of historic Chinatown. We then take in verdant Stanley Park and its fascinating traditional Totem Poles. Our tour culminates in a visit to the centrally located Granville Island, home to a delicious indoor food market. This afternoon is free for you to continue exploring this fabulous city at your own pace.
Overnight - Blue Horizon Hotel

Day 9: Vancouver

Today is at leisure in Vancouver. You could visit the sights that you missed yesterday, such as the Vancouver Lookout Tower. The Tower boasts unencumbered vistas of the city, the ocean and mountains. You may wish to take the chance to explore further afield. A local bus has regular services to the foot of Grouse Mountain where you can board the exhilarating Skyride aerial tramway, North America's largest, which takes you to the summit via gondola. Once at the top, you have the option to ascend even higher by chairlift, and both vantage points offer excellent views of the landscape. Alternatively, you could head north of the city for a walk across Capilano Suspension Bridge, spanning a dramatic gorge.
Overnight - Blue Horizon Hotel

Day 10 - 11: Vancouver - London

Day 10 is at leisure until we transfer to the airport this evening for our overnight flight to London, arriving in the morning of Day 11.