GRAND CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY:
1. Arrive Vancouver
Tour begins: 6:00 PM at The Fairmont Waterfront. A warm
welcome awaits in Vancouver. One of the most beautifully sited
cities in North America, cosmopolitan Vancouver dazzles with
scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains and a
glittering skyline. We invite you to join us for a welcome
reception and dinner. Meals D
2. Vancouver / Stanley Park
Chosen as the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and
steeped in charm, Vancouver is home to a vibrant cultural scene,
rich history and abundant natural resources. View the city’s
landmark attractions and sights on a guided sightseeing
excursion, including historic Gastown, Chinatown, and
trail-laced Stanley Park. The afternoon and evening are free to
explore Vancouver as you please. Bustling with cafés and fine
restaurants that serve a wide variety of cuisines, the city is
renowned for its unique Pacific Northwest cooking. Meals B
3. Victoria / Flightseeing
Board a ferry early this morning and cruise through the Gulf
Islands to Vancouver Island and Victoria, the capital of British
Columbia, where you’ll discover a bit of England amidst the
rustic beauty of the Pacific Coast, including stately Victorian
architecture and rose gardens. Visit The Butchart Gardens, home
to 55 colorful acres of flowers and garden styles, then fly by
floatplane over the Gulf Islands back to Vancouver. Upon
arrival, it’s all aboard The Canadian for an overnight rail
excursion that takes you from the Pacific coast to Canada’s
awe-inspiring national parks. Dine on the train en route to the
majestic alpine sanctuary known as the Canadian Rockies. Meals
BD
4. Canadian Rockies by Rail
As a Tauck exclusive, you can enjoy some of North America’s
most spectacular alpine scenery from a private domed observation
car. Enjoy a relaxing ride as the train winds along the North
Thompson River and through the valleys of the mountain ranges.
Towering peaks and glacial remnants line the route of this
wilderness area that, until 30 years ago, was only accessible by
rail. Cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta.
Arrive in Jasper National Park for a two-night stay at The
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Meals BD
5. Jasper National Park
Today is spent at leisure at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
in the heart of Jasper National Park, pursuing what interests
you most. The park’s incredible scenery is comprised of
carefully protected ecosystems, and is a photographer’s
paradise. There are numerous optional activities available at
the lodge, including trail riding, tennis, golf, hiking, and
swimming. Meals BD
6. Travel the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway, linking Jasper and Lake Louise, is
one of North America’s most spectacular drives. Travel the road
as it winds between snow-domed peaks and immense hanging
glaciers; you may see elk, deer, bighorn sheep or bears. A
specially designed Ice Explorer takes you for a ride on the
Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield. One of the
largest ice masses outside of the Arctic Circle, its meltwaters
flow into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Arrive late
afternoon for an overnight stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake
Louise, overlooking Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise. In the
spring there can be snow, framing the lake and glacier with
snowbound peaks. Meals BLD
7. Yoho National Park and Banff
Travel through Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho National Park to
see the Natural Bridge, the Spiral Tunnels and
the Continental Divide. Spend the afternoon enjoying the
spectacular scenery of Lake Louise and Banff National Park
before continuing on your journey to The Fairmont Banff Springs.
In the early 1880s, the accidental discovery of the Cave and
Basin Hot Springs by several Canadian Pacific Railway workers
led to the establishment of Banff National Park, the first in
Canada’s history. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The
Fairmont Banff Springs was built in 1888 as Canadian Pacific
opened tourism to the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy dinner at your
leisure tonight at this fabulous alpine resort. Meals BLD
8. Bow River Valley Rafting
Take a raft trip along the Bow River this morning before
spending the remainder of the day as you wish. One of the
world’s major recreation destinations, Banff National Park
encompasses over 2,500 square miles of valleys, mountains,
glaciers, meadows and forests. Take advantage of your resort’s
many amenities; a wide range of optional activities, from golf,
tennis and horseback riding to guided hikes along some of the
park’s more than 1,000 miles of nature trails, is available at
an additional charge. Join us this evening for a farewell
dinner. Meals BD
9. Journey Home
Travel to Calgary this morning (approximately 80 miles) for
your journey home. Tour ends: Calgary Airport, Alberta at 10:00
AM. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in; direct
flights to the United States will clear U.S. customs in Calgary.
Meals B
Travel East or West – both itineraries are identical. Westbound
tour departs Calgary Airport at 3:00 PM and ends in Vancouver.
Vancouver Island is visited on Day 8. Westbound itineraries are
available ask upon booking.
The Canadian – a Tauck Exclusive!
Journey across British Columbia during daylight hours for
incomparable mountain views!
Tauck World Discovery is the only company offering a private
domed Skyline observation car, exclusively for the use of
Tauck’s guests, on the train journey aboard VIA Rail’s The
Canadian, traveling between Vancouver and the magnificent
national parks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Enjoy
unparalleled views amidst the relaxing atmosphere of a private
lounge.
The Canadian, refurbished to its stainless steel exterior and
art deco style of the 1950s, offers a nostalgic travel
experience. From the vantage point of the private domed Skyline
observation car, your enjoyment of the scenery along your
travels is truly enhanced.
Doubles are accommodated in bedrooms with a window and two
armchairs, which are replaced by upper and lower beds for
sleeping. Amenities include a small closet, mirror, sink/vanity
and private toilet.
Singles are accommodated in smaller single bedrooms with a
window seat that converts to a bed folding out from the wall.
Triples are accommodated in one double bedroom and one single
bedroom. Amenities include sink/vanity, mirror and toilet;
single bedroom toilet is not accessible when bed is lowered.
There are rest rooms, and a public shower, in each sleeping car.
The Canadian is owned and operated by VIA Rail Canada, a
Canadian Federal Crown Corporation.
Schedule:
Eastbound tours: The train departs Vancouver at 5:30 PM on
Day 3 and arrives in Jasper at 11:00 AM on Day 4; dinner and
breakfast are included.
Westbound tours: The train departs Jasper on Day 6 at
3:30 PM and arrives in Vancouver at 7:50 AM on Day 7; dinner and
breakfast are included.
These schedules are current as of 10/11/07 and are subject to
local rail and traffic conditions. Itineraries are designed to
minimize missed sightseeing should delays occur.
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