Western Canada & Rocky Mountain Tour

Day 01: CALGARY
Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some exploring

Day 02: CALGARY-BANFF
The discovery of oil converted this all-Western cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. See many of the city's attractions this morning on your sightseeing tour, including downtown, the Olympic Ski Jump, and Saddledome. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies and into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. Upon arrival, take the optional gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of Banff's spectacular scenery. Then, enjoy a visit to sparkling Bow Falls.

Day 03: BANFF.
Full day at leisure. Banff is one of Canada's favorite resorts, with summer activities that include hiking, boating, and fishing. Your Tour Director will suggest an optional afternoon helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies.

Day 04: BANFF-LAKE LOUISE-JASPER NATIONAL PARK
First stop is Lake Louise, its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as the motorcoach scales two mountain passes. Another highlight on today's agenda is a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 1,200 feet (365 meters) thick. Upon arrival in Jasper, an orientation tour to see Jasper's unspoiled beauty. Late this afternoon, join our optional raft trip down the historic Athabasca River. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be in JASPER NATIONAL PARK.

Day 5: JASPER
Join the optional trip to Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, you might hike along the trails and look for wildlife or explore the town.

Day 6: JASPER-VIA ROCKY MOUNTAINS-KAMLOOPS
An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. You may see Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, and follow the route of the "Overlanders," 19th-century homesteaders who attempted to settle this rugged region. Follow the Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops. Tonight, join our optional dinner outing to a popular theatre performance. (B,L)

Note: Continental breakfast and a cold lunch are included on board the Rocky Mountaineer in RedLeaf (hot meals in GoldLeaf); snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also provided free of charge. It will be necessary to pack an overnight bag for the train journey. Suitcases will be checked for the entire journey and will be unavailable for the overnight at Kamloops. No porterage service is available in Kamloops.

Day 7: KAMLOOPS-VIA ROCKY MOUNTAINEER-VANCOUVER
Reboard the train and head through the ranchlands along the South Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell's Gate. Then, pass through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley, surrounded by the snowcapped Coast Mountains. Arrive in Vancouver at the Rocky Mountaineer Station in early evening and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 8 : VANCOUVER-VICTORIA
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver's Chinatown, Gastown, the beautiful beaches and harbor, and lovely STANLEY PARK. Afterward, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.

Day 9 : VICTORIA
Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, a whale-watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and fine shopping along Government Street. Why not join us for our evening optional excursion that includes a harbor cruise followed by dinner at one of Victoria's waterfront restaurants?

Day 10 VICTORIA-FERRY CROSSING-VANCOUVER.
Morning departure for Vancouver. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included.