Compare Wonders of Western Canada by train by Audley Travel vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Option, Classic Group With Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Duration | 11 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,074 | $ 5,537 |
| Price Per Day | $ 370 | $ 615 |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Bear watching in coastal rainforests, glacier-strewn mountains, chasing the northern lights… On a tailor-made holiday to Canada with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Canada specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
Take a spectacular guided tour to the Rocky Mountains and witness Alberta’s breath-taking wilderness. Discover the natural wonders of Banff National Park, the grand Columbia Icefield as well as the Jasper National Park. Glorious views, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and outstanding activities ensure a sensational trip to one of the most beautiful corners of the world. |
Day 1 : Edmonton
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Edmonton. On arrival in Edmonton, make your own way to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax after your flight and explore the city.
Day 2 : Jasper
Make your own way to the station for your early morning train journey to Jasper. You'll travel through Alberta's flat prairies and into the magnificent Rocky Mountains, weaving your way around snowy peaks to Jasper National Park. We've booked a private cabin for you, which also includes access to the train's glass-domed observation carriage.On arrival in Jasper this afternoon, make your own way to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day at leisure to start explore Jasper and its surrounds.
Day 3 : Jasper
Meet your guide this morning in Jasper and enjoy a guided interpretive hike to beautiful Maligne Canyon. You'll learn about the region's flora, fauna and geology as you walk along the canyon rim with your guide. Transport to and from Jasper is included and there is often ample opportunity to spot elk, moose and bears on this scenic drive. Returning to Jasper, you'll have the afternoon to continue exploring under your own steam.
Day 4 : Jasper
You'll be collected from your hotel this morning as you embark on a full day guided tour along the Icefields Parkway: one of the world's most spectacular scenic highways. On this trip you will stop at Athabasca and Sunapta Falls, and plenty of other scenic viewpoints along the way. At the Columbia Icefield you will have time, if you wish, to take the Ice Explorer bus onto the glacier (not included), before returning to Jasper at the end of the day.
Day 5 : Jasper
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Jasper: you might like to explore one of the scenic walking trails that cross the park, take in spectacular alpine vistas on the Jasper Sky Tram, or float along the Athabasca River by raft or canoe.
Day 6 : Jasper
After a morning at leisure in Jasper, make your own way to the train station for your onward journey to Vancouver. You'll spend the night on the train, and for your comfort we've included a private berth for you, which also allows access to the train's glass-domed observation car.
Day 7 : Vancouver
You'll arrive in Vancouver this morning; after making your own way to your hotel, enjoy a full afternoon at leisure in this cosmopolitan city. You might like to visit Stanley Park and see its impressive collection of totem poles, or wander through the vibrant Granville Island Market.
Day 8 : Vancouver
Vancouver's burgeoning foodie culture is renowned across Canada and today you'll sample some of the best of the city's cuisine on a gourmet food tasting tour. Your guide will explain more about Vancouver's history and culture as you stop at five of the city's award-winning restaurants. You'll have the rest of the day at leisure to continue exploring Vancouver under your own steam.
Day 9 : Vancouver
You'll be met at your hotel this morning and transferred to Vancouver's seaplane terminal, where you'll enjoy a spectacular half hour flight over the city and Gulf Islands to Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. Once in Victoria, you'll be taken to beautiful Butchart Gardens and have some free time to explore Victoria's quaint Inner Harbour, before returning to Vancouver at the end of the day.
Day 10 : International return flight
Make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Day 11 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: Welcome to Banff
After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Exploring Banff
Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.
Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start
Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start
Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.
Day 5: Glacier Adventure
Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.
Day 6: Exploring Jasper
Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start
Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8: Board the Rocky Mountaineer
This morning, start your spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Journey and get transferred back to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey on this luxurious train begins westward bound through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades experience, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food as you indulge in this unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that make up the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. This evening you will disembark in Kamloops where you will overnight at your inviting hotel.
Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey
Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. Airport arrival time is between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
