Compare Essential Canadian Rockies from Vancouver by Brewster Travel Canada vs Canadian Rockies by Train by Tours of Distinction
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
2.5 | Disappointing
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 5 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,729 | $ 3,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 546 | $ 529 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Retreats | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners |
| Description |
This adventure travels by luxury sightseeing motor coach and daylight train between Western Canada's two major cities: Vancouver and Calgary. The metropolitan city of Vancouver, offers up views of the Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountains, and an eclectic art and cultural scene. Board the Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train headed east, with an overnight in Kamloops. This two-day rail journey offers informative commentary and unbeatable views from your comfortable seat. All meals are included on the train. Arriving in Jasper, prepare to be amazed by spectacular scenery and glimpses of wildlife. Continue on to Jasper National Park and the famous Icefields Parkway, with a stop at the Columbia Icefield. Venture out onto the Athabasca glacier in an all-terrain Ice Explorer. Next up is the Glacier Skywalk interpretive centre, featuring fascinating views from a glass walkway perched high above a natural mountain ecosystem. Continue to Banff, and explore this unique alpine townsite, home of Canada's first National Park. Conclude with a scenic drive through rolling foothills and golden prairies to Calgary. |
A leisurely journey that traverses the dramatic beauty of the Canadian Rockies – tour snow covered mountain peaks glisten amid glacier blue lakes where ever present wildlife roams free. Ride a “snow coach” to a glacier, cruise on a crystal clear lake, and take a quiet water raft trip to watch the pristine landscape glide by. Alpine villages, ice-fields, pounding waterfalls, and the great outdoors… await. |
DAY 1 – Arriving in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver, a modern city set on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Explore the landmark sights of this spectacular location including the historic architecture of Gastown, and the 1,000-acre urban rainforest at Stanley Park. Browse through artisan food and crafts at Granville Island Market, and take a stroll along the seawall for sweeping views of the harbour and Coast Mountain Range.
DAYS 2 & 3 – 'Rocky Mountaineer' to Kamloops and Jasper
All aboard the 'Rocky Mountaineer' for a two-day rail adventure. Enjoy picturesque views as the Rocky Mountaineer travels through the Pacific Coastal Mountains and Hell's Gate Canyon to Kamloops. After an overnight stay in Kamloops, continue west toward Jasper National Park. Travel through the spectacular Monashee and Cariboo mountain ranges. Look way up at the towering pinnacle of Mount Robson. Delicious meals and snacks are served on a board, with uninterrupted views steadily streaming by your large picture window. Upon arrival in Jasper, enjoy an evening at leisure in this eclectic mountain town.
DAY 4 – Jasper to Banff
Today, travel the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff, known as Canada’s most scenic mountain roadway. This route is home to over one hundred visible glaciers, turquoise lakes and rushing waterfalls. At the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, ride an all-terrain Ice Explorer onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. After a stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk, continue along the Bow Valley Corridor to the resort town of Banff.
DAY 5 – Banff to Calgary
The morning is yours to explore this beautiful mountain town. An afternoon departure from Banff travels through the foothills and ranching country of Alberta to the Calgary Airport.
Essential Canadian Rockies is also available from Calgary, Alberta.
Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver, Canada
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for an overnight stay, then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Vancouver - Kamloops, BC
We begin our day with a city tour of Vancouver which includes the beautiful Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown including the world famous steam-powered clock, the 2010 Olympic torch and village. In the Afternoon we journey to Kamloops, BC and check into our hotel for the night. (B, D)
Day 3 - Rocky Mountains
This morning its all-aboard VIA Rail Canada as we depart Kamloops bound for Jasper. Our relaxing daytime journey will take us past snowcapped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and perfectly pristine Canadian wilderness, “oh what a journey!” Our train arrives in Jasper late afternoon, we check in our hotel for a two night stay. (B, D)
Day 4 - Jasper
Oh! What a day we have today! To start- we begin with a very mild float/rafting tour on the Athabasca River, the same route once used by “Fur Traders” years ago. Our adventure continues, this afternoon as we take a walk into Maligne Canyon to enjoy its natural beauty. Then it’s on to Maligne Lake for a relaxing cruise and a brief stop at “Sprite Island”. This evening after dinner we embark on a wildlife safari in search of Moose, Bear and Caribou. (B,D)
Day 5 - Jasper - Banff, AB
Our journey today will take us south on the Columbia Icefields Parkway…with snowcapped mountains and rushing rivers, impressive cliffs – this is truly one of Canada’s most scenic motorways. We stop at Athabasca Falls to wonder at the sheer beauty and power. Then we to board our special “snowcoach” for a ride onto the glacier where you will be able to get out and walk around atop a glacier. After our snow coach ride we continue on the Icefields Parkway always being on the lookout for wildlife as we make our way to visit Bow Falls and Peyto Lake. Today’s journey ends as we check into our hotel for a 2-night stay. (B)
Day 6 - Banff
Banff and the best of Yoho National Park . Today we will visit Moraine and Emerald Lakes both beautiful and different. We take a walk to the Lower Johnson Canyon Waterfall - what a sight! No visit would be complete without a stop at Lake Louise where we will have the opportunity to walk the paved path along the edge of the lake, relax on one of the many benches and savior the peaceful beauty. Return to Banff by mid-afternoon remainder of the day to explore on your own. This evening we gather for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 7 - Depart Banff
Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we transfer to Calgary Airport for our homebound flight. The tour is over but the memories are yours to keep! (B)
