Compare Vancouver & the Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer 2021 by Tauck vs Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast 2022 End Seattle Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 Arrive Vancouver

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver. A transfer is included upon arrival from the Vancouver Airport to the Fairmont Waterfront. One of the most beautifully sited cities in North America, cosmopolitan Vancouver dazzles the eye wherever you look with views of the water, the mountains, and a glittering skyline. Your hotel is perfectly located to enjoy it all. Join us for our welcome reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Fairmont Waterfront

PORTOFCALL : Vancouver, Canada

Day 2 Discovering Vancouver By Land & Air

Home to an active cultural scene and abundant natural resources, Vancouver is a city steeped in pleasures. Thismorning, a floatplane ride from Coal Harbour takes you flightseeing for a completely different perspective on this city by the sea – and it’s just as scenic from the air. Continue on to Stanley Park, a stunning green oasis in the midst of the city, and enjoy lunch on your own at your choice of Granville Island’s tempting eateries. On a sightseeing tour this afternoon, enjoy a docent-led tour of the Bill Reid Gallery, a showcase for contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northwest Coast. One of Canada’s greatest artists, Bill Reid was an acclaimed Haida master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and writer, whose work is on display here. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Waterfront

PORTOFCALL : Vancouver, Canada

Day 3 All Aboard Rocky Mountaineer

Your awe-inspiring journey to the Canadian Rockies begins! Travel to the railway station for an early-morning send-off onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Relaxing in your GoldLeaf Service glass-dome coach, you will witness dramatic changes in scenery from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to British Columbia’s desert-like interior. One highlight of this leg of your trip is Hell’s Gate – rushing waters squeezing through an abrupt narrowing of the mighty Fraser River. In 1808, the explorer Simon Fraser described this whitewater chute as “a place where no human being should venture.” Your train rolls on to another highlight – and it’s quite a contrast: the landscape of steep slopes, rock sheds, and arid bluffs along the Thompson River. At the end of the day, Rocky Mountaineer glides along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Spend the night at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops

Day 4 Over the Continental Divide by Rail

Your journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer continues to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Prepare to be surrounded by dramatic scenery as your train follows the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Take in Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet (3,954 m.) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. See Pyramid Falls and climb over Yellowhead Pass. Your rail trip ends in the town of Jasper. Travel to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, your resort in the heart of the Jasper National Park, for a two-night stay.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Jasper National Park, Canada

Day 5 A Free Day in Jasper National Park

Wake up on the shore of Lac Beauvert in the remote wilderness of Jasper National Park, where you have the whole day to enjoy the activities and amenities offered at your lodge resort. You can go kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking... take a wildlife tour, play a round of golf, or relax in the spa (some activities are at additional cost).

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Jasper National Park, Canada

Day 6 The Spectacular Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise is among North America’s most stunning drives. Travel this roadway as it winds through snow-domed peaks past hanging glaciers – and make sure to keep watch for wandering elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears. At the Athabasca Glacier, board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a smooth, slow ride up this 7,200-ft.-high part of the Columbia Icefield. Your final destination today is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, set on the lake within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you’ll stay in a lake-view room tonight. Set your alarm to be sure to catch the sunrise from your window tomorrow morning!

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 7 A Morning at Lake Louise as you please

Watching the sun rise over the mountains and Lake Louise is truly a sight to behold – and an inspiring way to begin the day. The color of the lake is a turquoise blue that hardly seems real; the water contains light rock flour, made by the grinding of glaciers, which reflects the sunlight creating a color so beautiful you won’t want to look away. Spend the morning at leisure exploring your resort and the area’s walking and hiking trails. Canoeing is available (at an extra cost). This afternoon, enjoy a change of scenery and pace when you travel to your next accommodations, another historic Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel in Banff National Park; known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” Fairmont Banff Springs is a grand resort built in the style of a Scottish castle. Set on the Bow River, this landmark has welcomed nature lovers in style for 125+ years.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Banff Springs

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 8 A Bow River Valley Float Trip

Begin the day with a morning float trip* along the Bow River, a perfect way to take in the grandeur of the Rockies. Then spend the rest of the day as you wish. You can go into the town of Banff and discover that the town itself is filled with unique galleries to explore. For some amazing views, ride up into the mountains aboard the Banff Gondola. Your resort offers many activities (some available at additional cost); take a guided nature walk, book a treatment at the Willow Stream Spa, go horseback riding, play a round of golf, and more. Join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Banff Springs

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 9 Journey home

Tour ends: Calgary. Travel through the Canadian Rockies to Calgary International Airport this morning (approx. 80 miles) for your journey home. Fly home anytime after 12:00 noon. Direct flights to the US will clear US customs in Calgary. Allow two hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Calgary, Canada

Day 1: Welcome to Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver, a haven for sports enthusiasts and keen history buffs alike. This unique city offers something for everyone. From its striking mountains to the bustle of the city’s art and music scene, this British Columbia seaport does not disappoint. On arrival, your airport transfer will take you to your luxury hotel before you join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over wine.

Day 2: Cruise the Gulf Islands to Victoria

Embark on a tour of Vancouver, exploring Gastown and the famous totem poles in Stanley Park followed by a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon, board a ferry and sail through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island, an idyllic place known for its fishing and art communities. You'll end your day here, in British Columbia's stunning capital city, Victoria. Your hotel will be the Inn at Laurel Point, a modern waterfront venue with harbour views.

Day 3: Butchart Gardens

Start your day wandering through world renowned Butchart Gardens, a beautiful National Historic Site of Canada featuring groups of floral displays. Enjoy an immersive day exploring Canada's oldest Chinatown, the bustling Inner Harbour and stately Legislative Buildings. At night, choose from a selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening, where you’ll sit down and enjoy a hearty meal with striking views.

Day 4: Victoria to Chase, British Columbia

This morning, cruise back to the mainland and continue on your scenic journey through British Columbia to the Secwepemc Territory at Little Shuswap Lake close to Chase. Upon arrival, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness and partake in a Smudging Ceremony, a traditional spiritual ritual conducted by a member of the local Indigenous community. As you settle in at your lakeside lodge this evening, you'll enjoy a Dinner with Wine, featuring authentic regional flavours.

Day 5: The Alpine Wonderland of Jasper National Park

After breakfast this morning, your journey takes you along the legendary Yellowhead Highway towards Jasper National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, a stop will be made at the Mount Robson Visitor Center in Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system and truly one of the world’s crown jewels. Enjoy the best views of Mount Robson, which at 12,972 ft (3,954 metres) is the most prominent mountain in North America's Rocky Mountain range and also the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the wonderland of Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, rugged glaciers, colourful meadows, and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper and the Columbia Icefield

Start the day with an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Then, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of iconic Maligne Lake, one of the jewels of the Canadian Rockies (please note that this activity is seasonal and subject to closure as the lake may be frozen). Stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies. Start your journey along the majestic Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most stunning mountain drives. Travel along the majestic Icefields Parkway and arrive at the Columbia Icefield for your stay at the just opened Glacier View Lodge, the first and only glacier-view resort in Canada. After a welcome reception in the Moraine Lounge,venture onto the amazing Glacier Skywalk where you will be treated to an after-hours, private guided tour of the cliff-edged, glass-floored walkway.After enjoying a gourmet dinner with wine, you can step out onto the Viewing Deck, stargaze marveling at the dark night sky, relax with a drink in the library, or hang out inside the Moraine Lounge with games and live entertainment.

Day 7: Icefields, Glaciers and Lakes to Banff National Park

Following a hearty breakfast, your Local Expert will escort you to a special before-hours glacier tour. Venture out onto Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer. Then, join your guide for a stroll atop the ice and discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier. Learn about the history and geology of the region, and enjoy a warm beverage out on the glacier itself. After this morning's icy adventure, continue south to Lake Louise and admire it's blue waters and Victoria Glacier. Journey on to the resort town of Banff, your home for the next two nights. This evening, dine in town and unwind in your stunning natural surroundings.

Day 8: The Unspoiled Wilderness of Banff National Park Relaxed Start

Today is yours to spend exploring the rugged charms of the park. Choose from several optional experiences, including a once in a lifetime helicopter flight over the magnificent Canadian Rockies, or a ride onboard the Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway that can take you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Day 9: Buffalo and Glacier National Park

From craggy plains to mountainous landscapes, you’ll cross the U.S. border into Montana and end your day at Many Glacier Hotel, a charming property situated in the heart of Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is an American national park located in northwestern Montana, on the Canada–United States border, adjacent to the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The park encompasses over 1 million acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 square miles.

Day 10: Going-to-the-Sun and Glacier National Park

Today, board a private Red Jammer bus to cruise along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in style. During your narrated trip you'll witness stunning views from Logan Pass and the marvels of the park's wild interior. Disembark and end your day at Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Rest up in a classic Swiss-chalet-style lodge with spectacular mountain views.

Day 11: Lake Coeur d'Alene and Spokane

Today you'll continue on to the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, one of America's most beautiful lakes, and arrive in Spokane to stay at The Historic Davenport, Autograph Collection hotel.This is Washington State's grandest hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has welcomed a number of famous faces including Amelia Earhart and Clark Gable.

Day 12: Wonderful Wines en route to Seattle

Wine connoisseurs rejoice. Today you'll head through the wide, endless horizons of the wine-producing area of Washington State. This afternoon, enjoy a tasting of local wines at your Highlight Lunch, focusing on fresh, local and artisanal ingredients. Then it's on to Seattle for an evening at leisure at your hotel.

Day 13: The Soaring Sights of Seattle

Enjoy an Insight Choice today. Either head to the Space Needle, with its jaw-dropping panoramic views of the unique skyline or the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. You'll also see Puget Sound, Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, where you should watch out for flying fish. The afternoon is yours at leisure and you'll find activities, restaurants and shops aplenty. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner with wine at Ivar's Acres of Clams. Here you'll find the Northwest's best dining, as you take in the views on Seattle's waterfront.

Day 14: Depart Seattle

It’s time to say goodbye to the Emerald City as your trip comes to an end. An included transfer will take you to Seattle SeaTac International Airport.