The Best of the Rockies by Rail: Western Canada's Splendor
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Overview
Highlights
- I like to spend much of the day exploring
- Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
- Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Hotel check-in starts at 3:00 pm.
Arrive in Calgary. Check into the Hotel. Program registration begins at 4:00 pm. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet ...
Getting on and off a motor coach. Walking approximately half a mile at the museum, and there will be periods of standing.
This morning’s presentation begins with a lighthearted introduction to Canada, its history and culture. We'll learn about who Canadians are ...
Getting on and off a motor coach. Several sets of stairs at the Cave and Basin Historic Site. Maximum elevation of Sulphur Mountain is 8,041 feet (2,451 m).
Learn about the history and geology of the Canadian Rockies from a geologist at the Cave and Basin Nation...
Walking up to two miles on well-maintained trails, paved paths, with some inclines.
Experience some of the foremost geological highlights of the Rockies on walking field trips at Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. Learn about the natural history of the area in trail...
Walking approximately half a mile at the museum with some periods of extended standing.
We’ll step into the 1931 home of artists and Whyte Museum founders, Peter and Catharine (Robb) Whyte, whose home illuminates their simple yet classic mountain style. Then jou...
Getting on and off a motorcoach. Stairs lead to the entrance of the Columbia Icefields Interpretive Centre. The remainder of the trip will be by motorcoach. Driving for about 160 miles (290 km) about 5 hours with stops along the way. The Ice Explorer will be driving a...
Walking up to two miles on paved and maintained trails.
This morning’s lecture will discuss the ecology of Jasper National Park. Join our expert naturalist on an exploration of the park, including Pyramid Lake, and Maligne Canyon where we’ll learn about its form...
Lengthy train travel day, 9.5 hours from Jasper to Kamloops. Pack everything you need including medications in a small bag (not to exceed 9" x 36" x 18" / 23 x 92 x 46 cms) to be stowed under your seat. Other luggage will be transferred to Kamloops hotel.
Board ...
Riding by train for 9.5 hours from Kamloops to Vancouver. Pack everything needed, including medications, in a small bag (not to exceed 9” x 36” x 18”/23cm x 92cm x 46cm) to be stowed under your seat. Other luggage will be transferred to the Vancouver hotel.
Jour...
Getting on and off a motor coach. Walking up to two miles.
Led by a local expert, enjoy a lecture focusing on the history and evolution of Vancouver into a modern and progressive city. We’ll explore Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, and False Creek as we travel ...
Walking up to two miles along city streets.
Explore Vancouver’s historic landmarks, architecture, and parks on a walking journey led by a local historian. Learn about the extraordinary evolution of the city as we traverse from downtown to the vibrant waterfront....
Hotel check-out is by 11:00 am.
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that p...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:
Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:
--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.
--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.
--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.
--Excellent value.
Explore Your Mind and the World:
There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.
Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Our Most Popular Tours:
Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.
Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.
Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.
National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.
Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.
Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.
Why Road Scholar?
You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."
Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.
Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.
Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.
Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.
You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."
We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.
Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.
Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.
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Logistics
- Number of Breakfast: 11
- Number of Lunch: 8
- Number of Dinner: 7
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