A Canadian Rockies Adventure

8 days
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3/5 Average
2 reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
Group Tour
Experience some of North America’s most stunning scenery on this popular epic journey.
From$7,395
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Vancouver: Enjoy a full day in this cosmopolitan city and explore many of its treasures.
    • The Rocky Mountaineer: View coastal forests, roaring river canyons, and snowcapped mountain ranges from the comfort of the train’s observation car and lounge.
    • Jasper National Park (est. 1907): Explore the park for a full day and take a cruise on Maligne Lake, one of the largest glacier-fed lakes in the world. Travel along the Icefields Parkway, where wildlife such as grizzly bear, moose, elk, and mountain goat are easily spotted.
    • Banff National Park

What's this trip about?

    Experience some of North America’s most stunning scenery on this popular epic journey.

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Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeGroup - max of 38 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityVancouver
End CityCalgary

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • North America
  • Canada

Attractions

  • Banff National Park
  • Jasper
  • Jasper National Park
  • Lake Louise
  • Vancouver
  • Whyte Museum

Activities

  • Culture
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Expertise of a Study Leader, Tour Manager, and local guides throughout the tour.
    • All accommodations (based on double occupancy).
    • Meals, including special welcome and farewell dinner as noted in the itinerary.
    • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary.
    • Transfer from Banff to Calgary International Airport at the program conclusion.
    • Baggage handling for one bag plus one carry-on bag per person while on tour.
    • Gratuities to all train staff, local guides and motor coach drivers.
    • All on-tour transportation

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver

Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Vancouver by midafternoon. Check in to the hotel, then gather with fellow traveler and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a welcome reception and opening remarks on your adventure. A group dinner will follow.

Westin Grand Vancouver

Day 2: Vancouver

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This morning, take time to enjoy downtown Vancouver at leisure, followed by a tour of the city. Stop at Stanley Park, a Pacific Northwest rain forest and oasis in the city. Take in scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and m...

Day 3: The Rocky Mountaineer

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Kamloops

On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast...

Day 4: The Rocky Mountaineer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Step back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for breakfast, and prepare to enjoy the second half of your journey by rail into the Canadian wilderness, following the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. T...

Day 5: Jasper

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast depart to explore Jasper National Park. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on one of the largest glacier-fed lakes in the world, Maligne Lake. Marvel at the snowcapped peaks, which cast themselves brilliantly across the water...

Day 6: Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Board your private motor coach for the drive south through Jasper National Park with its spectacular scenery along the Icefields Parkway to Banff National Park. A naturalist joins us for narration while you look for wildlife ...

Day 8: Calgary / Depart

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart by motor coach for Calgary International Airport for flights home. Participants should schedule their departing flights for after 1:00 this afternoon.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,395
Price per day$924
Single supplement (single occupancy)$900
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Smithsonian Journeys.

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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Smithsonian Journeys marks its 45th anniversary in 2015! We, along with our travelers, continue to be inspired by the Smithsonian’s mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” This dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to develop authentic and exceptional cultural experiences.

Since 1970, our collection of diverse tours and cruises has grown to more than 150 destinations on all seven continents. From a stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama during a small-ship cruise to touring the sublime collections of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence when the museum is closed to the public from witnessing an infinite array of celestial phenomena during a hands-on telescope viewing at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Arizona to exclusive meetings with top mystery writers in England. Smithsonian Journeys is the enduring leader in cultural and enrichment travel.

It is through our knowledgeable and charismatic Smithsonian Journeys Experts, our dedicated tour staff, and carefully selected travel partners, who combine their expertise, unflagging care, and detailed planning skills, that we are able to create such exceptional travel experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to the years ahead and thank you for being part of our journey!

The Smithsonian Journeys Difference

Inspiring generations through learning and discovery, the Smithsonian museums have exhilarated visitors with unique and authentic experiences for more than 160 years. This same sense of awe and wonder can be yours, anywhere you travel in the world with Smithsonian Journeys. So let Smithsonian be your compass and help get you started on your exploration.

Preserving our National Treasures: Like the Institution, our tours enrich our guests’ lives and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. Your participation benefits the work of the Smithsonian’s nineteen museums, national zoo, and nine research centers, helping to preserve national treasures and shape the future through science, research, and exhibitions.

Bringing Your Destination to Life: When you travel with Smithsonian, you will explore the world with experts who are masters at bringing your destination to life. These inspiring scholars are compelling storytellers and charming travel companions, who will enrich your travel experience in a unique and personal way.

Behind-the-Scenes Access: From people to places, our Smithsonian connections provide you with behind-the-scenes access to iconic sites, knowledgeable guides, local experts, and exclusive events all over the world, adding even more meaning and authenticity to your travel experience.

Travel with New Friends: On any given trip, you will be sure to forge lasting friendships with like-minded travelers who share your passion for exploration. Our small groups deliver an intimate journey and you’ll never feel herded or rushed.

We Know Where to Take You: From unique lodgings in far-flung regions and charming hotels in well-traveled places to the ideal cruise ship or train experience, you’ll always travel in comfort and style, and enjoy authentic cuisine that reflects the local culture.

We've Got Everything Covered: When you travel with Smithsonian, there is no need for exhaustive planning or worrying about travel logistics. Our first-rate staff meticulously manages every aspect of each trip to ensure the highest quality and provide you with comfortable, stress-free travel.

Discover Real Value: Once you add up the extras we include as a matter of course—experts, meals, transfers, excursions, little luxuries, and even airfare inclusive pricing on many tours—you’ll know you’re getting more than you pay for. That’s what we call real value!

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Passport fees.
    • Transfer to Vancouver and the hotel on day of arrival.
    • Personal items such as wines, liquors, a-la-carte orders, meals other than specified.
    • Expenses incurred in making travel arrangements to arrival city and from departure city and in conjunction with the tour.
    • Airfare as well as air and international departure taxes.

Accommodation

,Westin Grand Vancouver Vancouver, Canada Located in the heart of one of British Columbia’s most exciting cities, the all-suite Westin Grand, Vancouver boasts easy access to all of the city's best shopping, restaurants and attractions. The hotel offers a tranquil oasis amid the thriving, coastal city of Vancouver, BC. Explore one of British Columbia's most exciting cities and enjoy complete renewal in our Vancouver accommodation, where soothing amenities including the refreshing Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®, deep-soaker tubs and picturesque windows highlighting cityscapes or mountain views that encourage you to relax and unwind. Number of nights: 2 Mount Robson Inn Jasper, Alberta, Canada Set amidst spectacular mountain ranges in the charming town of Jasper, Alberta, the Mount Robson Inn is five blocks walk to downtown. Jasper is the known as the gentle giant of the Canadian Rockies, offering visitors a more laid-back mountain experience with equal options for adventure, discovery and relaxation. Jasper Alberta is a popular getaway from urban life, and a special place to connect with nature. With nearly 1000km of trails, alpine slopes to shred, wildlife beyond measure and the largest Dark Sky Preserve on the planet, there are endless ways to enjoy the magic of Jasper National Park. The hotel's rooms are recently updated and well-appointed with pillow top mattresses, fridges, microwaves and high speed Internet. Number of nights: 2 Mountaineer Lodge Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada Lake Louise evokes images of majestic wilderness, rugged mountain skylines, pristine turquoise lakes and epic adventures. It is a special place in Banff National Park to connect with nature and the Canadian Rockies landscapes year round. One turn off the Trans Canada Highway into Lake Louise and you will find the Mountaineer Lodge nestled amongst towering pine trees. One of the features that our guests enjoy most about the Mountaineer Lodge is its central location in the village of Lake Louise, Alberta. From the doorstep of our Lake Louise hotel it is only a five minute drive to the shoreline of Lake Louise or a five minute drive to the Lake Louise Ski Area.  Local restaurants and shops are just a short stroll away. Number of nights: 2 Train: Rocky Mountaineer Experience the thrilling adventure of rail travel as you take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies during two incredible days on the Rocky Mountaineer. Recline in your dome car reserved seat for an adventure beyond compare. Step onto covered vestibules, breathe the fresh mountain air, and get that perfect picture of this inspiring landscape. Sit down at your reserved table and indulge in delectable gourmet meals from the à la carte menu. Enjoy narration on all the fantastic sites you’ll see as you make your way along this historic route.
Guides
Frank Ackerman Frank Ackerman began his 32 years career with the National Park Service as a Park Ranger at Dinosaur National Park. He continued his ranger duties at Death Valley National Park before completing his career at Cape Cod National Seashore as Chief of Interpretation. Upon retirement he was invited to join the staff of Amtrak’s Adirondack and Vermonter trains as their on-board lecturer. But he missed the west and after a time returned to Nevada to become the Curator of Education at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Located in Carson City, the museum preserves the railroad heritage of Nevada, including locomotives and cars of the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Much of the museum equipment was obtained from Hollywood studios, where they were often featured in movies and television. Frank looks forward to joining you for this adventure through these dramatic and diverse landscapes of Colorado and sharing with you the incredible history of these historic railways.
Cancellation policy

Per person cancellation fees are based on date of notice to Smithsonian Journeys.

Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full refund.

Cancellations after 7 days of booking: $800 retained (entire deposit).

Final payment due: 95 days prior to departure.

Cancellations made less than 95 days prior to departure: no refund.

Cancellation by the Smithsonian: full refund.

No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunch and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
smiths-CanRocSmi

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