Itinerary Details
Canadian Masterpiece With Rocky Mountaineer
Day 1: VANCOUVER Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
Once you get settled, perhaps head out and start exploring Vancouver, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Take a stroll along the waterfront or discover the city’s diverse dining scene with cuisines from around the world.
Day 2: VANCOUVER This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, the harbour, beaches, and other city landmarks. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Consider taking a water taxi to Granville Island home to a popular public market, street performers, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown, known for its Steam Clock, antique shops, and art galleries.
Day 3: VANCOUVER–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS Board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a two-day, all-daylight rail journey through some of western Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Travel through the Fraser and Thompson River canyons before arriving in Kamloops for the night. (B,L)
Day 4: KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–BANFF NATIONAL PARK Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer and continue your rail journey along Shuswap Lake, through the Columbia Mountains, and into the Canadian Rockies. Wind through the Spiral Tunnels while climbing Kicking Horse Pass, then cross the Continental Divide into Alberta. Enter Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, for a two-night stay. (B,L)
Day 5: BANFF NATIONAL PARK Join an orientation tour, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps hike one of the park’s many trails, stroll through the Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is also an excellent place for photography and wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot elk, deer, and bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. Perhaps take an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies for a bird’s-eye view of the mountain landscape. If you prefer to stay on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit gorgeous Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.
Day 6: BANFF NATIONAL PARK-LAKE LOUISE-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-JASPER NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a day of spectacular mountain scenery. First visit Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks. Then travel the Icefields Parkway for a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, where the ice measures up to 750 feet thick. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of Jasper. This afternoon, consider an optional scenic float trip on the Athabasca River.
Day 7: JASPER NATIONAL PARK-MOUNT ROBSON-SUN PEAKS Start your day with an optional cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island* where you’ll learn about the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Then travel to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue through British Columbia’s Fur Trade and Cariboo regions, with views of rugged mountain landscapes along the way. Watch for wildlife as you continue to Sun Peaks for an overnight stay.
*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 8: SUN PEAKS-LILLOOET-WHISTLER Head south, along the historic Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillooet, “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” follow Cayoosh Creek en route to the resort town of Whistler with an afternoon arrival and orientation tour.
Day 9: WHISTLER Today is free to explore Whistler. Choose an optional PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, featuring the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind. Or consider an optional excursion to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the history, art, and traditions of the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations.
*Operation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is seasonal and may not be available on early departures.
Day 10: WHISTLER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Set sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, sightseeing includes a visit to Butchart Gardens and its 55 acres of floral displays, as well as the Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, perhaps take a stroll along Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour.
Day 11: VICTORIA Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Victoria. Perhaps browse the shops on Government Street or enjoy lunch at one of Victoria’s many pubs. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing. Or choose an optional marine wildlife and whale watching expedition, cruising the waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands in search of whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
Day 12: VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING-VANCOUVER A scenic ferry crossing to the mainland, where your trip ends with guests departing on individual schedules. A transfer to Vancouver International Airport is included. Please schedule flights after 2:00 p.m. Or choose to extend your vacation with extra nights to explore Vancouver further.
