Itinerary

Day 1:
Vancouver. Welcome to Vancouver! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. (WR)

Day 2:
Vancouver. This morning’s city tour of Vancouver includes the harbor area, Chinatown, and Stanley Park. Balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional excursion to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and take a tram ride up Grouse Mountain, rent a bike and ride around the seawall of Stanley Park, or explore the Museum of Anthropology. For shoppers and browsers, take a water taxi to Granville Island or visit historic Gastown. (B)

Day 3:
Vancouver–Rocky Mountaineer®–Kamloops. Arrive at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station and board your ROCKY MOUNTAINEER train for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies. Travel through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley surrounded by the snowcapped Coast Mountains toward Fraser Canyon. Continue through the raging turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate as you journey along the South Thompson River, eventually reaching your overnight destination of Kamloops. Tonight, consider joining an optional dinner outing to Two River Junction to experience frontier dining. (B,L)

Note: Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2- or 3-star hotels or motor inns. The city does not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; however, you can rest assured that it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Jasper. Checked luggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items (GoldLeaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their Kamloops hotel).

Day 4:
Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Jasper. Today, follow the route of the “Overlanders” while enjoying spectacular vistas of the Monashee Mountains and Albreda Icefields. With a clear day, you’ll see soaring Mount Robson in its pristine setting. Your hotel for the next two nights is Jasper Park Lodge. Set deep in the Canadian Rockies, the charming cabins and rugged elegance of Jasper Park Lodge make it the embodiment of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty. With one of the world’s finest golf courses, spectacular outdoor adventure opportunities, gracious hospitality, and fine cuisine, Jasper Park Lodge is the ideal vacation spot. (B,L)

Day 5:
Jasper. Excursion to Maligne Lake. This morning, enjoy an excursion to Maligne Lake for a fully narrated cruise to Spirit Island. After your cruise, the balance of the day is at leisure. Maybe take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park. Your worldclass resort offers all kinds of things to do. Play golf on one of the top-rated courses in North America or stroll the streets of Jasper with its array of specialty stores. (B,D)

Day 6:
Jasper–Columbia Icefield–Lake Louise. Follow the Icefields Parkway and head for Banff National Park. While en route see Athabasca Falls, then get ready for one of the trip’s highlights: a stop at the 1,000-footthick Columbia Icefield for a memorable ride on an ICE EXPLORER. See beautiful Peyto and Moraine Lakes, and savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glacier masses. Arrive in Lake Louise, your resort destination. Your hotel tonight is the famous Chateau Lake Louise. Situated in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings, Chateau Lake Louise evokes a sense of timeless beauty, warmth, intimacy, comfort, and Old-World charm. Resting next to majestic mountains soaring skyward and the vibrant blues and greens of glacier-fed Lake Louise, the resort affords incredible opportunities for sightseeing, recreation, photography, shopping, and dining. (B,D)

Day 7:
Lake Louise–Banff. This morning, enjoy sightseeing in BANFF AND YOHO NATIONAL PARKS, including the Natural Bridge spanning Kicking Horse River and Emerald Lake. Arrive in Banff with the balance of the day at leisure. Your hotel for the next two nights is the Banff Springs Hotel. Few hotels in the world rival the majesty, hospitality, and scenery of the Banff Springs Hotel. With its unique blend of opulence and seclusion, it’s been a symbol of the Canadian Rockies for more than a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, a world-class European-style spa, and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness. (B,D)

Day 8:
Banff National Park. Enjoy sightseeing with a ride on the BANFF GONDOLA up Sulphur Mountain, and stops at the Hoodoos along the Bow River and at Bow Falls. Afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take advantage of an optional helicopter flightseeing trip featuring dramatic aerial views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff. Others may wish to stroll the colorful streets of Banff or fish for trout on Lake Minnewanka. (B)

Day 9:
Banff–Calgary. This morning, travel to Calgary and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Calgary’s major sights, including Stampede Park and Saddledome Stadium, and visit FORT CALGARY. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special Globus Farewell Celebrat ion Dinner, the perfect finale for your vacation. A special treat is in store tonight, as you’ll be entertained by one of Western Canada’s most popular cowboy poets, Doris Daley. Charm, humor, laughter, fun, and smiles fill the evening. (B,D)

Day 10:
Calgary. The vacation ends after breakfast this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Calgary
 

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Vancouver, BC. (Tue.) Welcome to Vancouver, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies! Tonight you are the guest of your Tour Director at a WELCOME RECEPTION. This is an opportunity to get to know your traveling companions and prepare for your Canadian Rockies journey. (WR)

Day 2:
Vancouver. (Wed.) This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The remainder of the day is free to explore Vancouver’s many attractions at your leisure. (B)

Day 3:
Vancouver–Rocky Mountaineer®–Kamloops. (Thu.) At Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and a show at Two River Junction. (B,L)

Note:
Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2- or 3-star hotels or motor inns. The city does not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; however, you can rest assured it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Banff. Checked luggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items (Goldleaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their Kamloops hotel).

Day 4:
Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Banff. (Fri.) Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. The Kicking Horse River leads to passes over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park. (B,L)

Day 5:
Banff. Choose Your Experience. (Sat.) Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff-Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. Later, enjoy your choice of activities! A GLOBUS PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE, you choose how to spend your afternoon. Take a leisurely NATURE WALK in Sunshine Meadows with a picnic lunch or enjoy AFTERNON TEA at the Banff Springs Hotel. (B,D)

Day 6:
Banff–Lake Louise. (Sun.) En route to Lake Louise today we’ll take a side trip to see one of the crown jewels of the Rockies—Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Later, we arrive at enchanting Lake Louise. After we have checked into our rooms at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the rest of the afternoon is free to fully enjoy the beauty, romance, and serenity of this world-famous location. (B,D)

Day 7:
Lake Louise–Icefields Parkway–Jasper. (Mon.) Travel the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers, to Jasper National Park. View sapphire Peyto Lake and thundering Athabasca Falls, and ride an exciting “Ice Explorer” on the 1,000-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. (B,D)

Day 8:
Jasper–Sun Peaks. (Tue.) Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway along the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. This is the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson’s Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to their headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. (B,D)

Day 9:
Sun Peaks–Whistler. (Wed.) A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler—one of Canada’s newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics—and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler. (B,D)

Day 10:
Whistler–Victoria. (Thu.) This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CEN TRE , dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC Ferry for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British “Garden City” of Victoria. En route, visit the world-famous BUTCHART GARDEN S. This estate offers more than 700 varieties of flowers on 130 acres and includes Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this harbor city. (B)

Day 11:
Victoria. Choose Your Experience. (Fri.) Today, discover British Columbia’s capital with a city highlights tour. Later, enjoy another choice of included activities! Enjoy traditional HIGH TEA at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel, or for the more adventurous, choose the WHALE-WATCHING excursion from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This afternoon is at leisure to do as you please. Perhaps stroll around the Parliament buildings or shop the many stores this charming city has to offer. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a festive FARE WELL DINER . (B,D)

Day 12:
Victoria–Vancouver. (Sat.) This morning, travel via BC Ferry through the Gulf Islands back to the British Columbia mainland for a transfer to the Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2 p.m. (B)

Dates & Prices

VANCOUVER:
Guided sightseeing, Welcome reception

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER®:
2-day scenic train trip. Red Leaf service on Rocky Mountaineer

BANFF AND JASPER NATIONAL PARKS:
A “Choose Your Experience” activity

ATHABASCA GLACIER:
Experience Columbia Ice Fields “Ice Explorer” Glacier Tour

WHISTLER:
Squamish Lil’ Wat Cultural Centre

VICTORIA:
Guided sightseeing, including world-famous Butchart Gardens, a “Choose Your Experience” activity; Farewell Dinner

NOTE
Operated with Brennan Vacations
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Vancouver, BC. (Sat.) Your Western Canadian Rail vacation begins this evening with a Welcome recept ion hosted by your Tour Director. (WR)

Day 2:
Vancouver–Rocky Mountaineer®–Kamloops. (Sun.) At Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the Rocky Mounta ineer. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and a show at Two River Junction. (B,L)

Note:
Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2- or 3-star hotels or motor inns. The city does not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; however, you can rest assured it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Banff. Checked luggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items (Goldleaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their Kamloops hotel).

Day 3:
Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Banff. (Mon.) Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. The Kicking Horse River leads to passes over the Continental Divide to Banff National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Banff. Lake Louise Excursion. (Tue.) Tour the highlights of Banff, then travel north to two of the crown jewels of the Rockies: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. (B,L)

Day 5:
Banff–Icefields Parkway–Jasper. (Wed.) Today, travel north on the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, where snow-domed peaks, waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife compete for your attention. Experience an “Ice Explorer” ride on the gigantic Athabasca Glacier, then continue past thundering Athabasca Falls en route to Jasper. (B,D)

Day 6:
Jasper. Choose Your Experience. (Thu.) This morning, enjoy an included CRUISE to Spirit Island on nearby Maligne Lake. A GLOBUS PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE, you select how you wish to spend your afternoon. Choose between a FLOAT TRIP on the scenic Athabasca River or a guided NATURE WALK to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna. (B)

Day 7:
Jasper–Mount Robson–Prince George. (Fri.) This morning is at leisure to explore more of Jasper. We depart for Prince George following the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, peaking at 12,972 feet. Then it’s on to Prince George, formerly a fur-trading post and now a thriving commercial center. (B,D)

Day 8:
Prince George–VIA Rail’s The Skeena–Prince Rupert. (Sat.) Your rail journey takes you along the Skeena River Valley. Enjoy at-your-seat meal service and large reclining seats as scenic highlights along the route roll by. Bald eagles, black bears, moose, and other wildlife are often spotted from the train in this remote and beautiful area. Arrive in Prince Rupert this evening for a 2-night stay. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Prince Rupert. (Sun.) This morning, take time to experience Prince Rupert. The city, which is located on Kaien Island just 140 miles south of Ketchikan, Alaska, is surrounded by huge forest-covered hills. Learn about the canning industry at the NORTHERN PACIFIC CANNERY VILLAGE MUSEUM. Later this afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. (B,D)

Day 10:
Prince Rupert–BC Ferry–Port Hardy. (Mon.) Depart Prince Rupert and cruise southward aboard a BC FERRY through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage, a natural marine highway. This 15-hour journey takes you past spectacular coastal rainforests and majestic coastal mountains. Marine life is abundant in this area. Watch for humpback whales, porpoises, and sea lions. The ship offers open-air decks for sunning and viewing. You will arrive in Port Hardy this evening around 10:30 p.m. (B)

Day 11:
Port Hardy–Victoria. (Tue.) Travel south by motorcoach along the entire length of Vancouver Island to the charming British “Garden City” of Victoria. (B)

Day 12:
Victoria. (Wed.) Victoria sightseeing includes a visit to the world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, whose 130-acre estate boasts Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER. (B,D)

Day 13:
Victoria–Vancouver. (Thu.) This morning, travel via BC Ferry through the Gulf Islands back to the British Columbia mainland for a transfer to Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2 p.m. (B)

Dates & Prices

VANCOUVER:
Welcome reception

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER®:
2-day scenic train trip

BANFF AND JASPER NATIONAL PARK:
A “Choose Your Experience” activity

ATHABASCA GLACIER:
Experience Columbia Ice Fields “Ice Explorer” Glacier Tour

LAKE LOUISE:
Enjoy lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

VIA RAIL:
Train journey on The Skeena

PRINCE RUPERT:
Guided sightseeing, visit Northern Pacific Cannery Museum

INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE:
Scenic cruise on BC Ferry

VICTORIA:
Guided sightseeing including world-famous Butchart Gardens; Farewell Dinner

NOTE
Operated with Brennan Vacations
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Calgary. Welcome to Calgary! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2:
Calgary–Banff. Begin your morning with a journey to the top of CALGARY TOWER for a special breakfast and beautiful 360-degree views of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. Continue on a morning tour to see Calgary’s major sights, including Stampede Park and Saddledome Stadium, and visit FORT CALGARY. Then enter the scenic heart of the Canadian Rockies—BANFF NATIONAL PARK, Canada’s oldest national park. Afternoon sightseeing includes a ride on the BANFF GONDOLA up Sulphur Mountain, with stops at the Hoodoos along the Bow River and at Bow Falls. (B,D)

Day 3:
At Leisure in Banff National Park. A free day at leisure to enjoy the tranquil setting of this resort renowned for its majestic mountains. You may wish to sign up for the float trip down the Bow River, play golf, shop, hike the wilderness trails, or explore some of the local historic attractions and museums. (B)

Day 4:
Banff–Lake Louise. Fabulous scenery with lots of photo stops en route to Lake Louise. See the Natural Bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River, Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, and Moraine Lake. Overnight accommodations are at the famous Chateau Lake Louise, which is located on the shoreline of the lake. (B,D)

Day 5:
Lake Louise–Columbia Icefield–Jasper. Follow the Icefields Parkway and head for JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Scale Bow Pass with splendid views of Peyto Lake. Then climb Sunwapta Pass for stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers. Next is the highlight of the day: stop at the 1,000-foot-thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE EXPLORER RIDE. See Athabasca Falls before reaching the resort village of Jasper by mid afternoon. Time this afternoon for an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. (B,D)

Day 6:
Jasper–Mount Robson–108 Mile Ranch. This morning, enjoy an excursion to Maligne Lake with a fully narrated cruise of the glacial lake. Head back into British Columbia by way of the base of soaring Mount Robson. Then descend the Yellowhead Highway hugging the North Thompson River—a route pioneered by fur trappers a century ago. On to 108 Mile Ranch, the historic boom town in the Cariboo gold fields. (B,D)

Day 7:
108 Mile Ranch–Whistler. Journey south today through the heart of the Gold Rush Trail and magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Arrive at Canada’s premier alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain. Balance of the day at leisure, or you may join an optional flightseeing tour highlighting the surrounding icecaps. (B)

Day 8:
Whistler–Victoria. Head for Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry over to Vancouver Island. After disembarking at Nanaimo, take a scenic drive south to Victoria. Major attractions on your orientation tour include the gardens of Beacon Hill Park, the Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. (B)

Day 9:
Victoria. Full day is free for independent sightseeing and shopping. Your Tour Director suggests an optional wildlife and whale-watching trip. For shoppers, Government Street’s elegant shops and Market Square, with its collection of specialty stores, would be good places to start. History buffs should be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. (B)

Day 10:
Victoria–Gulf Islands–Vancouver. This morning, visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS. Then board your ferry for a cruise though the narrow waterways of the Gulf Islands back to the Canadian mainland. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Vancouver, including Stanley Park and its famous totem poles. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER at CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 11:
Vancouver. The vacation ends after breakfast this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)

Dates & Prices

CALGARY:
Welcome reception; breakfast atop Calgary Tower; sightseeing tour; visit Fort Calgary

BANFF NATIONAL PARK:
Sightseeing tour and gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain

LAKE LOUISE–JASPER:
Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield

JASPER NATIONAL PARK:
Cruise Maligne Lake

VANCOUVER–VICTORIA:
Ferry ride through Gulf Islands

VICTORIA:
Orientation tour; Butchart Gardens

VANCOUVER:
Sightseeing tour; Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner at Capilano Suspension Bridge