Western Canada by Rail and Road

Day 1 - Calgary

Arrive in Calgary and transfer to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 - Calgary

Today, explore Western Canadian history ranging from the 1860s to the 1950s at Heritage Park Historical Village. Guests can take a step back in history and learn about the west's energy past, present, and future with the storyseeker exhibit at the Innovation Crossing, or the challenges of animal care around the turn of the century at the Vintage Veterinary Exhibit. Immerse yourself in "The Way We Played," with live street theatre displaying how leisure time was spent and participate in historical Indigenous games and activities. In Heritage Town Plaza you will find unique shopping and restaurants as well as the stunning interactive Gasoline Alley Museum which features an impressive collection of restored one-of-a-kind vehicles, antique gasoline pumps and renowned vintage signs all year round.

Day 3 - Calgary to Banff

Transfer by express coach from downtown Calgary to the pretty town of Banff, nestled in the Canadian Rockies

Day 4 - Banff

Discover Banff & its Wildlife with Gondola.

This small group tour is the perfect introduction to Banff and includes some of Banffs most scenic and historically significant highlights such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, and Banffs largest lake, Lake Minnewanka. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year) and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops.

Youll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain and ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain at 7,486 feet. At the summit, marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. Youll feel like youre on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. After your download on the Banff Gondola, our guide will transport you back to your Banff hotel.

Day 5 - Banff

Enjoy a day of leisure in Banff. Speak to your consultant with regard to the optional day trips and tours that are available.

Day 6 - Banff to Jasper

Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield where we allow time to enjoy the "Ice Explorer Ride" and the Glacier Skywalk (included). From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.

Highlights: A hearty picnic lunch is included and will be enjoyed at a secluded location along the Icefields Parkway.  

Ice Explorer Ride 

Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors Centre lies the Athabasca Glacier - a tongue of ice 6 kilometres long and one kilometre wide descending almost to road level. Take time for Brewster's Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Brewster Snocoach to the middle of the glacier, on a 5 kilometre round trip journey. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in safety and comfort. At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will have the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago.

Glacier Sky Walk 

Opened in May 2014, the area's newest attraction consists of a 500 metre interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley. Glacier Skywalk offers spectacular scenery and a rare view of nature. Anyone of any age and any activity level can immerse themselves in nature in a way that makes them feel truly overwhelmed by their surroundings and their unique vantage point!

Day 7 - Jasper

Maligne Lake & Guided Walk - Small Group Tour This introduction to Jasper begins with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, come discover the world-renowned Maligne Lake for yourself! A stop at Maligne Canyon offers staggering views of the river thundering through a series of magnificent waterfalls in a gorge 10,000 years in the making. Farther up the valley, stop to solve the mystery of "disappearing" Medicine Lake. Next we'll carry on to the pinnacle of our tour, breathtaking Maligne Lake! Enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake before heading back to Jasper.  

Day 8 - Jasper

Morning at leisure in Jasper, prior to your afternoon downtown Food Tour. Tour Starts at 2.30pm, duration 3 hours. On this short 1.5 KM downtown guided walk, you'll be visiting four local restaurants and tasting four carefully handpicked dishes paired with boozie treats while listening to Jasper's top tales along the way. What's on the menu? Not telling. It's all part of the adventure. 

Day 9 - Jasper to Prince George

Today (approx noon) embark on a memorable rail journey with VIA Rail 'Skeena' across British Columbia's Cariboo Region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pass the cloud-veiled peals of Mount Robson and watch the horizons widen as the train descends from the Rockies onto the rugged interior plateau. The northern arm of the Fraser River leads to Prince George. Arrive approx 07:00pm

Day 10 - Prince Rupert

Continuing west this morning, enjoy the rugged beauty and pioneering character of a landscape once solely travelled by First Nation people and fur traders. The train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River and meanders through spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever present mountain ridges. Arrive in Prince Rupert this evening approx 8.30pm for your overnight stay.

Day 11 - Prince Rupert to Vancouver

After a morning at leisure, catch the short domestic flight to Vancouver.

Day 12 - Vancouver

Vancouver City Highlights - Shared Group Tour

Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island.

Day 13 - Vancouver

Enjoy a day of leisure in Vancouver. Speak to your consultant with regard to the optional day trips and tours that are available..

Day 14 - Vancouver

Catch up on any final shopping or sightseeing, before catching your homeward flight.