Rockies Explorer

Day 2 : Vancouver

After breakfast at Cliff House Restaurant, in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, there’s time to explore the grounds. Then visit Stanley Park, a 400-hectare evergreen oasis, or head to Granville Island, heart of Vancouver’s cultural scene. Then, enjoy views of English Bay. With free time this afternoon, and evening, you may wish to immerse yourself in this harbourside city at your leisure. Perhaps wander the old cobblestone streets of Gastown, the birthplace of Vancouver, or visit the shopping mecca of Robson Street. Breakfast included.

Day 3 : Vancouver - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. 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 and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops.

Hotel: as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer, Breakfast and Lunch included.
 

Day 4 : Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Banff

Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranch lands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends in the resort town of Banff.

Hotel for 2 nights: Fairmont Banff Springs in a Mountain View Room, Breakfast and Lunch included.
 

Day 5 : Banff

Enjoy a Freedom of Choice Sightseeing activity this morning. You may wish to join the Banff Experience tour, which includes sightseeing with a local guide and a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Alternatively, ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for views of the park or take to the skies on a heli-flightseeing trip. You may also choose to enjoy a float trip along the Bow River. Perhaps you would prefer to take a tour of the Canmore Eagles’ dressing room. Try on the team’s gear and step onto the ice to experience a day in the life of a Canadian ice hockey player. Last, but not least, why not simply relax at the Willow Stream Spa. For dinner, choose from one of your hotel’s many restaurants. Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 6 : Banff - Lake Louise

Meet a Mountie and hear tales of the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Travel via the stunning alpine scenery of Moraine Lake to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, overlooking the lake’s impossibly blue waters. For dinner, choose from one of your hotel’s exceptional restaurants.

Hotel: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in a Lakeview Room Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 7 : Lake Louise - Athabasca Glacier - Jasper

Join Highway 93, otherwise known as the Icefields Parkway, and wind along one of the world’s most scenic stretches of road, past glaciers, vast icefields, sweeping valleys and brilliant blue lakes. After pausing to take in Peyto Lake, make a stop at the giant Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll board a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle and journey right onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue on via Athabasca Falls to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, located on the shores of pristine Lac Beauvert. For dinner, choose from one of your hotel’s many restaurants.

Hotel: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Breakfast and Dinner included.
 

Day 8 : Jasper - Mt Robson - Sun Peaks

This morning, join the Yellowhead Highway with a stop to take in views of Mt Robson, then continue your journey to the alpine resort of Sun Peaks.

Hotel: Grand Hotel, Breakfast and Dinner included.
 

Day 9 : Sun Peaks - Whistler

Travel through the historic Cariboo region, where gold pioneers once roamed, via the rural town of Lillooet. Stop at the picturesque Seton and Duffey lakes, before re-entering the Coast Mountains on your way to the famous alpine resort village of Whistler, one of Canada’s premium adventure destinations.

Hotel: The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa, Breakfast included.

Day 10 : Whistler - Georgia Strait - Victoria

Today, travel south from Whistler, along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, to stunning Horseshoe Bay. From here, you will take a ferry across the bay to Vancouver Island and the small city of Nanaimo. Then, continue by coach via Chemainus, arriving later in the beautiful city of Victoria. Perhaps take a one-hour floatplane flight from Whistler to Victoria (own expense).

Hotel for 2 nights: Hotel Grand Pacific, Breakfast included.

Day 11 : Victoria - Butchart Gardens & Sightseeing

Visit The Butchart Gardens before the crowds and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart family residence. There is time to meander through the beautiful floral displays here. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. On the final evening of your land journey, join a special dinner with your fellow travellers. Breakfast and Dinner included today.
 

Day 12-13 : Vancouver - Arrive UK

Cross to the mainland, where you will be dropped at the airport to check in for your homeward flight. Breakfast this morning is included.