Rockies Rail Extravaganza

Day 2 : Vancouver to Whistler, Rocky Mountaineer

Today Rocky Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast included today)
 

Day 3 : Whistler to Quesnel, Rocky Mountaineer

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, through the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, to rolling hills and vast ranch lands of the Cariboo Plateau. (Breakfast & lunch included today)
 

Day 4 : Quesnel to Jasper Rocky Mountaineer

This morning, re-board the Rocky Mountaineer Train for your continuing journey to Jasper. Your route today follows the famous Fraser River. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. Keep your eyes open for grizzly, moose, beaver and osprey! You will pass the historic settlements of McBride and Tête Jaune Cache on your way to the Yellowhead Pass, then pass Mount Robson, (3,954 metres), the Rockies’ highest peak. Crossing into the province of Alberta, you will arrive by late afternoon in the peaceful alpine town of Jasper. (Breakfast & lunch included today)

Day 5 : Jasper Freedom of Choice

Today you can personalise your day by choosing one of these excursions.

Option 1: Nature tour to Maligne Lake with cruise or Walk
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. The first stop is at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 49-metre deep gorge. Set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon continue to the “mysteriously” disappearing Medicine Lake and then to Maligne Lake for a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise bound for the world-renowned -Spirit Island, bring your camera, as this truly is a picture postcard setting. After the boat cruise, we relax and soak up the sights or enjoy a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet. Alternatively, those who would prefer to go for a walk rather than take the cruise can enjoy a 75-minute guided walk along the shoreline trail of Maligne Lake.

Option 2: Wildlife Discovery Tour
Jasper National Park is well known as a World Heritage site due to its natural beauty and historical significance. Friendly, local driver guides reveal some of Jasper’s hidden gems and share their knowledge of the history, geology, and ecology of the area. As you travel through Jasper and the surrounding area, you will be amazed at some of the beautiful scenery as you learn about the ways the local contribute to the rich diversity of the park. The guides are trained to seek out all of the park’s most iconic creatures, providing a great opportunity to view the animals in their natural habitat. Have your camera ready to capture some amazing photos of the highlights of this informative and entertaining “Discovery Tour”.
 

Day 6 : Jasper to Lake Louise 

Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)
 

Day 7 : Lake Louise Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Tour

Visit the most treasured spots in the Canadian Rockies on this remarkable excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Highlights include Moraine Lake, Valley of the Ten Peaks, Spiral Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls, and a hot lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge. Please note: Moraine Lake does not open until mid-May, and Takakkaw Falls does not open until mid-June. Alternate stops will be organized during that time. (Lunch included today)
 

Day 8 : Lake Louise to Banff

This morning is at leisure to explore Lake Louise before a mid-day transfer to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley highway, arriving mid-afternoon.
 

Day 9 : Banff Freedom of Choice 

Today you can personalise your day by choosing one of these excursions.

Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola
Explore the natural wonders near the town of Banff on this half-day tour. Admire the unparalleled beauty of natural sights including Bow Falls, the surreal Hoodoos rock formation, and beautiful Lake Minnewanka, among others. Then Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Option 2: Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch
Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain.
 

Day 10 : Banff to Kamloops Rocky Mountaineer

All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. As the train crosses over the continental divide you pass through the spiral tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement. Continue on through the Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park with endless views of snow-capped mountains and stunning glaciers. Pass by Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway Trans Canada link in 1885. (Breakfast & lunch included today)
 

Day 11 : Kamloops to Vancouver Rocky Mountaineer

Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer Train and follow the Thompson River through Ashcroft - one of Canada’s driest towns (with an average rainfall of just 18 centimetres). Pass through Rainbow Canyon with its cliffs striped with pinks, greens and greys creating a stunning effect. Continue on to the Fraser Canyon where at Hell’s Gate you will observe a water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point. The last leg of the journey takes you through the lush farming region of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon where you will be transferred to your downtown hotel. (Breakfast & lunch included today)
 

Day 12 : Vancouver free day

Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver has a thriving multicultural ambiance. The city is located in a spectacular setting with the Coast Mountains across Burrard Inlet to the north, and the waters of the Strait of Georgia to the west. It is easy to have an authentic experience and get to the heart of what makes this city so different. With vibrant neighbourhoods it doesn’t matter where you go today – you’ll enjoy discovering the sights and simply wandering, dining and shopping. Check out neighbourhoods like the beachside West End area, Gastown’s hip streets and uber-hip Yaletown.
 

Day 13-14 : Vancouver Departure - Arrive UK

Make your way to the airport in plenty of time to check in for your homeward flight