Rockies Adventure by Train 8 days / 7 nights

Trip Overview

This Canadian train trip, like several others, came about because some younger members of our team asked themselves, ‘What would I do if I just had a week to spend in Canada’?

The result is an active journey that in just 8 days showcases the best of the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver and Whistler – traveling by train in between – with options to hike, bike, ride a horse, canoe, and more along the way.

Though we say it ourselves, if you are young at heart and fit, it’s the perfect introduction to western Canada – and you can always extend it by adding more days and activities, or combining it with another trip.

Map

Arrive Vancouver*
2 nights Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night aboard VIA Rail
2 night Jasper
1 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
 *Can be done in reverse

Detailed Itinerary

(Please note, like most of our Canada rail packages & tours, this railway vacation can be customized to your needs - just ask one of our local experts when you call.)
Eastbound shown. Westbound works in reverse.

Day 1 – Your Canadian train trip begins - Arrive In Vancouver
 Today you fly into the city that is a byword for the laid-back, healthy lifestyle of western Canada. After settling into your hotel (you have choices of popular, superior or deluxe), take time to explore the many parks, beaches and markets on foot or bicycle.

 Day 2 – Explore Vancouver the way the locals do it
Enjoy a tour of Vancouver’s rainforest, where you will enjoy a tour to the natural cathedrals, pillared by 500-year-old-trees and translucent canopies hundreds of feet above you. Plus see the marvelous Capilano Canyon.

 Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip to Whistler and a Ziptrek adventure
 Today you board the Whistler Mountaineer for a spectacular train journey to Whistler, famous in summer for its alpine meadows of wildflowers and as a Mecca for mountain bikers. In the evening enjoy a Ziptrek – ‘flying through the trees with the greatest of ease.’

 Day 4 – Horseback riding, then a sleeper train to the Canadian Rockies
 Mount up cowboy and head on out across the nearby Pemberton Meadows, up through the trees, and across mountain streams… You are in Grizzly country here – a true Western Canadian adventure. This afternoon return to Vancouver to catch the sleeper train to Jasper.

Day 5 – By train into the Canadian Rockies & Jasper
 Waking to the gentle rocking of the train, you pull back the curtains to see a remarkable vision - train’s ascent into the realm of the high Rockies. Arriving around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to stretch your legs and explore this quaint mountain town.

 Day 6 – Canoeing Pyramid Lake
Paddle a canoe on the tranquil waters of Pyramid Lake and perhaps glimpse a bald eagle soaring overhead, or witness a moose grazing in the water. Take in the backdrop of this canoe trip which is Jasper’s National Park’s rugged alpine beauty. The rest of the day is free for other adventures as you wish.

Day 7 – Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is the name given to a truly remarkable road that goes along the spine of the Rockies past the famous Columbia Icefield. You can get out along the way and this excursion takes you through two National Parks - Jasper and Banff. Overnight in Banff where you can sample local Albertan foods.

 Day 8 – Depart Calgary - Your Canadian train trip comes to an end
 Relax in the morning in the town of Banff before you sit back in a private vehicle and are taken to Calgary Airport, for a late afternoon flight home.

Can't decide which trip is best for you?

Call a friendly local expert today.

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 United Kingdom
0-800-917-5924		 Australia
1-800-992-872		 Other Countries
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Accommodations

Fairmont Hotel Waterfront

Deluxe

This luxury hotel is located in Vancouver's inner harbour, minutes from Canada Place, the cruise ship terminals and gastown. Sit back and relax in your room as you watch floatplanes take off and land right in front of you with the beautiful north shore mountains as your backdrop. Plus you have the luxurious common amenities that come with staying at any Fairmont hotel.

Westin Resort and Spa Whistler

Superior and Deluxe

Fresh Tracks's favourite Whistler property is the Westin Resort, located right in Whistler village within meters of the ski lifts and gondola. This is an all-suite deluxe hotel featuring full kitchens, gas burning fireplaces, soaker tubs, and the Westin Heavenly bed.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Deluxe

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is it's own Canadian wilderness resort. The property is made up of many buildings with different room types throughout the resort. Relax by the lake, or enjoy a round of golf on the beautiful Stanley Thompson Golf Course, or enjoy a game of ice hockey on the lodge's pond. Be sure to keep your eyes open for Elk as they walk past your building!

Fairmont Banff Springs

Deluxe

Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy one of the many activities that the hotel has to offer from tennis, horseback riding, a round of golf, skiing, relaxing at the the Willow Stream Spa (charge), or enjoying a great meal at one of 12 restaurants, lounges or pubs.

Options & Upgrades

All our Canada train trips can be customized to create your ideal vacation featuring some time on a railroad across all or part of Canada.

Here are some ideas - but please ask our friendly experts for more ideas tailored to your needs when you call.

• Upgrade to the Glacier Dome on the Whistler Mountaineer
• Venture into the high alpine by adding a Whistler Gondola ticket
• Explore the trails by mountain bike in Whistler
• Extend your time in Banff to try Rafting or explore by horseback
• Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island or visit the adventure capital - Whistler

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates
 Starting in Vancouver Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

May 13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
Jun 1,3,5, 8,10,12,15,17,19, 22,24,26,29
Jul 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27,29,31
Aug 3,5,7,10,12,14,17,19,21,24,26,28,31
Sep 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21, 23,25


Starting in Calgary
 Departs Tuesdays & Thursdays

May 13,18,20,25,27
Jun 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29
Jul 1,6,8,13,15,20,22,27,29
Aug 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26,31
Sep 2,7,9,14,16,21, 23
Standard Hotels USD$
Double Single
May 13 - May 27 2010 2,542 3,721
May 29 - Sep 25 2010 3,294 4,701
Superior Hotels USD$
Double Single
May 13 - May 27 2010 2,869 4,377
May 29 - Sep 25 2010 3,627 5,455
Deluxe Hotels USD$
Double Single
May 13 - May 27 2010 3,384 5,220
May 29 - Sep 25 2010 4,229 6,441
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
Includes
 • Accommodation for 7 nights
• Coastal Rainforest Adventure
• Whistler Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Whistler - Standard & Superior are in Coast Classic Service, while Deluxe is Glacier Dome
• Ziptrek tour through Whistler’s forest canopy
• Explore the wilderness around Whistler by horseback
• private luxury airport transfers, including meet & greet on day 1
• private luxury transfers from Whistler to Vancouver train station
• motorcoach transfers between hotels and rail stations in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel & Jasper
• VIA rail aboard The Canadian in a cabin for 1 or 2, between Jasper and Vancouver
• canoeing trip in Jasper
• Sightseeing transfer from Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
• Ride across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer
• Documentation package

Not Included • National park entrance fees
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Canadian sales taxes (pre-rebated by 50% for visitors to Canada)

HAVE A CHAT  

From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743

Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.