Rockies & West Coast Boutique Adventure 17 days / 16 nights

Trip Overview

Encounter the real wilderness of the Rockies and sample the lifestyle of the West Coasts nature fanatics, on this Western Canada rail & self-drive vacation! Choosing the highlight of this trip is hard. Whether you prefer hiking a Canadian Rockies peak, rafting a rapid river, zipping through the tree lines, or watching a Grizzly teach her cubs to catch salmon, this is the ultimate trip.

Map

Arrive Calgary
2 nights Banff
2 nights Rockies lodge
2 nights Jasper
1 night Quesnel
2 nights Whistler
2 nights Tofino
1 night Campbell River
2 nights Knight Inlet Lodge
2 nights Vancouver

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.)
 Day 1 - Your Canadian Train and Self-Drive Trip Begins - Calgary to Banff From Calgary you can clearly see the Rocky Mountains on the horizon, pick up your car from Calgary Airport and head out west. Spend the afternoon exploring the town of Banff or perhaps just relax and get over the jet lag before the start of your adventure through the Rockies and BC’s west coast!

 Day 2 - Banff Rafting
 Your adventure starts today as you make your way to the starting location of your white water rafting trip. This dramatic rafting tour at Horseshoe Canyon offers some of the best scenery in the area. For those brave enough or young at heart, a stop is made along the way for an optional cliff jump!

Day 3 - Banff to Field
 Head out into the wilderness of Yoho National Park, to stay at a historic lodge - the Emerald Lake Lodge. Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms, and a games room. You can truly escape and relax in this wilderness setting especially as there are no televisions or internet access in any of the rooms.

 Day 4 - Yoho National Park
 You have a full day to take in the setting at this lodge and the surrounding area. There are plenty of activities to choose from at the lodge, from hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing or fishing.

Day 5 - Field to Jasper on your Canadian Train Trip
 The Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive unlike any other, tracing 140 miles from Lake Louise through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Jasper. The route journeys through a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks that top 11,000 feet and glaciers 1000 feet thick. Take a break at the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier and Icefield Centre to learn more about glaciation, climate change and to head out onto the ice floe.

The surrounding high-country is home to elk, moose, caribou and bear. Sightings are frequent and occasionally cause what locals refer to as a ‘bear-jam’.
Arrive in Jasper and settle in to your rustic lodge cabin, set in a tranquil forest location.

 Day 6 - Canoe on Pyramid Lake
 Pyramid Lake offers great opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you as you glide quietly across the lake with your guide. Keep your eyes open for moose that may be walking along the shores of the lake, or for beavers making their homes. The remainder of the day is spent in Jasper.

 Day 7 - Canadian Rockies Train from Jasper to Quesnel
 The Rocky Mountaineer travels during daylight hours only. So as you trade the road for the rails you know you will see all the scenery of the Cariboo from Jasper to Quesnel. Your train first navigates the Rocky Mountain Trench, the sheer Rocky and Cariboo mountains line the tracks on either side before opening into the pasture land, rolling hills and vast forests that British Columbia is famous for. Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies passes by at an impressive elevation of almost 13,000 ft. After arriving at the Rocky Mountaineer station a coach whisks you to a local hotel in the quaint town of Quesnel.

 Day 8 - Canadian Rockies Train from Quesnel to Whistler
 After boarding, the Rocky Mountaineer sets off on its journey to Whistler. The nearly desert-like Cariboo Plateau gives way to the forest and winding lake shores of Anderson and Seton Lakes. The award-winning service, food and commentary of the Rocky Mountaineer continues. As the train pulls into Whistler , the pleasure of the last two days aboard the train ends and the excitement of Canada’s most famous ‘four season’ resort begins. Will it be hiking, biking or kayaking that proves your favorite way to explore?

 Day 9 - Whistler Ziptrek
 Soar high in the air through the spectacular valley of the ancient rainforest of Whistler & Blackcomb mountains. This is a truly unique outdoor adventure, rain or shine, with no better setting than Whistler.

Day 10 - Canadian Train Trip Continues to Tofino
 Hop into your car to continue the journey down to the Pacific Ocean. This stretch of road known as the Sea to Sky Highway has won awards as one of the worlds best road trips. On the ferry cruise across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island keep an eye out for whales and seals. Drive across Vancouver Island to the village of Tofino - quite simply one of our favorite places on the planet.

Day 11 - Sea Kayaking in Clayoquot Sound + a Rainforest Hike
 Today you learn about sea-kayaking - one of the best ways to explore the Canadian coast - with a guided adventure across a sheltered inlet to walk in awe in Canada’s old-growth forests. You will learn about the sophisticated culture of the First Nations peoples of the area. We recommend sampling the local seafood for dinner on your return to Tofino.

 Day 12 - Tofino to Campbell River
 Drive back across Vancouver Island. Stop for a picnic at Port Alberni, the Salmon Capital of the World (adjacent waters boast all five species of pacific salmon) en route to Campbell River and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 13 - Float plane - Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge
 Make your way down to the Seaplane Dock and get ready to begin an exciting few days of grizzly bear tours, adventure, and relaxing (of course!) The seaplane flight flies over the Great Bear Rainforest and takes roughly 30 minutes - a highlight in itself. Choose one of the many activities available, including kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing or head straight out on a Grizzly bear tour.

Day 14 - Knight Inlet lodge
 On your second day at the rustic Knight Inlet Lodge relax in the vast Canadian wilderness, choose a different lodge activity or go Grizzly bear viewing accompanied by an experienced guide.

Day 15 - Fly back to Campbell River then drive to Vancouver
 The float plane arcs over the underlying forest and sets you down in Campbell River. Drive down the east coast of Vancouver Island and take the ferry to the modern and multicultural city of Vancouver.

 Day 16 - Grouse Mountain Sunset Tour
 Vancouver is a wonderful place to end your vacation. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it has a reputation as one of the most livable and beautiful cities in the world. You’ve the day the explore the city of Vancouver as you wish, perhaps it will be shopping for those last minute souvenirs or wandering around one of the museums in the city.

This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and brought over to the North Shore mountains for a sunset tour, passing though Stanley Park. Travel up the mountain on a gondola ride to the top of the mountain where you have 2 hours to explore before being taken back to your hotel.

 Day 17 - Much too soon - Depart Vancouver
 Much too soon you leave the colorful sights and fresh air of Canada behind as your Canadian train trip comes to an end. Yet you leave with wonderful memories to revisit and cherish for a lifetime.

Bon Voyage!

Need help making the most of your time?

Call one of our friendly local experts now.

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Accommodations

Rimrock Resort

Superior

The Rimrock Resort is one of Fresh Tracks favourite hotels! The hotel is built into the side of a mountain, when you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 7th floor, and the views from the pamorama of windows over the Bow Valley are simply stunning. The hotel has an upscale yet understated feel, and the service is impeccable.

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!

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.

Options & Upgrades

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 GoldLeaf service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Options at Knight Inlet lodge
• Excursions to Johnstone Strait for marine wildlife viewing
• Bald Eagle viewing and other bird life
• Viewing grizzly bears from the platforms or boats
• Excursions to Thompson Sound and Bond Sound for bear and wildlife viewing
• Scenic cruise of Knight Inlet
• Jetboat tours of Klinaklini River
• Wildlife tracking to make plaster casts of animal prints
• Interpretive forest walk in the Kwalate Valley
• Use of sea kayaks on organized tours

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates
 Departs Calgary:

May 13, 20, 27
June 3, 17
July 1, 8, 29
August 5, 12, 26
September 2, 9
  USD $
Double
May 13 - May 20 2010 5,747
May 27 - Jun 3 2010 6,047
Jun 4 - Jul 8 2010 6,868
Jul 29 - Sep 9 2010 7,646
Price Notes

 • Prices are per person
• Twin is two people occupying a room, triple pricing is also available
• Activities and options dependent on favorable weather and water levels

Includes
 • 16 nights accommodation in rustic lodges and first-class hotels.
• 12 days Intermediate Car rental
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• Airport surcharges and fees where applicable
• Vehicle licensing fee
• Horseshoe Canyon rafting
• Canoeing on Pyramid Lake
• Rocky Mountaineer Red Leaf service from Jasper to Whistler, including breakfast & lunch each day on train
• Ziptrek Tour in Whistler
• Sea Kayaking and hiking trip from Tofino
• 2 nights at Knight Inlet Lodge choose from wildlife viewing and active options
• All meals, snacks and complimentary house wine with dinner at Knight Inlet Lodge
• Services of Knight Inlet Lodge staff including naturalists and photography leaders
• Float plane between Campbell river and Knight Inlet Lodge
• Grouse Mountain Sunset Tour
• Motorcoach rail station transfers in Jasper, Quesnel & Whistler
• documentation package

 Not Included
 • One way car rental fee - Calgary Airport to Jasper and Whistler to Vancouver (approx. $150CAD each)
• Ferry charges
• Fuel and refueling fees
• Additional drivers fees
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• 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.