West Coast Whales & Rockies Vistas by Rail & Road 8 Days / 7 Nights

Trip Overview

A Canadian train vacation where you can see age-old ice formations and try your skill at surfing in the same week is now a reality.

Explore the southern Canadian Rockies – including the breathtaking Icefields Parkway - before taking the scenic Rocky Mountaineer to coastal Vancouver. Two separate ferry routes between Vancouver and Vancouver Island ensure that you see the most of British Columbia’s coastal scenery.

The laid-back atmosphere in Tofino and charming Victoria leave you relaxed at the end of your vacation. The Sea to Sky train Adventure is a time conscious introduction to the best of the west coast.

Map

Arrive Calgary*
2 nights Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
2 nights Tofino
1 night Victoria
*Trip may be taken in reverse

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Begin your Canadian Rockies Train Vacation – Arrive in Calgary
 Arrive in Calgary and begin your ascent into Banff. Breathe deeply and feel the mountains’ serene embrace as you arrive in the majestic Canadian Rockies.

Day 2 – Discover the Icefields – Tour the Rockies The Icefields Parkway highway is specifically designed for sightseeing, so you can sit back and enjoy the views as you travel at a leisurely pace. A snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze you with the wonders that nature builds; the feeling only intensifies when you stop at Bow Lake. Pure glacier water shines in the sun, with the Bow Glacier high above the pool – this kind of view is why you came to the Canadian Rockies.

 Day 3 - Canada Train Trip Continues – Banff to Kamloops The train’s whistle echoes in the mountain air and the smell of hot coffee wafts through your car as you pull out of the train station in Banff and begin your descent into British Columbia. Spend the day marveling at the stunning scenery, laughing with friends new and old and tasting the amazing meals only the best Canadian chefs could create on a train. Overnight in Kamloops

 Day 4 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver Warming your hands on a hot cup of coffee, you settle into your familiar seat this morning as you feel the gentle pull of the train leaving the station. On the second day of your Canada train adventure you travel from the arid interior of British Columbia to the cool coastal metropolis of Vancouver.

Day 5 – From Train Travel to the Open Waters - Vancouver to Tofino The ocean air whips through your hair this morning as you travel to Nanaimo by ferry. A large outdoor deck lets you turn the transfer into an independent sightseeing trip as you keep an eye out for seals and whales in the water below.

The scent of salt water tickles your nostrils and puffs of ocean breeze cool you as you step out of your car in Tofino. Long Beach – true to its name – stretches out before you. The waves, dotted with surfers, crash to shore.

A stroll along the boardwalks in the nearby rainforest is enough to widen your eyes in awe - the trees are so big around that your arms couldn’t begin to circle them. This is Tofino – a Canadian paradise.

 Day 6 – Vancouver Island’s West Coast – Whalewatching Tour Step aboard a comfortable boat for a true Canadian wildlife viewing experience. The water is home to grey whales, so you’re sure to keep your eyes on the water for telltale ripples of the massive mammals. Your onboard guide’s commentary helps to make sure you’re always looking in the right direction – just in case the beauty of Clayoquot Sound completely takes over all conscious thought.

Day 7 – Rugged Canadian Coast - Tofino to Victoria The fresh scent of salt water is in the air and the coast of Vancouver Island stretches out before you. Your scenic drive continues along the coast and right into downtown Victoria. The provincial capital has retained much of its British charm – the fish and chips shops around the harbour are a tantalizing reminder of British Columbia’s past.

 Day 8 – Victoria Whalewatching - Departure The coastal breeze wakes you up this morning as you bob with the rhythm of the sea. A certified Marine biologist and naturalist tell you about this environment, ripe with wildlife from orcas and mink whales to harbour seals and more in the water below.

Much too soon, your Canada train adventure comes to an end and you return to Vancouver via ferry in time for your evening flight home.

Need help making the most of your time?

Call one of our friendly local experts now.

US & Canada  UK 0-800-917-5924 AUS 1-800-992-872

Accommodations

Magnolia Hotel And Spa

Superior and Deluxe

Only a short stroll to Victoria's inner harbour, this great boutique hotel offers many unexpected touches such as fresh flowers and fruit in the lobby, Aveda products in your bathroom, gourmet coffee, tea and spring water in your room, crisp linens and turned down nightly service. Plus enjoy a complimentary European Breakfast each morning.

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 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.

Options & Upgrades

All our trips can be customized for your ideal vacation
 • Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery, excellent food and an outdoor viewing platform allowing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
• Extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies to go river rafting on the Kicking Horse River, explore the National Parks on foot or mountain bike, or sharpen up your shopping skills on Banff’s Main Street

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates
 Eastbound starting in Victoria
April 19, 26, 29, 30
May 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28, 31
June 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28
July 5, 8, 12, 19, 22, 26
August 2, 5, 9, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
September 2, 6, 9, 13, 27
October 1
Westbound starting in Calgary
April 23, 30
May 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31
June 1, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
July 2, 9, 12, 16, 23, 26, 30
August 6, 9, 13, 20, 23, 27, 30
September 3, 6, 10, 13, 17
October 1, 5
Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ CAD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$
Apr 12 - Apr 24 2010 2,328 3,664 2,328 3,664 620 620
Apr 25 - May 26 2010 2,758 4,311 2,758 4,311 880 880
May 27 - Sep 30 2010 3,339 5,259 3,339 5,259 880 880
Oct 1 - Oct 13 2010 2,884 4,485 2,884 4,485 880 880
Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ CAD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$
Apr 12 - Apr 24 2010 2,715 4,331 2,715 4,331 620 620
Apr 25 - May 26 2010 3,239 5,177 3,239 5,177 880 880
May 27 - Sep 30 2010 3,752 6,016 3,752 6,016 880 880
Oct 1 - Oct 13 2010 3,370 5,312 3,370 5,312 880 880
Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service USD$ CAD$
Double Single Double Single
Apr 12 - Apr 24 2010 3,850 5,853 3,850 5,853
Apr 25 - May 12 2010 4,703 7,028 4,703 7,028
May 13 - Oct 2 2010 5,683 8,588 5,683 8,588
Oct 3 - Oct 13 2010 4,812 7,047 4,812 7,047
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
 • Accommodation for 7 nights
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
• Glacier Trail Tour including the Athabasca glacier and Ice Explorer
• Private luxury vehicle airport transfer between Calgary & Banff (including meet & greet on day one if starting in Calgary)
• Private luxury vehicle transfers between hotels and rail stations (vehicle type subject to availability)
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Intermediate Car hire including:
Unlimited KM’s, One-way drop-off fee, Loss Damage Waiver, Airport Contract fees, Vehicle Licensing fee, all applicable car hire taxes
• Tofino (Grey whales) & Victoria (Orca whales) Whale-watching cruises
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package

Not Included • National park entrance fees
• Ferry crossing fare between Vancouver and Vancouver Island
• Car hire exclusions: Personal Accident Insurance, Personal Effects Protection, Refuelling service charges, Highway tolls, Additional drivers fee, Baby seats, ski racks etc.
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Driver gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)

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.