Rockies, Islands and Gardens by Rail 10 days / 9 nights

Trip Overview

Picture a modern city, a provincial capital and 5 beautiful Canadian mountain resorts. Now add the ocean, 2 spectacular sightseeing trains, old-growth forests, and towering snow topped mountains. What do you get? The best of Canada’s west coast and Rockies, all rolled into one vacation package! Travel by sea, road and rail on this Canadian train trip as you explore Victoria, Banff and all points in between.

Map

Arrive Vancouver*
Transfer to Victoria
2 nights Victoria
1 night Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night Quesnel
1 night Jasper
1 night Lake Louise 2 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
*trip may be taken in reverse

Detailed Itinerary

(Please note, like most of our Canada rail packages & tours, this Canadian Rockies and west coast railroad vacation featuring the Rocky Mountaineer can be customized to your needs).
Day 1 – Your Canadian Train Vacation Package Begins - Vancouver to Victoria After arriving in Vancouver by air, you go straight to the ferry terminal for a trip to the provincial capital Victoria. The sea breeze on a walk around the deck is just what you need after hours in airports and on planes! Enjoy the beautiful Gulf Islands as you keep an eye out for dolphins and Orca whales in the water below.

Victoria’s British charm is evident in the quaint shops and antique stores that line the streets downtown. You never know what kind of treasures lie there, so get out and explore the capital city with the small town feel! Overnight in Victoria.

 Day 2 – British Charm – Butchart Gardens & Victoria Step onto a deluxe bus this morning to travel through pastoral landscapes, dotted with sprawling farms, to world-famous Butchart Gardens, for a morning relaxing amid a profusion of fragrances and colors. Returning to the tour, enjoy an insight into the culture and history of Victoria from a local perspective. As you admire the stately homes, historic landmarks, and lively communities you will surely discover the infectious charm of the city. Overnight in Victoria.

 Day 3 – Victoria Whale-watching – Returning By Ferry & Bus To Vancouver The coastal breeze wakes you up this morning as you bob with the rhythm of the sea. Orcas, Minke & Gray whales can all be found in these waters - but the whales (actually members of the Dolphin family) that everyone wants to see are the entertaining and curious Orcas.

The ferry back to Vancouver is just as exciting as the journey over. Your hot tea keeps your hands warm as you get some fresh air on the deck. Enjoy your evening in Vancouver relaxing - perhaps taking a stroll around Stanley Park and dining at a beautiful waterfront restaurant (ask us to recommend our favorites.) Overnight

Day 4 – Canada Train trip from Sea to Sky – Whistler Mountaineer You feel right at home onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s newest train - the Whistler Mountaineer. You start the day off with the aroma of coffee and taste of a hearty breakfast. Picture mountain peaks, covered in deep green trees, rising up from the water just outside your window. These are the Coastal Mountains that British Columbia is famous for. Hold your breath as your train chugs slowly through the Cheakamus Canyon, and then wander out to the open air observation car for your first taste of the postcard worthy sights that await you on your Canada train vacation.

 Day 5 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Railway – Whistler to Quesnel The train’s whistle breaks the mountain silence and the smell of hot tea and sizzling bacon wafts through your car as the famous Rocky Mountaineer train rolls out of Whistler. Over coffee you chat with old friends and new, but mostly you can’t help staring out the window at some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Overnight in Quesnel

 Day 6 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train – Quesnel to Jasper This is the day you’ve been waiting for – the day you reach the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountain trench engulfs you and makes you realize just how small you really are as you look up to see the Canadian Rockies to the north. You step off the train in Jasper tonight and are overcome with the serenity of the mountains. You’re on top of the Earth, far from the stresses at home, and ready to embrace the calmness of the Canadian Rockies.

 Day 7 - In The Canadian Rockies - The Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Lake Louise Welcome the morning by boarding a luxury motorcoach and relaxing in comfort as you head south along the spine of the Canadian Rockies on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. Optional snocoach tours on the Athabasca Glacier will have you in awe of the wonders that nature builds - and that feeling only gets more intense when you arrive in Lake Louise. Picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine, and then frame this water with some of the most majestic mountains in the world – Lake Louise is like nothing else.

 Day 8 – In the Canadian Rockies - Lake Louise to Banff The mist hangs above Lake Louise this morning, only in the Canadian Rockies could you wake to such a stunning sight. Continue discovering the unrivaled beauty of the Canadian Rockies as you arrive in Banff, the most lively town in the Canadian Rockies.

 Day 9 – In the Canadian Rockies – Exploring Banff Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and get to know the wonders of Banff. From the pristine wilderness to the charming town. From the wildlife to the sweet scents of fudge and ice cream. From the calm of the towering mountains to the laughter on the streets. You now understand the charm that keeps people returning to Banff year after year.

 Day 10 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Banff Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your West Coast and Rocky Mountain train adventure comes to an end. Yet you leave with wonderful memories to revisit and cherish for a lifetime.

Bon Voyage!

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Accommodations

Fairmont Empress

Deluxe

The world famous Fairmont Empress hotel is located in the middle of the inner harbour of downtown Victoria. Enjoy the famous high tea that takes place each day in the elegant wine room or front lounge, or relax in the library. Be sure to upgrade to a deluxe harbour view room for great harbour views!

Sheraton Wall Centre

Superior

A visually-stunning hotel located in the heart of downtown. Enjoy great views through the floor to ceiling windows. Thoughtful extras include luxury bath amenities, and refreshment centers in every room.

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.

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 - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery,freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform provide wonderful photographic opportunities
• Upgrade to Glacier Dome onboard the Whistler Mountaineer
• Extra nights in Vancouver, the Rockies or Calgary as well as day-trips and tours make great additions to this trip

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates

Eastbound
May 13, 20, 27
June 3, 17
July 1, 8, 15, 29
August 5, 12, 26
September 2, 3, 26
Westbound
May 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 19
July 3, 10, 17, 31
August 7, 14, 28
September 4, 11
Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single USD$
May 8 - May 31 2010 2,693 3,895 990
Jun 1- Sep 15 2010 3,342 4,991 990
Sep 16 - Sep 30 2010 3,079 4,605 990
Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single USD$
May 8 - May 31 2010 3,226 4,980 990
Jun 1 - Sep 15 2010 4,131 6,489 990
Sep 16 - Sep 30 2010 3,711 5,930 990
- -
Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service USD$
Double Single
May 8 - May 31 2010 4,929 7,083
Jun 1 - Sep 15 20105,899 8,801
Sep 16 - Sep 30 20105,443 8,194
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
 • 2 days Rocky Mountaineer journey - Standard & Superior includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• Whistler’s Sea to Sky Climb -Standard & Superior includes Coast Classic Service while Deluxe includes Glacier Dome
• 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• 9 nights accommodation
• City Tour in Victoria, including Butchart Gardens
• Whale Watching excursion
• Coach and ferry transfer between Vancouver & Victoria
• Motorcoach rail station transfers
• Sightseeing tour from Jasper to Lake Louise
• Private transfers between Banff and Lake Louise & Banff and Calgary Airport
• Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
• Documentation package

Not Included
 • National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Driver 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.