West Coast Whales & Rockies Vistas by Rail & Road 8 Days / 7 Nights
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Begin your Canadian Rockies Train Vacation – Arrive in CalgaryArrive 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.
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