Canadian Rockies Rail, Sail, and Grizzly Bear Adventure 16 Days / 15 Nights
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Your Canadian train vacation beginsMeet our friendly driver at the Calgary Airport. Turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and soaring mountain peaks signal that you’re now in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Don’t take your eyes off the tree-line – you’re bound to spot one of our four legged ambassadors soon! Arrive Banff, a lively mountain village surrounded by mountain splendor.
Day 2 – Explore the Southern Canadian Rockies - Banff
Wake up to the the sound of swaying mountain pines - soon a Fresh Tracks Canada guide will take you on an intimate tour of Banff and its surrounding areas. Johnstone Canyon, the Bow Valley, and Lake Minnewanka reveal their secrets on your small group tour. Finally, soar to the peak of Sulphur Mountain, and spend as much time as you like exploring before heading back to your hotel. Overnight in Banff.
Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise
After a leisurely morning in Banff, our guide takes you magical Lake Louise. Meander beautiful mountain roads with your guide, exploring areas only accessible in a small touring vehicle. Finally, you’ll find yourself strolling the lakeshore at Lake Louise, and marvelling at the glacier-capped mountains framing the turquoise waters. Ask your vacation planner to pre-arrange a gentle canoe paddle with a Mountain Heritage guide, or a sitting in the Fairview dining room for afternoon tea. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 5 – The Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise to Jasper
Many wonders await today on a small group tour along the Icefields Parkway. The most exciting of these is a visit to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest and most accessible icefields south of the Arctic Circle. Step out of the Ice Explorer and set your feet on ice millions of years old. Elk, moose, mountain goats and even bears like to make an appearance for our guests, seen clambering up mountainsides or drinking from the cool mountain streams. After nearly a full day touring and a delicious picnic lunch, you arrive in Jasper. Enjoy your evening!
Day 6 – A Full Day in the Rockies - Discover Jasper
Today is a full day in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore the rich Maligne Valley with a guide, then relax on a cruise across mystical Maligne Lake. These will be the highlights of your Canadian train vacation, so make sure to take lots of pictures. Leave your stress behind, breathe in the fresh mountain air of the Rockies and enjoy your vacation in Canada.
Day 7 - Canadian Rockies by Train - Jasper to Prince George onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena
The second train portion of your Canadian vacation begins today as you take a seat in a comfortable, reclining chair. The train’s whistle echoes your enthusiasm as you begin your west bound trip to Canada’s Pacific Northwest. All around you are windows – 360 degrees of spectacular scenery surround the Skeena train as you travel through the dense forest of northern British Columbia, into the heart of grizzly country. Small communities and native history are just outside your window, so don’t take your eyes off the horizon. Stay in the small forestry town of Prince George tonight.
Day 8 – Canadian Train - Prince George to Prince Rupert onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena
Continue your train vacation back onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena. Enjoy the rugged beauty and pioneering character of a landscape once solely traveled by First nation people and fur traders. The train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River traveling through the spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever present mountain ridges. Overnight in Prince Rupert.
Day 9 - Grizzly Bear Viewing in Prince Rupert
Cruise to the untouched wilderness of Khutzeymateen Valley, home to the highest population of Grizzlies in North America. Listen to your guide tell stories of historic native villages, as you encounter porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and blue herons along the way. From rugged coastal mountains of the Khutzeymateen Valley, you will spot your first grizzly bear grazing in a meadow or tending her cubs - a memory you will cherish for life.
Day 9 – The Inside Passage - Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
The Inside Passage stimulates your senses and keeps you in awe all day. This is the Pacific Northwest at its finest. Calm inlets, majestic old-growth forests, and towering coastal mountains appear before you. The salt tinged air of the Pacific Ocean fills your lungs as the breeze tickles your face. Arrive late this evening in Port Hardy for an overnight stay.
Day 10 - Canadian Train Trip Continues - Port Hardy to Campbell River
Travel south along Vancouver Island today as your luxury motorcoach makes its way along the Island’s coast. This scenic transfer takes you to the outdoor art murals in Chemainus and tours through the two curious residents at Coomb’s Old Country Market - two goats who are sure to bring a smile to your face. Tonight you arrive in Campbell River, a quaint fishing town on the Eastern side of Vancouver Island. Spend two nights at the historic Painter’s Lodge, considered the world’s finest salmon fishing destintation.
Day 11 - Painter’s Lodge Whale Watching
Take to the water today, to witness Orca whales as they congregate around the rich waters of Telegraph cove. Seeing the Killer Whales in their natural habitat, in such magnificent surroundings, is a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 12 - Your Canadian train vacation continues to Victoria
A coach transfer takes you to charming Victoria today - a west coast Canadian gem, with a British flair. Fascinating museums, endless world class eateries, local artisans, and the pretty harbor will leave you stumped for what to explore first. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 13 - Victoria Walking Tour
Take a leisurely day to acquaint yourself with Victoria. A short walking tour will delight you, as you explore the mix of British, First Nations, and Chinese influence in this seaside town. You could join locals at a nearby park to gaze at towering totem poles, or sit on the harbor front sipping a drink, listening to the clink of masts in the marina.
Day 14 - Victoria to Vancouver via the Butchart Gardens
Enjoy a tour of Victoria and the colorful splendor of the Butchart Gardens. Trail after trail of manicured plants and flowers wait in the gardens – you can’t help but want to inhale the fragrance of each and every one. A ferry finally brings you back to Vancouver, where you will spend the night.
Day 15 - Vancouver
You have a full day to explore the city of Vancouver. Use your, hop-on hop-off trolley pass, the perfect way to discover the sights of historic Gastown, English Bay, Granville Island, the colorful totem poles of scenic Stanley Park and much more. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 16 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Vancouver
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your Canadian train vacation comes to an end.
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