Rockies and Vancouver Island Circle

Enjoy two Rocky Mountaineer routes in one with this unique package – Journey Through the Clouds and First Passage to the West. Combined with the most popular trip through the Canadian Rockies onboard the classic Rocky Mountaineer, this trip is a perfect blend of seaside cities and majestic mountain towns.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A world away from big cities and bright lights, the Canadian Rockies are as beautiful as they are mystical.

Travel past ethereal lakes, jagged mountain peaks and raging rivers as you travel on Rocky Mountaineer towards the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley and Vancouver’s sparkling coastline. Then, jump onboard the ferry for an overnight excursion to the beautiful island city of Victoria.

ROCKIES AND VANCOUVER ISLAND CIRCLE – FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Calgary to Lake Louise

Depart Calgary (or Calgary International Airport) today and transfer to Lake
Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains or simply
relaxing and taking in the magnificent views. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 2: Lake Louise to Jasper

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper National Parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls.

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features.

Time will be available for lunch (not included). Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon.

Overnight in Jasper.

Day 3: Jasper to Kamloops

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies
to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior.

As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the
Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains.

Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops.

Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 4: Kamloops to Vancouver

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley.

Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Overnight in Vancouver. B, L.

Day 5 Free Day in Vancouver

Take full advantage of a free day at leisure in Vancouver, and check out Vancouver’s must-see attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium (admission not included), Stanley Park, or Granville Island, explore the city’s museums, art galleries, gardens, and varied neighbourhoods, or take a day trip to discover the nearby resort town of Whistler.

Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 6: Victoria and Butchart Gardens Sightseeing

Today a full day tour takes you to Victoria. Among the highlights are a BC Ferries trip through the picturesque Gulf Islands, a visit to the worldrenowned Butchart Gardens, a scenic ocean drive, and a visit to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Overnight in Victoria.

Day 7: Victoria at Leisure

Spend the day exploring Victoria at your leisure. Recommended activities
(not included) are whale watching, touring the Royal BC Museum or the BC
Parliament Buildings, or enjoying a traditional tea at The Fairmont Empress.

In the afternoon, depart for Vancouver by motorcoach and ferry.

Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 8: Vancouver to Kamloops

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior.

Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.

Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops.

Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 9: Kamloops to Banff

Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranch lands, along rocky lake shores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies.

Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff.

Overnight in Banff. B, L.

Day 10: Banff to Calgary

After checking out from your Banff hotel, transfer by motorcoach to downtown Calgary (or Calgary International Airport), where your holiday ends.

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