Glacier and Canada’s Mountain Majesty - 10 Day Tour
This summer embark on an exciting rail vacation to much-loved Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's iconic Empire Builder for the overnight journey through the Northern Prairies to Glacier National Park, where you will be dazzled by the area's natural attractions as you explore the famous Going-to-the-Sun Highway. You'll cross the border for a Canadian Rockies adventure including visits to Sulphur Mountain, the Athabasca Glacier and Maligne Lake as you explore the alpine towns of Banff and Jasper before returning to Montana for the return train journey to Chicago.
Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder
Arrive in Chicago and meet your tour manager at Chicago's Union Station. Early this afternoon, board Amtrak's iconic Empire Builder for the 1,620-mile journey across five states to Whitefish, Montana. Relax in your comfortable reclining seat or visit the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge for expansive views of the passing scenery. Overnight train. (D)
Day 2 - En Route to East Glacier
The train rolls through the flatlands of North Dakota and eastern Montana today. Sleeping Car passengers will enjoy a wine and cheese reception in the dining car this afternoon. We'll arrive in Whitefish this evening. Overnight Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Glacier National Park
This morning we'll embark on a full-day tour of one of America's best-loved National Park, Glacier. Travel along the Going-to-the-Sun Highway, acclaimed as one of the outstanding scenic roadways of the world. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, dense forests, picturesque lakes, brilliant flowers and abundant wildlife. There will be a stop for a leisurely lunch on your own at Lake McDonald Lodge. Return to your hotel late this afternoon with the evening at your leisure. Overnight Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge.
Day 4 - En Route to Banff
Board the motorcoach this morning for a full day of scenic travel as we drive northwest into British Columbia en route to Banff. There will be a stop in Cranbrook for lunch on your own and a visit to the Railway Museum and Gallery where we'll tour the 1929 Trans-Canada Limited. By late afternoon we'll arrive in the beautiful mountain village of Banff. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight Banff Aspen Lodge.
Day 5 - Banff
This morning embark on a Discover Banff Tour, a highlight of which is the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular views. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to shop along Banff Avenue or visit the Natural History or Parks Canada Museums. Overnight Banff Aspen Lodge. (CB)
Day 6 - Jasper
Today we travel along North America's most scenic highway, the Icefields Parkway, for a visit to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. A highlight of the day is a ride out onto the Athabasca Glacier in a specialized Snocoach. Another high point will be a visit to Lake Louise and its famous Chateau. The setting is one of the most picturesque and tranquil in the Canadian Rockies. A boxed lunch will be served en route. We'll arrive in Jasper late this afternoon with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Whistlers Inn. (CB, L)
Day 7 - Maligne Lake Cruise
This morning we travel to nearby Maligne Lake for a scenic cruise. This afternoon, board your motorcoach for the trip west through Yellowhead Pass for more spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies' scenery including stunning Mt. Robson, the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 feet. We'll return to Jasper tonight, where the evening is at your leisure. Overnight Whistlers Inn.
Day 8 - Icefields Parkway / Lethbridge
Today we experience North America's most scenic highway in the opposite direction as we travel along the Icefields Parkway toward Calgary. There will be a stop for lunch in the Banff area before we continue the journey to Lethbridge for an evening arrival. Overnight Ramada Inn. (L)
Day 9 - En Route
This morning we travel 100 miles south to cross the border into Shelby, Montana, where we will board the Empire Builder late this morning for our journey to Chicago. Relax onboard the train and enjoy the passing scenery as you travel through the Northern Prairies. Overnight train. (CB, L, D)
Day 10 - Arrival in Chicago
The Empire Builder is scheduled to arrive in Chicago's Union Station late this afternoon where your Glacier National Park and Canadian Rockies adventure comes to a close. (B, L)
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Single pricing is available upon request. Prices are are correct at the time of this web page going live; however, are subject to confirmation at time of booking.
Please note a valid passport is required for this tour.
