Lakes, Mountains & The Rockies

Ideally located on Canada's western seaboard, Vancouver is the starting point for this exhibition of nature. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in, and then take the rest of the day to explore Vancouver's attractions, restaurants, and retail options. Overnight Vancouver.

Vancouver is brimming with fascinating neighborhoods and attractions that shine a spotlight on the city's unique heritage. Today, set out to places like Stanley Park, historic Gastown, Chinatown, and more alongside a knowledgeable guide. The tour continues outside the city's boundaries to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a place wrapped in nature and filled with adventure. Climb through the treetops on suspension bridges and enjoy excellent perspectives over the lush coastal rainforests for which Vancouver is known. You also have the opportunity to walk out over the canyon on the park's Cliffwalk. 

Should you prefer a different excursion for the day, choose from the following:
● Granville Island Market Tour - Explore British Columbia's eclectic culinary scene while wandering through the stalls of Granville Island Market. Enjoy local wine, cheese, cured meats, and specialty tastings while hearing stories from the vendors and finding hidden gems in the marketplace.
● Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane - Marvel at views of the Georgia Straight and Vancouver's Gulf Islands during your flight from the mainland to Victoria Island. As one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria is brimming with historic ambiance and has an abundance of ways for you to fill your time before returning to Vancouver by seaplane.
● Grand Tour of Vancouver by Bike - Get acquainted with Vancouver's diverse neighborhoods and alluring attractions from a bicycle, venturing through the city at a leisurely pace that is perfect for all fitness levels. Enjoy frequent stops for photos and further explorations in places like Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, and more.

Following your chosen tour, you are free to continue exploring Vancouver on your own for the evening. Overnight Vancouver.

After a leisurely morning in the city, make your way to Vancouver's train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian. Settle into your Sleeper Plus accommodations, then feel free to explore the seating available in the train's domed-glass sightseer lounges. As the train departs from the station, watch the city scenery break into suburbs and small towns. Views of dense forests and the Coast Mountains eventually overtake the vistas and create picture-perfect views for your overnight journey. Overnight train. 

Wake this morning to views of sheer Rocky Mountain majesty as the train approaches Jasper. Beguiling panoramas of imposing peaks and evergreen forests paint your final miles with beauty. As the train arrives in Jasper, transfer to your hotel independently, and enjoy a day exploring this mountain resort town at leisure. Perhaps ride on the Jasper SkyTram to get a bird's eye perspective on your new surroundings or set out on one of the local hiking trails. Overnight Jasper. 

On a guided park tour, experience Jasper National Park's immense terrain and grand scenery. The excursion begins along the mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley's ecosystem. The tour then ventures above Maligne Canyon and allows you to look down on its narrow gorge and limestone walls, created by 10,000 years of flowing water. Some of Jasper's beautiful lakes are also featured on this tour, including Medicine Lake, which sometimes mysteriously disappears, and Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. On arrival at Maligne Lake, head down to the shore to join a cruise across its serene waters. * Brilliant mountain scenery, wide-open skies, and wildlife sightings come standard. Overnight Jasper.

Note: The Maligne Lake cruise is not included for off-season departures.

• Lunch

Another of the Canadian Rockies' spectacular parks lies ahead as you depart Jasper by motorcoach bound for Banff National Park. Our trip takes us along Icefields Parkway, providing views of impressive mountain peaks, wind-swept valleys, glaciers, and vibrant lakes as the route unfolds. The journey pauses at Columbia Icefields, home to Athabasca Glacier. Take in the beautiful scenery from the Glacier Skywalk and enjoy a chance to head out onto Athabasca Glacier aboard an Ice Explorer. A route of wonders continues to unfold from here, eventually taking us into Banff National Park. Our first stop here is Lake Louise, where the coach stops for a photo opportunity - and what an opportunity it is. The lake's turquoise water and enveloping glaciers and mountain peaks make it one of the most scenic in the Rockies. Upon arrival, you are welcome to explore the townsite's fantastic amenities, ranging from fantastic restaurants to art galleries and boutique shops, with the remainder of your day. Overnight Banff.

• Lunch

Today brings an opportunity to explore Banff and its scenic and historical points of interest on a sightseeing tour. Admire the natural scenery while driving through the park to places like Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Surprise Corner, and Two Jack Viewpoint. Your guide illustrates the history and geology of the Canadian Rockies through storytelling and interesting facts in each destination. Highlights of the tour include climbing to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola and cruising Lake Minnewanka*, where picture-perfect vistas and native legends culminate on the gentle body of water. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments are included on your excursion. Return to Banff following the tour with the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, add admission to Banff Upper Hot Springs or seek out the wildlife throughout Banff National Park with a tour. Overnight Banff.

Note: The Lake Minnewanka boat cruise is not available for off-season departures.

• Lunch

All the wonders of Banff National Park are at your fingertips during your day at leisure. Revisit your favorite sites from yesterday's tour or forge your own path of adventure. You may wish to set out on one of the local hiking trails or visit some of the park's beautiful glacier-fed lakes, like Lake Moraine or Peyto Lake. For a more structured day, join an optional excursion. Choose from:
● A guided tour of Banff & Yoho National Parks - Venture deep into the wilderness to places where mountain peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and waterfalls dominate the landscape. This full-day adventure includes points of interest throughout both parks, including Lake Louise, Valley of the Ten Peaks, the Spiral Tunnels, and many other sites based on seasonal availability. A barbecue lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge is included.
● A Mount Assiniboine Helicopter tour - View the "Matterhorn of the Rockies" on this heart-pounding excursion. Your helicopter will ascend into the sky, flying over Gloria Glacier, lakes, and impressive Rocky Mountain peaks, including the 11,800-foot Mount Assiniboine.
● A signature hiking experience - Available to summer departures beginning June 1, this guided hiking experience explores a variety of trails five to eight miles in length. The trail options include Lake Agnes, Larch Valley, Stanley Glacier, or the Plain of 6 Glaciers. Lunch is provided, and a hiking pole and binoculars are included for your use.

Overnight Banff.

Say goodbye to the powerful beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains as you transfer to Calgary's airport, where your tour concludes. Transfers accommodate flights after 1:00 p.m. Should you wish to extend your vacation, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay in Banff or Calgary.