Canadian Rockies by Rail
Banff to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer
Overview
It’s hard to steal the spotlight from the marvels of Banff National Park or the vibrant city of Vancouver, but the train trip between the destinations pulls it off. Spend two days enjoying the GoldLeaf service on board the Rocky Mountaineer while taking in the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and the sheer unspoiled wilderness of Canada. The rail journey between Banff and Vancouver is Rocky Mountaineer’s original route, and it’s also the most historic: these tracks are the very ones that formed the transcontinental railway, linking Canada from east to west back when it opened in 1886. Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train that travels these tracks, making this route a must for history buffs!
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- Vancouver sightseeing tour
- Tour of Yoho National Park and Banff National Park
- Visit to Heritage Park Historical Village
- Banff Gondola ride
- Ride the train through the Spiral Tunnels
- 2-day GoldLeaf rail service on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff
- All daylight train travel
- Dome coach with oversized windows
- Captivating narration from onboard host
- Regionally inspired gourmet meals serviced at your seat
- Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and gourmet snacks
- Gratuities for onboard host
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Vancouver, Canada and from Calgary, Canada
- Escorted
- 7 nights accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Groundtransportation
- Hotel baggage handling
NOTE: A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.
Itinerary
Sun, Sept 3: Fly to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Transfer to your hotel, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, and enjoy some leisure time before joining the group for a Welcome Dinner. (Meals: Dinner)
Mon, Sept 4: Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s North Shore. Take the Skyride Gondola at Grouse Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and snowy mountain peaks. Let thrill be your reward with a canopy walk across the world’s longest suspension foot bridge, perched 230 feet above the thriving rainforest canyon at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Later, a leisurely evening awaits to relax and enjoy at your own pace. (B)
Tue, Sept 5: Board Rocky Mountaineer and journey in luxury along the rails of their original and exclusive route from Vancouver to Banff. Indulge in the elegant GoldLeaf Service featuring gourmet cuisine, an outdoor viewing platform, and signature glass-dome car, a room with an uninterrupted panoramic view! Relax as the treacherous waters of Hell’s Gate rush through the Fraser Canyon, bearing witness to the dramatic change of scenery, from the Cascade Mountains, winding river canyons and pristine coastal forests, to the inland desert and grassy plains of the British Columbia’s Interior. End with an overnight in Kamloops, which boasts surprisingly diverse dining experiences. You be the judge as dinner is on your own! (B,L)
Wed, Sept 6: Resume the awe of raw, undisturbed beauty as you venture east on Rocky Mountaineer from Kamlooops to the mountain town of Banff. Today affords another mind-bending array of wonder while traveling through the spiral tunnels of Roger’s Pass and Kicking Horse Canyon and alongside the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Upon final reach of Lake Louise, disembark the train, and transfer to your home for the next 3 nights, Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Nestled in the heart of Banff, tonight is yours to discover this quaint, yet lively downtown, known to be a spirited place of welcome and adventure surrounded by striking landscape. (B,L)
Thu, Sept 7: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a day explore Banff at your leisure. (B)
Fri, Sept 8: Today’s touring includes Yoho National Park and Banff National Park. Visit Lake Louise, often known as the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies,” where the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise proudly stands at one end and the Victoria Glacier reflects off the other. Marvel at Emerald Lake and stop at the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint, where three lines of railway are laid at different elevations to cross the Kicking Horse River on four bridges. Enjoy a delightful dinner with your fellow travelers at the historic Fairmont Château Lake Louise. (B,D)
Sat, Sept 9: Depart for Calgary, but first, see the world from the Sulphur Summit with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. En route to Calgary, visit the famous Bow Falls and the Hoodoos of the Canadian badlands. Upon arrival in Calgary, be ready to discover How the West Once Was at Canada’s largest living history museum, Heritage Park Historical Village, an impressive 127-acre attraction that proves Calgary to be more than just cowboys and rodeos. It is a place where hundreds of exhibits and daily demonstrations tell historical tales of all those who have gathered there. Spend your final afternoon in this city that calls you to explore! (B)
Sun, Sept 10: Transfer to the Calgary Airport and fly home. (B)
Hotels
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Vancouver. A landmark hotel with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows with stunning panoramic views. Located within walking distance of Vancouver’s best restaurants and top galleries. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor pool and hot tub • fitness center.
Kamloops hotel will be announced approximately one month prior to departure. All accommodations in Kamloops are of moderate standard.
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, Banff. Centrally located on Banff Avenue, the Caribou is a classic mountain lodge. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • mini-fridge • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • private outdoor hot pool • indoor pool • fitness room • full service spa.
Delta Calgary Downtown, Calgary. Ideally located in downtown Calgary at the intersection of the city’s business and cultural districts, the hotel has convenient access to venues through the Calgary Skywalk system and public transportation, which makes exploring the city easy. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor pool and hot tub • fitness center.
Pricing
- Package with Air
- Double P/P – $6,399
- Single – $7,669
- Land Only
- Double P/P – $5,499
- Single – $6,699
* Subject to change due to increase in exchange rate or fuel surcharge
Documents Required: Valid Passport. Visit travel.state.gov for specific requirements.
CANADA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Any person may be denied entry to Canada for reasons including, but not limited to, security risks, human or international rights violations, medical reasons, financial reasons, misrepresentation, failure to comply with Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, having an inadmissible family member and involvement in criminal activity (regardless of degree or length of time since such crimes occurred) such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence, shoplifting, theft, and other crimes. It is recommended that a person who has ever been charged with, or convicted of, a crime obtain the necessary approval documents before attempting to enter Canada. To learn more about applying for and receiving these approvals and corresponding documentation, we strongly recommend that you visit the following website for details regarding the requirements and process: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html. This is only a guide. A Canadian immigration officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you arrive at a port of entry.
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