Peaks & Parks

2010

From Vancouver or Calgary

4 Days / 3 Nights

 

Package Includes:

• Visit Banff, Lake Louise, Lac Le Jeune and Whistler
• Hotel accommodation including provincial taxes for 1 night
• Exclusive sightseeing between Calgary and Vancouver
• 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
• Luggage handling at hotel
• National Park fees

 

Not Included

• Transfers between airports, hotels and bus depots (unless noted)
• Meals (unless noted)
• Gratuities to sightseeing motor coach drivers, rail personnel, and taxi drivers

 

Peaks & Parks from Vancouver

 

Day 1 - Vancouver to Whistler

This morning, depart the Vancouver International Airport or your selected downtown hotel by way of a scheduled transfer service (included) and travel north along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler (see page 3-77 for transfer times). Highlights en route include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief rock face. Upon arrival in Whistler, you will be dropped off your selected hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Amidst the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, just 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, lies Whistler Resort, the charming four-season destination nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Whistler Village is situated at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and virtually every property and amenity is within walking distance to the lifts of each mountain. The area is comprised of interwoven cobblestone pedestrian walkways in which cars are

strictly off-limits. Whistler and Blackcomb offer extensive summer alpine programs that include mountaintop dining, hiking and sightseeing. Four championship designer golf courses have turned Whistler resort into a golf mecca. Five sparkling lakes and numerous rivers provide access to a multitude of water sports and leisure activities as well as a variety of additional summer activities from tennis, biking and horseback riding to heli-hiking, fishing and summer skiing.

Overnight in Whistler

 

Day 2 - Whistler to Lac Le Jeune (L, D)

This morning, depart Whistler and travel Duffey Lake Road through a high mountain pass gives close up views of towering peaks, sparkling lakes and waterways. Following this two-hour trip through the mountains waits lunch (included) in the historic town of Lillooet. Known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail, Lillooet was “Mile Zero” of the Old Cariboo Wagon Road during the gold rush years. Continue on your way to central British Columbia. After starting today’s journey in lush coastal greenery, and passing through mature forests, you are now entering a semi-arid desert region that supports hardy pines, sagebrush and wild grasses on rolling hills. Follow the turbulent Fraser River before passing through Ashcroft before arriving at Lac Le Jeune Resort in the early evening for your overnight stay. Enjoy your dinner tonight (included) at the resort. The lobby lounge is open nightly and a television room

is also available to all guests.

Overnight in Lac Le Jeune

 

Day 3 - Lac Le Jeune to Banff (B, L)

After starting your day with a hearty breakfast (included), re-board the Brewster coach for another full day of touring with insightful commentary and frequent stops at scenic and historic points of interest. Travel along the South Thompson River, where an annual salmon run (spawning) takes place. Continue through the town of Salmon Arm, a picturesque community on Shuswap Lake. Travel further east through Sicamous, past Craigellachie (home of the last spike of the CP Railway) and into the mountain town of Revelstoke. Here, enjoy the scenic backdrop of Mount Begbie as you eat lunch (included).

Departing Revelstoke, the road begins a steady incline to the summit of infamous Rogers Pass. Be ready for the highlights of the trip this afternoon! Upon entering the Rocky Mountains, scenery changes dramatically to raging rivers, waterfalls, towering mountain peaks and glaciers. Stand amongst the rugged mountains and glaciers at the summit of Rogers Pass, 1382 metres/4534 feet in elevation. Time is provided to visit the Welcome Centre (featuring a small museum and information on the National Park), photograph

the spectacular scenery and purchase refreshments. Leaving the summit behind, start a long descent to the town of Golden and then onto Kicking Horse Pass (1,643 metres/5390 feet)

located in Yoho National Park. Stop at the Spiral Tunnels to witness an engineering marvel that uses two tunnels cut into two mountains in a spiral to reduce the grade (angle of descent) of the railway tracks. Now in the heart of Banff National Park, take a brief stroll to famous Lake Louise, “Jewel of the Rockies”, renowned for the glacial blue colour and spectacular backdrop of Victoria Glacier. Continue to the town of Banff for an overnight stop.

Overnight in Banff

 

Day 4 - Banff to Calgary

This morning’s excursion tours through the town of Banff and its environs. Ascend Tunnel Mountain Drive to view Bow Falls and the hoodoos, followed by a visit to Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Then take a ride (included) on a gondola car to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Later this morning, depart Banff and travel to Calgary. A stop is made at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and the Native Heritage exhibit. You will have enough time here to explore the exhibit, take an optional helicopter or native Dream Catcher excursion (onboard a famous Brewster Terra Bus) and lunch (optional excursions and lunch are not included). After the stop,

continue on your way to Calgary. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off either your downtown hotel or the Calgary Airport

 

Peaks & Parks from Calgary

 

Day 1 - Calgary to Banff

Today, travel through the foothills of the Rockies to the resort town of Banff, in Canada’s first National Park. On the way to Banff, a stop is made at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and the Native Heritage exhibit. You will have enough time here to explore the exhibit, take an optional helicopter or native Dream Catcher excursion (onboard a famous Brewster Terra Bus) and lunch (optional excursions and lunch are not included). Continue to Banff for a sightseeing excursion with highlights including a visit to the hoodoos, shaped by centuries of wind; Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Drive, which overlooks Bow Falls. Also, take a ride (included) on a gondola car to the top of Sulphur Mountain. After the excursion, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Overnight in Banff

 

Day 2 - Banff to Lac Le Jeune (L, D)

The journey to Kamloops today begins with a stop in Lake Louise. Known as Alberta’s “Jewel of the Rockies”, Lake Louise is renowned for its glacial blue color and spectacular backdrop, Victoria Glacier. Stroll alongside the lake for some exceptional photo opportunities. Stop at the Spiral Tunnels to witness an engineering marvel that uses two tunnels cut into

two mountains in a spiral o reduce the grade (angle of descent) of the railway tracks. Then it’s onto Kicking Horse Pass (1,643 metres/5390 feet), located in Yoho National Park. After passing through the town of Golden, your ascent to the summit of infamous Rogers Pass begins. Be ready for the highlights of the trip this afternoon! Witness raging rivers, waterfalls, towering mountain peaks, glaciers, and you may even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Stand amongst the rugged mountains and glaciers at the summit of Rogers Pass, 1382 metres/4534 feet in elevation. Time is provided to visit the Welcome Centre (featuring a small museum and information on the National Park) and photograph the spectacular scenery.

After descending from the pass, stop for lunch (included) in the mountain town of Revelstoke. Continue further west past Craigellachie (home of the last spike of the CP Railway) and through the town of Sicamous, nestled between Shuswap and Mara Lake. Along the South Thompson River, an annual salmon run (spawning) takes place. The scenery of British Columbia’s interior changes to rolling hills and ranchlands surrounding lush river valleys. Pass through the town of Salmon Arm, a picturesque community on Shuswap Lake. Arrive at Lac Le Jeune Resort in the early evening for your overnight stay. Enjoy your dinner tonight (included) at the resort. The lobby lounge is open nightly and a television room is also available to all guests.

Overnight in Lac Le Jeune

 

Day 3 - Lac Le Jeune to Whistler (B, L)

After starting your day with a hearty breakfast (included) re-board the Brewster coach for another full day of touring with insightful commentary and frequent stops at scenic and historic points of interest. Pass through Ashcroft and follow the turbulent Fraser River before stopping for lunch (included) in the historic town of Lillooet. Known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail, Lillooet was “Mile Zero” of the Old Cariboo Wagon Road during the gold rush years. Continue from the interior of British Columbia. After starting today’s journey in a semi-arid desert region that supports hardy pines, sagebrush and wild grasses on rolling hills, pass into mature forests and lush coastal greenery. Travelling Duffey Lake Road through a high mountain pass gives close up views of towering peaks, sparkling lakes and waterways. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you stand on the shores of Duffey Lake with glacier-covered Mt. Rohr as a backdrop.Upon arrival in Whistler, you will be dropped off at your selected hotel, and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Whistler Village is situated at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and virtually every property and amenity is within walking distance to the lifts of each mountain. The area is comprised of interwoven cobblestone pedestrian walkways in which cars are strictly off-limits. Whistler and Blackcomb offer extensive summer alpine programs that include mountaintop dining, hiking and sightseeing. Four championship designer golf courses have turned Whistler resort into a golf mecca. Five sparkling lakes and numerous rivers provide access to a multitude of water sports and leisure activities as well as a variety of additional summer activities from tennis, biking and horseback riding to heli-hiking, fishing and summer skiing.

Overnight in Whistler

 

Day 4 - Whistler to Vancouver

This day is at leisure until your transfer to Vancouver (included). Travelling along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway offers panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Range Mountains. Other highlights en route include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief rock face. Continue to the coastal city of Vancouver, travelling across the Lions’ Gate Bridge (named after two mountain peaks said to resemble sleeping lions). Upon arrival in Vancouver, choose to be dropped off at a downtown hotel or the Vancouver International Airport for your ongoing or homeward flight.

 

 

 

Departure Dates From

Vancouver 2010

(Monday & Saturday)

 

May 3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29,31

June 5,7,12,14,19,21,26,28

July  3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26,31

August 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30

September 4,6,11,13,18,20,25,27

October 2,4,9,11

 

 

Departure Dates From

Calgary 2010

(Thursday & Saturday)

 

May 1,6,8,13,15,20,22,27,29

June 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26

July  1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29,31

August 5,7,12,14,19,21,26,28

September 2,4,9,11,16,18,23,25,30

October 2,7,9

 

Cost does not include 2.5% GST Tax

 

 

Rates Per Person-US Dollars	Twin	Single	Triple
Moderate Program
May 1-May 29, October 4-11	$766.00	$1005.00	$714.00
May 31-October 3	$972.00	$1285.00	$895.00
Deluxe Program
May 1-May 20 May 21-May 29 May 31-October 2 October 4-October 11	$  950.00 $1054.00 $1185.00 $  913.00	$1361.00 $1570.00 $1711.00 $1287.00	$  948.00 $  959.00 $1092.00 $  847.00

 

City	Moderate Accommodation
Lac Le Jeune	Lac Le Jeune Resort