Alpine Journey

2010

From Vancouver

7 Days / 6 Nights

 

Package Includes:

• Visit Banff, the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise,
• Lac Le Jeune and Whistler
• Hotel accommodation including provincial
• taxes for 4 nights
• Stoney Nakoda Resort Heritage Exhibit
• Sightseeing excursion of Banff
• Banff Gondola
• Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
• Photograph at the Columbia Icefield
• 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
• Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver
• Discount coupon for any additional Brewster
• Sightseeing Excursions
• Discount coupons for Whistler tours and helicopter rides
• Luggage handling at hotels
• 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

 

Day 1 - Vancouver to Whistler

This morning, depart the Vancouver International Airport or your selected downtown hotel via a scheduled transfer service (included) and travel north along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights enroute include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief rock face. Upon arrival in Whistler, you will be dropped off your selected hotel and 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 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 Lake Louise (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, continue to Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Rockies”, renowned for the glacial blue colour and spectacular backdrop of Victoria Glacier.

Overnight in Lake Louise

 

Day 4 - Lake Louise to Jasper

Today’s journey travels north along the famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in North America. This excursion to Jasper today tours through Banff and Jasper National Parks with a stop at the Columbia Icefield allowing time for a Brewster “Glacier Experience.” This excursion onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier in a specially designed Brewster Ice Explorer stops in the middle of the glacier and the driver/guide explains how the glaciers are formed and points out interesting geological features (Ice Explorer included). The ice is 365 metres (1,200 feet) thick - about the height of the Empire State Building. At the icefall below the glacial headwall, take the option of stepping out onto the ice formed from snow that fell 400 years ago. After this unique ice adventure, time is allowed at the Columbia Icefield Centre, to relax over lunch (not included) and visit the new and expanded Parks Canada Interpretive Centre. Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the

majesty of the Athabasca Falls, prior to arrival into Jasper.

Overnight in Jasper

 

Day 5 - Jasper to Banff

Experience Jasper National Park through the travels of the early explorers and view the unspoiled grandeur! A morning excursion will begin along the mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Travel above Maligne Canyon, with its narrow gorge and limestone walls created by 10,000 years of water flow. Visit a place of mystery and Indian legend as you continue to Medicine Lake, where sometimes it actually disappears! On your adventure, you are sure to see a variety of mountain wildlife. This afternoon depart Jasper and travel south along the scenic Icefields Parkway to the resort town of Banff. (Note: this is an express service and will not stop at the Columbia Icefield or other sightseeing highlights.)

Overnight in Banff

 

Day 6 - Banff

This morning is at leisure. Later this afternoon, take a short excursion to Lake Minnewanka, one of Alberta’s largest bodies of water for a boat cruise. Learn about the natural history and native legends that make this lake a landmark. After your 1.5 hour cruise, continue on the motor coach drive to some animal 'hotspots' where you will have excellent opportunities to spot some of Banff's famous wildlife, including Deer, Sheep, Elk, Coyotes, Bears, and much more! Also included today is admission to the Whyte Museum. Learn more about the people and wildlife that live in Banff National Park and surrounding areas.

 

 

Day 7 - 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.

 

 

Departure Dates From Vancouver

(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

 

Cost does not include 2.5% GST Tax

 

Rates Per Person-US Dollars	Twin	Single	Triple
Moderate Program
May 3-May 17	$1562.00	$2141.00	$1466.00
May 19-May 26	$1662.00	$2340.00	$1586.00
May 29-June 21	$2163.00	$2862.00	$1848.00
June 23-October 4	$2005.00	$2894.00	$1858.00
October 6-October 11	$1519.00	$2057.00	$1438.00
Deluxe Program
May 3-May 17	$2048.00	$3059.00	$1944.00
May 19-May 26	$2562.00	$4087.00	$2318.00
May 29-June 21	$2699.00	$4228.00	$2453.00
June 23-October 4	$2744.00	$4216.00	$2483.00
October 6-October 11	$1919.00	$2801.00	$1858.00

 

 

City	Moderate Accommodations	Deluxe Accommodations
Whistler	Fairmont Chateau Whistler	Fairmont Chateau Whistler
	Moderate Room	Deluxe Slope side
Lac Le Jeune	Lac Le Jeune Resort	Lac Le Jeune Resort
Banff	Mount Royal Hotel	Fairmont Banff Springs
	Standard	Fairmont Room