Western Canada at
Leisure
2010
From
Vancouver
10 Days
/ 9 Nights
Package Includes:
- Visit Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Lac
Le Jeune and Whistler
- Hotel accommodation including
provincial
- taxes for 9 nights
- Transfer from Calgary to Banff
- Sightseeing excursion from Banff to
Jasper
- Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
- Photograph at the Columbia Icefield
- Transfer from Jasper to Lake Louise
- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
- Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver
- Discount coupon for any additional
Brewster Sightseeing Excursions
- 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 service motor coach (included) and travel north along the
scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Other 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 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
Today, enjoy
exploring Whistler on your own. You may wish to take a hike along the local
trails, ride on the sightseeing gondola for a special view from the top of
Whistler Mountain or shop the local stores. (Suggested activities are not
included).
Overnight in Whistler
Day 3 - 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 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Lake Louise
There is nothing
more picturesque than Lake Louise. Today, you may wish to rent a canoe and see
the lake from a different perspective or perhaps, take a horseback ride up near
the Victoria Glacier. The choice is yours! (Suggested activities are not
included).
Day 6 - 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 7 - Jasper
Your free day in
Jasper can be filled with so many activities! Take a ride on the Jasper Tramway
to the top of Whistler’s Mountain or take a float trip down the Athabasca
River. There are also many local museums and shops to explore. (Suggested
activitiesare not included).
Overnight in Jasper
Day 8 - Jasper to Banff
This morning is
free to relax and enjoy the scenery. 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 9 - Banff
Exploring Banff
is so much fun! The Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain is a perfect way to see
all of Banff. The Minnewanka
Lake Cruise
offers breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains or perhaps a carriage ride
around Banff may suit your expectations. Either way, enjoy the day! (Suggested
activities are not included).
Overnight in Banff
Day 10 - Banff to Calgary
Today, transfer
to Calgary International Airport or downtown hotel (transfer included). Depart
Banff and travel past the mountain town of Canmore, through the frontal range
of the Rockies and continue into the foothills to the city of Calgary.
Departure
Dates From Vancouver 2010
(Friday &
Sunday)
May
2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30
June
4,6,11,13,18,20,25,27
July
2,4,9,11,16,18,23,25,30
August
1,6,8,13,15,20,22,27,29
September
3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26
October
1,3,8,10
Cost does not include 2.5% GST Tax
|
Rates Per Person-US Dollars
|
Twin
|
Single
|
Triple
|
|
Moderate Program
|
|
|
|
|
May 3-May 17
|
$1688.00
|
$2621.00
|
$1551.00
|
|
May 21-May 24
|
$1887.00
|
$3018.00
|
$1791.00
|
|
May 28-June 20
|
$2269.00
|
$3651.00
|
$2089.00
|
June
21-September 27
|
$2301.00
|
$3712.00
|
$2110.00
|
|
October 1-October 10
|
$1745.00
|
$2603.00
|
$1631.00
|
Deluxe Program
|
|
|
|
|
May 3-May 17
|
$2376.00
|
$3916.00
|
$2241.00
|
|
May 21-May 24
|
$3194.00
|
$5552.00
|
$2818.00
|
|
May 28-June 20
|
$3331.00
|
$5692.00
|
$2953.00
|
June
21-September 27
|
$3402.00
|
$5832.00
|
$2999.00
|
|
October 1-October 10
|
$2329.00
|
$3689.00
|
$2253.00
|