Spirit of the Rockies

2009

From Vancouver

8 Days / 7 Nights

 

Tour Includes:

 

• Visit Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper and Banff
• Rocky Mountaineer “Coast Classic” service from Vancouver to Whistler
• Breakfast on board the train
• Hotel accommodations for 7 nights including provincial taxes
• Sightseeing excursions of Jasper and Banff
• Maligne Lake Cruise
• Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
• Banff Gondola
• Admission to Cave and Basin National Historic Site
• Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry
• Rocky Mountaineer Daylight Train “RedLeaf” service Whistler to Jasper
• 2 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches on board Rocky Mountaineer
• Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board Rocky Mountaineer
• Transfer to and from train station in Vancouver, Whistler and Quesnel
• Luggage handling at hotels
• National Parks Fees

 

Day 1 Vancouver

Upon arrival in Vancouver, transfer independently (transfer not included) to your hotel.

Overnight: Vancouver

 

Day 2 Vancouver to Whistler

Today, transfer (included) to the North Vancouver Train Station and board the Rocky Mountaineer on the “Coast Classic” for your journey to Whistler. The train travels through some of the most beautiful country in the world. On your way to Whistler, you will be served breakfast at your seat as you enjoy the view of the Pacific Coast. Upon arrival in Whistler, transfer (included) to your hotel.

Overnight: Whistler

 

Day 3 Whistler to Quesnel

Today, transfer (included) to the Whistler Train Station and board Rocky Mountaineer for your continuing journey to Quesnel. Today’s journey will take you to the heart of interior British Columbia. Pass by 100 Mile House that is located on the “Old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail”. You will travel through areas that are not on a road map. Sit back and savor an unparalleled view from the comfort of your seat. Breakfast and Lunch are served at your seat. Upon arrival in Quesnel, transfer (included) to your hotel.

Overnight: Quesnel

 

Day 4 Quesnel to Jasper

This morning, return to the Quesnel train station and re-board Rocky Mountaineer for your continuing journey to Jasper. Your route today follows the famous Fraser River. Enjoy breakfast and lunch served at your seat. Keep your eyes open for grizzly bear, moose, beaver and osprey! You will pass the historic settlements of McBride and Tete Jaune Cache on your way to the Yellowhead Pass, then pass Mount Robson (12,970 feet), the Rockies highest peak. Crossing into the Province of Alberta, you will arrive by late afternoon in the peaceful alpine town of Jasper. Upon arrival in jasper, transfer (included) to your hotel.

Overnight: Jasper

 

Day 5 Jasper

Jasper, fascinating in beauty and history, is set amid some of the most rugged peaks in the Rockies. Your three hour Brewster motorcoach tour today will encompass some outstanding scenery including Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake and Maligne Canyon with its narrow gorge and limestone walls reaching 50 metres below. Once onboard the tour boat, you begin your 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world-famous photograph of the lake. Return to Jasper. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Jasper

 

Day 6 Banff

Banff

Today, depart Jasper and tour along the scenic Icefields

Parkway, one of the world’s greatest mountain high roads, named for the huge Icefields which dominate the Rockies. Located at the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Columbia Icefield is an enormous expanse of ice and snow covering nearly 230 square-kilo-metres, and is the greatest mass of ice outside the Arctic Circle. Time is allowed for a thrilling ride on a specially-constructed Ice Explorer on to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier (ride included). In the afternoon, continue south into Banff National Park. After a brief stop at Lake Louise, you will continue to Banff town site.

Overnight in Banff.

 

Day 7 Banff

Begin your day with a Brewster motorcoach sightseeing tour. Highlights of this three-hour tour include a visit to the hoodoos, shaped by centuries of wind, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, which overlooks the splendor of the Bow River Valley, and the Cave & Basin, where Banff’s history began. Also included in your tour is a visit to the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, where you will have time for a ride (included) to the summit for a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks and valleys of this Canadian wilderness. This evening, enjoy a leisurely trail ride by horseback to the BBQ sit3 Mile Cabin. Relax while your experienced cook prepares your steak dinner to order. Return along the Bow River trail.

Overnight: Banff

 

Day 8 Banff to Calgary

Today, transfer to Calgary International Airport or downtown hotel (transfer included). You will depart Banff and travel past the mountain town of Canmore, through the frontal range of the Rockies and continue onto the foothills to the city of Calgary.

 

 

Departure Dates 2009

 

Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday (Selected Dates )

May 7, 12, 17, 21, 26, 31

June 4, 9, 14, 18, 23, 28

July 2, 7, 12, 16, 21, 26, 30

August 4, 9, 13, 18, 23, 27

September 1, 6, 10, 15, 20, 24, 29

October 4, 8

 

Rocky Mountaineer Boarding Time

North Vancouver:  8:30am

 

Rates per person US Dollars	Twin	Single	Triple
Moderate Program
Spring Season
May7-May 12	$2520.00	$3240.00	$2280.00
May 17-September 29	$3128.00	$4151.00	$2888.00
October 4-October 8	$2514.00	$3229.00	$2376.00
Deluxe Program
May17-May 12	$3218.00	$4575.00	$3031.00
May 17-June 23	$4054.00	$5936.00	$3723.00
June 28- September 29	$4099.00	$6025.00	$3753.00
October 4-October 8	$3020.00	$4173.00	$2894.00

 

 

Accommodations
City	Moderate Accommodation	Deluxe Accommodation
Vancouver	Pacific Palisades Deluxe Room	Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Room
Whistler	Fairmont Chateau Whistler Moderate Room	Fairmont Chateau Whistler Deluxe Room
Quesnel	Moderate Quesnel Hotel	Moderate Quesnel Hotel
Jasper	Lobstick Lodge	Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
		Deluxe Room
Banff	Mount Royal Hotel	Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Fairmont Room