WESTERN CANADA

Tour	Nights	Brochure Page	See More
Western Vistas	4	74
Alpine Journeys	6	75
Western Explorer	7	73
Western Rail and Sail	13	79

WESTERN VISTAS

Calgary - Banff - Kamloops - Whistler - Vancouver or v.v.

A short yet comprehensive tour travelling between the spectacular Rocky Mountains and the Pacific coastal city of Vancouver. Tour along the Icefields Parkway, commonly described as one of the most scenic drives in the world, walk on a glacier and visit picture-perfect Lake Louise.

Departure Dates from Calgary 2004

May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
June 2, 4, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
August 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
September 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29,
October 1, 6, 8, 13, 15

The tour departs early in the morning from three downtown Calgary hotels.
Hawthorn Hotel & Suites - 8.05 am
Fairmont Palliser Hotel - 8.20 am
Calgary Marriott Hotel - 8.35am
If you stay at another Calgary hotel, you must make your own way to one of the above pick up points.

Departure Dates from Vancouver 2004

May 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, 16, 18

You can choose from a number of departure times as shown below. A reservation is required, please advise which pick up time you require when making your reservation

Dates in blue are low season departures.

What's included?

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Calgary to Banff
Departing early this morning you will travel through the foothills of the Rockies to the resort town of Banff. Historic Highway 1 is the most scenic route to Banff and was once the only route to the Rocky Mountains. On arrival in Banff, continue on a sightseeing tour with highlights including a visit to Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive and the Cave and Basin Historic Site. Your knowledgeable driver/guide will share with you the flora, fauna, wildlife and the history of Banff. After your sightseeing you will be dropped off at your hotel. Included in your package is a Banff Gondola ride including transfers to and from Banff to Sulphur Mountain. Here you can enjoy a bird’s eye of Banff and the surrounding areas from 770 metres above the Banff townsite. There are several departures each day and you may choose any departure on any day of your Banff stay. Overnight in Banff at the Mount Royal Hotel (Fairmont Banff Springs).

Day 2 Banff
Today’s journey takes you north along the famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in North America. Your destination is the Columbia Icefield, located in Jasper National Park, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. A ride on a specially constructed “snocoach” is included. This will take you to the middle of the glacier whilst your driver/guide explains how the glaciers are formed and points out interesting geological features. You return to Banff later this afternoon. Overnight in Banff at the Mount Royal Hotel (Fairmont Banff Springs).

Day 3 Banff to Kamloops
Your journey begins with a stop at Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Rockies”. After your stop, you continue westward to Kamloops via the Kicking Horse Canyon. The highway’s highest point is at Kicking Horse Pass (1625 metres) which is located in Yoho National Park. Continuing along the Trans Canada Highway, the Coast Hillcrest Resort Hotel will be your lunch stop for today (lunch included), located above the city of Revelstoke. After lunch continue on through the Shuswap Lake area to the city of Kamloops, the gateway to the interior of British Columbia. Your overnight this evening is at the Lac Le Jeune Resort, located in a stunning wilderness setting on the shores of Lac Le Jeune. Dinner at your hotel is included tonight.

Day 4 Kamloops to Whistler
Today’s tour will take you via the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler. You begin the day by travelling along the Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of Cache Creek. The historic Hat Creek Ranch literally takes you back to the days of the gold rush (admission included).Continuing your journey you will travel through Lillooet where you will stop for lunch (included) and past Pemberton before arriving into Whistler. Upon arrival in Whistler, you will be dropped off at your hotel and then the remainder of the day is free for you to explore the village. Overnight in Whistler at the Delta Whistler Village Suites (Fairmont Chateau Whistler).

Day 5 Whistler to Vancouver
Your day is free until you transfer to Vancouver. Your route to Vancouver takes you along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, which offers panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Range Mountains. On arrival in Vancouver you will be dropped off at a downtown hotel or at Vancouver International Airport for your ongoing or return flight.

Optional Extras

Pre-pay for your meals - this includes 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Prices are shown in table below.

Extend your stay in Calgary! Available hotels can be found HERE
Extend your stay in Vancouver! Available hotels can be found HERE

Prices Per Person 2004

ALPINE JOURNEYS

Vancouver - Whistler - Kamloops - Lake Louise - Jasper - Banff - Calgary or v.v.

A terrific one week glimpse of Canada’s mountain and west coast that takes in all the highlights. An overnight stay in Whistler gives you time to explore the four seasons village. Spend a night at glorious Lake Louise, tour the incredible Icefields Parkway and with two nights in Banff, this really is a tour of non-stop scenery!

Departure Dates from Vancouver 2004

May 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, 16, 18

You can choose from a number of departure times as shown below. A reservation is required, please advise which pick up time you require when making your reservation

Departure Dates from Calgary 2004

May 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31
June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
July 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
August 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
September 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 27, 29
October 4, 6, 11, 13

The tour departs early in the morning from three downtown Calgary hotels.
Hawthorn Hotel & Suites - 8.05 am
Fairmont Palliser Hotel - 8.20 am
Calgary Marriott Hotel - 8.35am
If you stay at another Calgary hotel, you must make your own way to one of the above pick up points.

Dates in blue are low season departures.

What's included?

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Vancouver to Whistler
This morning depart Vancouver International Airport or your selected downtown hotel by a scheduled service coach, travelling north along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. This scenic highway offers panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Range Mountains. On arrival in Whistler, you will be dropped off at your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Whistler at the Delta Whistler Village Suites (Fairmont Chateau Whistler).

Day 2 Whistler to Kamloops
Late this morning you will depart Whistler and travel through the historic farming village of Pemberton where you will stop for lunch (included), before turning onto the Duffey Lake Road. Your route to Kamloops takes you through Lillooet, along Highway 99 to the gold rush town of Cache Creek. A stop will be made at the historic Hat Creek Ranch which takes you back to the days of the gold rush (admission is included). Your overnight stay this evening is at the Lac Le Jeune Resort, located in a tranquil setting on the shores of Lac Le Jeune. Dinner at your hotel is included.

Day 3 Kamloops to Lake Louise
Today you will continue eastward towards the Rockies. As you pass through the Shuswap Lake area, Salmon Arm and Sicamous, keep watch for osprey and eagles that inhabit the treetops. Continuing along the Trans Canada Highway brings you to Revelstoke and the Coast Hillcrest Resort Hotel will be your lunch stop (lunch included). After lunch, you will continue through the Kicking Horse Canyon to the highway’s highest point of elevation (1625 metres) at Kicking Horse Pass, located in Yoho National Park. During the day you will pass through a time zone and pass through Glacier, Yoho and Banff National Parks. Continue onto Lake Louise. “the Jewel of the Rockies”. Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Deluxe Room).

Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper
Today’s journey takes you north along the famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in North America. Your tour takes you through Banff and Jasper National Parks and includes a stop at the Columbia Icefield for a ride on a specially designed Snocoach onto the surface of the glacier (snocoach included). Leaving the Glacier your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper. Overnight in Jasper at the Lobstick Lodge (Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge).

Day 5 Jasper to Banff
Your introduction to Jasper will highlight some outstanding scenery including Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake and Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. This afternoon you will travel south along the scenic Icefields Parkway to Banff. This journey is an express service and will not stop at any sightseeing highlights. On arrival in Banff the remainder of the day is free for you to explore. Included in your package is a Banff Gondola ride including transfers to and from Banff to Sulphur Mountain. There are several departures each day and you may choose any departure on any day of your Banff stay. Overnight in Banff at the Mount Royal Hotel (Fairmont Banff Springs).

Day 6 Banff
Enjoy a 3-hour guided nature walk in Canada’s premier National Park. Here you will experience a unique blend of fantastic scenery, breathtaking wildflowers, bird watching and perhaps even sightings of Rocky Mountain wildlife. Your professional, certified guide will amaze you with information on the local ecosystems, how the mountains were formed and the human history of the valley. This easy nature walk will enhance your understanding and appreciation of this mountain environment. Overnight in Banff at the Mount Royal Hotel (Fairmont Banff Springs).

Day 7 Banff to Calgary
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Banff, Canada’s first National Park. Highlights include a visit to the hoodoos, shaped by centuries of wind, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, which overlooks the splendour of the Bow River Valley and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. This afternoon transfer to Calgary International Airport or a downtown hotel where sadly your tour comes to an end.

Optional Extras

Pre-pay for your meals - this includes 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Prices are shown in table below.

Extend your stay in Calgary! Available hotels can be found HERE
Extend your stay in Vancouver! Available hotels can be found HERE

Prices Per Person 2004

WESTERN EXPLORER

Vancouver - The Rocky Mountaineer - Jasper - Lake Louise - Banff - Calgary or v.v.

A popular tour that combines a two day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer - “the most spectacular train trip in the world”, with a variety of sightseeing tours through the Canadian Rockies. With visits and overnight stays in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise, you really can see all of the Rockies in one week!

Departure Dates from Vancouver 2004 - Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays

Apr 17, 21, 26
May 1, 5, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31
Jun 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
Jul 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
Aug 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Sep 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
Oct 2, 5, 7, 9, 11

Departure Dates from Calgary 2004 - Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

Apr 15, 20, 24, 29
May 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29 ,
Jun 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
Jul 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Aug 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
Sep 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Oct 2, 5, 7, 9

What's included?

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and spend the day exploring this scenic city. Overnight in Vancouver at the Century Plaza or similar (Sheraton Wall Centre).

Day 2 Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. En route you will pass through the fertile Fraser Valley and the scenic Fraser Canyon. One of the canyon’s true highlights is Hell’s Gate, where you will watch water torrent past the canyon’s walls at its narrowest point. Upon leaving the Fraser Canyon, the train will follow the Thompson River to the city of Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 3 Rocky Mountaineer Kamloops to Jasper
Back onboard the Rocky Mountaineer you will follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus into the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Pass by Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres (12,972ft), before entering Jasper National Park. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon. Overnight Jasper at the Amethyst Lodge or similar (Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge).

Day 4 Jasper Sightseeing
Spend either the morning or afternoon touring Jasper by motorcoach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon and Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. Overnight in Jasper at the Amethyst Lodge or similar (Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge).

Day 5 Jasper to Lake Louise
Transfer to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. It is here that you will ride a Snocoach to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight in Lake Louise at the Lake Louise Inn (Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Post Hotel).

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff
A full day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the points of interest are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Between June and September additional stops will be made at picturesque Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls and the Valley of the Ten Peaks near Lake Louise. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff at the Mount Royal Hotel (or similar) (Fairmont Banff Springs or Rimrock Resort).

Day 7 Banff to Calgary
This morning a sightseeing tour shows you the highlights of Banff townsite before an afternoon transfer to Calgary. Among the points of interest are visits to Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Centre, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Overnight in Calgary at the Hawthorn Suites or similar (Fairmont Palliser or Calgary Marriott).

Day 8 Calgary Departure
Your tour ends with check out from your Calgary hotel.

Prices Per Person 2004

WESTERN RAIL & SAIL

Vancouver - The Rocly Mountaineer - Banff - Jasper - VIA Rail - Prince George - Prince Rupert - The Inside Passage - Port Hardy - Victoria - Vancouver

Board the Rocky Mountaineer to the breathtaking wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, before setting out for the Pacific Coast aboard VIA Rail’s Skeena train. In Prince Rupert embark on an enchanting cruise through the Inside Passage to Vancouver Island, before finally returning to Vancouver.

Departure Dates

2004:
May 14, 16, 18, 28
June 11, 13, 25, 27
July 9, 11, 23, 25
August 6, 8, 20, 22
September 3, 5, 17

What's included?

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Vancouver
On arrival at Vancouver International Airport transfer independently to you centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city. Overnight in Vancouver at the Delta Pinnacle or similar.

Day 2 Vancouver
Discover Vancouver on a morning tour taking in the sights of historic Gastown, bustling Chinatown, scenic Stanley Park and the beautiful Sunken Gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park. Overnight in Vancouver at the Delta Pinnacle or similar.

Day 3 Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Kamloops
A transfer to Vancouver train station is included this morning where you will embark on an unforgettable journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. The journey crosses the Coastal Mountains into the rugged beauty of the British Columbia interior and follows the rushing torrents of the Fraser and Thompson rivers. Overnight in Kamloops at the Executive Inn or similar. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4 Rocky Mountaineer Kamloops to Banff National Park
Today, relish the spectacle of snow-capped peaks, vividly coloured lakes, glistening glaciers and alpine meadows as the train crosses the national parks of Glacier, Yoho and Banff. The majestic mountain ridges of the Canadian Rockies tower high above the meandering railroad en route to the charming resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff at the Traveller’s Inn or similar.

Day 5 Banff
Canada’s oldest national Park offers a world of activities and recreation in a mountain setting resplendent with awe-inspiring beauty. Spend the day at leisure in picturesque Banff or explore the park along its vast network of hiking and horseback riding trails. Overnight in Banff at the Traveller’s Inn or similar.

Day 6 Banff to Jasper
Leave the resort town of Banff and travel north along the famous Icefields Parkway into the untamed wilderness of Jasper National Park. Overnight in Jasper at the Tonquin Inn or similar.

Day 7 Jasper
Enjoy some free time in the resort town of Jasper, which still boasts an intriguing frontier identity. Overnight in Jasper at the Tonquin Inn or similar.

Day 8 Skeena Train Jasper to Prince George
Today you will embark on a memorable rail journey across British Columbia’s Cariboo region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pass the cloud-veiled peak of Mount Robson and watch the horizons widen as the train descends from the Rockies onto the rugged interior plateau. The northern arm of the Fraser River leads you into Prince George. Overnight in Prince George at the Ramada Inn Downtown or similar.

Day 9 Skeena Train Prince George to Prince Rupert
Continuing west, your train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River and meanders the spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever-present mountain ridges. Overnight in Prince Rupert at the Pacific Inn or similar.

Day 10 Inside Passage Cruise Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
Welcome to the glorious Inside Passage, a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Sail to Vancouver Island through a maze of enchanting islands, relishing the ever-changing vistas of deep fjords, densely forested shorelines, massive ice-flows and jagged inlets, Watch bald eagles soar overhead, sea lions slumbering on the rocks and whales traversing the offshore waters. Overnight in Port Hardy at the Airport Inn or similar.

Day 11 Port Hardy to Victoria
Today travel the Island Highway through the forest clad mountains of the interior and along a spectacular coastline dotted with charming fishing villages. Enjoy sweeping views of the shoreline and distant Coast Mountains. On arrival in Victoria the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Overnight in Victoria at the Executive House Hotel or similar.

Day 12 Victoria
Enjoy a free day in the capital of British Columbia, take the opportunity to explore the Inner Harbour or to stroll along Victoria’s enticing shopping streets. Overnight in Victoria at the Executive House Hotel or similar.

Day 13 Victoria to Vancouver
A free morning in Victoria. Later in the day, experience the exhilaration of travelling by floatplane across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Enjoy the breathtaking birds-eye view of the city’s skyline as you approach for a thrilling landing on water. Overnight in Vancouver at the Delta Pinnacle or similar.

Day 14 End of Tour

Please note: On the floatplane from Victoria to Vancouver on day 13, a maximum of 11 kg of luggage per person is allowed. Any additional luggage must be advised at the time of booking. The floatplane company will try to accommodate additional luggage on the flight, or extra luggage will be sent on a later departure.

Prices Per Person 2004