Day 1 Fly to Calgary
Arrive in Calgary, transfer independently to your chosen Calgary hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the "Cowboy City"
Overnight hotel: Sandman Hotel Calgary or upgrade to the Fairmont Palliser
Day 2 Calgary to Banff
This morning you will have further opportunity to sightsee in Calgary, a trip up Calgary Tower (not included) to the Observation deck offers spectacular 360 degree view of the bustling city and majestic Rocky Mountains. Early this afternoon catch the included schedule coach transfer from Calgary to your hotel in Banff.
Overnight hotel: Banff Aspen Lodge or upgrade to the Fairmont Banff Springs
Day 3 & 4 Banff
Two days at leisure in Banff, explore independently or we can pre-book some excursions for you. Here are two suggestions:
Optional Excursions from Banff:
The Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff (11 hours) - Departing from individual hotels prepare yourself for the experience of the Columbia Icefield. Covering an expanse of 325 sq. km and reaching depths of up to 320m, this impressive icefield forms one of the largest masses of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Your route along the scenic icefields Parkway provides a spectacular view, but you will enhance your experience by venturing directly onto the Athabasca Glacier - which represents a substantial portion of the entire ice blanket - in a special ice explorer. An alpine picnic lunch and Ice Explorer ride is included. *
Explore Banff Including Gondola (6.5 hours) - Departing from individual hotels take a guided bus tour through the towering mountains of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade and Norquay and learn about the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos and the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Be aware of the Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive! Experience a gentle ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain taking 8 minutes in a four person fully enclosed gondola. A spectacular view and picture taking opportunity wait at the top of this 360 degree panorama of the Bow Valley. Learn all about how these majestic mountains have shaped this unique community. *
Day 5 Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Kamloops
This morning check out of your hotel and catch a taxi to the train station. On board the Rocky Mountaineer train, you will experience a spectacular rail excursion from Banff to Kamloops. This unique daylight service allows you to view some of the most spectacular sights in Western Canada. The route departs the Rocky Mountains through the Kicking Horse Pass. By late afternoon, you are in the arid ranch land of interior British Columbia, where you disembark for the night. Upon arrival in Kamloops, the evening is at your leisure. You can either choose Silverleaf or Goldleaf service on the Rocky Mounataineer, and also whether you would like a standard hotel in Kamloops or upgrade to a superior option
Overnight in Kamloops with breakfast and lunch included.
Day 6 Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Vancouver
You will set out on the last leg of your spectacular rail experience today. The Rocky Mountaineer takes you through the “cowboy country” ranchlands and along the rushing torrents of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. You are now truly in pioneer territory and en route you can listen to the history and legends of the West while enjoying all the comforts of your luxury train. The last stretch takes you through lush farmlands and past historic towns to Vancouver. Breakfast and lunch included. Upon arrival in Vancouver catch a taxi to your hotel for two nights
Overnight hotel: Century Plaza Hotel & Spa or upgrade to either the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Fairmont Waterfront
Day 7 Vancouver
Today is at leisure in this wonderful city. Explore Vancouver independently, a hop on / hop off bus tour of Vancouver is a great way to see the highlights in a day. We can book an excursion for you such as a foodie tour of the wonderful Granville Island or a float-plane tour to gives you a birds-eye view of the beautiful mountains, bays and islands surrounding the city
Overnight hotel: Century Plaza Hotel & Spa or upgrade to either the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Fairmont Waterfront
Day 8
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before catching a taxi to the airport for your flight home. Or your extend your holiday with a trip over to Victoria on Vancouver Island, a cruise to Alaska or fly over to Toronto and visit Niagara Falls.
* optional excursions at extra charge
