Canadian Rockies Rail, Sail, and Grizzly Bear Adventure
16 days / 15 nights
Trip Overview
Of all our Canada vacation packages, this journey features the most diverse scenery and wildlife of Western Canada. Tour the Canadian Rockies to see magnificent geological formations, waterfalls, turquoise lakes, mountain goats, and black bears. Then take an epic Canadian train journey to the Pacific Northwest, into the heart of Grizzly country on Via Rail’s Skeena train. First Nations heritage, misty old growth forest, and breaching whales keep you in awe as you cruise the inside passage for a day. Then to end a perfect trip, take some time to discover the magic of Vancouver Island and Victoria.Map
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Jasper
1 night Prince George
2 nights Prince Rupert
1 night Port Hardy
2 nights Campbell River
2 nights Victoria
2 nights Vancouver
Trip Images
Discover the Canadian Rockies with our small group tours.
Breathtaking vistas are everywhere, from Banff to Jasper.
On Via Rail, travel through untouched wilderness to the Pacific Northwest.
In Prince Rupert, See magnificent grizzly bears with our local guides.
Then sail the Inside Passage for a day.
Indulge with two nights at Painter's Lodge.
Feel awe struck by such vast coastal forests.
Go whale watching with your fellow guests.
End your trip with sighseeing in Victoria and Vancouver.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Your Canada tour beginsMeet our friendly driver at the Calgary Airport. As you drive into Banff, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and soaring mountain peaks signal to you that you’re now riding through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Don’t take your eyes off the tree-line – you’re bound to spot one of our four legged ambassadors soon! Arrive in the beautiful Rockies hamlet of Banff this evening, and partake in the festive mood.
Day 2 – Explore the Southern Rockies - Banff
Wake up to the glory of mountain splendor! Soon a Fresh Tracks Canada guide will take you on an intimate tour of Banff and its surrounding areas. The mystery and beauty of Johnstone Canyon, Sulphur Mountain, and Lake Minnewanka are intensified as you lean their secrets. Ask as many questions as you like, our tours are kept small to give you the best chance to interact with your guide. Overnight in Banff.
Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise
After a leisurely morning in Banff, our guide takes you to the ‘jewel of the Canadian Rockies’. Wind your way slowly along mountain roads, exploring areas only accessible in a small touring vehicle. Finally, you’ll find yourself strolling the lakeshore at Lake Louise with your guide. Here, glaciers tumble off mountainsides into turquoise waters, and snow capped peaks peaks soar into the sky. Ask your vacation planner to pre-arrange a gentle canoe paddle with a Mountain Heritage guide, or a sitting in the Fairview dining room for afternoon tea. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 5 – The Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise to JasperShadowed by the towering peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, your Icefields Parkway tour holds many wonders. The most exciting of these is a visit to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest and most accessible icefields south of the Arctic Circle. Step out of the Ice Explorer and set your feet on ice millions of years old. Elk, moose, mountain goats and even bears like to make an appearance for our guests, which hare best viewed from our small touring vehicles. After nearly a full day touring and a delicious picnic lunch, you arrive in Jasper. Enjoy your evening!
Day 6 – A Full Day in the Rockies - Discover Jasper
Today is a full day in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore the rich Magline Valley with a guide, then relax on a cruise across mystical Maligne Lake. These are the holiday memories you’ve been waiting for. Leave your stress behind, breathe in the fresh mountain air of the Rockies and enjoy your vacation in Canada.
Day 7 - Canadian Rockies by Train - Jasper to Prince George onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena
The second train portion of your Canadian vacation begins today as you take a seat in a comfortable, reclining chair. The train’s whistle echoes your enthusiasm as you begin your west bound trip to Canada’s Pacific Northwest. All around you are windows – 360 degrees of spectacular scenery surround the Skeena train as you travel through the dense forest of northern British Columbia, into the heart of grizzly country. Small communities and native history are just outside your window, so you’re sure to keep your gaze outside. You won’t miss any of the scenery during the night as you arrive in Prince George for an overnight stay.
Day 8 – Canadian Train - Prince George to Prince Rupert onboard VIA Rail’s SkeenaContinue your train vacation back onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena train. Enjoy the rugged beauty and pioneering character of a landscape once solely traveled by First nation people and fur traders. The train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River traveling through the spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever present mountain ridges. Overnight in Prince Rupert.
Day 9 - Grizzly Bear Viewing in Prince Rupert
Cruise to the pristine wilderness of Khutzeymateen “Valley of the Grizzly” with an expert guide. Listen to stories of historic native villages, as you encounter porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and blue herons along the way. In the rugged coastal mountains of the Khutzeymateen Valley, home to one of the highesat concentrations of grizzly bears in North America, you will have a chance to see these legendary giants in their natural environment. Your first grizzly sighting will take your breath away, and be a true highlight of your Canada tour.
Day 9 – The Inside Passage - Prince Rupert to Port HardyThe Inside Passage delights your senses and keeps you wide eyed all day. This is Canadian West Coast scenery at its finest. Calm inlets, majestic old-growth forests, and towering coastal mountains. The salt tinged air of the Pacific Ocean fills your lungs as the breeze tickles your face. Arrive late this evening in Port Hardy for an overnight stay.
Day 10 - Canadian Train Trip Continues - Port Hardy to Campbell River
Travel south along Vancouver Island today as your luxury motorcoach makes its way along the Island’s coast. This scenic transfer takes you to the outdoor art murals in Chemainus and tours through the two curious residents at Coomb’s Old Country Market - two goats who are sure to bring a smile to your face. Tonight you arrive in Campbell River, a quaint fishing town on the Eastern side of Vancouver Island. Spend two nights at the historic Painter’s Lodge.
Day 11 - Campbell River and Painter’s Lodge Whale Watching
Take to the water today, to witness Orca whales as they congregate around the rich waters of Telegraph cove. Seeing the Killer Whales in their natural habitat, with the spectacular background of coastal mountains and inlets, is a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 12 - Your Canada tour continues to Victoria
A coach transfer takes you to charming Victoria today - a west coast Canadian gem, with a British flair. Fascinating musems, endless world class eateries, local artisans, and the pretty harbor will leave you stumped for what to explore first.
Day 13 - Victoria Walking Tour
Take a leisurely day to aquaint yourself with Victoria. A short walking tour will delight you, as you explore the mix of British, First Nations, and Chinese influence in this seaside town. You could join locals at a nearby park to gaze at towering totem poles, or sit on the harbor front sipping a drink, listening to the clink of masts in the marina.
Day 14 - Victoria to Vancouver via the Butchart Gardens
Enjoy a tour of Victoria and the colorful splendor of the Butchart Gardens. Trail after trail of manicured plants and flowers wait in the gardens – you can’t help but want to inhale the fragrance of each and every one. A ferry finally brings you back to Vancouver, where you will spend the night.
Day 15 - Vancouver
You have a full day to explore the city of Vancouver. Use your, hop-on hop-off trolley pass, the perfect way to discover the sights of historic Gastown, English Bay, Granville Island, the colorful totem poles of scenic Stanley Park and much more. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 16 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart VancouverMuch too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your Canadian train vacation comes to an end.
Which part of Canada should you explore?
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Accommodation Styles
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Deluxe
Nestled between the majestic coastal mountains and the tides of the Pacific Ocean lies the city of Vancouver, and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Located within the hotel you will find a luxurious day spa, health club, award-winning restaurants and an array of designer shops in downtown Vancouver.
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Comfort
The world famous Fairmont Empress hotel is located in the middle of the inner harbour of downtown Victoria. Enjoy the famous high tea that takes place each day in the elegant wine room or front lounge, or relax in the library. Be sure to upgrade to a deluxe harbour view room for great harbour views!
Options & Upgrades
Canadian train vacation customization and upgrade ideasHere are some ideas - but please ask your Fresh Tracks Canada expert for more ideas tailored to your needs when you call. All our Canada train trips can be customized to create your ideal vacation featuring some time on a railroad across all or part of Canada.
• Upgrade your hotel and lodge accmomodations
• Add a Rocky Mountaineer train journey back to Banff and Calgary at the end of your trip, for a full loop of spectacular British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
• Include a stay at the Knight Inlet Lodge in Campbell River, to fully immerse yourself in the bear watching experience and to experience a fly-in floating lodge
• Head out with a guide for a half day salmon fishing adventure
• Extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies to explore the nature trails with a naturalist guide, enjoy a gentle guided canoe paddle on Lake Louise, indulge in afternoon tea in the Fairview dining room, add a thrilling helicopter ride, or simply enjoy some quiet time to relax.
• Ask us to arrange a car rental, and drive the Rockies and Vancouver Island independently
• Combine this trip with one of our other spectacular packages
Dates & Prices
Trip Start Dates - 2012Starting in CalgaryMay 13, 15, 27, 29
June 10, 12, 24, 26
July 8, 10, 22, 24
August 5, 7, 10, 19, 21
September 2, 5, 16, 18
| Hotels and Lodges with Via's Skeena Train | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| May 13 - May 29 2012 | 4,418 | 6,738 |
| Jun 10 - Jun 24 2012 | 5,447 | 8,149 |
| Aug 5 - Sep 4 2012 | 5,337 | 7,917 |
| Sep 16 - Sep 18 2012 | 5,456 | 8,064 |
• Our obsessive attention to detail
• Our caring and creative people
• Intimate knowledge of Canada
• Unique, small group excursions
• The promise of seamless amazement
Canadian vacation price notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Included on your Canadian vacation
• 15 nights of hotel accommodation
• 2 spectacular days on Via Rail’s Skeena train, from Jasper to Prince Rupert (touring class with meals from June 10th onwards)
• Small group sightseeing tour of Banff and it’s surroundings (3 hour)
• Banff Gondola Ride
• Small group sightseeing transfer
between Banff and Lake Louise
• Small group sightseeing transfer along the Icefields Parkway, including a picnic lunch and a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
• Nature tour along Maligne Valley, and a cruise on stunning Maligne Lake (note - cruise available from early June onwards)
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners onboard the train (chilled) - please note that meal service begins on June 10, with touring class on the train
• Grizzly bear viewing in Prince Rupert or Campbell River (see notes below)
• Whale watching in Prince Rupert or Cambpell River
• Sightseeing transfer from Port Hardy to Campbell River
• Transfer from Campbell River to Victoria
• Victoria walking tour
• Victoria and Butchart Gardens tour en route to Vancouver, including ferry ride
• Hop on / off tour of Vancouver
• A personalized pick up from your arrival airport (Calgary)
• Train station transfer in Jasper
• A personalized departure transfer, in time for your flight home
• Documentation package
• Friendly and dedicated Fresh Tracks Canada customer service
Not included on your Canadian vacation
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Airfare (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Train station transfers in Prince George and Prince Rupert (quick taxi ride)
• Gratuities for rail, hotel, tour & transfer staff
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (highly recommended)
• Canadian Sales Taxes
Note - to accommodate the best wildlife viewing seasons, the following activities occur at different times:
From May 13 to June 12 - grizzly viewing is in Prince Rupert, and a marine wildlife tour is included in Campbell River
From June 24 to July 24 - grizzly viewing is in Prince Rupert, and a whale watching tour is included in Campbell River
From August 5 to September 4 - A whale watching cruise is included in Prince Rupert, and a marine wildlife tour is included in Campbell River (black bears can be seen)
From September 16 to 18 - Whale watching is in Prince Rupert, and grizzly watching is in Campbell River
Can't decide which trip is best for you?
Call a friendly local expert TOLL FREE today!
| US & Canada 1 877 913 5264 |
United Kingdom 0800 917 5924 |
Australia 1800 159 634 |
Other Countries 1 604 737 8743 |
Contact Us » |