Rockies, Islands and Gardens by Rail
12 days / 11 nights
Trip Overview
On this Canada vacations package, venture deep into the Canadian Rockies and onto the West Coast of British Columbia. Bask in the clean, mountain air and take note of the brightly colored flowers that surround you. Sip on regional wines and dine on freshly caught salmon as you create memories that will last a lifetime.Map
Transfer to Banff
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Jasper
1 night Quesnel
1 night Whistler
2 nights Victoria
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
* Also operates in reverse
Trip Images
Visit the Relaxing Island city of Victoria on your Canadian train trip
Explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens
Go whale-watching off the coast by Victoria
Relax onboard the Rocky Mountaineer while heading East enroute to Jasper, Alberta
Enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountians
Finish your journey with two days in Banff, Alberta
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Your vacation in Canada beginsYour vacation in Canada starts with your arrival in Calgary, where our driver awaits your arrival. Soon you’ll be relaxing in comfort, as you wind through the foothills into Banff National Park. Here mountains tower around you and forests stretch endlessly. Overnight in little mountain hamlet of Banff.
Day 2 – Into the Canadian Rockies – Touring Banff
Wake bright and early, to meet a Fresh Tracks Canada guide and take 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. You can ask many questions as you like, as our tours are kept small to give you the best chance for discovery. Overnight in Banff.
Day 3 – Further Into the Canadian Rockies – Travel to Lake Louise
After a leisurely morning, our guide takes you to famous Lake Louise. Meander slowly along mountain roads, as your driver reveals hidden gems only accessible in a small touring vehicle. The grand finale of youre excursion is a lakeshore stroll at Lake Louise. Here, glaciers tumble down mountainsides into bright blue water, and forests frame the lake. Ask your vacation planner to pre-arrange a gentle canoe paddle or guided walk with a Mountain Heritage guide, or a sitting in the Fairview dining room for afternoon tea. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 4 – From Lake Louise to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway
Shadowed by the towering peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, your Icefields Parkway tour reveals all kinds of wonders. You will have the best chance to experience them with your small group, including a most exciting 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. Keep an eye out for one of our four legged ambassadors – elk, moose, mountain goats and even bears like to make an appearance for our guests throughout the day. After nearly a full day touring and a delicious picnic lunch, you arrive in Jasper.
Day 5 – Sightseeing Tour – Jasper National Park
Today is your opportunity to discover Jasper National Park. Your guide knows that Maligne Valley is the perfect place to see wildlife, so don’t be surprised to see antlers peeking through forest branches as you meander along. After a visit to mysterious Maligne Canyon, a highlight of your day will be a cruise on Maligne Lake, deep green in color, framed by wildflowers, and alive with the sound of mountain birds. This day of your vacation in Canada is bound to be a memorable one.
Day 6 – On the Rocky Mountaineer Train – Jasper to Kamloops
Your vacation in Canada takes to the rails! The scent of hot coffee wafts through your train car as you find your place and settle into the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer train. Travel west before heading south along the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. The sights of Canada out your large picture window are ever-changing from the high peaks of Mount Robson to the pulsing waters of Pyramid Falls. Enjoy some downtime from the railroad journey as you pull in to Kamloops.
Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver
Continue westbound today onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train toward the coastal city of Vancouver. As you travel across Canada’s west coast, watch the dry interior become rushing rivers, lush forests and steep slopes of the coastal mountains. The sounds of the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate are so loud they reach your train car and you can almost feel the mist of the waters while on the observation deck. Passengers are known to spot all kinds of animals - have your camera prepared!
Arrive in Vancouver, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and beautiful ocean vistas.
Day 8 - Your vacation in Canada continues up to Whistler
Board the Whistler mountaineer this morning, and see how different the scenery looks as you pass though Howe Sound. Misty inlet views, rushing canyons, and cedar forests are all part of the scenery today. Arrive in Whistler around noon, and enjoy a thrilling experience as you ride the Peak to Peak gondola. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 9 - Float plane from Whistler to Victoria
See if you can spot the Whistler Mountaineer train from the sky today, as you soar above the Sea to Sky Corridor your to Vancouver Island. Arrive in Victoria’s harbor,, and spend the day discovering the delights of this quaint coastal city.
Day 10 - Victoria Whale Watching
A visit to Victoria wouldn’t be complete without a chance to see some of Victoria’s resident Orca pods. Feel the thrill as a whale breaches before you, leaving a mist of Pacific Sea water in it’s wake. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 11 - Victoria’s Butchart Gardens, and on to Vancouver
A guided tour through charming Victoria, and a visit to the Butchart Gardens are the perfect end to your stay on Vancouver Island. Enjoy a ferry ride back to the mainland, and check into your Vancouver hotel.
Day 12 - Vacation in Canada ends
Filled with memories of the Canadian Rockies and Pacific Northwest, meet your driver and depart from Vancouver’s airport.
Need help making the most of your time?
Call one of our friendly local experts TOLL FREE now!
| US & Canada 1 877 913 5264 |
United Kingdom 0800 917 5924 |
Australia 1800 159 634 |
Other Countries 1 604 737 8743 |
Contact Us » |
Accommodation Styles
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Deluxe
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!
Sheraton Wall Centre
Deluxe
A visually-stunning hotel located in the heart of downtown. Enjoy great views through the floor to ceiling windows. Thoughtful extras include luxury bath amenities, and refreshment centers in every room.
Rimrock Resort
Luxury Mountain Lodge
The Rimrock Resort is one of Fresh Tracks favourite hotels! The hotel is built into the side of a mountain, when you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 7th floor, and the views from the pamorama of windows over the Bow Valley are simply stunning. The hotel has an upscale yet understated feel, and the service is impeccable.
Westin Resort and Spa Whistler
Comfort level hotel
Fresh Tracks's favourite Whistler property is the Westin Resort, located right in Whistler village within meters of the ski lifts and gondola. This is an all-suite deluxe hotel featuring full kitchens, gas burning fireplaces, soaker tubs, and the Westin Heavenly bed.
Options & Upgrades
Options & UpgradesAll our Canada train trips can be customized to create your ideal vacation featuring some time on a railroad across all or part of Canada.
Here are some ideas - but please ask our friendly experts for more ideas tailored to your needs when you call.
• Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery,freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform provide wonderful photographic opportunities
• Extra nights in Vancouver, the Rockies or Calgary as well as day-trips and tours make great additions to this trip
Dates & Prices
Trip Start Dates - 2012Starts in Vancouver
May 17, 20, 24, 27, 30
Jun 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28
Jul 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 29
Aug 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
Sep 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 23
Starts in Calgary
May 12, 19, 26
Jun 2, 9,16, 23, 30
Jul 7, 14, 21,
Aug 4,11,18,25,
Sep 1,8,15, 18
| Comfort Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | ||
| Double | Single | GoldLeaf Upgrade | |
| May 17 - May 24 2012 | 4,132 | 6,095 | 915 |
| May 26 - Sep 23 2012 | 4,940 | 7,296 | |
| Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | ||
| Double | Single | GoldLeaf Upgrade | |
| May 11 - May 18 2012 | 5,345 | 8,295 | 915 |
| May 25 - Sep 24 2012 | 5,796 | 8,947 | |
| Deluxe Plus Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| Apr 25 2012 | 8,402 | 13,288 |
| May 2 - May 23 2012 | 8,847 | 13,937 |
| Mountain Lodges & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | ||
| Double | Single | GoldLeaf Upgrade | |
| May 27 - Aug 30 2012 | 6,424 | 10,325 | 915 |
| Sep 1 - Sep 23 2012 | 6,126 | 9,733 | |
• 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
Canadian train vacation price notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
• Note - all prices include Whistler service on the Whistler Mountaineer. Upgrade to Dome service for $116 per person between June 14 and August 24
Included on your Canadian vacation
• 11 nights of hotel accommodation
• 2 spectacular days on the Rocky Mountaineer train, between Vancouver and Jasper
• Half day journey from Vancouver to Whistler on the Whistler Mountaineer train
• Small group sightseeing tour of Banff and it’s surroundings (3 hour)
• Banff Gondola Ride
• Small group sightseeing transfer
between Banff and Lake Louise (3 hour)
• 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
• Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola pass
• Float plane transfer from Whistler to Victoria
• Victoria whale watching adventure in a covered boat
• Tour of Victoria and the Butchart Gardens, finishing with a ferry ride back to Vancouver
• 3 delicious breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the train
• A personalized pick up from your arrival airport (Vancouver or Calgary)
• All train station transfers
• A personalized departure transfer, in time for your flight home
• Documentation package
• Friendly and dedicated Fresh Tracks Canada customer service
Note - guests on our Mountain Lodge program will have a slightly different itinerary. Please ask your Fresh Tracks Canada expert for details.
Not included on your Canadian vacation
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Airfare (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Gratuities for rail, hotel, tour & transfer staff
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (highly recommended)
• Canadian Sales Taxes
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 » |