Holiday Ref: 16302
The Grand Rail circle tour is a perfect holiday for anyone wanting to experience the phenomenal sights, breathtaking scenery and spectacular wildlife that Canada has to offer! You can simply lay back and take it all in as you will be touring on the Rocky Mountaineer, the most renowned and respected railway line in Canada! Expect nothing more than first class service onboard. This trip is the ideal opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Canada's vast and varying landscapes.
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Why not take in the view from the Vancouver Lookout Tower (included)? Overnight in Vancouver.
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.
Your journey continues eastwards into the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels. Your rail journey ends this evening as you see the glaciers and snow-capped peaks as a backdrop to the resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff.
After enjoying a morning at leisure, embark on an incredible sightseeing tour of the highlights of Banff. Among the highlights are visits to Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola (admission included), Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Overnight in Banff.
Today is yours to enjoy in the stunning surroundings of the mountainous resort of Banff and it's awe-inspiring National Park. Why not unwind and take a dip in the famous Upper Hot Springs, or follow one of the mountain trails on foot? Overnight in Banff.
Today you will embark on a half-day motorcoach tour into Yoho National Park. Highlights include the Spiral Tunnels, the shimmering turquoise waters of the Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. You will then arrive in Lake Louise. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Enjoy a free day in Lake Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views surrounding this resort town. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Travel from Lake Louise to the alpine town of Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. This tour will take you through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and numerous glaciers, highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and a ride on an Ice Explorer. Overnight in Jasper.
Experience all of the beauty of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Canada's largest national park. Enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the park’s awe-striking natural attractions, including Maligne Lake, the largest and most photographed natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, and Whistlers Mountain.
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort of Jasper into the charming rural town of Quesnel, the gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains either side, and onto the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia’s Northern Interior. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass and Moose Lake. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel, a charming town complete with a treasure trove of heritage buildings that will make any visitor a history lover. Overnight in Quesnel.
Your journey continues south today towards the resort of Whistler. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, through the rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau, to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge - one of the highest railway bridges in the world - and the shorelines of glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Overnight in Whistler.
The morning is free to explore Whistler Village at your leisure. This afternoon return to Vancouver through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights of the trip include the Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Brandywine Falls, and breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. On arrival into the city, you will be transferred to your accommodation in downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.
Check out from your Vancouver hotel and make your way to the airport, where you will fly back to the UK.
