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Enjoy the extreme and diverse landscapes of the Northern Rockies. From temperate rainforests to desert canyons, experience landscapes in Western Canada on this trip that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Travel past picturesque lakes, through lush coastal rainforest and the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, into the ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau.
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this coastal city at your own pace. Why not check out the view from the Vancouver Lookout (included)? Overnight in Vancouver.
Check out from your hotel and transfer via motor coach to board the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer to the resort town of Whistler. This iconic train takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Whistler.
Spend a second day onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and travel the charming rural town of Quesnel. Enjoy varied scenery from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, through the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, to rolling hills and vast ranch lands of the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacier-fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, and the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge - one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel.
Your journey continues eastwards today into the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George, then travels east through the forests of northern British Columbia, home of plentiful wildlife (including a large population of moose). Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains to the north and the Cariboo Mountains to the south. Continue climbing past Mount Robson - at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - through Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey comes to a close on arrival in Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.
Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park. Today you will enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the park’s natural attractions and rugged peaks, and keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this region home. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently. Overnight in Jasper.
Travel 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. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features from your driver/guide. 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.
Enjoy a free day exploring the beauty of Lake Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views. Overnight in Lake Louise.
This morning you have more leisure time to explore Lake Louise at your own pace. After lunch, a half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.
Today you will have an entire day to explore Banff National Park on your own. Why not soak in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs or enjoy an exhilarating walk on nearby mountain trails? Other activities include visiting Banff’s historic museums, cruising on Lake Minnewanka or playing a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.
Today you will enjoy a full-day tour concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff and a ride on the famous Banff Gondola. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Continue to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure; a 12-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Overnight in Calgary.
Your holiday ends upon checkout from your Calgary hotel, at which point you will transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK.
