Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer

Day 1 – Welcome to Banff! (Sunday, August 16)

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at Los Angeles International Airport this morning for a scheduled nonstop flight arriving in Calgary, Alberta this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and stop for lunch on your own at Calgary Farmers’ Market West, a Calgary classic that features a vibrant and welcoming environment. This afternoon we’ll continue west into the Canadian Rockies and arrive in Banff (elevation 4,537’), the idyllic mountain town nestled in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite and begin a three-night stay at an upscale hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Banff (Monday, August 17)

After an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll hear captivating stories about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife while exploring Banff’s breathtaking landscapes with a local guide. We’ll visit Bow Falls, Hoodoos Viewpoint and Surprise Corner, offering an unparalleled vantage point of the historic Banff Springs Hotel and Bow Valley. Later, we’ll breathe in the fresh mountain air and let the stunning natural beauty wash over us when we arrive at Lake Minnewanka, a massive glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks. Each twist and turn of the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive brings new vistas and hidden delights into view. Leafy corners, lakeview lookouts, remnants of an old mining town are just a few of the treasures packed into this stunningly beautiful drive. We’ll visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site to experience the birthplace of Canada’s national parks and learn about the natural and cultural history of the mountains. Later, enjoy time at leisure exploring Banff’s charming townsite which is filled with vibrant streets lined with incredible restaurants, cosmopolitan art galleries and charming boutiques selling unique souvenirs. This afternoon, take advantage of an optional Banff Gondola Excursion for an additional $65 per person including transportation, admission, taxes and fees (minimum of 10 guests required; payable with your tour payment). Ride the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (elevation 8,000 feet) for unparalleled, panoramic views of the Bow Valley and six mountain ranges! A walkable boardwalk, interpretive exhibits and rooftop deck in the state-of-the-art summit building make this more than just a ride – it’s a full mountain adventure. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Yoho National Park, Lake Louise (Tuesday, August 18)

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll be joined by a local guide and travel north along the legendary Icefields Parkway, widely celebrated as the most spectacular mountain highway in North America. Paralleling the Continental Divide, this roadway traverses an unspoiled wilderness of ancient glaciers, pristine lakes, rushing streams, and towering peaks that define the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies. On the western slopes of the great divide, we’ll explore Yoho National Park, offering a perfect blend of nature’s artistry and raw energy. We’ll visit Emerald Lake to see first-hand how this stunning alpine lake got its name and revel in its serenity against a dramatic mountain skyline. At Natural Bridge we’ll admire this stunning rock formation carved by the roaring turquoise waters of the Kicking Horse River. See the stunning Spiral Tunnels of the Canadian Pacific Railway, a marvel of railway engineering. This afternoon we’ll arrive at the breathtaking Lake Louise, where majestic mountains soaring skyward are reflected in the vibrant blue of the glacier-fed lake known as the “Diamond in the Wilderness.” Enjoy an included three-course lunch at the world-renowned Fairmont Château Lake Louise, the château-style, grande dame hotel considered by some to be a “Wonder of the World.” One of the world’s most photographed hotels, and perhaps Canada’s most spectacular resorts, Château Lake Louise is situated on the shores of the emerald waters of Lake Louise and offers spectacular views of Victoria Glacier. We return to Banff with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 – Rocky Mountaineer Train, Kamloops (Wednesday, August 19)

Early this morning we’ll board the famed Rocky Mountaineer and travel west from Banff to Kamloops through the heart of the British Columbia Interior. Onboard we’ll enjoy Silver Leaf Class seating featuring spacious, reclining seats and oversized, custom-designed, glass-domed windows so we can experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury! The friendly team of hosts will serve your gourmet meals, entertain you with history and folklore of the areas we travel through – and even call out wildlife sightings – for a truly immersive travel experience. They’ll take care of those special requests and ensure your comfort, so that you can focus on the journey ahead. Of course, the highlight of your two days onboard will be the jaw-dropping, photo-worthy scenery, some of which can’t be easily accessed other than onboard this train. Rocky Mountaineer trains travel at "picture-perfect speed," winding along at a leisurely pace and slowing down at scenic spots to allow guests to capture the best photos and take in the moment. Get a little bit closer to nature in the outdoor viewing area. Best of all, you won't miss a minute of the stunning views outside your window because Rocky Mountaineer trains only travel during daylight hours. Our journey today takes us past the iconic glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes, through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores, and across the ranchlands of the Interior. We’ll traverse the Continental Divide, travel through the iconic Spiral Tunnels, and be inspired as we wind through mountain passes and dramatic canyons before arriving in Kamloops this evening for an overnight stay at an upscale hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 – Rocky Mountaineer Train, Vancouver (Thursday, August 20)

Early this morning, we’ll reboard the Rocky Mountaineer in Kamloops and enjoy a hot breakfast and lunch onboard the train while we continue west towards the Pacific Ocean. On today's journey, we’ll again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the B.C. Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Cascade and Coast Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. This evening we’ll arrive in Vancouver and begin a two-night stay at an upscale hotel located in the heart of Robson Street in downtown Vancouver’s West End neighborhood. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 6 – Vancouver (Friday, August 21)

After an included breakfast at the hotel, this morning we'll be joined by a local guide for a comprehensive driving tour of Vancouver – the financial, industrial, shipping and cultural center of Canada’s west coast. Known as the crown jewel of Western Canada, Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city with a spectacular view in all directions! We’ll see Canada Place and Jack Poole Plaza where the Olympic Cauldron was lit for the 2010 Winter Games. Travel through English Bay, False Creek and Gastown, Vancouver’s original settlement and its oldest commercial district, featuring the world-famous steam-powered clock and cobblestone streets. We’ll stop at Prospect Point to admire the spectacular Lion’s Gate Bridge and Vancouver’s scenic Waterfront. We’ll visit the First Nations Totem Poles at Stanley Park and join our guide for a walking tour to discover the stories of the land and people who first inhabited this region. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own and browsing at Granville Island Public Market. We’ll return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure followed by an included dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 – Vancouver, Journey Home (Saturday, August 22)

Following an included breakfast at the hotel we’ll travel to Grouse Mountain and ride the gondola to the "Peak of Vancouver" and enjoy ample time at leisure for exploration with access to the Peak Charlift, Wildlife Refuge, Owl Talks, the World Famous Lumberjack Show, The Theatre in the Sky and several eateries to enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon we’ll arrive at the Vancouver International Airport to board a scheduled, nonstop flight arriving in Los Angeles this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a similar flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.