Day 1Check in for your flight to Calgary. Following our afternoon arrival we transfer to the three-star superior
Delta Bow Valley Hotel in central Calgary for one night.
Day 2Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, now-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Our hotel, where we stay for the next three nights, is the three-star superior
Rundlestone Lodge in the spa resort of Banff. With its woodpanelled interior, cosy fireplace and excellent indoor pool, our hotel is a mere 15-minute stroll from the centre of town.
Day 3This morning our journey takes us along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas taking you, almost, within touching distance of the summits, every turn revealing a more amazing view than the last! Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. Then we take in the renowned Peyto Lake, possibly the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters.
Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest such phenomenon in the Canadian Rockies, covering over 200 square miles, at depths in excess of 1,000 feet, a mind-blowing display of the power and majesty of mother-nature. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.
Day 4Today we have a free day though there’s plenty to see and do. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also exciting helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of 7,500 foot Sulphur Mountain, on the Banff gondola, with bald eagles soaring past you, on the thermals.
Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with open-air terrace. Another popular pastime is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.
Day 5This morning we set off on one of the world’s great train journeys! Boarding the red, white and blue carriages of the
Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned, comfortable reclining seats, which rotate through 360 degrees, with plenty of legroom, from which to gaze through large panoramic windows. The train begins its spectacular two-day, 585-mile journey following the wide valley of the Bow River before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. We then negotiate the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, before we follow the Columbia River and cross the dramatic 500–foot steel span of Stoney Creek Bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns and villages en route and the building of the railway itself. Meals included in RedLeaf Class include airline-style ‘chilled’ breakfast and luncheon served at your seat on each day, as well as plenty of complimentary snacks, fresh fruit, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic drinks served at your seat (bar service available at extra cost). You may also upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Service and its impressive Dome Coach. Our overnight accommodation is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops.
Day 6Continuing on towards Vancouver we follow the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the aptly-named Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon. We criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic cattle ranching country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after our once-in-a-lifetime journey. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for two nights, the centrally located brand-new three-star superior
Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, close to the main shopping areas and the harbourfront promenade.
Day 7 Vancouver is rightly regarded as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities. Lapped by the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflect the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning our city tour takes in Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, with its superb views. The afternoon is at leisure, though there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. Drift down to Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade and the huge expanse of Stanley Park. Visit the city’s aquarium, with its Beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters before continuing along the shoreline path, which affords stunning vistas across the bay, until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach. No better spot from which to watch the sunset and absorb Vancouver’s unique atmosphere.
Day 8This morning is at leisure. Those returning home will transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for their flight.
Day 9We arrive back in the UK, with a heart full of wonderful memories.
