Best of the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer Calgary to Vancouver

This morning, we drive through the heart of the city and see some of the highlights including the Stampede Park and Princess Park area of the riverfront before we make our way past Olympic Park and then through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We will drive through the scenic town of Canmore and then to Banff, at the centre of Canada’s very first National Park. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and a vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff and Lake Louise. Upon arrival, we will explore Banff on a sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens, Hoodoos, beautiful Bow Falls, then visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park. Then we will take the
skywalk up Sulphur Mountain, here we will enjoy a group dinner at the top with an unparalleled view of the mountains and valley below. After dinner, we will check-in to our accommodation.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and cross the Continental Divide to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountain range into Yoho National Park in British Columbia. The awe-inspiring Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes it glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald, is also one of our stops today. We will view the Natural bridge and enjoy a photo stop at the Spiral tunnels. We drive back into Alberta and visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two jewels of the Rockies surrounded
by glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountain peaks. You may have seen photos of the lakes, but you will not be prepared for the experience of rounding the corner, getting the first sight of the emerald, green waters and the rugged peaks as a backdrop. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, you have likely never seen anything so dramatically beautiful.

This morning, enjoy some free time after breakfast before travelling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, we drive along the famous Icefields Parkway which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road that boasts a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty second to none is so famous. A picture stop at Peyto lake before arriving to
the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; we visit the Interpretive Centre (here you can enjoy lunch on own) then have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close look at the Athabasca Glacier. Then we will go to the skywalk and experience standing on the glass floor above the valley below. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, we see the powerful Athabasca Falls
before arriving at the charming town of Jasper, our home for the next two nights.

Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper town located within the Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start the day with a ride up Whistler Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram. A full day of sightseeing follows including a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. As we continue into the Valley we will rise into the sub-alpine forests and view the expanding ranges of limestone rising out of Medicine Lake. This mysterious disappearing lake will change seasonally as the flow rates of melt waters fill and empty this basin. A scenic drive takes you to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Here we will enjoy a leisurely 90-minutes cruise
ride on the lake with a stop at the Spirit Island.

Travel we travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Kamloops, located in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Breakfast & lunch will be served onboard. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Upon arrival at the Kamloops Station, we will be transferred by motor coach to our overnight accommodation. The pick-up time for tomorrow morning's motor coach transfer to the train station will be posted in the lobby of our hotel.

After an overnight stay at your Kamloops hotel, transfer by motor coach to the train station. Our journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey we will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade 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. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we will be transferred to our overnight accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

On our city sightseeing tour this morning, we discover why Vancouver is one of the most interesting cities in North America. Our tour takes us through Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, and past English Bay. To complete the sightseeing tour, enjoy the FlyOver Canada experience the harbourfront. The show utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while the film takes you away on an exhilarating 8-minute journey across Canada, from east to west. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride's motion to create an unforgettable experience This afternoon we will experience the natural wonder of British Columbia’s Pacific coastal rainforest and the thrill of standing 150 meters (450 ft) above the Capilano River
at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Then we will go to Grouse Mountain and then we will take a tram ride up the mountain. Where you can view grizzly bears in refuge. Take some time to freshen up in the hotel, before enjoying a Farewell dinner to reminisce about the journey you shared.

Today we say farewell to Vancouver, British Columbia and transfer to Vancouver International Airport for our journey home.
**Group transfer to airport – please ensure to book your flights after 12:00pm.**