Day
1 Monday
Board VIA Rail transcontinental as we
depart from Edmonton, capital city of
Alberta. We continue on the train journey (in Coach Class of
Service) past wheatfields, and crossing deep ravines to the
"Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" Jasper, Alberta. Watch for
wildlife such as bear, deer, elk, mountain sheep, red fox, wolf and many
other species. Disembark and we are transferred to our hotel
for the first of 2 nights. Step out into the fresh and clean
mountain air for a walk and dinner in one of Jasper's many terrific
restaurants. Fire-Grilled elk medallions anyone? 
Day
2 Tuesday
This morning
we tour JASPER
and, above the townsite, beautiful PYRAMID
LAKE. Perhaps take an optional
cruise of magnificent MALIGNE
LAKE and its incredible aquamarine waters.
The views are stunning and the water is a shade of blue found only in
these mountains. Spirit Island is a famous spot for
photographers seeking the perfect picture. Return to Jasper via the
Valley of the FIVE
LAKES. A few miles to the south of
Jasper is the JASPER
GONDOLA from where the views of the valleys and
peaks are outstanding. Overnight
at one of our Jasper
Day
3 BANFF
NATIONAL PARK on
our deluxe motor coach along the Icefields Parkway. This is one of
the most scenic drives on earth. We'll ride a Sno-Coach (weather
permitting) onto the Columbia Icefield's ATHABASCA
GLACIER. The Columbia Icefields are 125 square miles in size
(massive!), with no fewer than 30 glaciers where 3 river systems flow to
three different oceans. The Icefields Parkway delivers us
past BOW
LAKE, PEYTO
LAKE and MISTAYA
LAKE
south to LAKE
LOUISE,
one of the most enchanting
spots on earth. We see the reflections of the mountains in her aqua
blue waters
and we'll find out how rock flour helps the water retain its mesmerizing
color. Continue further into BANFF
NATIONAL PARK to
the majestic
town of BANFF.
Early evening arrival in Banff.
This evening step out for a walk past the magnificent Banff Springs Hotel,
styled after a Scottish Baronial style castle it is perched on the side of
a mountain overlooking gushing Bow Falls. Overnight at one of our
Banff Hotels
Day
4 Join us on an afternoon tour up Sulfur
Mountain on the BANFF
GONDOLA. The views will take your breath away.
In the evening we can enjoy an optional dinner featuring cuisine and
entertainment all about Canada. The very adventurous can take an
optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies or a relaxing
sail onto
LAKE MINNEWANKA.
Overnight at one
of our Banff Hotels
Day 5
Fridays (and Sundays) Depart for Kamloops, B.C. by motor coach
on the sunny Okanagan via Kicking
Horse Pass. Pass over the Continental Divide and begin our slow
downhill descent to the Pacific Ocean. Travel through Yoho
National Park, one of four parks that comprise a World Heritage Sight.
We arrive in the late afternoon at the "cattle country" center of Kamloops for overnight. Day
6 We scoot along the shores of Kamloops Lake
by motor coach (Kamloops being a native word meaning "meeting of the lakes") and then shadow the mighty
Frasier River past Hell's Gate Canyon. We arrive in lovely
VANCOUVER.
For those staying extra nights (these can be pre-arranged) Vancouver has
many sights to see including Gastown, Chinatown
(second largest in North America), the harbor area, Grouse Mountain and the famous Totem
Poles at STANLEY
PARK. We can pre-book a harbor dinner cruise for you.
or perhaps visit beautiful QUEEN
ELIZABETH PARK.
Overnight at one of
our Vancouver
Hotels
Day 7
Transfer to
Vancouver International airport or
you may choose to extend your stay and visit Vancouver and the largest
island in North America, mighty Vancouver Island. Those extending
their stay can go whale watching, see BUTCHART
GARDENS
and the city of VICTORIA
on Vancouver Island or travel up to WHISTLER
Resort area (North of Vancouver).
We can pre-book 7 night ALASKA
CRUISES at wholesale rates.
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Spirit Island on Maligne Lake
Vermilion Lakes have Many Moods
Lake Louise from the Chateau
How
About a Private Tour
Guide and Vehicle?
|
Please Call 1800-798-2555
2002