Edmonton to Victoria


Day 1 Thursday/Saturday Our incredible train journey begins! Board VIA Rail westbound at Edmonton's NorthSide Train Station. Roll across the prairies and into the Alberta foothills in Coach Class of Service (no meals). The rolling plains soon give way to the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Arrive in "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" Jasper, Alberta. Disembark and transfer (transfer not included in price) to one of our Jasper hotels. Keep on the lookout for wild animals often seen in and around the town. OR those wishing to visit the Worlds largest shopping can spend one or 2 nights in Edmonton prior to the start of the tour. Day 2 Friday/ Sunday We recommend exploring the Jasper area including beautiful PYRAMID LAKE, a cruise of magnificent MALIGNE LAKE (45 minutes east of Jasper) 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 and Medicine Lake is known to disappear into the ground. Not too far from here is MIETTE HOTSPRINGS, Canada's hottest. South of Jasper, and very close are HORSESHOE LAKE and the JASPER GONDOLA. The tram is highly recommended and the hearty hiker can enjoy the Whistlers Trail at the top. The restaurant is a great place for soup and a hot coffee. Return to Jasper via the Valley of the FIVE LAKES for your overnight. Overnight at one of our Jasper Hotels	Lovely Peyto Lake
Day 3 Friday/Sunday/Tuesday We have a free day in this pristine alpine paradise. Perhaps rent a car and drive south on the Icefields Parkway to ATHABASCA GLACIER. Stop at waterfalls (ATHABASCA FALLS), mountain vistas and stunning aqua green and blue lakes such as PEYTO LAKE, BOW LAKE, MISTAYA and HORSESHOE LAKE. Bikes can be rented in town, horseback riding is available and there are trails for every level of adventurer. Be sure to stop by the magnificent Jasper Park Lodge, built between two lakes and visited by King George the V and Marilyn Monroe. Cuisine tastes even better after walks in the fresh mountain air and Jasper has no shortage of terrific restaurants. Overnight at one of our Jasper Hotels Day 4 Saturday/ Monday/Wednesday Depart in your rental car to the south on the Icefields Parkway. Stop at ATHABASCA FALLS Sunwapta Falls and continue south to the massive Columbia Icefields. Here you can board a Brewster Sno-coach and ride onto ATHABASCA GLACIER. This is one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in the western hemisphere. Near to here is the spot where 3 rivers flow to 3 oceans. This is unique on Earth. Stop for lunch and continue south. Be sure to take the PEYTO LAKE turnoff and see the amazing baby blue waters of the Lake. It is quite a contrast to the aqua green waters of other glacial lakes in the Rockies. Continue 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. Overnight at one of our Banff Hotels	Vermilion Lakes
Day 5 Sunday/ Tuesday/Thursday We recommend driving the Bow Valley Expressway to LAKE LOUISE and nearby MORAINE LAKE. Consider hiking up to the teahouse which overlooks Lake Louise (moderate difficulty) or have lunch in the fabulous Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon consider a visit to JOHNSTON CANYON where you can hike the trail up to seven different waterfalls and the famous Ink Pots. Overnight at one of our Banff Hotels Day 6 Monday/ Wednesday/Friday You have another day to visit Banff including the ride up Sulfur Mountain Gondola on the BANFF GONDOLA. The views at the top are spectacular. Perhaps some shopping or soak in the curative waters of the Banff Hotsprings. IF you are not staying at the Banff Springs Five star hotel you might want to step inside for a visit. It is like a castle in the Rockies! Overnight Banff Day 7 Tuesday/ Thursday/Saturday Check out of hotel. Transfer to Calgary International Airport OR we can arrange more sightseeing including VANCOUVER, 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. You can drive northeast to Edmonton to visit West Edmonton Mall. The drive is 4 hours and Edmonton has an international airport. You can stay longer and enjoy the many great hikes and sights of Banff and Jasper National Parks (Both Unessco World Heritage Sights)	Lake Louise is so beautiful

This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction MORE TOURS FROM EDMONTON

This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction
MORE TOURS FROM EDMONTON