Western Explorer Rail Tour

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival 
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops 
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper 
Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Jasper this evening. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 4 Jasper Sightseeing 
Spend either the morning or the afternoon touring Jasper by motorcoach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon and the Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 Jasper to Lake Louise 
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Please note: Expected Ice Explorer dates of operation 15 Apr-15 Oct. When Ice Explorer is not operating, it will be replaced with lunch at Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff 
A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. While in Lake Louise you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff. Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:30 p.m., scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 a.m. Your luggage will be stored upon check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary 
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Banff before an afternoon transfer to Calgary. Among the highlights are the Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 8 Calgary Departure 
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Calgary hotel.

*This tour is also available Westbound, from Calgary to Vancouver.