Compare First Passage to the West Discovery Drive by Rocky Mountaineer vs Canadian Rockies by Train by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
3 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,279 | $ 3,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 380 | $ 529 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
2 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners |
| Description |
This is a captivating journey by rail and car that includes overnight accommodations in the charming resort towns of Banff, Lake Louise—aka Canada’s “Diamond in the Wilderness”—and the brash, bold city of Calgary. |
A leisurely journey that traverses the dramatic beauty of the Canadian Rockies – tour snow covered mountain peaks glisten amid glacier blue lakes where ever present wildlife roams free. Ride a “snow coach” to a glacier, cruise on a crystal clear lake, and take a quiet water raft trip to watch the pristine landscape glide by. Alpine villages, ice-fields, pounding waterfalls, and the great outdoors… await. |
Day 1: Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2: Vancouver To Kamloops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 3: Kamloops To Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Your journey continues eastwards to the Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels. On arrival in Banff, collect your rental car. Overnight in Banff.
Day 4: Banff To Lake Louise
Accommodation: Overnight in Lake Louise.
Enjoy the short drive to Lake Louise 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. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy these magnificent locations.
Day 5: Lake Louise To Calgary
Accommodation: Overnight in Calgary.
Travel through awesome Kananaskis Country and the ranching regions of Alberta before arriving in Calgary.
Day 6: Calgary
Drop off your rental car in downtown Calgary or at Calgary International Airport, where your vacation ends.
Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver, Canada
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for an overnight stay, then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Vancouver - Kamloops, BC
We begin our day with a city tour of Vancouver which includes the beautiful Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown including the world famous steam-powered clock, the 2010 Olympic torch and village. In the Afternoon we journey to Kamloops, BC and check into our hotel for the night. (B, D)
Day 3 - Rocky Mountains
This morning its all-aboard VIA Rail Canada as we depart Kamloops bound for Jasper. Our relaxing daytime journey will take us past snowcapped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and perfectly pristine Canadian wilderness, “oh what a journey!” Our train arrives in Jasper late afternoon, we check in our hotel for a two night stay. (B, D)
Day 4 - Jasper
Oh! What a day we have today! To start- we begin with a very mild float/rafting tour on the Athabasca River, the same route once used by “Fur Traders” years ago. Our adventure continues, this afternoon as we take a walk into Maligne Canyon to enjoy its natural beauty. Then it’s on to Maligne Lake for a relaxing cruise and a brief stop at “Sprite Island”. This evening after dinner we embark on a wildlife safari in search of Moose, Bear and Caribou. (B,D)
Day 5 - Jasper - Banff, AB
Our journey today will take us south on the Columbia Icefields Parkway…with snowcapped mountains and rushing rivers, impressive cliffs – this is truly one of Canada’s most scenic motorways. We stop at Athabasca Falls to wonder at the sheer beauty and power. Then we to board our special “snowcoach” for a ride onto the glacier where you will be able to get out and walk around atop a glacier. After our snow coach ride we continue on the Icefields Parkway always being on the lookout for wildlife as we make our way to visit Bow Falls and Peyto Lake. Today’s journey ends as we check into our hotel for a 2-night stay. (B)
Day 6 - Banff
Banff and the best of Yoho National Park . Today we will visit Moraine and Emerald Lakes both beautiful and different. We take a walk to the Lower Johnson Canyon Waterfall - what a sight! No visit would be complete without a stop at Lake Louise where we will have the opportunity to walk the paved path along the edge of the lake, relax on one of the many benches and savior the peaceful beauty. Return to Banff by mid-afternoon remainder of the day to explore on your own. This evening we gather for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 7 - Depart Banff
Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we transfer to Calgary Airport for our homebound flight. The tour is over but the memories are yours to keep! (B)
