Rainforest to Gold Rush Explorer

Enjoy some of the most breathtaking and varied rail scenery found anywhere in the world on this route. Travel past stunning lakes, through the coastal rainforest and the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon into the vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau. Visit the Gold Pan City of Quesnel, journey through the Rocky Mountain Trench, be awestruck by spectacular Mount Robson, and arrive in the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.

What's Included:

• Return flights to Canada from London Heathrow with Air Canada.
• 3 days Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service
• 2 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 afternoon meal (Reverse itinerary features 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches)
• 8 nights hotel accommodation + 2 free nights in Vancouver
• Free Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary Hotel
• Entry to Calgary Tower
• Calgary to Banff Tour, including Banff Gondola
• Panoramic Helicopter Tour
• Yoho National Park, Banff to Lake Louise
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Lake Louise to Jasper
• Jasper Highlights Tour
• Vancouver Lookout
• Three course dinner in either Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper
• Luggage handling and rail station transfers in Jasper, Quesnel, Whistler and Vancouver
• National Parks Pass

Highlights

• An incredible panoramic helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies
• Ride on the spectacular Ice Explorer
• Journey on one of the World's most famous train rides, Rocky Mountaineer

Day 1 : UK - Calgary

Arrive in Calgary and spend the rest of the day sightseeing in “The Heart of the New West” independently. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 2 : Calgary - Banff with Panoramic Helicopter Tour

Depart Calgary this morning for a full-day tour concluding in Banff. Journey to Kananaskis where you will enjoy the highlight of today, a 12-minute Panoramic Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Continue on to Banff for a sightseeing tour including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Banff Gondola included. Your tour ends on arrival in Banff late this afternoon. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3: Day 3 : Banff - Lake Louise

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 spanning the Kicking Horse River. The tour ends in Lake Louise where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Please note: While arrival at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:00 p.m., scheduled check-in time is not until 4:00 p.m. In the event that your room is not ready, your luggage will be stored and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.

Day 4: Day 4 : Lake Louise - Jasper

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper national parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Lunch is included at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon. Overnight in Jasper. L.

Day 5 : Jasper Highlights Tour

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park. Today you will enjoy a scenic full-day tour of some of the park’s natural attractions and rugged peaks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this region home. Highlights include lunch and a lake cruise at historic Maligne Lake. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently. Overnight in Jasper. L.

Note: In the event the lake cruise is not operating, interpretive experiences will be offered on First Nations history, foods and culture.

Day 6: Jasper - Quesnel

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains either side, and on to the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia’s Northern Interior. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass and Moose Lake. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel. B, L.

Day 7 : Quesnel - Whistler

Your journey continues Southwestward today to the four-season resort of Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, through the rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau, to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, and the shorelines of glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Overnight in Whistler. B, L.

Day 8 : Whistler - Vancouver

The morning is free to explore Whistler Village at your leisure. This afternoon return to Vancouver onboard the Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights of the trip include the Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Brandywine Falls, and breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. An afternoon meal is served canapé style. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in Vancouver. At the North Vancouver train platform, you will be transferred to your accommodation in downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 9 -10 : Vancouver

Enjoy free time to explore Vancouver. Boasting a glorious waterfront setting Vancouver is consistently voted best place to live in Canada, and once you’ve visited you’ll understand why. Maybe it’s the youth and friendliness of the place, or the vast array of shopping, from chic Robson Street to the latest brands in designer malls. Perhaps it’s the artist’s scene, from the funky hotspot of Granville Island to the eclectic mix of museums. Maybe it’s the natural charm of 1000-acre Stanley Park or the surrounding peaks of the Coastal Mountains or the whale watching in the Pacific Ocean.

Day 11-12 : Vancouver - UK

This morning your incredible holiday comes to an end. Make your own way to Vancouver airport and board your flight back to the UK.