Rocky Mountaineer Experience

This itinerary starts BEFORE the accompanying cruise itinerary.

Upon arrival at the Calgary airport you will be met outside the customs hall and transferred to the town of Banff and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure. Overnight at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off on a full day tour to visit the Columbia Ice fields. Located in Jasper National Park, this awesome sight is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Glacier-fed rivers and streams, majestic peaks, peaceful lakes and broad-reaching valleys combine to create not only a harmonious blend of scenic wonders, but also a protected habitat for wildlife. At the Columbia Ice field Center, you can join a Snow-coach excursion onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. During your tour, a stop will be made at Lake Louise to enjoy a view of one of the most scenic lakes in the Rockies. Return to Banff where the evening will be at your leisure. Overnight at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff.

After an early morning transfer to the train station to board the Rocky Mountaineer, enjoy breakfast on the train while heading west. From Banff, the train crosses over the Continental Divide and passes through the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement. Marvel at the stunning glaciers, numerous tunnels, and snow-capped mountains. Lunch is served onboard. Pass the historic Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Kamloops is located in the heart of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. The name Kamloops is derived from a Shuswap Indian word meaning meeting place because the city is nestled at a point in the valley where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet. Upon arrival in Kamloops you will transfer to a hotel selected by the Rocky Mountaineer. Although hotels in Kamloops are the best available, they do not compare to the grand hotels built by the Canadian Pacific. This evening is at your leisure. Guests booked in GoldLeaf service have an included dinner at the hotel. Guests booked in RedLeaf service may want to try the River Junction Dinner and Musical Revue, which offers a dinner buffet, entertainment and music. Overnight in Kamloops.

This morning, you have an early transfer to the train in time for breakfast onboard as you continue your journey westward. Departing from Kamloops, the train travels along the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon. At Hell's Gate, watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point. Lunch is served onboard. In the afternoon, journey through the fertile Fraser Valley to the coastal city of Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver you will transfer to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Overnight at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, in Vancouver.

After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day and evening are at your leisure to explore Vancouver, a city of unparalleled beauty. The city's unique geographical location has earned it the reputation of a playground for all ages with activities ranging from rain forest walks and ocean kayaking, to skiing and golfing, all done against awe-inspiring, natural backdrops. From the 1,000-acre lush jewel known as Stanley Park, to the chic and fashionable Robson Street, Vancouver is a city of unparalleled beauty. Visit the famous landmarks: Chinatown, English Bay, Robson Street, the revolving Observation Tower high atop Harbor Centre, the 450 foot Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Sky Ride to the top of Grouse Mountain. Overnight at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, in Vancouver.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning at your leisure before being transferred to your waiting cruise ship.