Itinerary Details
Spirit Of The Rockies
Day 1 ARRIVE IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Welcome to Vancouver! At 6pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
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Day 2 VANCOUVER British Columbia Treasures Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The afternoon is free to explore the many attractions at your leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Created in 1888, Stanley Park is considered the 'crown jewel' of Vancouver. The oldest park in the city of Vancouver, the dramatically beautiful and panoramic setting of Stanley Park spans more than 1000+ acres right next to downtown. Native culture is preserved with a striking collection of First Nations Totem Poles, carved from western red cedar and each carving tells of a real or mythical event illustrating significant meanings – the eagle representing the kingdom of air; the whale as the lord of the sea; and the wolf as the genius of the land – to name a few.
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Day 3 VANCOUVER–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS Riding the Rails Board the Rocky Mountaineer train to follow the Fraser Canyon and Thompson River through beautiful landscapes from Vancouver to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
TRAIN SPOTLIGHT Travel in style aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train service from Vancouver to Kamloops. Ride in style with exceptional service as you take in the panoramic views through your custom-designed glass-dome coach. Snap perfect shots of spectacular landscapes from the comfort of your seat or step out on the outdoor viewing area for a wide-open view. Enjoy Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf service with everything you need and more to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury: panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages brought right to your seat, friendly hosts and miles and miles of memories.
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Day 4 KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–BANFF, ALBERTAThe Continental Divide Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to scenic Shuswap Lake. Follow the Kicking Horse River and pass over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Spend two nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, internationally recognized as the “Castle in the Rockies,” and a symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this majestic chateau-style hotel is in the heart of Banff National Park.
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Day 5 BANFFBreathtaking Banff Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy all that Banff has to offer. You may wish to ride on the Banff Gondola, visit the shops on Main Street, or perhaps take an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for impressive views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks and turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada’s first national park. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
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Day 6 BANFF–LAKE LOUISERocky Mountain Majesty En route to Lake Louise, a side trip showcases one of the crown jewels of the Rockies—Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks (weather permitting). Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Take delight in the enchanting Lake Louise with a [LF] guided heritage walk along the lake. Enjoy an overnight and dinner at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS Today, you’ll also enjoy a guided walk along Lake Louise to hear about the area’s first settlers, some unique characters, and the history of this incredible setting. The lakeshore trail offers memorable views of Fairview Mountain and the Victoria Glacier, which feeds the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Stay overnight at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built as a log cabin in 1890, the historic chateau has become world famous, hosting celebrities and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper yourself in the spa, or relax with afternoon tea.
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Day 7 LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER On the Ice Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to Jasper National Park. Take an exciting ride on an all-terrain Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier and thundering Athabasca Falls. Consider an optional guided raft excursion on the Athabasca River to admire the scenery of the Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies from the water. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Spend the night at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and called “Tent City,” it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes. Take a nature hike, play a game of croquet, enjoy a canoe trip on the lake, or just bask in the beauty of this tranquil setting.
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Day 8 JASPER–SUN PEAKS, BRITISH COLUMBIA Legendary Pathways Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway to the year-round alpine resort of Sun Peaks in British Columbia. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Travel on the legendary Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers – the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson’s Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to the Pacific Coast. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies on this inspiring and mesmerizing road.
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Day 9 SUN PEAKS–WHISTLER Rugged Beauty A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler—one of Canada’s newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics— and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT The luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort is located at the base of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, where you’ll enjoy the spectacular mountain setting and stunning architecture that blends with the natural alpine views. Relax in the spa, by the pool, on a gondola ride, or with a stroll through the Olympic village. Your Tour Director and GlobusGO mobile app have plenty of expert tips, maps, and more.
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Day 10 WHISTLER–VICTORIA Ancient Traditions Visit the [LF] Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of First Nations, for a private presentation and breakfast. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC Ferry for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British “Garden City” of Victoria. This afternoon, discover the beauty and rich history of British Columbia’s capital on a city highlights tour. Later, you may want to stroll around the Parliament buildings or do some shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this delightful harbor city. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEMS Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. The First Nations Museum and Art Gallery bring the history, traditions and beautiful culture to life, and the Cultural Ambassadors on-site share stories, music, and handicrafts in the spectacular setting.
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Day 11 VICTORIACity of Gardens Free time this morning before an afternoon visit to world-famous [LF] Butchart Gardens. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
PICTURE PERFECT Butchart Gardens, named for the woman who founded this botanical oasis of blooming shades and horticultural design. A National Historic site recognized for its legacy and lush treasure - millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life. Enjoy the gardens and a special farewell dinner in the original, now restored, greenhouse.
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Day 12 VICTORIA–VANCOUVERSafe travels until we meet again! Travel on a scenic BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver. Your vacation ends at the Vancouver International Airport or the Vancouver tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule flights from Vancouver International Airport after 2 pm. (B)
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