Best of the Rockies & West Coast with VIA Rail

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Tour Code: DM-IT YBAROVIA

Duration: 14 Days | 13 Nights

Availability: 1 May to 15 Oct 2024

Places Visited: Calgary, AB

Prices

Starting from

Adult

CA $4,909

Per person sharing TWIN including GST Request for Quote

Highlights

Download Itinerary PDF View Route Map

Banff Marvels: Explore history, wildlife, Banff Springs, and Bow Falls.
Gondola Panorama: Soar to Sulphur Mountain's summit for a Bow Valley panorama.
Icefields Wonder: Cruise Icefields Parkway, walk on Athabasca Glacier, visit Lake Louise.
Jasper Haven: Immerse in Jasper's charm, cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island.
Railway Canvas: VIA Rail Train, 800 km journey, Rocky Mountain vistas.
Victoria Tour: Victoria Butchart Gardens and City Tour.
Ferry Rides: Vancouver – Victoria – Vancouver.

Immerse in a 13-day adventure tailored for Free Independent Travelers. From Banff's wonders to Yoho's jewels, traverse the Rockies with flexible stops at Moraine Lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks. Experience the magic of Icefields Parkway, walking on Athabasca Glacier and sipping glacier-fresh water. Jasper invites exploration with wildlife encounters and a serene Maligne Lake Cruise. Cap off your journey on a scenic VIA Rail Train from Jasper to Vancouver. Unveil Vancouver's gems, then head to Whistler for freedom-filled exploration. Complete your journey in Victoria, exploring Butchart Gardens and the charming Inner Harbour. Your adventure, your way.

This tour is fully customizable.
Private Tour: This tour can be operated as a Private Tour exclusive to you except for the VIA Rail portion.

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.

Itinerary

Download Itinerary PDF

Day 1 – Arrive in Banff.

Arrive in YYC, Calgary’s International Airport this afternoon. Collect your bags and proceed to the shuttle desk at the airport for your pre-booked transfer by coach to the mountain resort of Banff, AB.

With Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominating its skyline, the resort town of Banff is by far the largest town in the Rockies. Banff features chateau style hotels, plenty of shops and dining options and a range of sightseeing and soft adventure options.

The ride to Banff will take approximately two hours. On arrival in Banff, check into your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore Banff Avenue with its many shops and restaurants on your own.

Overnight in Banff, AB.

Day 2 – Tour of Banff and its surroundings + admissions to Banff Gondola Ride.

Highlights

Discover Banff's Wonders: Explore Banff's history, wildlife, and landmarks, including Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, and Lake Minnewanka.
Scenic Gondola Ride: Soar to Sulphur Mountain's summit for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Bow Valley.
Personalized Experience: Enjoy hot chocolate, fresh water, and maple cookies, immersing in Banff's beauty and wildlife.

Unleash the spirit of Free Independent Travel with our Banff exploration! Dive into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, discovering Banff's history, geology, and wildlife. Your journey includes must-see landmarks like Banff Springs Hotel and Hoodoos Viewpoint. Enjoy flexibility and personalization with hot chocolate, maple cookies, and a breathtaking Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's summit, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Bow Valley. This tour guarantees a morning filled with wildlife encounters and unforgettable memories.

Overnight at Banff, AB.

Day 3 – Tour of Yoho National Park including its Mountain Lake and Waterfalls.

Highlights

Rockies Wonders: Explore Banff and Yoho National Parks, discovering Canadian history and breathtaking natural beauty.
Jewels of Nature: Marvel at Moraine Lake and Takakkaw Falls, and savor lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge.
Flexible Adventure: Enjoy stops at iconic sites like Lake Louise and the Valley of Ten Peaks, with alternative options as needed.

Ignite your sense of adventure with our exclusive tour designed for Free Independent Travelers. Traverse the Rockies, uncovering stories of the Canadian railroad and experiencing the sheer majesty of Takakkaw Falls. Yoho National Park, a treasure trove of natural wonders, beckons you with its trails and breathtaking landscapes. Indulge in personalized stops at Moraine Lake, the Valley of Ten Peaks, and more. Pause for lunch at the historic Emerald Lake Lodge, surrounded by a glacial cirque's jewel-toned waters. This isn't just a tour; it's your journey, your way, blending authenticity, freedom, and sustainable exploration.

Overnight at Banff, AB.

Day 4 – Icefield Parkway Tour from Banff to Jasper including visit to Columbia Icefield, ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk

Highlights

Icefields Parkway Magic: Cruise 143 miles through stunning landscapes from Lake Louise to Jasper.
Glacial Adventure: Walk on Athabasca Glacier, sip glacier-fresh water, and visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Complete Exploration: See Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Athabasca Falls, with lunch and tours included.

Unlock the wonders of the Icefields Parkway on this exclusive 8 ½ hour tour designed for the Free Independent Traveler. Traverse 143 miles from Lake Louise to Jasper, capturing the essence of the Canadian Rockies. Immerse yourself in the tales of glaciers and their impact on our landscape. Experience the extraordinary on the Athabasca Glacier with a unique ride on the Ice Explorers. Engage with nature on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Your day, curated for authentic experiences, includes visits to Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and a delightful buffet lunch.

Overnight at Jasper, AB

Day 5 – Explore Jasper, its wildlife, and Lake Maligne Cruise.

Highlights

Jasper's Tranquility: Immerse in the laid-back charm of Jasper National Park.
Majestic Maligne: Explore historic sites, Maligne Canyon, and cruise to Spirit Island.
Cruise in Style: Unforgettable Maligne Lake cruise with a delightful hot lunch included.

Indulge in Jasper's serene charm, a haven for Free Independent Travelers. Canada's largest Rocky Mountain Park, Jasper National Park, invites exploration across its vast 11,228 square kilometers. Uncover the treasures hidden within, from the historic townsite to the mesmerizing Maligne Canyon. The pinnacle of your journey: a captivating Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains. Immerse in authenticity, control your adventure, and savor a delectable hot lunch. Seize the opportunity to contribute to sustainable travel and support the local economy. Jasper awaits, promising a day etched in unforgettable moments.

Overnight at Jasper, AB.

Day 6 – Travel by overnight VIA Rail Train - from Jasper to Vancouver.

Highlights

Independent Start: Begin your day at leisure, transferring to VIA Rail Station.
Scenic Train Odyssey: VIA Rail Train #1 departs Jasper, offering an 800 km journey.
Rocky Mountain Vista: Experience the Rockies' beauty, glimpsing Mount Robson along the way.

Unleash the adventurer in you! Take charge of your morning as you traverse from your Jasper abode to the vibrant VIA Rail Station. Board VIA Rail Train, embarking on an 800-kilometer expedition through nature's wonders – from awe-inspiring mountain passes to meandering rivers, all beneath the gaze of Canada's highest peak, Mount Robson. Your overnight VIA Rail retreat beckons with a choice – a snug Cabin for one or two or the nostalgic charm of Upper and Lower Berths. It's not just a journey; it's your canvas, waiting for your unique strokes.

Overnight at Via Rail.

Day 7 – Arrive Vancouver and transfer by coach to Whistler.

Highlights

Drive up the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.

Unveil the beauty of Vancouver with an arrival at Pacific Central Station. Effortlessly collect your belongings and proceed to the Whistler coach boarding point. Flexibility is your ally, with buses departing for Whistler, ensuring your plans remain within your control. Brace yourself for a 2-hour odyssey along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Your haven awaits with hotel check-in from 4 PM, granting you the freedom to chart your course through the wonders of Whistler, BC, for the rest of the day. Your journey, your choices, your adventure begins now.

Overnight at Whistler, BC.

Day 8 – Day free for optional activities and soft adventure.

With stunning mountain backdrops, Whistler is the fun and adventure capital on Canada’s west coast and as popular during the summer months as it is during the winter. Hiking, biking, rafting and adrenaline-fuelled activities can be found in abundance, and a friendly welcome from the locals is assured. The hub of Whistler is a compact, chalet-style pedestrian village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Check with us on the list of many optional activities and soft adventures we offer in Whistler.

Overnight at Whistler, BC.

Day 9 – Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver.

This morning, check out of your hotel and travel in the luxury of a tour coach to Vancouver. There are several departures available starting at 9:00 AM and the last coach departs at 7:00 PM. The ride to Vancouver takes approximately 2 hours.

On arrival, transfer on your own from the Vancouver Bus Depot (in downtown Vancouver) to your hotel in downtown Vancouver.

Rest of the day free.

Overnight at Vancouver, BC.

Day 10 – City tour of Vancouver including admissions to Capilano Bridge.

Highlights

Downtown gems: Canada Place, 2010 Olympic Cauldron.
Explore modern and historic architecture, Robson Street.
Stanley Park's urban rainforest and First Nations Totems.
Venture to North Shore, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Discover the heart of Vancouver in an immersive journey that seamlessly weaves through its dynamic past and present. Marvel at downtown's landmarks, from the iconic Canada Place to the stirring Olympic Cauldron. Wind through architectural wonders in the Arts and Financial Districts, soaking in the buzz of Robson Street's fashion enclave. Step into the urban rainforest oasis of Stanley Park, where First Nations Totem Poles whisper tales of heritage. Venture across the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore, unveiling the enchanting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Experience the thrill of walking amidst towering cedars on the Cliffwalk and crossing the iconic suspension bridge, unlocking unique adventures at every step.

Overnight at Vancouver, BC.

Day 11 – Day free in Vancouver for optional tours and activities.

Vancouver is the most cosmopolitan city on Canada's west coast. Nestled between the Pacific coast and the Coastal Mountain Range, Vancouver is perhaps the most beautiful city in Canada. This city offers both, the amenities of a world class city including world class dining, a variety of cuisines from round the world, a range of tours and soft adventure activity options.

Check with us on the various tours and activities offered.

Overnight at Vancouver, BC.

Day 12 – Tour transfer from Vancouver to Victoria with visit to Butchart Gardens.

Highlights

Embark on a morning journey to Victoria, BC's capital.
Enjoy a picturesque 90-minute ferry across Straits of Georgia.
Immerse in Butchart Gardens and historic downtown Victoria.

Journey to Victoria, the vibrant capital of British Columbia, as morning unfolds. Traverse the Straits of Georgia in a scenic 90-minute ferry crossing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Delight your senses in the meticulously manicured beauty of Butchart Gardens, spanning 55 acres. Post-garden serenity, dive into the historic allure of downtown Victoria and the majestic Inner Harbour. Immerse in authentic experiences and personalized exploration, all crafted for the discerning FIT traveler seeking a blend of charm and flexibility.

Overnight at Victoria, BC.

Day 13 – Day free.

Victoria, leafy, flower-filled, and very much colonial is known for her museums, English charm, seafront parks, and ocean adventures. From ziplining through treetops to crescent moon kayaking, diving, Seaplane Tours, Golfing, hiking, or cycling, a delight of tours and activities await you today. Check with us for optional tours and activities you can go on in Victoria.

Overnight at Victoria, BC.

Day 14 – End of your Best of Canadian Rockies & West Coast Tour.

This morning check-out of your hotel and depart for Vancouver International Airport. Today’s journey will include a transfer by coach and ferry and the trip to Vancouver will take around 4 hours including 90 minutes of ferry crossing.

Your tour ends on arrival at YVR International Airport.

End of your Best of Canadian Rockies & West Coast Tour.

Contact our Canada Destination Specialist

Inclusions

13 Nights’ Accommodations
Banff: Motorcoach Tour
Banff - Admissions to Banff Gondola Ride.
Banff - Yoho National Park Motorcoach Tour.
Banff to Jasper - Icefield Parkway Motorcoach Tour.
Columbia Icefield - Admissions to Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk
Jasper: Motorcoach Tour.
Jasper - Lake Maligne Cruise.
Vancouver: City Tour
Vancouver - Capilano Admissions
Vancouver to Victoria: Coach & Ferry
Vancouver to Victoria - Ful day motorcoach tour to Victoria.
Victoria - Admissions to Butchart Gardens.
Jasper to Vancouver - Overnight VIA Rail Train: Jasper to Vancouver. Choice of Beth or Cabin.
Calgary to Banff: motorcoach transfer.
Jasper hotel to VIA Rail Station – private transfer.
Vancouver to Whistler: Motorcoach Transfer
Whistler to Vancouver: Motorcoach Transfer
Victoria to YVR Airport: Motorcoach & Ferry
Ferry Tickets: Vancouver - Victoria - Vancouver
Taxes & GST.

Exclusions

Airfare. Offered as a supplement on request.
Breakfast and other meals unless listed under inclusions.
Canada Park Fees.
Porterage at hotels.
Bottled Water in hotel rooms.
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to all travelers. Travel Agents, please note - If your client chooses to decline your offer to sell them Travel Insurance, you must secure a signed Liability Waiver, as required by the TICO, the Provincial Travel Regulatory Authorities of Ontario, Canada. DMCi Inc. sells Travel Insurance to residents of Ontario who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants (Permanent Residence Card Holders) only. Non-Canadians and non-residents of Ontario or international clients must purchase Travel Insurance in their respective province, state, or country of residence.
Visa and Documentation Fees.
Telephone calls, Laundry, and other expenses.
Any personal expenses.
Resort Fees if applicable.
Gratuities for tour guides and drivers (expected).

Accommodations Featured

Destination	Standard
Banff	Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Jasper	Crimson Jasper
VIA RAIL	Via Rail - option of Upper Berth/Lower Berth or Private Cabin
Whistler	Aava Whistler Hotel
Vancouver	Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
Victoria	Embassy Inn Hotel