Western Explorer

7 Nights/ 8 Days

Our most popular vacation, and it is easy to see why! All of the must-see attractions of the Canadian Rockies are included in this week-long itinerary.

Detailed Itinerary - Eastbound

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Admission to Vancouver Observation Deck at Harbour Centre with spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean is included. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into your overnight destination of Kamloops.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper
Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Pyramid Falls, as well as the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Jasper this evening. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 4 Jasper Sightseeing
Spend either the morning or afternoon touring Jasper by motorcoach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon and Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 Icefields Parkway Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise
Transfer to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. It is here that you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6 Yoho Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
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 that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff. Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:30 PM, scheduled check-- out time is normally 11:00 AM. Your luggage will be stored on check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel or a guided one-hour lakeshore stroll before the tour departs.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary
This morning a sightseeing tour shows you the highlights of Banff before an afternoon transfer to Calgary. Among the points of interest are visits to Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Centre, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. A visit to the Calgary Tower is included where you can view the city and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 8 Calgary Departure
Your tour ends with check-out from your Calgary hotel.

Prices per person

Prices per person