Northern Gold

9 Nights/ 10 Days

An unforgettable journey featuring travel on our new Rocky Mountaineer and Whistler Mountaineer rail routes. GoldLeaf Service, deluxe hotels and services of our concierge ensure the finest vacation experience.

Detailed Itinerary - Eastbound

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
You will be met on arrival at Vancouver International Airport and transferred to your downtown Vancouver accommodation. Admission to the Vancouver Observation Deck at Harbour Centre with spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean is included. Overnight at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Whistler
Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Following your motorcoach transfer from downtown Vancouver, the Whistler Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. On arrival at Whistler train station, you will be transferred to the your overnight accommodation in Whistler Village. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 3 Whistler to Quesnel
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the four-season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel, the gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, to the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranchlands. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination.

Day 4 Quesnel to Jasper
Your journey continues eastward today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George and then travels east through the forests of Northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded to the north by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains and to the south by the Cariboo Mountains. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Jasper. Overnight at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 5 Jasper Sightseeing
Meet your driver/guide, concierge and fellow travelers for a morning tour of Jasper National Park. Visit Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon and Athabasca viewpoint before returning to your accommodation at the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. All travelling in the Canadian Rockies is onboard a specially designed motorcoach providing extra legroom and additional comfort. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 6 Icefields Parkway Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise
Continue your trip through the Canadian Rockies travelling along one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. The Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle in addition to being one of the most accessible ones in North America. It is here that you will ride an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Arrive in Lake Louise late this afternoon in time for a guided one-hour lakeshore stroll. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 7 Lake Louise to Banff
Enjoy a full-day tour of Banff and Yoho National Parks. Begin your morning in Yoho Park visiting the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. After free time for lunch (not included) your tour continues to the main attractions of Banff. Among the highlights are Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Centre, Banff Gondola, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos*. Overnight at The Fairmont Banff Springs.

Day 8 Free Day in Banff
Spend the day exploring Banff National Park on your own. Some optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff’s historic museums, cruising on Lake Minnewanka or enjoying a round of golf. Overnight at The Fairmont Banff Springs.

Day 9 Banff to Calgary
Transfer this morning to the Stampede City of Calgary for a City Highlights Tour. Calgary was the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and your tour will include a visit to Calgary Olympic Park with it’s towering ski jumps and bobsled runs. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Calgary. A visit to the Calgary Tower is included where you can view the city and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Overnight at The Fairmont Palliser Hotel.

Prices per person