Best of the Rockies Circle Journey 13D12N

Arrive in the beautiful and enchanting coastal city of Vancouver filled with breathtaking scenery. Unwind and relax in your luxury hotel handpicked specifically for you. Rest in your room, treat your tired muscles to a session at the hotel’s spa, take a dip in the hot tub, or have a refreshing cocktail at the bar.

For the adventurers, you are in luck as your hotel is located in the heart of Vancouver making it easy for you to explore the city. Discover Stanley Park, the oldest park in the city and considered the 'crown jewel' of Vancouver. Take in appealing views of the beaches while there and come across several memorials. Take a small ferry to Granville Island, a small peninsula located in downtown Vancouver. Go on a shopping spree with lots of local produce to choose from, watch different street performers including musicians, magicians, and many more. Treat your taste buds to various delicious delicacies before retiring to your hotel.

Today, you will be leaving the coastal city of Vancouver onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia at the confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River and east of Kamloops Lake. Get mesmerised and savour every moment of the journey.

Take to your seats as you prepare for a journey that will engage all your senses. Experience the extreme panoramic views from the custom-designed glass-dome coaches with wide windows that offer crisp and clear views of your surroundings; the marauding vistas are just a distance away! Enjoy a hearty breakfast embodying the rich tapestry of Canada’s culture inspired by the diverse culinary landscapes and bountiful regions. Immerse in the stories and folklore shared by your wonderful hosts as you chat with other guests and make new friends while on this engaging expedition onboard while relishing the astonishing changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, bustling forests, and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like landscapes of the BC interior. Call your attention to the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.

Come to the end of today’s adventure as you traverse along the shores of Kamloops Lake into the town of Kamloops where you will be spending the night.

Continue your journey eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Relive another day of the ever-changing scenery as you ride across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies.

Revel at the moment as you appreciate the magnificent Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Come across the spectacular climb over Rogers Pass, the rugged Kicking Horse Canyon, the terrific Spiral Tunnels, and the eye-catching glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. All of this is yours to appreciate from the comfort of your luxurious Rocky Mountaineer coach, and later on, enjoy a fine lunch of locally made dishes.

Today create your own adventures and discover Banff’s remarkable sights and wonder at your own leisure. Immerse into one of the most beautiful places on earth doing as little or as plenty as you please. Home to a wild untamed national park, inspiring local food and a natural hot spring, you’ll have plenty to keep you intrigued.

Traverse on a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for some quiet and soothing time while taking in breathtaking views. Stare in amazement at the 360-degree views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley town, lakes, rivers, and the whole of Banff from up there. Soak in the steamy Banff’s hot spring, go on an exploration of the bustling town, and pursue our wildlife adventures. Visit Lake Louise, a turquoise jewel surrounded by jagged peaks in Banff National Park, with mountain biking trails around Lake Louise. Head out to one of the most photographed and famous places in Canada, the famous Moraine Lake with its 10 peaks reflecting on the glistening, mirror-like water. Explore and learn about the rich history of Banff at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and get to see interactive displays that teach travellers about the importance of this location. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you partake on a thrilling climb up the Yamnuska Mountain.

Alternatively, those in search for a slower pace, simply unwind back at the hotel. Refresh with a dip in the pool, book a session at the spa, or head to the bar for a drink.

This morning, journey on a half day tour via motorcoach into the breathtaking Yoho National Park. A magical adventure into breathtaking peaks, rushing waterfalls and pristine lakes along with a little Canadian history.

Marvel at the unbelievable engineering of the Spiral Tunnels. Reconnect with nature in one of the most admired destinations in Yoho National Park, the Emerald Lake. Go for a peaceful walk while taking in the gorgeous hue of the lake, witness the stunning vegetation with different sensitive plant species including fragile wild orchids, and come in contact with wildlife such as Bald eagles, moose, and ospreys as they are drawn to this important water source. Make a quick stop at the natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River. Become enchanted as you watch the water flow over the rock, and ensure to take photos of this natural phenomenon. Spend the rest of your afternoon as you tour the iconic Lake Louise. Get lost in the breathtaking views, the picturesque and serene atmosphere.

You have all day to yourself to explore the extraordinary Lake Louise famous for its turquoise, and surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of dumbfounded sights and adventures. Explore it all at your own pace.

Head out early to Lake Louise to witness the magnificent sunrise view, making your wait worth it, and do not forget to take as many pictures as you can. Proceed on a canoe onto the beautiful Lake Louise while enjoying the stunning scenery and aquamarine with dramatic mountains and Victoria Glacier. Take a walk on the easy, flat Lake Louise Lakeshore trail with sweeping views over the lake, come across adventurous rock climbers on your way, get across to the opposite end of the lake, and be greeted by a wooden walkway where the river runs into Lake Louise.

For an ultimate adventure, embark on a hike up to Lake Agnes Teahouse journeying through the forest and emerging at serene Lake Agnes Teahouse. Make sure to grab a bite while there with over 100 teas to choose from. Ride on the enclosed gondola or the open-air chairlift with stunning views of the mountains and a chance to see grizzly bears.

You also have the option of staying back at your resort to relax. Read a book, relax at the spa, or go for a swim at the hotel’s pool.

This morning continues your motorcoach journey from Lake Louise to Jasper. Uncover the pristine natural wonders and mystic treasures of Banff and Jasper National Parks via one of the world’s most spectacular driving routes, the Icefields Parkway. Named one of the top 10 drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the Icefields Parkway links Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

Along the way, marvel at highlights including the brilliant turquoise waters of Bow Lake and the mighty Athabasa Falls. Admire an unmatched view of the Sunwapta valley and the mighty Columbia Icefield. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls, fossils and if you’re lucky some wildlife.

Journey along the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll ride a thrilling Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier and gain insight into its geological features as well as walk, feel and drink from the glacier. Discover the power of nature in one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world! Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. Enjoy lunch at the Athabasca Glacier Discovery Centre, boasting locally sourced Canadian cuisine with breathtaking glacial views.

You’ll stay at the cosy Forest Park Hotel embraced by alpine mountain vistas. Unwind in its indoor pool, delve into its wellness spa or relax with a cocktail at its snug lounge. Tantalise your tastebuds at one of its two dining options showcasing Canadian-inspired cuisine.

Escape the bustle of the urban and explore the mountain town with extraordinary wilderness which is Jasper. Home to Alberta’s tallest mountain, as well as the largest of all the Canadian Rockies national parks, Jasper is the perfect place for adventurers and explorers. Explore this quaint town at your own pace with various activities to choose from.

For a scenic bird's eye view, embark on an experience like no other to the Glacier Skywalk. A cliff-edge walkway with only a glass floor separating you from a 280 m drop. Go on to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s stunning golf course, one of the best golf courses in Canada. The 18-hole layout offers elevated tee boxes, dramatic bunkering, and holes aligned with distant mountain vistas. Only a handful of golf courses on the planet can measure up to this Grand National treasure. Venture to the Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed and serene spots in the world. Get lost in the heavenliness and soothing power.

After an adventurous and fun-filled day, relax and soak in the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies at the Miette Hot Springs before retiring for the night.

This morning starts with a transfer from your hotel to the rail station, where you will be welcomed on board by your hosts after which, you share a toast before embarking on this pleasant journey. Traverse onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort town of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast on board as you pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains on either side, and on to the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia’s Northern Interior. Be wowed as you come across the incredibly tall and rugged Mount Robson, the most prominent mountain in North America’s Rocky Mountain range and the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. Pair your views with high-standard, chef-created gourmet cuisines accompanied with soothing beverages of all kinds and mingle with like-minded adventurers. Travel through the Yellowhead Pass, a historical site with heritage value, soak in the angelic and divine views of Moose Lake, an 83-acre lake and home to plentiful wildlife, including a large population of moose, caribou, and bears.

Your day comes to an end as the train passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel, where you’ll stay overnight.

Continue this spectacular train ride southwest to the all-season resort town of Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and renowned for world-class outdoor activities, both leisure, and adventure. Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning and savour the excitement of the day from the comfort of your luxurious coach.

Relish the sweeping views of the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, through the rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the volcanic Cariboo Plateau, to the river canyons and lush farmland of the beautiful Pemberton Valley. Treat your taste buds to a mouth-watering lunch while enjoying the rest of your journey with a drink in hand. Your hosts bring this region to life through their unique storytelling encompassing the history and folklore for a more immersive experience. Stumble upon the Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, and the shorelines of glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Come to the end of today's journey as you arrive at Pemberton Station, where you will board a motorcoach to your Whistler accommodation.

You have the pleasure of exploring the bubbling resort village of Whistler all by yourself and at your own pace.

Hike along the Lost Lake, take a trip to the Brandywine Falls Provincial Park with a magnificent waterfall plunging 85 feet off the edge of a cliff right into the river before heading back to continue your journey. At noon, continue your rail journey to Vancouver onboard Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Be captivated in the natural and untouched form of the Cheakamus Canyon with awesome views of the Cheakamus River and surrounding mountains, wonder at the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, a stratovolcano that is part of the Cascade volcanic arc and commonly called Nch’ḵay̓ meaning “Dirty Place” by the locals. Come across the majestic Brandywine Falls, the breathtaking scenic views of Howe Sound, and the Coast Mountains.

Enjoy an exquisite lunch served in canapé style, after which you come to the end of your adventure upon arrival in North Vancouver, where you will be provided with a transfer to the Georgian Court Hotel, your home for the night. A 4-star resort, one of the finest boutique hotels in Vancouver, the Georgian Court Hotel is located opposite BC Place Stadium, Rogers Arena, trendy Robson Street, and steps from the highlights of the city. Rest and relax in your room redesigned with elegance and luxury in mind, take a soothing dip in the hot tub and infrared sauna, all for your comfort.

Today brings the end to your extraordinary adventure. Savour your final moments in the charming city of Vancouver after which, you check out of your hotel, bid farewell, and shuttle out for your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.