Skeena Discovery with VIA Rail

Tour Information

The Skeena Discovery tour combines a ferry journey along the Inside Passage with a rail trip along the Skeena River to the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Start in coastal Vancouver before taking the BC Ferry through the picturesque Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island to tour British Columbia’s elegant capital Victoria. Head north along the island to Port Hardy to catch another ferry to embark upon the 15-hour journey along the famous Inside Passage to Prince Rupert on the mainland. On the way you’ll pass numerous small inlands and scenic creeks and once in Prince Rupert you’ll have the chance to go whalewatching or bear viewing. Next up you’ll travel by rail, taking VIA Rail’s Skeena service, following the path of the Skeena River through northern BC to Prince George for the night, and then onto Jasper in the heart of the Rockies. From Jasper you’ll drive down the Icefields Parkway, stopping at mountain lakes and glaciers on the way to Banff. The final leg of the Skeena Discovery tour takes you onto the TransCanada Highway to the Great Plains and Calgary, the Stampede City.

Day 1

UK – Vancouver
Transatlantic flight today to Vancouver and independent transfer to your overnight hotel
Hotel Georgian Court

Day 2

Vancouver to Victoria (Coach / Ferry)
Depart Vancouver this morning on sightseeing tour to Victoria. Cruise across Georgia Strait through the beautiful Gulf Islands. Arriving on Vancouver Island, tour to Butchart Gardens. (Admission included) A two hour stop allows time to enjoy these magnificent gardens. Tour scenic Ocean Drive, uplands, Oak Bay, University of Victoria as well as the Victoria City Tour before being taken to your hotel.
Hotel Queen Victoria

Day 3

Victoria to Port Hardy (Coach)
This morning board your coach departure for Port Hardy. Winding northward over the Malahat highway, your route offers panoramic views of the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia. Pass through vast expanses of farmland, fishing villages, deep-sea ports and lumber and logging communities. Arrive Port Hardy late afternoon.
Hotel Quarter Deck Inn

Day 4

Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (Ferry)
Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage. During the length of the 15-hour crossing, a wonderful array of snow capped mountains combine with rich forests provides a background for a series of dramatic fjords. Killer Whales, sea lions and playful porpoise often appear in these waters. Arrive in the seaport of Prince Rupert late evening
Hotel Coast Prince Rupert

Day 5

Free Day in Prince Rupert
Spend a free day exploring Prince Rupert. Activities include whale watching, bear viewing and touring the historic cannery.

Day 6

Prince Rupert to Prince George (Rail)
Another day of dramatic scenery, this morning board VIA Rails Skeena service for an eye-catching feast of mountains, meadows and rivers as you travel parallel to the salmon rich Skeena River. Continue on past the thriving lumber and mining communities of Terrace and Smithers. Arrive Prince George late evening (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included today)
Hotel Ramada

Day 7

Prince George to Jasper (Rail)
Re-board the Skeena service for another unforgettable day of scenery. Follow mountain passes and raging rivers as you wind your way to an overnight stop in Jasper - ’the Jewel of the Rockies’. (Breakfast & Lunch is included today)
Hotel Lobstick Lodge

Day 8

Jasper to Banff (Coach)
Travel by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefields Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of over 200 square miles and reaches a depth of 300 yards. Time allows for an (included) Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way stops will be made at Lake Louise, Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightings of bear, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. Please note: mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June
Hotel Banff Ptarmigan Inn

Day 9

Banff to Calgary (Coach)
This morning is free to explore Banff, before your scheduled coach to Calgary departs midday. Following the Trans Canada Highway, depart the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ’cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Arrive Calgary airport at approximately 2.30pm

What's Included

• Transatlantic flights from/to UK
• VIA Rail Skeena train in Totem Deluxe Class
• Hotel accommodation in quality 3* hotels for 7 nights
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
• Inside passage cruise Victoria tour and Butchart Gardens visit
• Athabasca Glacier ride
• Coach transfers as per itinerary
• Rail/hotel transfers
• Upgraded accommodation in superior or Fairmont class hotels available. Please call for details