Totem Rail Explorer

Tour Information

A unique tour of the Inside Passage and the Canadian Rockies, travelling by sea, rail and even by air, with a helicopter ride above the mountains.

Start your tour in coastal Vancouver before catching a BC Ferry for a wonderfully scenic journey through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. After visiting British Columbia’s capital Victoria, you’ll head up the island to Port Hardy. Join another BC Ferry for the spectacular 15-hour boat trip along the famous Inside Passage, passing myriad islands and bays on the way to Prince George on the mainland.

Here you’ll transfer to VIA Rail’s train service to the Rocky Mountain resort of Jasper, passing Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Drive from Jasper to Banff along the celebrated Icefields Parkway, stopping to explore Athabasca Glacier on the way. In Banff you’ll take to the skies for a helicopter tour above the Rockies then board the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer railway. Head back west via the pretty mountain town of Kamloops to Vancouver to end your epic trip.

Day 1

Transatlantic flight from your chosen UK airport to the beautiful city of Vancouver in British Columbia where your exciting tour begins. Spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver at Holiday Inn.

Day 2

Vancouver to Victoria
Today a full-day tour takes you to Victoria. Among the highlights are a BC Ferries trip through the picturesque Gulf Islands, a visit to world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a scenic ocean drive and a visit to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Overnight in Victoria at Executive House.

Day 3

Vancouver to Port Hardy
Your journey today takes you by motorcoach to the northern tip of Vancouver Island and the town of Port Hardy. En route you will pass through Chemainus, a community famous for its outdoor art mural displays, Courtenay and Campbell River. A stop will be made midway in Coombs for lunch (not included), with an evening arrival in Port Hardy.
Overnight in Port Hardy at Glen Lyon Inn & Suites or Airport Inn

Day 4

Port Hardy to Prince George
Departing Port Hardy, travel through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage aboard BC Ferries. On this 15-hour journey you will view calm inlets, evergreen covered islands and nearby majestic coastal mountains.
Overnight in Prince Rupert at Crest Hotel

Day 5

Free Day in Prince Rupert
Spend a free day exploring Prince Rupert. Some activities that are available are whale watching, bear viewing and touring the historic cannery.
Overnight in Prince Rupert at Crest Hotel.

Day 6

Prince Rupert to Prince George
Travel aboard VIA Rail’s Skeena train across northern British Columbia to Prince George. En route you will pass through small communities rich in native history and culture and view spectacular lakes and forests.
Overnight in Prince George at Ramada or Coast Inn of the North. B, L, D.

Day 7

Prince George to Banff
From Prince George continue eastwards on VIA Rail to the Canadian Rockies. A highlight of today’s journey will be passing by Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight in Jasper at Mount Robson B, L.

Day 8

Jasper to Banff
Travel to Banff 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. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the 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 Banff this afternoon.
Overnight in Banff at Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 9

Summit Helicopter Tour
Today enjoy a five-hour tour to explore the many places of interest in Banff by motorcoach, including Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Free time for lunch in Banff will be provided before continuing on to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s journey, a 15-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Canadian Rockies. Treasure the unique vantage point offered by flight, high amongst the majestic mountainous peaks. Your tour ends on return to Banff early this evening.
Overnight in Banff at Ptarmigan Inn.

Day 10

Banff to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey takes you through a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.
Overnight in Kamloops B, L.

Day 11

Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
Overnight in Vancouver at Holiday Inn B, L.

Day 12

Vancouver Departure
Your holiday ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Day 13

Arrive back after your overnight flight.

What's Included

• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
• 11 nights hotel accommodation
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• Vancouver to Victoria Tour, including BC Ferries and Butchart Gardens
• Motorcoach tour Victoria to Port Hardy
• Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
• VIA Rail Totem Deluxe Class from Prince Rupert to Jasper
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Jasper to Banff
• Summit Helicopter Flightseeing
• Rail station transfers in Prince Rupert, Prince George, Jasper, Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver
• Ferry terminal transfers in Vancouver, Victoria, Port Hardy and Prince Rupert
• Luggage handling in Vancouver, Victoria, and the Rockies
• National Park Pass