Lakes & Mountains Westbound

Tour Information

On this holiday, venture from Jasper down the Icefields Parkway; a remarkable journey. Ranked amongst the most scenic in the world, this route travels along the Continental Divide, following the mighty mountain rivers of the Athabasca, the Sunwapta, the North Saskatchewan, Mistaya and finally the Bow River.

Day 1

Calgary to Banff
Today, travel through the foothills of the Rockies to the resort town of Banff, in Canada’s first National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing excursion with highlights including a visit to the hoodoos, shaped by centuries of wind; Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Drive, which overlooks Bow Falls. Also, take a ride (included) on a gondola car to the top of Sulphur Mountain. After the excursion, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Overnight: Mount Royal Hotel
Deluxe: The Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 2

Banff
This morning, take a short excursion to Lake Minnewanka, one of Alberta’s largest bodies of water for a boat cruise. Cruise is approximately 1 hour, travelling beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Aylmer and Mount Inglismaldie, the hoodoo clusters and into Devil’s Gap. Big Horn sheep, deer, bears and eagles are frequently seen at the water’s edge. Return to Banff via picturesque Two Jack Lake and majestic Mount Rundle. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Overnight: Mount Royal Hotel
Deluxe: The Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 3

Banff to Lake Louise
Depart Banff this morning and travel to beautiful Johnston Canyon, following a winding path along the base of the Bow Valley. Discover Moraine Lake, with the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflecting off its turquoise waters. Continue to Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Rockies”, with its backdrop of the glistening Victoria Glacier. After a lunch break at Lake Louise (not included), cross the Continental Divide and enter Yoho National Park. Visit the scenic Yoho Valley and such sights as Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Return to Lake Louise for this evening’s accommodation.
Overnight: Deer Lodge
Deluxe: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 4

Lake Louise to Jasper
Today’s journey travels north along the famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in North America. This excursion to Jasper tours through Banff and Jasper National Parks with a stop at the Columbia Icefield allowing time for a Brewster “Glacier Experience.” This excursion onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier in a specially designed Brewster Ice Explorer stops in the middle of the glacier while the driver/guide explains how the glaciers are formed and points out interesting geological features (Ice Explorer included). The ice is 365 metres (1,200 feet) thick - about the height of the Empire State Building. At the icefall below the glacial headwall, take the option of stepping out onto the ice formed from snow that fell 400 years ago. After this unique ice adventure, time is allowed at the Columbia Icefield Centre, to relax over lunch (not included) and visit the new and expanded Parks Canada Interpretive Centre. Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls, prior to arrival into Jasper.
Overnight: Chateau Jasper
Deluxe: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 5

Jasper
Experience Jasper National Park through the travels of the early explorers and view the unspoiled grandeur! This morning excursion will begin along the mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Travel above Maligne Canyon, with its narrow gorge and limestone walls created by 10,000 years of water flow. Visit a place of
mystery and Indian legend en-route to Medicine Lake, where sometimes it actually disappears! On your adventure, you are sure to see a variety of mountain wildlife.
Overnight: Chateau Jasper
Deluxe: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 6

VIA Rail from Jasper
This morning is at leisure until the transfer (included) to the Jasper Train Station to board VIA Rail’s “Canadian” for a journey through the Rockies to Vancouver. This experience, with its award-winning service, is luxury on rails. Points of interest include Hell’s Gate (gorge), Suicide Rapids in the North Thompson Canyon, and the Cisco Tunnels above the Fraser River. Dinner is included onboard the train this evening.
Overnight: onboard VIA Rail
Dinner is included

Day 7

Vancouver
Breakfast is included onboard VIA Rail this morning. Arrive at the Vancouver Pacific Station this morning and transfer independently to your downtown hotel or the Vancouver International Airport for your ongoing or homeward flight (transfer not included).
Breakfast is included

Day 8

Arrive back in the UK

What's Included

• Transatlantic flights on scheduled airlines
• Hotel accommodation including taxes for 5 nights
• Sleeping accommodation onboard VIA Rail for 1 night
• 1 dinner and 1 continental breakfast onboard VIA Rail
• VIA Rail’s “Canadian” Sleeper Touring Class between Jasper and Vancouver
• Sightseeing excursions of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper
• Lake Minnewanka cruise (seasonal)
• Banff Gondola
• Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
• Photograph at the Columbia Icefield
• Transfer from hotel to Jasper Train Station
• Discount coupon for any additional Brewster Sightseeing Excursions
• Luggage handling at hotels
• National Park fees.