Majestic Canadian West

This tour will take you the breadth of Canada, showcasing some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see! Experiencing the beautiful Glacier National Park, journeying back to the gold rush days at Fort Steele Heritage Town, venturing onto Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially-designed Ice Explorer and soaking up the natural beauty Canada has to offer from the pampered comfort of the "Rocky Mountaineer" luxury GoldLeaf Service train - surely one of the most scenic and beautiful rail journeys in the world.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - ARRIVE CALGARY.

Start your trip with a complimentary transfer from the airport to the hotel. In the afternoon meet your Tour Director who is available to answer questions. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception in the Westin Calgary Hotel.

DAY 2 - CALGARY - WATERTON LAKES.

You day begins with an orientation tour of Calgary before heading south. At the UNESCO World Heritage site of Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump we discover how the Blackfoot people hunted the great buffalo herds. Arriving in Waterton Lakes National Park, we explore Red Rock Canyon and keep an eye out for the park's resident wildlife before making our way to the Waterton Lakes Lodge hotel. (B,D)

DAY 3 - WATERTON - MONTANA'S GLACIER NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION.

We cross the US border to experience the rugged beauty of the mountainous lake filled Glacier National Park and enjoy a narrated trip to the Logan Pass Visitors Center aboard the park's famous "Red Jammer" coaches (seasonal). (B)

DAY 4 - WATERTON - FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS.

We visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre to hear how Turtle Mountain collapsed and buried the mining town of Frank in 1903. We cross the Continental Divide and journey back to the gold rush days at Fort Steele Heritage Town. We then head off for our hotel, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (B) and as the name implies, you can take some time to soak in their warming and relaxing natural hot springs!

DAY 5 - FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS - BANFF NATIONAL PARK.

We visit the diverse landscapes of Kootenay National Park before entering Banff National Park. You can enjoy an interpretive walk along Lake Louise, Canada's "Diamond in the Wilderness", See Victoria Glacier and learn about the history and geography of this spectacular area. We Stop at Moraine Lake (seasonal) which is framed by ten soaring peaks, view Bow Falls and the Hoodoos, before arriving at your hotel, The Fairmont Banff Springs (B, D). Modelled on a Scottish baronial castle, your hotel features a variety of outstanding restaurants for your evening meal.

DAY 6 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK AT LEISURE.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Banff to pursue your own interests. Options include a float trip down the Bow River, a guided walk to Sunshine Meadows, or a helicopter flightseeing experience over the Rockies...the choice is yours! (B)

DAY 7 - BANFF - JASPER NATIONAL PARK.

We journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and venture onto Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially-designed Ice Explorer for a once-in-a-lifetime guided tour over steep grades, snow and ice. We then move on to Jasper National Park where a local wildlife expert will lead an informative discussion about some of the park's most interesting residents: elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, black bear, beaver and caribou. We then retire to the Sawridge Inn hotel (B, D) for the evening.

DAY 8 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING.

Join a narrated walk along the Maligne Canyon trail past beautiful waterfalls, spectacular rock formations and learn about the underground river system. The delights of Jasper National Park are yours for the rest of the day. Two of the options available include a relaxing lake cruise (seasonal) and a scenic nature walk. (B)

DAY 9 - JASPER - ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - QUESNEL.

Get ready for an unforgettable rail journey! All aboard the "Rocky Mountaineer" GoldLeaf Service for two days of glorious rail travel through Canada's Western mountains. Enjoy panoramic views from your seat in the GoldLeaf Dome Car and fine meals in the GoldLeaf Dining Car. Highlights of the journey include Yellowhead Pass, Moose Lake and the Rockies' tallest mountain, Mount Robson. We spend the night in Quesnel, deep in the heart of Caribou Country, at a hotel that will be assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 - QUESNEL - ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - WHISTLER.

We continue or rail journey through the desert-like Fraser Canyon to the lush farmlands of the Pemberton Valley and the towering Coast Mountains. You can admire sweeping views of glacier-fed lakes and Deep Creek Bridge - one of the highest railway bridges in the world. The train journey ends in the alpine village of Whistler, where we decamp to our hotel, the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. (B,L)

DAY 11 - WHISTLER - VICTORIA.

We meet a local guide for a walking tour through Whistler Village before heading down the Sea-to-Sky Highway and crossing the Strait of Georgia by ferry to Vancouver Island. Here you can enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria before checking into the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. (B)

DAY 12 - VICTORIA SIGHTSEEING.

We begin the day with breakfast at the renowned Butchart Gardens. During your visit, a horticulturist will explain the garden's history and plants and you will have ample time to wander through the 55 acres of exquisite floral displays, meandering paths and spectacular views. The afternoon is yours to explore Victoria. In the evening, we'd be delighted if you wish to join us for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

DAY 13 - VICTORIA - VANCOUVER - DEPARTURE OR ALASKA CRUISE.

Here our party will split. Those guests on the 13-Day Coach & Rail Tour depart with a complimentary transfer to Vancouver International Airport after a cruise by ferry across the Straight of Georgia to Vancouver. Guests on the 20-Day Coach & Cruise Tour are transferred to Canada Place to board Holland America Line's MS Zuiderdam for an unforgettable Inside Passage cruise. Please call for details

Inclusive Tour Highlights

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and board "Red Jammer" coaches to experience beautiful Glacier National Park. See Fort Steele Heritage Town and venture onto Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially-designed Ice Explorer. Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train in luxury GoldLeaf Service and enjoy breakfast at Butchart Gardens. Enjoy a walking tour through Whistler Village with a local guide and explore colourful Red Rock Canyon in Waterton Lakes National Park. See Moraine Lake, Bow Falls and the Hoodoos in Banff and drive the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Discover the charms of Victoria, Gastown, Chinatown & the totem poles in Vancouver's Stanley Park.

20 day Coach and Cruise guests soak up the beauty of Alaska on a 7-night cruise on the MS Zuiderdam

Insight's First Class Service

We offer the best levels of service as an inclusive part of your tour, including airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day, tours escorted by a professional Tour Director - maximum group size of 40 people, luxury air-conditioned coaches with extra legroom and restroom facilities on board, superb luxury and comfort aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, first-class hotels and accommodation with all service charges, taxes and porterage included and quality dining with 12 Full Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 Dinners plus "Dine-Around Eat Out" restaurant options at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Departure Dates & Prices

Starts Toronto	Ends Vancouver	Tour + Air
04 May 2009	16 May 2009	£3149
18 May 2009	30 May 2009	£3149
01 Jun 2009	13 Jun 2009	£3379
15 Jun 2009	27 Jun 2009	£3379
29 Jun 2009	11 Jul 2009	£3379
July 13 2009	July 25 2009	£3599
July 27 2009	Aug 08 2009	£3599
Aug 10 2009	Aug 22 2009	£3599
Aug 24 2009	Sep 05 2009	£3599
Sep 07 2009	Sep 19 2009	£3479

The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.