Mountains To Sea Rail Passage
10 Nights from £2,129 per Person Including Flights
Overview
This holiday is a wonderful combination of wild scenery and vibrant cities, watching the world go by on two day train journey’s with VIA rail and a day-cruise along the Inside Passage. Experience a trip in the Columbia Icefields on an Ice Explorer and enjoy a Whalewatching excursion. Starting in the cowboy town of Calgary and ending in the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver, you will see awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating wildlife along the way.
Highlights
- Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Banff National Park
- Admire the beautiful scenery as you travel on VIA Rail from Jasper to Prince George on day and then the next onto Prince Rupert
- Sail the Inside Passage with remarkable views of snow-capped mountains, jagged fjords and massive ice floes
- Go whale-watching from the lovely coastal capital of Victoria
Details
Day 1
Fly to Calgary and transfer to Banff
Arrive into Calgary International Airport and transfer by coach to Banff. Leave the cowboy city behind and head towards the enchanting Rockies. After arriving at the resort town of Banff the rest of the day is at leisure.
Standard Hotel: Banff Ptarmigan, Elk + Avenue Hotel or similar
Superior Hotel: Brewster’s Mountain Lodge or Banff Inn or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Banff Springs or Rimrock Resort Hotel or similar
Day 2
Banff
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town of Banff and its unspoilt natural surroundings, including highlights such as Tunnel Mountain Drive which overlooks the beautiful Bow River Valley, and the Cave & Basin where Banff’s history began. At the end of the tour, you can choose to be dropped off at the base of Sulphur Mountain to take the gondola ride to the top for spectacular panoramic views (ride not included).
Standard Hotel: Banff Ptarmigan, Elk + Avenue Hotel or similar
Superior Hotel: Brewster’s Mountain Lodge, Banff Inn or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Banff Springs, Rimrock Resort Hotel or similar
Day 3
Banff - Jasper
Today you will have an awe-inspiring coach journey to Jasper, taking in the spectacular Icefields Parkway en route. You will see magnificent glaciers, cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes and lush meadows. The coach will stop at the Columbia Icefield where you will venture by Ice Explorer onto the massive Athabasca Glacier. You will also have a photo opportunity to take in stunning views of Lake Louise. Overnight in the lovely town of Jasper.
Standard Hotel: Lobstick Lodge or Marmot Lodge or similar
Superior Hotel: Sawridge Inn or Chateau Jasper or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre or similar
Day 4
Jasper - Prince George
Enjoy the morning in Jasper then depart early afternoon for your rail trip to Prince George on board VIA Rail. This journey takes you past the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies Mount Robson, and across the northern region of British Columbia through the ancient forests and into Prince George. Here you will have a free evening to explore this interesting city, the home of the Lheidli T’enneh and Carrier Sekani First Nations People and capital of northern British Columbia.
Standard Hotel: Sandman Hotel & Suites Prince George or similar
Superior Hotel: Coast Inn of the North or Prestige Treasure Cove or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Sandman Signature Prince George or Coast iPrince George Hotel by APA of the North or similar
Day 5
Prince George - Prince Rupert
Get back onboard the VIA Rail train for an early morning departure, to continue your journey to Prince Rupert. Enjoy a relaxing day onboard the train, admiring the dramatic scenery as you pass through the West Canadian countryside. Arrive in the port of Prince Rupert, steeped in the history of the Pacific Northwest.
Standard Hotel: Pacific Inn or Crest Hotel or similar
Superior Hotel: Crest Hotel or Prestige Hotel or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Crest Hotel or Prestige Hotel or similar
Day 6
Inside Passage Cruise from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
Today you will travel the glorious Inside Passage, a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Sail to Vancouver Island through a maze of enchanting islands, marveling at the densely forested shorelines and deep fjords, massive ice-floes and jagged inlets. Have the opportunity to spot bald eagles, sea-lions and whales. Transfer independently to your chosen hotel in Port Hardy.
Standard Hotel: Pier Side Landing Hotel, Airport Inn Port Hardy or similar
Superior Hotel: Kwa'Lilas Hotel or Airport Inn Port Hardy or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Quarterdeck Inn & Marina Resort or Glen Lyon Inn or similar
Day 7
Port Hardy to Victoria
Today you board a scheduled coach transfer to Victoria. Travelling down the length of the Vancouver Island, you pass through some of the most rugged landscapes of the West Coast. Arriving in the provincial capital of Victoria, check into your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Standard Hotel: Sandman Hotel & Suites or Days Inn Victoria Uptown or similar
Superior Hotel: The Embassy Inn or Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Empress or Hotel Grand Pacific or similar
Day 8
Victoria
Take the day to explore the charms and delights of Victoria. Today you'll participate in a whalewatching tour. Cruise the waters of the harbour as the soft rays of the setting sun outline some of the orca or grey whales that you may see on this relaxing, serene tour.
Standard Hotel: Sandman Hotel & Suites or Days Inn Victoria Uptown or similar
Superior Hotel: The Embassy Inn or Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Empress or Hotel Grand Pacific or similar
Day 9
Victoria to Vancouver
A last morning in Victoria before transferring by coach and ferry to Vancouver and checking in at your hotel.
Standard Hotel: Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre or Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel or similar
Superior Hotel: Georgian Court Hotel or Coast Coal Harbour Hotel or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver or Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or similar
Day 10
Vancouver
Today is at leisure in Vancouver. We suggest heading to Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain while you’re in the city. If you’d prefer, sightseeing excursions can be arranged for you.
Standard Hotel: Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre or Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel or similar
Superior Hotel: Georgian Court Hotel or Coast Coal Harbour Hotel or similar
Deluxe Hotel: Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver or Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or similar
Day 11
Vancouver – return flight
Transfer independently to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home
- Transatlantic flights on scheduled airlines
- Accommodation in hotels for 10 nights as described above or similar standard
- 3 hour sightseeing tour of Banff
- Full day sightseeing transfer from Banff to Jasper with a stop at the Columbia Icefields and Ice Explorer ride
- Jasper to Prince George and onto Prince Rupert rail passage on VIA Rail
- Prince Rupert to Port Hardy Inside Passage cruise
- Transfer from Port Hardy to Victoria
- Whalewatching excursion in Victoria
- Transfer from Victoria to Vancouver
Not Included
- Transfers unless otherwise specified
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
- Gratuities to sightseeing motor coach drivers
Departures 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th May, 27th September & 4th October 2020 include an overnight ferry. Passengers will not overnight at hotel in Port
Hardy. Standard: passengers will overnight in an Inboard cabin on overnight ferry; Superior and Deluxe: passengers will overnight in an Outboard cabin on overnight ferry.
Standard and Superior: maximum occupancy at Crest Hotel is 3 passengers including children. Quad bookings may receive 2 rooms at this property.
Deluxe: maximum 2 passengers including children.
The weather information shown below refers to the first stop on the tour, call us and speak to one of our travel experts for the most up-to-date forecasts and weather details for your tour.
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