A relaxing and well paced tour that perfectly combines touring by coach, ferry and rail. There are two nights to unwind in Victoria and Banff, plus a relaxing two and a half days on the train. Unpack your bags in Toronto because we stay three nights here.

DAY 1 ARRIVE CALGARY
Welcome to Calgary. A complimentary transfer from Calgary International Airport to the tour hotel is provided. We meet our Tour Director at the hotel this afternoon. Hotel: Marriott Calgary.

DAY 2 CALGARY – BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Get your cameras ready today! We begin with a short tour of Calgary before heading into the magnificent Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. We stop at Lake Louise, the emerald- coloured 'Gem of the Rockies'. Here an exhilarating Premium Highlight takes us high up on the Sightseeing Gondola for sweeping views over the lake, Victoria Glacier and a relaxing lunch. We stay for the next two nights nestled amongst gorgeous peaks at the baronial Fairmont Banff Springs. Hotel: Fairmont Banff Springs. (Full Breakfast, Lunch, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

DAY 3 BANFF AT LEISURE
The entire day is free to enjoy the resort's amenities and optional activities, or venture into the village of Banff for shopping. Perhaps take an optional helicopter flight over the surrounding peaks, take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain or enjoy the scenery while soaking in the famous Banff Hot Springs? (Full Breakfast)

DAY 4 BANFF N.P. – JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Trailing the backbone of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is one of the world's most spectacular drives. Keep an eye out for bear, deer and moose as we wind between the snow-domed peaks, cascading waterfalls, spectacular lakes and immense glaciers. En route we step aboard a specially designed 'Ice Explorer' to venture onto the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefields, the largest mass of ice outside of the Arctic Circle. We continue north through Sunwapta Pass, to our hotel in the mountain wonderland of Jasper National Park. Hotel: Sawridge Inn. (Full Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

DAY 5 DISCOVER JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Today is devoted to the delights of Jasper National Park. We admire the amazing effects of erosion at Maligne Canyon and marvel at the still azure waters of Maligne Lake. The rest of the day is at leisure. There are many optional activities including biking, golfing, hiking, and a popular river float trip down the Jasper River. (Full Breakfast)

DAY 6 JASPER – OVERNIGHT TRAIN
The morning is free for optional activities or perhaps a bit of shopping? Early afternoon we step aboard VIA Rail's 'The Canadian' to begin our scenic rail journey across British Columbia. Sit back and relax in the luxury and comfort of superbly refurbished Art Deco rail cars from the 1950s as the spectacular scenery of the Rockies drifts by. Tonight, after dinner in the elegant Dining Car, perhaps gaze into the star-filled sky from the comfort of the Skyline Car or retire to our cosy bedrooms with private washrooms. Ask for details at time of booking for more information on services offered aboard the train. (Full Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

DAY 7 ARRIVE VANCOUVER
On arrival in Vancouver this morning, we enjoy a city sightseeing tour including the historic Gastown district, Chinatown, and the high fashion of Robson Street. We also visit the totem poles in Stanley Park and enjoy fine views of the city skyline. This afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, we walk across the famous suspension bridge, for a rainforest experience at the unique Treetops Adventure followed by a delicious BBQ dinner..Hotel: Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside. (CB,HD)

DAY 8 DEPART VANCOUVER
Sadly, our tour comes to an end today. This morning is at leisure until our complimentary transfer to Vancouver International Airport. (Full Breakfast)

Map & Picture Highlights

Included:
An exhilarating ride aboard the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola in Banff National Park
Drive the famous Icefields Parkway - one of the world's great scenic highways
Venture onto the 1,000-foot thick Athabasca Glacier aboard the 'Ice Explorer'
See Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park
Scenic rail journey across British ColumbiaSee Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown and Robson Street in Vancouver
Guided Tours

Orientation tours of Calgary, Banff, Jasper and Vancouver
Insight's First Class Services

Airport arrival & departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
Escorted by a professional Tour Director - maximum group size of 40 people
Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra leg room & restroom facilities
First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
'Silver & Blue' Class rail journey from Jasper to Vancouver aboard 'The Canadian'
Quality Dining

6 Breakfasts, 1 Continental Breakfast & 1 Lunch at Lake Louise3 Hotel Dinners, 1 Dinner aboard the train and 1 Highlight Dinner in Vancouver

Map & Picture Highlights