Travel Dates:
October 3 – 11, 2024 **
Cost per person (double occupancy):
Call for pricing and availability.*
Deposit:
$698.00 per person at time of booking
Final Date to Book this Trip (subject to availability):
Call for pricing and availability.
Final Payment Due:
July 15, 2024
Updated February 11, 2024 to reflect most current trip information.
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From the lush green Pacific coast of Vancouver, Canada you’ll board VIA Rail for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight train journey. Relax in the dome car and enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers and the unspoiled wilderness of Canada. Tour Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise. We’ll also be in search of the Northern Lights for September through November is the best time to view this spectacular phenomenon in the Canadian Rockies!
Our Itinerary
Thursday, October 3 – Fly to Vancouver, Canada
Friday, October 4 – A city tour of Vancouver begins this morning at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest. Then, continue to the waterfront, and Gastown – a turn-of-the century center comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and the world-famous steam-powered clock, perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. Stroll picturesque Granville Island and its fascinating markets. Later, board VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your private accommodations. (B, D)
Saturday, October 5 – Your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. (B, D)
Sunday, October 6 – This morning, travel to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, While at Maligne Lake, you may choose to embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Later, enjoy the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks. Return to your hotel with time to independently explore this lovely town. (B)
Monday, October 7 – Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing en route to Lake Louise. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas – so have your camera handy! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. Then, it’s your choice! Stop at the Athabasca Glacier and choose a fun ride** across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle -OR- take a walk on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to experience the breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and witness the dramatic landscape from the glass-floored platform. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Bow Lake – a beautiful crystal-clear lake fed by Bow Glacier – for photographs and a walk along its shore before arriving in Lake Louise. (B, D)
Tuesday, October 8 – Today, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the aweinspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. The jagged Ten Peaks are distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Continue on to the charming mountain town of Banff for a 2-night stay. (B, D)
Wednesday, October 9 – Set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, known for its picture-perfect
panoramic views. Next, meet a local ammolite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. During leisure time, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown. (B)
Thursday, October 10 – Leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Visit a local ranch for a line dance lesson and enjoy a wagon ride** in search of buffalo. Then, delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, enjoy the views of the prairies before you reach the vibrant city of Calgary. Tonight, join in a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. (B, L, D)
Friday, October 11 Fly home
(This itinerary is accurate as of the date of posting but is subject to change by the tour operator. Any changes will be posted when we learn of them, and all travelers will be notified.)
*Included in this package: Round-trip airfare from Norfolk, VA; round-trip ground transportation from Suffolk, VA; meals identified in the trip description (B, L, D).
**Some attractions may not be available during the “off-season” months due to weather and is reflected in the tour price. Glacier Experience is weather permitting throughout the travel season.
Cancel-for-any-reason travel protection insurance is available for this trip for $499 per person. Call for details.
A passport is required.
Space on this trip is limited.
