Extended Great Trans-Canada  

The Capital of Alberta, The Lofty Rocky Mountains, Across the divide to the Pacific Ocean
Edmonton - Jasper - Banff - Lake Louise - Yoho National Park  - Vancouver  
 

Thursday and Saturday departures
Add a couple days in Jasper for additional $100 per person, per night

Day 1  Our incredible train journey begins!  Transfer to Edmonton's North Side Train Station for our departure (Thursday, Saturday Monday at 2:00AM).  All aboard the "VIA Rail Transcontinental" bound for the Pacific Coast.  Our first class rail cars are refurbished to the 1950's genre in Art Deco.  Travel in Coach Class of Service.  The train crosses over bridges that straddle deep valleys and the terrain changes from rolling prairies to foothills to the massive Rocky Mountains. Disembark and transfer to our hotel (transfer not included).  Keep on the lookout for wild animals often seen in and around the town.    

Day 2  This morning we tour JASPER and, above the townsite, beautiful PYRAMID LAKE.   Perhaps take an optional cruise of magnificent MALIGNE LAKE and its incredible aquamarine waters.  The views are stunning and the water is a shade of blue found only in these mountains.   Spirit Island is a famous spot for  photographers seeking the perfect picture.  Return to Jasper via the Valley of the FIVE LAKES.  Those staying for additional nights can travel on their own a few miles to the south of  Jasper to the JASPER GONDOLA from where the views of the valleys and peaks are outstanding and ATHABASCA FALLS / HORSESHOE LAKE.  Overnight at one of our Jasper Hotels

Comfortable Bedrooms aboard the train

Day 3  Depart Jasper for Banff on our deluxe motor coach along the Icefields Parkway.  This is one of the most scenic drives on earth.  We'll ride a Sno-Coach (weather permitting) onto the Columbia Icefield's ATHABASCA GLACIER.  The Columbia Icefields are 125 square miles in size (massive!), with no fewer than 30 glaciers where 3 river systems flow to three different oceans.   The Icefields Parkway delivers us  past BOW LAKE, PEYTO LAKE and MISTAYA LAKE  south to LAKE LOUISE, one of the most enchanting spots on earth.  We see the reflections of the mountains in her aqua blue waters and we'll find out how rock flour helps the water retain its mesmerizing color.  Continue further into BANFF NATIONAL PARK to the majestic town of  BANFF.  Overnight at one of our Banff Hotels

Day 4  Tour today includes mountains, lakes and waterfalls.  Depart Banff on our motor coach and travel the beautiful Bow Valley Expressway to JOHNSTON CANYON where you are given time for a short nature walk.  We continue to beautiful MORAINE LAKE to see its mystical green waters and then visit LAKE LOUISE.  Visitors come from all over the World to stand before the lake.  After lunch at Lake Louise (lunch not included in fare),  cross the Great Divide and enter Yoho National Park. You’ll visit Yoho’s scenic highlights such as tumbling Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and the Natural Rock Bridge before returning to BANFF TOWN in the late afternoon.  What a great day!  Overnight Banff

Day 5 and Day 6  Enjoy two days to explore the trails, shopping, tours and sightseeing that this area is Word famous for.  Overnight at one of our Banff Hotels

Day 7  Board our motor coach for the trip once more along one of the World's great drives and arrive in Jasper in the afternoon.  Bring lots of film as the sights are breathtaking.  You have time for souvenir shopping and fine dining.  Overnight in beautiful alpine Jasper.

Day 8  Board VIA Rail trans-continental in the early afternoon.  Cross over the Continental Divide.  Travel through no fewer than 5 mountain ranges, past emerald lakes and raging rivers and massive Mount Robson.  Sunset to the west is usually a photographers delight especially from one of the dome cars.      VIA RAIL BEDROOMS  /  DINING CAR  /  DOME CAR  /  PARK-LOUNGE CAR

Lake Louise from inside the Chateau

Vermillion Lakes near Banff

Day 9 Travel along the Fraser Valley passing through no fewer than 5 mountain ranges and arrive in VANCOUVER, British Columbia in the morning and pick up your luggage. 

Transfer to Vancouver International airport or you may choose to extend your stay and visit Vancouver and the largest island in North America, mighty Vancouver Island.  Those extending their stay can go whale watching, see BUTCHART GARDENS and the city of VICTORIA  on Vancouver Island or travel up to WHISTLER Resort area (North of Vancouver).   

We can pre-book  7 night ALASKA CRUISES at wholesale rates

We include:   Via Rail Trans-Canada train journey including private bedroom (all meals are included aboard the train but not on motor coach tours or in hotels), tourist-class or superior hotels across Canada, motor coach tours as per itinerary,  GST tax is additional 7%.  Checked baggage is not available on the train, smaller overnight bag is recommended.