Great Cities and Rail Tour

The Capital of Alberta, The Lofty Rocky Mountains, Across the divide to the Pacific Ocean
Saskatoon - Edmonton - Jasper - Kamloops - Vancouver

Day 1   Monday  Our magnificent journey begins in Edmonton, capital and largest metropolis in Alberta.   Board VIA Rail westbound and settle into comfortable "Silver and Blue" class hospitality.   Our porter will introduce you to your quarters and you can step into the dining car for fine dining.  After a few hours the great prairies give way to the foothills of Alberta and shortly thereafter the Rocky Mountains.   Arrive at the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" Jasper, Alberta.  Disembark and transfer to your hotel.  Keep on the lookout for wild animals often seen in and around the town. 

Day 2   Tuesday  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

Day 3  Wednesday   We have a free day in this pristine alpine paradise.   Perhaps rent a car and drive south on the Icefields Parkway.  Stop at waterfalls, mountain vistas and some of the most stunning aqua green and blue lakes you will see (BOW LAKE, PEYTO LAKE and MISTAYA LAKE).   Bikes can be rented in town, horseback riding is available and there are trails for every level of adventurer.  Be sure to stop by the magnificent Jasper Park Lodge, built between two lakes and visited by King George V and Marilyn Monroe.  Cuisine tastes even better after walks in the fresh mountain air and Jasper has no shortage of terrific restaurants.  Overnight at one of our Jasper Hotels

Spirit Island

Day 4  Thursday 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

Day 5  Friday  Travel along the Fraser Valley and arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia in the morning and pick up your luggage.  Take a taxi for the short drive to one of our downtown hotels.  Check in and have the rest of the day to explore Vancouver.  We recommend Gastown and the World's first outdoor steamclock.  Robson Street is loaded with restaurants and shopping.  Vancouver has two cruise ship piers and a walk along the promenades is interesting.  

Day 6 Saturday   We are picked up at our hotel (or very near) and begin our exciting VANCOUVER sightseeing tour.   Discover QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK and its beautiful grounds and STANLEY PARK with its famous totem poles.  Cross the Lions Gate Bridge to the Capilano Suspension Bridge where you can take a heart quickening walk across.  At Grouse Mountain you ride the Skyride Gondola to the summit where there are lumberjack shows, parasailers launching down the valley, and incomparable views of Vancouver and the Inside Passage.  Pier into the misty distance to see Vancouver Island, which you will be visiting tomorrow!  Visit the second largest Chinatown in North America and then have the evening free to take in one of Vancouver's great restaurants such as the "Seasons Restaurant" or maybe book an optional harbor cruise dinner or perhaps one of two revolving restaurants.  Overnight at one of our Vancouver Hotels

Day 7 Sunday  We are picked up at our hotel and depart on a great adventure.  We transfer by motor coach onto British Columbia Ferries ships to sail the inside passage to Vancouver Island.  Our motor coach drives us to beautiful BUTCHART GARDENS.  With its millions of flowers it is hard to imagine this was once a horrid rock quarry.  Continue to VICTORIA, capital of British Columbia and the most "British" city in Canada.  Enjoy a scenic drive with vistas of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains.  There is enough time for shopping and High Tea at the Empress Hotel before returning to the ferry which will deliver us back to our Vancouver hotel.

Day 8  Monday  End of services or we can arrange additional nights and activities in refreshing and beautiful Vancouver.  How about a tour to Bowen Island, WHISTLER ski resort, whale watching, or we can pre-arrange a self drive boating adventure!
Tours can also start on Thursdays and Saturdays with two nights in Jasper instead of three

Lakes and Waterfalls in Alberta

Vancouver, Voted #1 Destination in North
America by the American Business Association