12D11N Spirit of the Rockies (CR)

Welcome to Vancouver! At 6pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. 

British Columbia Treasures Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The afternoon is free to explore the many attractions at your leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.

Riding the Rails At Vancouver's Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the Rocky Mountaineer train to follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops.

The Continental Divide Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its many miles of shoreline. Follow the Kicking Horse River and pass over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park.

Breathtaking Banff Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy all that Banff has to offer. You may wish to ride on the Banff Gondola, visit the shops on Main Street, or perhaps take an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for impressive views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff.

Rocky Mountain Majesty En route to Lake Louise, a side trip showcases one of the crown jewels of the Rockies-Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks (weather permitting). Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Arrive enchanting Lake Louise for a [LF] guided heritage walk along the lake. Enjoy an overnight and dinner at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

On the Ice Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to Jasper National Park. Ride an exciting Ice Explorer with a Glaciologist Guide on the Athabasca Glacier and see thundering Athabasca Falls. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park.

Legendary Pathways Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while travelling the Yellowhead Highway.

Rugged Beauty A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler-one of Canada's newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics- and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Ancient Traditions Visit the [LF] Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people, for a private presentation and breakfast. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC Ferry for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British "Garden City" of Victoria. This afternoon, discover British Columbia's capitol on a city highlights tour. Later, you may want to stroll around the Parliament buildings or do some shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this delightful harbour city.

City of Gardens Free time this morning before an afternoon visit to world-famous [LF] Butchart Gardens.

Safe travels until we meet again! Travel on a scenic BC Ferry crossing through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver. Your holiday ends at the Vancouver International Airport or the Vancouver tour hotel for those with post-nights. Schedule flights from Vancouver International Airport after 2 pm.