Canadian Rockies First Passage To The West Grand Adventure (Vancouver to Jasper or Reverse) 9D8N

Arrive in the charming city of Vancouver and be immediately captivated by the backdrop of endless mountains and ocean vistas. Spend time unwinding in your boutique hotel. Relax in your well-appointed ensuite rooms, rejuvenate in the hot tub and infrared sauna or sip on a refreshing cocktail at the onsite bar.

For those in pursue of adventure, your hotel is located in the heart of Vancouver giving easy access for you to explore the scenic coastal city at your own pace. Make use of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles and travel like a local around Seawell and Stanley Park. For the hockey and football fans alike, you are steps away from the BC Place Stadium. Close to trendy shopping and dining hotspots on Robson Street, explore Vancouver’s downtown life and bustling scene.

An early morning start begins with a transfer from your hotel to the rail station. Step onboard, be welcomed by your hosts and celebrate with a welcome toast as you embark on your ultimate rail journey to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies! Farewell the coastal city of Vancouver and savour the journey to Kamloops located in the heart of British Columbia.

Settle into your seats, gaze out your glass-dome windows and enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard as you glide through the fertile farmlands of the Fraser Valley. Soak in the scenery of lush fields, forests and winding river canyons to the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains. Traverse the mighty Fraser River, the whitewater of Hell’s Gate and steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thomson River. Continue meandering through the spectacular wonders with a drink in hand. Be captivated by a dramatic shift in scenery as you are embraced amid a desert-like landscape peppered with sagebrush of the British Columbia. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a fine dining lunch onboard where cuisine is inspired by Western Canada's diverse culinary landscape boasting a tapestry of cultures and bountiful regions.

Cap off a first magical day along the shores of Kamloops Lake into the town of Kamloops where you’ll overnight.

Your mountain adventure continues as you travel east along the South Thompson River towards the province of Alberta. Uncover another day of ever-changing scenery as you traverse ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Savour it all from the comfort of your luxurious coach as you marvel at the historic Craigellachie, which marks the spot where the Last Spike was driven home on the Canadian Pacific Railway line, uniting a nation.

Along the way sip on wine and savour fresh locally inspired cuisine for lunch featuring local ingredients and flavours. You’ll gaze in wonder at cascading waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and icy glaciers spilling over the lips of the peaks above, on your way to the charming alpine town of Banff and the brilliant waters of Lake Louise. All of this is yours to savour from the comfort of your luxurious Rocky Mountaineer coach. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff where you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

You’ll stay at a quaint mountain lodge, Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, nestled in the heart of Banff’s city centre. Rejuvenate in its Red Earth Spa boasting a full-service spa with six treatment rooms including a dedicated hydrotherapy and aesthetics room. Absorb the alpine tranquility at the hot pool or cozy in the steam room. For those wanting more exploration, the hotel is a lovely 10 minutes' walk from the city’s shops and restaurants.

Today create your own adventures and discover Banff’s remarkable sights and wonder at your own leisure. Immerse into one of the most beautiful places on earth doing as little or as plenty as you please. Home to a wild untamed national park, inspiring local food and a natural hot spring, you’ll have plenty to keep you intrigued.

Take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a relaxing experience to take in the region’s natural beauty. Atop, enjoy a handful of eateries, interactive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a 360-degree rooftop observation deck. Take the Mt Norquay chairlift for ultimate panoramic views, rejuvenate in Banff’s hot spring or explore its bustling town bursting of local history and lively art scenes. Soak in the famed glacial lakes that defy Banff at the renowned Lake Louise and Lake Morraine with a walk or kayak. Pursue outdoor wildlife adventures from cycling to guided hikes, the choices are endless!

Alternatively, those in search for a slower pace, simply unwind back at the hotel enjoying its spa treatments, hot pool, steam room or indulge in a drink at its bar.

This morning, journey on a half day tour via motorcoach into the breathtaking Yoho National Park. A magical adventure into breathtaking peaks, rushing waterfalls and pristine lakes along with a little Canadian history.

Traverse the Spiral Tunnels and the Natural Bridge. Marvel at a natural rock formation where the bridge sits on the Kicking Horse River and admire nature at work from a vantage lookout. Be captivated by the majestic Emerald Lake with its signature deep green waters one of the most admired sights within Yoho. Take a lovely stroll around its pristine beauty while admiring at beautiful wildflowers including sightings of rare orchids. Spend the rest of the afternoon immersed into the spectacular wonders of the renowned Lake Louise. Absorb the sparkling blue-green waters of the lake set against majestic peaks and glaciers in the background that will leave you breathless.

Be transferred to your mountain hotel set on the shores of the pristine Lake Louise and embraced by soaring mountain peaks and Victoria Glacier. Unwind in your well-appointed ensuite room boasting garden or mountain views. Relax in the heated indoor pool or pamper yourself in its full-service spa. Savour exquisite regional cuisine made with organic ingredients at its elegant dining room. Or take in a chateau experience offering cheese fondue, chateaubriand and chocolate fondue dessert. For the wine lovers, whisk away in its floor to ceiling wine library.

Today is another day to adventure into the extraordinary at your own pace. Uncover Lake Louise in all its glory as you curate your own escapade. Be as active or as slow paced as you wish, no matter what activities you choose, this breathtaking destination won't disappoint!

Walk the Lakeshore Trail where a vantage point gives sweeping views over the lake and its mountain backdrop. For those with energy continue the trail onto the Plain of Six Glaciers. Or, take a splash and canoe the famed Lake Louise. Detach yourself from the crowds on the shoreline and paddle out across turquoise waters to find your own special solitude in the Canadian Rockies. Embark on the popular hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House journeying through forest and emerging at serene Lake Agnes. A photographer's paradise, admire a setting of a stunning alley with soaring mountains and unique rock formation of the Big Beehive. Alternately venture further afield for a short drive to Takkakaw Falls. Marvel as it tumbles at 384 meters (1250 ft) off a ledge and enjoy a lovely short walk giving staggering views of the fall.

This morning continues your motorcoach journey from Lake Louise to Jasper. Uncover the pristine natural wonders and mystic treasures of Banff and Jasper National Parks via one of the world’s most spectacular driving routes, the Icefields Parkway. Named one of the top 10 drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the Icefields Parkway links Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

Along the way, marvel at highlights including the brilliant turquoise waters of Bow Lake and the mighty Athabasa Falls. Admire an unmatched view of the Sunwapta valley and the mighty Columbia Icefield. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls, fossils and if you’re lucky some wildlife. Journey along the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll ride a thrilling Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier and gain insight into its geological features as well as walk, feel and drink from the glacier. Discover the power of nature in one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world! Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. Enjoy lunch at the Athabasca Glacier Discovery Centre, boasting locally sourced Canadian cuisine with breathtaking glacial views.

You’ll stay at the cosy Forest Park Hotel embraced by alpine mountain vistas. Unwind in its indoor pool, delve into its wellness spa or relax with a cocktail at its snug lounge. Tantalise your tastebuds at one of its two dining options showcasing Canadian-inspired cuisine.

Today, unearth Jasper at your own leisure doing as little or as plenty as you please.

A quaint town set within majestic mountains, Jasper sits in the middle of Canada’s largest national park. Its extensive trail network is perfect for hiking the many mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and dramatic waterfalls. For a relaxed panoramic bird's eye view, take the Jasper SkyTram boasting ultimate views with Canada’s highest and longest guided aerial tramway. Atop the upper Station, set at 2 263 metres, dine in or simply savour the majestic views. For the active seekers, kayak, raft, canoe or paddleboard the multitude of rivers and bodies of water that make up Jasper National Park. Alternatively, embark on an incredible ice walk adventure at the Maligne Canyon Icewalk. Journey through the deepest canyon in the park and marvel as adventurers climb vertical sheets of ice.

For those who dwell for some rest and relaxation, unwind at the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies at Miette Hot Springs. Soak in the panoramic views while the scenic drive through the wild Fiddle Valley only culminates the experience.

Feeling relaxed and inspired, savour your final moments at the breathtaking Canadian Rockies before checking out of the hotel and making your own transfers for your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.