WESTBOUND ITINERARY
Eastbound itineray is the same, but reversed. See below for details.

Day 1 – Your Vacation Begins – Arrival in Toronto
The sounds of Canada’s largest city welcome you as you step out of your taxi in downtown Toronto. Couples hurry along the sidewalk, rushing to one of Toronto’s big stage productions. A woman shifts her shopping bags as she hails a cab, and the smell of Chinese food wafts by from a bike courier. Multicultural, modern, and exciting, Toronto beckons. Get out and explore Canada’s most invigorating city.

Days 2 and 3 – Journey to the West – on board the Canadian train
A cozy cabin with a large picture window and seats that become a comfortable nighttime bed awaits you on the Canadian train. Travel past the rolling farmland of rural Ontario, through the vast “Canadian Shield’s” land of lakes and forests, before starting across the fertile prairies. After two relaxing nights, you spot the snow covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies. A panoramic dome car - where you can relax, unwind, and drink in all the sights - is steps from your cabin. Tasty meals are served in an elegant yet casual dining car and chatting over a drink with fellow travelers keeps you engaged into the night. You climb into your warm bed and are rocked to sleep by the clickety-click of timeless tracks - if only every vacation was so relaxing.

Day 4 – Enter the Rocky Mountains – Arrive in Jasper
Step off the Canadian train and take a deep breath – the crisp mountain air is invigorating. You are completely surrounded by mountains and trees. You look to your left and see a downtown gas station with a snow topped mountain peak standing proudly in the distance behind it. Jasper is summed up in that one view. It has all the modern touches of a thriving community, with the staggering mountain setting of a tiny hill-top chalet.

Day 5 – See the Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Banff
Welcome the morning by boarding a luxury motorcoach and relaxing in comfort as you head south on a scenic transfer along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. Your tour guide’s commentary throughout the journey lets you know which direction to look so you don’t miss a thing. An included snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze modern day explorers as you get the chance to explore the massive surface of the glacier by Ice Explorer, and that feeling intensifies you stop for a visit in Lake Louise. Picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine, and then frame the water with some of the most majestic mountains in the world – Lake Louise is like nothing else, and justifiably among Canada’s most photographed spots. Travel on to lively Banff, where you’re geared up and ready to explore one last town in the mountains before continuing your Canadian Rockies train vacation.

Day 6 – Exploring the Rockies – Banff
Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and see why the population of Banff doubles during the summer months. A guided tour lets you relax in comfort as you visit four local mountains and learn how natural phenomena have made Banff into the outdoor paradise it is today. A gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain gives you a panoramic view of Bow Valley - the mountains surround you on all sides as you gaze upon the pristine wilderness below with the river glistening in the distance. Now, you understand the sense of peace that keeps people returning to Banff year after year.

Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Banff to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the train’s whistle and the smell of breakfast wafts through your car as the Rocky Mountaineer pulls out of the train station in Banff and begins the descent into British Columbia. Circle around and around through the Canadian Rockies’ famous spiral tunnels as you descend. Over coffee you can chat with old friends and new, but mostly you can’t help staring out the train’s window at Canada’s scenery – which is some of the most spectacular in the world. Step onto the outdoor viewing platform for unobstructed views and cool breezes. Early in the evening, after a day of good food, great company, and awe-inspiring scenery, the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops. Enjoy the warm weather and friendly atmosphere of an Okanogan Valley favourite before bedding down for a good night’s rest.

Day 8 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver
This morning, return to your home on rails – the Rocky Mountaineer. Travel through the mighty Thompson Canyon before staring in awe at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through the narrow gorge. As your train moves from the arid interior of British Columbia to coastal Vancouver you realize that Canada’s scenery is distinct, but equally gorgeous, in every region of the country. A city surrounded by mountains and ocean, Vancouver’s air is fresh, the ambiance is cool, and the residents are friendly. Vancouver’s personality is the perfect farewell to Canada - consider spending a day or two taking in the sights.

Day 9 – With Fond Memories Made – Depart Vancouver
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colourful sights of Canada behind as your Canadian rail vacation comes to an end.

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2008 Package Start Dates

Starting in Toronto
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Apr 14,18,23,25,28,30
May 2,5,7,9,12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28,30
Jun 2,4,6,9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30
July 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21,23,25,28,30
Aug 1,4,6,8,11,13,15,18,20, 22,25,27,29
Sep 3, 5,8,10,12,15,17,19,22,24,26,29
Oct 1,3,6,8

Starting in Vancouver
Monday, Wednesday
Apr 16,21,30
May 5,7,12,14,19, 21,26,28
Jun 2,4,9,11,16,18,23,25,30,
Jul 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30
Aug 4,6,11,13,18,20,25,27
Sep 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29
Oct 1,6,8,13

Options & Upgrades
• Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery, excellent food and an outdoor viewing platform allowing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
• Optional Kamloops Entertainment:
- Two River Junction Dinner & Musical Revue - a humorous take on Canadian Rail history
- The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show - see the amazing feats of talented woodsmen
• Extra nights/tours may be added to the start or end of this trip (ask us)

Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available

Includes
• VIA Rail’s 3-day rail trip between Toronto and Jasper; 2 nights bedroom or roomette accommodation
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• 6 nights accommodation in Standard or Superior hotels
• 3-hour Banff sightseeing tour with Sulphur Mountain Gondola (Gondola from May 1st, 08 onwards only)
• Icefields Parkway tour between Jasper and Lake Louise, venture on to the Athabasca glacier aboard the famous Ice fields explorer (May 1st onwards)
• Rail station transfers in Kamloops
• 4 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package

Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Transfers, unless otherwise stated
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)

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