9 DAY RAIL, PEAKS, AND GLACIERS
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Travel by train on this journey from the prairies through the Canadian Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Vancouver
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Banff guided tour
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
- Full day tour Banff to Jasper
- Ice Explorer ride
- Glacier Skywalk
- Maligne Lake tour with boat cruise
- Jasper SkyTram elevation pass
- Vancouver hop-on hop-off city tour (24 hrs)
- Vancouver harbour cruise
- FlyOver Canada experience
- Forbidden Vancouver walking tour
- One-way tour from Vancouver to Victoria including the Butchart Gardens
- Royal BC Museum
- Whale watching excursion
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SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Calgary - Banff (coach)
Arrive in Calgary and board your motorcoach transfer from the Calgary Airport to the jewel of the Rockies, Banff.
Overnight: Banff
Day 2: Banff Sightseeing (small coach)
Visit sights such as Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Banff Hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka, one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Overnight: Banff
Day 3: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper (small coach)
Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise.After a short break continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.A stop is made at the Columbia Icefield chalet to view the Athabasca Glacier and time is allowed to ride the Ice Explorer onto the glacier. From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 4: Jasper Sightseeing (small coach)
This morning join a local guide for an interpretive tour up the Maligne Valley. The tour will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a guided walk above the gorge, Medicine Lake and then Maligne Lake where you can either take the boat cruise to Spirit Island or enjoy a guided hike along the Mary Schaffer Loop.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 5: Jasper - Vancouver Overnight on board VIA Rail
Travelling in sleeper class, by day you will sit back in comfortable armchairs, at night attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a private bedroom. You will have access to the Park Car which offers a lounge atmosphere and the Dome Car for 180 degree panoramic windows for spectacular viewing. Gourmet meals are included in the dining room while travelling in Sleeper Class.
Day 6: Vancouver Sightseeing (coach)
Included today is a Hop-on-hop-off pass, travel at your leisure on a turn of the century San Francisco style trolley bus with 23 stops including 16 of Vancouver's major downtown attractions. Take the entire tour in two hours or spend longer experiencing this beautiful city. Also included is the FlyOver Canada experience.
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 7: Vancouver Sightseeing
Start the morning with a Vancouver Harbour Cruise then enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you please. Then in the evening participate in a Forbidden Vancouver walking tour and hear all the stories that don't make their way onto the tour buses. Be emerged in Vancouver's history as you listen to tales of crime, corruption, and sin.
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 8: Vancouver - Victoria (coach/ferry)
Departing by coach you will board the BC Ferry for a spectacular 95 minute cruise through the marine wonderland of the Gulf Islands. Once docked on Vancouver Island you will continue by coach on to the world famous Butchart Gardens with their 55 acre floral display. Drive through Victoria's Marine Scenic Drive and view highlights of downtown Victoria. This afternoon you will have time to visit the Royal BC Museum and experience the limited time Egypt: Time of Pharaohs exhibit. Experience a time when civilization grew along the Nile, pyramids dotted the skyline and people believed gods walked among us. Be among the first in North America to see this staggering exhibition's priceless ancient artifacts, such as the coffin of Nakht, an exceptional bust of Hatshepsut and an ornate gold and garnet necklace from the Ptolemaic period.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Day 9: Victoria - Vancouver (floatplane)
This afternoon, board the luxurious five star supercat whale-watching excursion, with over 80 resident orcas and numerous transient orcas, you will experience why whale-watching is a must in Victoria. This evening you will transfer by floatplane from the inner harbor of Victoria to downtown Vancouver.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
(does not include applicable taxes)
Itinerary available in reverse from Vancouver to Calgary.
This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
(does not include applicable taxes)
Itinerary available in reverse from Vancouver to Calgary.
This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 7 nights of accommodation
- Shuttle transfer to Banff
- VIA Rail private cabin for two from Jasper to Vancouver
- Meals included on board the train
- Floatplane Victoria to Vancouver
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
9RPG
9 Day Rail, Peaks, and Glaciers
9 days
Created On: 21 Dec 2024
Highlights
- Discover Banff guided tour
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
- Full day tour Banff to Jasper
- Ice Explorer ride
- Glacier Skywalk
- Maligne Lake tour with boat cruise
- Jasper SkyTram elevation pass
- Vancouver hop-on hop-off city tour (24 hrs)
- Vancouver harbour cruise
- FlyOver Canada experience
- Forbidden Vancouver walking tour
- One-way tour from Vancouver to Victoria including the Butchart Gardens
- Royal BC Museum
- Whale watching excursion
Inclusions
- 7 nights of accommodation
- Shuttle transfer to Banff
- VIA Rail private cabin for two from Jasper to Vancouver
- Meals included on board the train
- Floatplane Victoria to Vancouver
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
Exclusions
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Moderate
Calgary
Vancouver
$3,140 USD
Superior
Calgary
Vancouver
$3,270 USD
Deluxe
Calgary
Vancouver
$5,160 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* (does not include applicable taxes)
Itinerary available in reverse from Vancouver to Calgary.
This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
* (does not include applicable taxes)
Itinerary available in reverse from Vancouver to Calgary.
This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary - Banff (coach)
Arrive in Calgary and board your motorcoach transfer from the Calgary Airport to the jewel of the Rockies, Banff.
Overnight: Banff
Day 2: Banff Sightseeing (small coach)
Visit sights such as Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Banff Hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka, one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Overnight: Banff
Day 3: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper (small coach)
Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise.After a short break continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.A stop is made at the Columbia Icefield chalet to view the Athabasca Glacier and time is allowed to ride the Ice Explorer onto the glacier. From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 4: Jasper Sightseeing (small coach)
This morning join a local guide for an interpretive tour up the Maligne Valley. The tour will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a guided walk above the gorge, Medicine Lake and then Maligne Lake where you can either take the boat cruise to Spirit Island or enjoy a guided hike along the Mary Schaffer Loop.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 5: Jasper - Vancouver Overnight on board VIA Rail
Travelling in sleeper class, by day you will sit back in comfortable armchairs, at night attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a private bedroom. You will have access to the Park Car which offers a lounge atmosphere and the Dome Car for 180 degree panoramic windows for spectacular viewing. Gourmet meals are included in the dining room while travelling in Sleeper Class.
Day 6: Vancouver Sightseeing (coach)
Included today is a Hop-on-hop-off pass, travel at your leisure on a turn of the century San Francisco style trolley bus with 23 stops including 16 of Vancouver's major downtown attractions. Take the entire tour in two hours or spend longer experiencing this beautiful city. Also included is the FlyOver Canada experience.
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 7: Vancouver Sightseeing
Start the morning with a Vancouver Harbour Cruise then enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you please. Then in the evening participate in a Forbidden Vancouver walking tour and hear all the stories that don't make their way onto the tour buses. Be emerged in Vancouver's history as you listen to tales of crime, corruption, and sin.
Overnight: Vancouver
Day 8: Vancouver - Victoria (coach/ferry)
Departing by coach you will board the BC Ferry for a spectacular 95 minute cruise through the marine wonderland of the Gulf Islands. Once docked on Vancouver Island you will continue by coach on to the world famous Butchart Gardens with their 55 acre floral display. Drive through Victoria's Marine Scenic Drive and view highlights of downtown Victoria. This afternoon you will have time to visit the Royal BC Museum and experience the limited time Egypt: Time of Pharaohs exhibit. Experience a time when civilization grew along the Nile, pyramids dotted the skyline and people believed gods walked among us. Be among the first in North America to see this staggering exhibition's priceless ancient artifacts, such as the coffin of Nakht, an exceptional bust of Hatshepsut and an ornate gold and garnet necklace from the Ptolemaic period.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Day 9: Victoria - Vancouver (floatplane)
This afternoon, board the luxurious five star supercat whale-watching excursion, with over 80 resident orcas and numerous transient orcas, you will experience why whale-watching is a must in Victoria. This evening you will transfer by floatplane from the inner harbor of Victoria to downtown Vancouver.
