Western Explorer

An 8-Day Rocky Mountaineer tour starting from $2,267

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Starting Price: $2,267 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 8 Days
Countries Visited: Canada
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Rail Tours
Tour Category: Canada Tour
Tour Operator: Rocky Mountaineer
Tour Code: 8-WESRMV
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Cities Visited:
Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff & Calgary

Our most popular vacation for more than a decade, and it is easy to see why! All of the must-see attractions of the Canadian Rockies are included in this eight-day itinerary. The trip runs both Eastbound and Westbound itineraries.

 
  • 2 days onboard the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer® in your choice of RedLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service

  • 1 night at the world famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, including a guided lakeshore stroll with Gold Leaf package

  • Motorcoach tours of Jasper, Yoho National Park and Banff, including the Banff Gondola Icefields Parkway, including a ride on an Ice Explorer

  • Exclusive Attractions Pass

  • National Park Pass

  •  
    EASTBOUND ITINERARY:

    Day 1 - Vancouver Arrival
    Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

    Day 2 - Vancouver to Kamloops
    Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

    Day - 3 Kamloops to Jasper
    Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Jasper this evening. Overnight in Jasper.

    Day 4 - Jasper Sightseeing
    Spend either the morning or the afternoon touring Jasper by motorcoach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon and the Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. Overnight in Jasper.

    Day 5 - Jasper to Lake Louise
    Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Please note: Expected Ice Explorer dates of operation 15 Apr-15 Oct. When Ice Explorer is not operating, it will be replaced with lunch at Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.

    Day - 6 Lake Louise to Banff
    A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. While in Lake Louise you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff. Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:30 p.m., scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 a.m. Your luggage will be stored upon check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.

    Day 7 -Banff to Calgary with Summit Helicopter
    Enjoy a full-day tour concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. A trip on the Banff Gondola is included. Continue on to Kananaskis for a 12-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Overnight in Calgary.

    Day 8 - Calgary Departure
    Your vacation ends with check-out from your Calgary hotel.

     
             
    Touring Date
    Land Only
    Land + Air
    Single
    (Land Only)
    Single
    (Land + Air)


    No Departure Date Information was found for this Tour. This could be due
    to our website undergoing an update.

    Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.

     

    Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
             

    Airfare Disclaimer
    A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

    Documents
    TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

  • 2 days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer

  • Jasper Tour

  • Icefields Parkway Tour

  • Yoho Park Tour

  • Banff Tour

  • Banff Gondola

  •  

    Tour is also available as Westbound from Calgary(some dates have either westbound or eastbound only)

  • Prices are per person in Popular Hotels and do not include GST. (Canadian Goods & Services Tax)

  • Prices for triples & singles are available upon request.

  • Prices including the Gold Leaf Service range from $3455 to $4642 pp, based on your departure date.

  • Prices including the Fairmont Deluxe with Gold Lead Service range from $3709 to $5023, based on your departure date.

  • On many vacations, a meal plan is offered that includes breakfast & dinner daily. You will dine each evening either from your hotel restaurant's a la carte menu or from a specially designed Rocky Mountaineer Vacations menu. Guests purchasing a meal plan will also attend the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show during their overnight stay in Kamloops on applicable routes.

  • Meal Plan (breakfast & dinner daily) with RedLeaf package is $550 per person.

  • Meal Plan (breakfast & dinner daily) with GoldLeaf package is $874 per person.

  • Popular Hotels:

    Popular Hotels are moderately priced for the value-conscious guest who is looking for clean, comfortable rooms with some amenities. Restaurants are available at or within easy walking distance of your hotel. Please allow us to assist you if you require particular facilities at your hotel. Popular Hotels are available in conjunction with both Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service and GoldLeaf Service.

    Popular Hotels used on this trip:
    Holiday Inn - Vancouver Lobstick Lodge - Jasper Fairmont Room - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Caribou Lodge - Banff International Hotel - Calgary

    Superior Hotels:

    Superior Hotels provide the best of service and extra amenities, including restaurants. Please allow us to assist you if you require particular facilities at your hotel. Superior Hotels are available in conjunction with both Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service and GoldLeaf Service.
    Please note: Superior Hotels are not available in Kamloops and Quesnel. All accommodations in Kamloops is of moderate standard.

    Hotels used with Gold Leaf Upgrade Package

    Hyatt Regency - Vancouver Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont Room) - Jasper Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Lakeview Rimrock Resort - Banff Delta Bow Valley - Calgary

    Deluxe Hotels:

    Deluxe Hotels offer a guarantee of either a larger room or a spectacular view at a hotel renowned for quality service and amenities. Please allow us to assist you if you require particular facilities at your hotel. Deluxe Hotels are available in conjunction with Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service and GoldLeaf Service.

    Hotels used with Deluxe Fairmont package

    Hyatt Waterfront room - Vancouver Japer Park Lodge Deluxe room Deluxe Lakeview Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Deluxe room Banff Springs hotels Junior Suite Palliser - Calgary

    Please note: Deluxe Hotels are not available in Kamloops and Quesnel. All accommodations in Kamloops is of moderate standard.

    GoldLeaf Dome Features:

    Custom-designed bi-level dome coach
    Panoramic views from full-length dome windows
    Assigned seating in reclining dome-level seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four
    Full galley kitchen
    36 dining room seats (4 per table) with picture windows
    Temperature-controlled comfort
    Spiral staircase and elevator to dome level

    GoldLeaf Service Features:

    Service and interpretive commentary by our knowledgeable and friendly Onboard Attendants.
    Gourmet breakfast and lunch selections served in lower-level dining room
    Complimentary snacks and beverages served at your seat
    One night moderate accommodation in Kamloops or Quesnel with luggage delivered to your room
    Transfers between the train station and your accommodation in Kamloops or Quesnel
    Dinner at your overnight accommodation Optional Kamloops Evening Entertainment at a reduced price


    RedLeaf Coach Features
    Classic Rail Car
    Assigned seating in reclining seats
    Extended legroom
    Large picture windows
    Forward-facing seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four

    RedLeaf Service Features
    Service and interpretive commentary by our knowledgeable and friendly Onboard Attendant
    A selection of chilled breakfasts and lunches served at your seat each day
    Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages served at your seat
    One night moderate accommodation in Kamloops or Quesnel
    Transfers between the train station and your accommodation in Kamloops or Quesnel

    Optional Kamloops Evening Entertainment
    Luggage delivery to your final destination ***As a RedLeaf Service guest, please pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Kamloops or Quesnel. Your main luggage will be checked through to your final destination & will not be available. Please be sure to carry any medication with you.

    Guests may replace the Glacier Helicopter Tour with a Yoho Park Tour & there will be a price reduction.

    Prices are per person and do not include GST. (Canadian Goods & Services Tax)

    Prices for triples & singles are available upon request.

    Your Exclusive Attractions Pass includes complimentary admission to the following featured attractions, regardless of your tour itinerary:

    Vancouver : Vancouver Lookout
    Hop-On Hop-Off Attractions Loop Tour
    Victoria : Royal BC Museum
    Banff : Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
    Banff Upper Hot Springs
    Jasper : Jasper Tramway, including transportation to/from tramway
    Calgary : Calgary Tower

     
     
     
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    All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.