DAY 1 – VICTORIA
Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Victoria International Airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Two Night Stay: Chateau Victoria or similar
Please book your flight to arrive into Victoria prior to 05:00 PM.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 – VICTORIA – BUTCHART GARDENS
This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22 hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Emerald to assist you in discovering more about this historic region.
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Go whale watching, or take a horse and carriage ride (extra expense).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Butchart Gardens
DAY 3 – GEORGIA STRAIT – WHISTLER
After breakfast, drive north along Vancouver Island to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey inland along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline with views of Horseshoe Bay on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. You will have the chance to stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler Village. This evening, you are free to explore the village’s cobbled pathways and plazas. Overnight Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or similar
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Undertake a Photo Safari tour with a local expert, or have dinner with a twist on a tasting tour (extra expense).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Emerald Tours Rockies
DAY 4 – WHISTLER – KAMLOOPS
Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, head into the mountains to the picturesque village of Kamloops where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. Overnight Stay: South Thompson Inn or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 – KAMLOOPS – BANFF
Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular national parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, we arrive into Banff National Park. Two Night Stay: The Mount Royal Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 6 – BANFF AT LEISURE
A full day at leisure for you to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions.
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Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense).
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 7 – BANFF – LAKE LOUISE – EMERALD LAKE
Start the day with a tour of Banff including the Bow River, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls. Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness”. Enjoy some free time taking in the spectacular scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier fed waters. Overnight stay at Emerald Lake Lodge, which sits right on the shores of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and forests.
Overnight Stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Emerald Tours Lake Louise
DAY 8 – GLACIER ‘ICE EXPLORER’ – JASPER
This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300 metre thick Athabasca Glacier. The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. EmeraldPLUS: Walk above the Rockies deepest canyon; Maligne Canyon, then dine at Wilderness Kitchen an original Canadian smokehouse located at the canyon trailhead. This is an authentic experience which goes beyond the table and the stories of Maligne come alive with a special horns and antler presentation. Overnight Stay: Lobstick Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 – ROCKY MOUNTAINEER – KAMLOOPS
Set off on a two day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Enjoy incredible views of the soaring mountains including Canada’s highest peak, the awesome 3954 metre Mount Robson as you journey towards Kamloops.
Overnight Stay: Kamloops Hotel (as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Onboard Silverleaf Service
