Your adventure takes you up Vancouver Island and through the Inside Passage to
Prince Rupert. The salty air tickles your nose as you board VIA Rail's Skeena to
Prince George and Jasper. You'll pierce the Coastal Mountains by way of the
sheer-sided Fraser and Skeena River valleys. Highlights include Mount Robson,
the Columbia Icefield, gondola mountain-top tours, Kicking Horse Pass and
stunning examples of rail and road engineering projects. Of course, stops in
Banff and Lake Louise are also included.
TOUR FEATURES
12 nights accommodation, Vancouver, Victoria, Port Hardy, admission to Butchart
Gardens, B.C. Ferries, reserved lounge seating, VIA Rail's "Skeena" (Totem
Class), Prince Rupert, Prince George, 5 meals onboard VIA, 1 breakfast, 2
lunches, 1 dinner, Discover Jasper Tour, Columbia Icefield SnoCoach Tour,
Discover Banff Tour, Banff Gondola, hotel & train station transfers, and
Inbound Holiday's motorcoach & driver/guide.
DAY 01
Upon arrival in Vancouver transfer (not included) to your downtown hotel.
Overnight in Vancouver.
DAY 02
This morning, join a city tour of Vancouver. Highlights include: Gastown,
Chinatown, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and English Bay. The rest of your
day is at leisure. Overnight in Vancouver.
DAY 03
Take a tour by motorcoach and ferry from the B.C. mainland over to Vancouver
Island to the city of Victoria. En route, you will have 1.5 hours on your own
onboard a B.C. Ferry, admission to Butchart Gardens and a city tour of Victoria
including city centre, Chinatown and Beacon Hill Park before being dropped off
at your hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Victoria.
DAY 04
Today is yours to explore this "British" city on your own. You may wish to take
an optional whale watching tour, shop, explore the Royal British Columbia Museum
or spend some time in the Crystal Gardens. All of these activities and much more
are located near the Inner Harbour, within walking distance from your hotel.
Overnight in Victoria.
DAY 05
This morning you will embark on a full day tour to Port Hardy by motorcoach and
make amny stops along the way, including Duncan "City of Totem Poles, Chemainus
"City of Murals" and Cooms Deli (famous for their goats that graze on the roof).
Your journey is enhanced by views of the Gulf Islands, vast farm lands, fighing
villages and deep sea ports. Overnight in Port Hardy.
DAY 06
Your adventure northward begins with a morning transfer (included) to the
B.C. Ferries terminal for your ferry ride through the Inside Passage to Prince
Rupert. The 15 hour cruise provides ample opportunity to see a wonderful array
of snow-capped mountains and island vistas. Killer whales, sea lions and playful
porpoise often appear alongside. Overnight in Prince Rupert.
DAY 07
From waterways to railways ... a morning boarding of VIA Rail's "Skeena" begins
your discovery of northern British Columbia's forested landscape. Take advantage
of the Skyline Car with its 360ø views from the dome or the casual atmosphere of
the lounge car below as the train gently weaves and winds its way to Prince
George. Overnight in Prince George.
DAY 08
Continue on your rail journey aboard the "Skeena" today. You may see bald
eagles, black bears or moose from the windows of the train. Arriving into Jasper
this afternoon, a transfer will be waiting to shuttle you to your hotel.
Overnight in Jasper.
DAY 09
Take in the sights of Jasper and the surrounding area on your "Discover Jasper"
tour this morning. Included is a 90 minute cruise of Maligne Lake on a tour boat
(from June 1, 2004 only). The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at
leisure. Perhaps browse through the shops or join another local sightseeing
excursion. Overnight in Jasper.
DAY 10
A full day tour takes you along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at the Columbia
Icefield for a Snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier. From the Icefield Centre,
it is a picturesque drive southward past snow-capped peaks, hanging glaciers and
mountain lakes to Banff. Overnight in Banff.
DAY 11
A morning "Discover Banff" tour will highlight the town of Banff and its
surrounding area. See the historic Cave & Basin and scenic Tunnel Mountain
Drive with its stunning viewpoints. The final stop will be at the Banff Gondola
for a ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Overnight in Banff.
DAY 12
Banff, Yoho and Glacier National Parks - scenery abounds as you travel westward
though the Canadian Rockies to reach Revelstoke by lunchtime. After lunch, the
journey stretches into the interior of British Columbia and to the peaceful
shores of Lac Le Jeune. An evening buffet at the peaceful Lac Le Jeune Resort
will await your arrival. (Lunch and dinner are included). Overnight in
Lac Le Jeune.
DAY 13
After breakfast (included), today's visits will include the gold rush
site of Hat Creek Ranch and a lunch stop in Lillooet (meal included) before
arriving at Whistler resort. After a brief stop in Whistler, continue on to
Vancouver where your tour draws to a close by late afternoon. *Some day tours
may not be available in the off-season in which case the price will be adjusted.
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