Your holiday summary
| Holiday type |
Tours |
|---|---|
| Country |
Canada |
| Travel type |
Fly |
| Price range | From £1759 |
| Travel partner | Riviera Travel |
| Duration | 8 nights |
|
Need help with your booking? 0330 333 6751 |
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer
|
|
|
|
The Canadian Rockies must surely rank amongst the very finest scenic and wildlife holidays on earth! The magnificent Rocky Mountains are Canada’s crowning glory: home to bears, majestic elk, moose and beaver with vast forests that seem to go on forever. Opaque lakes, of stunning emerald green and turquoise glassy waters, reflect the magnificent scenery like no other place on earth as they sparkle in the sunlight. Carpets of wild flowers bedeck the green meadows spread beneath the towering glaciers - huge expanses of brilliant white ice and snow, contrasting with the muted greys and pinks of the jagged peaks. We stay in Banff, the very heart of the mountains then travel along the monument to man’s engineering prowess, the ‘road of steel’ that is the great Trans-Canadian railway, on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train. Crossing high passes, deep ravines and innumerable spectacular bridges, places that can only be seen by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of Alberta and British Columbia. Finally, we arrive in Vancouver, nestling beside the immense majesty of the Pacific Ocean, which ranks alongside Sydney, Cape Town and San Francisco as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful panoramas. With its gleaming glass skyscrapers reflected in the azure-blue ocean, Canada’s third-largest city is a fascinating and cosmopolitan metropolis encircled by water and mountains. Our seven-night cruise with Holland America Line to Alaska is available as an extension to the tour on almost all departures, see our separate tour itinerary under our Worldwide destinations listing.
Included
- Return, direct flights from London Gatwick and connections from Manchester
- Excellent hand-picked superior three-star accommodation
- Explore some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the world on a stunning two day journey through the majestic Rockies on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train between Banff and Vancouver
- Travel on the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways and walk on the 300-metre thick Athabasca glacier
- Stay, and tour, in Vancouver, a vibrant, sophisticated city overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Two lunches and two breakfasts included on Rocky Mountaineer
- Escorted by an experienced Riviera tour manager
The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at a supplement of £299 to £369 per person. The price includes scheduled flights to Calgary, returning from Vancouver; 7 nights on room-only basis, staying in superior three-star hotels (medium class in Kamloops, arranged directly by the Rocky Mountaineer); guided visits to Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier aboard a Snocoach; two breakfasts, two lunches, selected drinks and staff gratuities aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train; tour of Vancouver; all transfers and porterage of one item of luggage per person; the services of a Riviera tour manager.
Manchester departures
Prices include standard class rail ticket on the day before your flight to Calgary from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Stockport, Stoke, Stafford & Crewe to Gatwick Airport and one night at the 4-star Sofitel Gatwick Airport on bed and breakfast basis. Applies to trains arriving in Euston after 16.00 hrs. On your return from Vancouver the flight will return you direct to Manchester Airport, arriving at 09.05 hrs.
Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service from £599
Upgrade to the double-decker GoldLeaf Dome Coach with its panoramic wrap-round windows that make you feel right in the middle of the breathtaking scenery! Guests also have access to the open-air observation vestibule at the end of each carriage. Impeccable service is complimented with 3-course gourmet dining in the lower-level dining room. GoldLeaf upgrade is not bookable online, please call us on 01283 742300 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to book this option.
Visas and Health Matters
Canada - UK & Irish nationals do not require a visa. However, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the intended return date. There are no current health requirements for Canada. Whilst the travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we would point out that we often enjoy walking tours (sometimes over unmade paths) of the various places of interest. This tour also reaches an altitude of 5,700ft and temperature variations can be unpredictable, especially during spring and autumn. For these reasons this holiday may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. Please bear this in mind when considering this holiday. To make the most of your trip, we recommend you check the Foreign Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit on 0845 850 2829.
Day 1
Check in for your flight to Calgary. Following our afternoon arrival we transfer to the three-star superior Delta Bow Valley Hotel in central Calgary for one night.
Day 2
Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, now-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Our hotel, where we stay for the next three nights, is the three-star superior Rundlestone Lodge in the spa resort of Banff. With its wood-panelled interior, cosy fireplace and excellent indoor pool, our hotel is a easy 15-minute stroll into the centre of this attractive town.
Day 3
This morning our journey takes us along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas. Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. Then we take in Peyto Lake, one of the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters. Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rockies, covering an area of over 200 square miles, at depths of over 1,000 feet, a mind-blowing display of the power and majesty of mother-nature. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.
Day 4
Today we have a free day. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also exciting helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of 7,500 foot Sulphur Mountain, on the Banff gondola. Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with open-air terrace. Also very popular is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.
Day 5
This morning we set off on one of the world’s great train journeys! Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned, comfortable reclining seats, which rotate through 360 degrees, with plenty of legroom and large panoramic windows. The train begins its spectacular two-day, 585-mile journey following the wide Bow River valley before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. Next come the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, as we follow the Columbia River and cross the dramatic 500–foot steel span of Stoney Creek Bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns and villages en route and the building of the railway itself. Meals in RedLeaf Class include airline-style ‘chilled’ breakfast and luncheon on each day, as well as plenty of complimentary snacks, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic drinks served at your seat (bar service available at extra cost). Upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Service and its impressive Dome Coach. Our overnight stay is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops.
Day 6
We continue our journey to Vancouver. Following the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon. We criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after our once-in-a-lifetime journey. Our hotel for the next two nights is the brand-new three-star superior Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver, close to the main shopping areas and the harbourfront promenade.
Day 7
Vancouver regually features as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities: the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning we tour the city stopping at Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, which offers lovely views. The afternoon is at leisure, though there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. A popular, easy walk starts from Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade to the huge expanse of Stanley Park. here you can visit the city’s aquarium, with its Beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters - a delightful experience! The path continues along the shoreline path, which affords stunning vistas across the bay, until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach, a lovely spot from which to watch the sunset.
Day 8
This morning is at leisure. Those returning home will transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for their flight.
Day 9
We arrive back in the UK, with a heart full of wonderful memories.
Check in for your flight to Calgary. Following our afternoon arrival we transfer to the three-star superior Delta Bow Valley Hotel in central Calgary for one night.
Day 2
Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, now-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Our hotel, where we stay for the next three nights, is the three-star superior Rundlestone Lodge in the spa resort of Banff. With its wood-panelled interior, cosy fireplace and excellent indoor pool, our hotel is a easy 15-minute stroll into the centre of this attractive town.
Day 3
This morning our journey takes us along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas. Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. Then we take in Peyto Lake, one of the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters. Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rockies, covering an area of over 200 square miles, at depths of over 1,000 feet, a mind-blowing display of the power and majesty of mother-nature. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.
Day 4
Today we have a free day. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also exciting helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of 7,500 foot Sulphur Mountain, on the Banff gondola. Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with open-air terrace. Also very popular is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.
Day 5
This morning we set off on one of the world’s great train journeys! Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned, comfortable reclining seats, which rotate through 360 degrees, with plenty of legroom and large panoramic windows. The train begins its spectacular two-day, 585-mile journey following the wide Bow River valley before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. Next come the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, as we follow the Columbia River and cross the dramatic 500–foot steel span of Stoney Creek Bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns and villages en route and the building of the railway itself. Meals in RedLeaf Class include airline-style ‘chilled’ breakfast and luncheon on each day, as well as plenty of complimentary snacks, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic drinks served at your seat (bar service available at extra cost). Upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Service and its impressive Dome Coach. Our overnight stay is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops.
Day 6
We continue our journey to Vancouver. Following the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon. We criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after our once-in-a-lifetime journey. Our hotel for the next two nights is the brand-new three-star superior Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver, close to the main shopping areas and the harbourfront promenade.
Day 7
Vancouver regually features as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities: the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning we tour the city stopping at Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, which offers lovely views. The afternoon is at leisure, though there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. A popular, easy walk starts from Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade to the huge expanse of Stanley Park. here you can visit the city’s aquarium, with its Beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters - a delightful experience! The path continues along the shoreline path, which affords stunning vistas across the bay, until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach, a lovely spot from which to watch the sunset.
Day 8
This morning is at leisure. Those returning home will transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for their flight.
Day 9
We arrive back in the UK, with a heart full of wonderful memories.
- Calgary - three-star superior Delta Bow Valley Hotel
- Banff - three-star superior Rundlestone Lodge
- Kamloops - three-star hotel to be allocated locally by Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver - three-star superior Coast Coal Harbour Hotel
10 results
| Departure date | Departing point | Departure UK | Arrive in UK | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04-May-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 1759.00 | book |
| 18-May-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 1999.00 | book |
| 01-Jun-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2199.00 | book |
| 22-Jun-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2299.00 | book |
| 20-Jul-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2499.00 | book |
| 17-Aug-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2399.00 | book |
| 24-Aug-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2299.00 | book |
| 31-Aug-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2199.00 | book |
| 07-Sep-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2199.00 | book |
| 14-Sep-2013 | Gatwick Airport | 10:25 | 06:55 | 2199.00 | book |
10 results
We enjoyed the tour very much. It was lovely to be just a group of 20 people and this added greatly to our enjoyment of our holiday. We were pleased with all the hotels and in particular we would like to thank our tour manager - definitely one of the best we have met!
Dr & Mrs Cornes
