Iconic Rockies and Western Canada with Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Iconic Rockies and Western Canada with the Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf tour. This luxurious adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Canada, starting in vibrant Vancouver and traveling to the serene beauty of Vancouver Island. Experience the majestic Columbia Icefield, the stunning Butchart Gardens, and the awe-inspiring Banff and Jasper National Parks. Enjoy cultural encounters, such as meeting a retired Canadian Mountie and exploring the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. The highlight is a two-day journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, offering unparalleled views of the Rockies. With comfortable accommodations and delicious meals included, this tour promises a perfect blend of nature, culture, and luxury. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Voyage To Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
Tackle the ‘Great Outdoors’ on this effortlessly delivered adventure through Western Canada. Discover why Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities. Then, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a dinner.
Day 2: Sample Cider On Vancouver Island Dive Into Culture
Location: Chinatown, Vancouver, Gastown, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Victoria
Accommodation: Grand Pacific
Accommodation Name: Grand Pacific
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, delve into the historic neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Gastown before boarding a ferry to Vancouver Island. Tour a family-owned ciderhouse and taste local ciders while enjoying views overlooking the orchard, before continuing to Victoria.
Day 3: Explore Butchart Gardens In Victoria
Location: Butchart Gardens, Victoria
Accommodation: Grand Pacific
Accommodation Name: Grand Pacific
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today on your Canadian Rockies tour, the Garden City comes to life as you greet the day before opening hours with breakfast at Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre showcase of gorgeous floral gardens that have colourfully transformed a once unused quarry. After breakfast, enjoy time in the garden before the crowds. Spend the rest of the day exploring the walkable capital of British Columbia perhaps treating yourself to high tea or tucking into local fish and chips. Or, join an optional Victoria Whale Watching cruise and keep your eyes peeled for orca and humpback whales, bald eagles, porpoises and seals.
Day 4: Take In The Sights Of Chemainus, Squamish, and Whistler
Location: Chemainus, Squamish, Sea-to-Sky Gondola, Whistler
Accommodation: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
See the vivid murals of Chemainus. Board a ferry and then take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Ascend to Summit Lodge, admiring the views from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola.
Day 5: Explore Whistler Make Travel Matter
Location: Whistler, Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Accommodation: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the First Nations at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Get a first-hand look into the traditional way of life of the original inhabitants of the area and their collection of artifacts and contemporary pieces led by Aboriginal Ambassadors who share their own stories and first-hand cultural experiences. After lunch at the centre, enjoy your time at leisure.
Day 6: Travel To Sun Peaks
Location: Sun Peaks
Accommodation: Sun Peaks Lodge
Accommodation Name: Sun Peaks Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We continue towards Sun Peaks where we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Explore The Rocky Mountain National Parks
Location: Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, Golden Skybridge, Banff National Park
Accommodation: Banff Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Banff Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive through Glacier & Yoho National Park en route to Banff. Sample the best of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. The excitement of Canada’s highest suspension bridges awaits at the Golden Skybridge! Explore canyon ridge walking trails with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges. We then overnight in beautiful Banff National Park.
Day 8: Wander Beautiful Banff
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Banff Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Banff Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your morning is at leisure, perhaps do an optional gondola ride or explore on your own terms. Later in the morning, you will have your orientation tour of Banff National Park. This evening, Dive into Culture and meet a Mountie dressed in traditional red serge uniform and hear about their exciting history before enjoying dinner.
Day 9: Cross The Athabasca Glacier
Location: Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Icefields Parkway, Jasper
Accommodation: Forest Park Hotel
Accommodation Name: Forest Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a lakeside walk at Lake Louise, then board an Ice Explorer and drive over the Athabasca Glacier. Continue your drive along the Icefields Parkway to your overnight in Jasper.
Day 10: Walk Through the Wilderness in Jasper Connect with Locals
Location: Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, Spirit Island, Jasper
Accommodation: Forest Park Hotel
Accommodation Name: Forest Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on an invigorating guided walk to Maligne Canyon. Board a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake (seasonal) stopping at Spirit Island. Travel on to Jasper and this evening join Matricia Bauer for a one of a kind Be My Guest experience, on traditional First Nations land. Learn how to make curated drink bitters from foraged ingredients, enjoy a designer cocktail and listen to stories and drumming over dinner.
Day 11: All Aboard The Rocky Mountaineer
Location: Kamloops
Accommodation: South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre
Accommodation Name: South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on a two-day journey on the luxury Rocky Mountaineer with a night in Kamloops.
Day 12: Take a Rustic Railway to Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation: Pinnacle Harbourfront
Accommodation Name: Pinnacle Harbourfront
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the elegance of yesteryear, continuing your journey through the clouds by rail until you reach Vancouver. An included transfer is offered from Vancouver train station to hotel.
Day 13: Farewell From Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our dazzling encounter with the Canadian Rockies has come to an end. Depart at leisure as you head to Vancouver International Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various accommodations including Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, Grand Pacific, Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa, Sun Peaks Lodge, Banff Park Lodge, Forest Park Hotel, South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre, and Pinnacle Harbourfront.
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Transportation
Travel includes a two-day journey on the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train.
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Guided Tours
Experience guided tours including a visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and a guided walk to Maligne Canyon.
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Cultural Experiences
Engage in cultural experiences such as meeting a retired Canadian Mountie and learning about First Nations cultures.
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Sightseeing
Visit iconic locations such as Butchart Gardens, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and more.
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Cruise
Cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island.
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Transfers
Included transfers from Vancouver train station to your hotel.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Victoria Whale Watching cruise are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Vancouver are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Western Canada by ferry to Vancouver Island, and enjoy a luxurious two-day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train, with included transfers from Vancouver train station to your hotel.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at various accommodations including the Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, Grand Pacific, Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa, Sun Peaks Lodge, Banff Park Lodge, Forest Park Hotel, and South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre.
Dive into Culture
- Vancouver Island: Taste local cider at a familly-owned ciderhouse before continuing to Victoria.
- Banff National Park of Canada: Meet a retired Canadian Mountie and hear exciting and colourful stories of their rich history and traditions.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre where you can learn about First Nations cultures. You will also have the opportunity to meet a retired Canadian Mountie in Banff National Park and hear about their history and traditions. Additionally, in Jasper, you can participate in a Be My Guest experience on traditional First Nations land, which includes storytelling and drumming. ...more ...less
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What is the Rocky Mountaineer experience like?
The Rocky Mountaineer experience is a luxurious two-day train journey through the stunning landscapes of Western Canada. It includes a night in Kamloops and offers an elegant travel experience reminiscent of yesteryear, with included transfers from Vancouver train station to your hotel. ...more ...less
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available such as the Victoria Whale Watching cruise, where you can look out for orca and humpback whales, bald eagles, porpoises, and seals.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners. Meals are provided at various accommodations and during certain cultural experiences.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at various accommodations including the Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, Grand Pacific, Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa, Sun Peaks Lodge, Banff Park Lodge, Forest Park Hotel, and South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre. These accommodations offer comfort and luxury throughout the tour. ...more ...less
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What is the Be My Guest experience in Jasper?
In Jasper, the Be My Guest experience involves learning about local flora through the lens of Indigenous Peoples. You will learn how to make curated drink bitters using foraged ingredients and enjoy storytelling and drumming during dinner.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Iconic Rockies and Western Canada with Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf
13 Days Starting and ending in Vancouver, Canada
Visiting: Vancouver, Chinatown, Vancouver, Gastown, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Chemainus, Squamish, Sea-to-Sky Gondola, Whistler, Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, Sun Peaks, Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, Golden Skybridge, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Icefields Parkway, Jasper, Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, Spirit Island, Kamloops ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DIRWGM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours