Ultimate Canadian Rail Adventure

Day 1 : Harbor Cruise

Begin with a pleasant flight to Seattle. Enjoy lunch in the lively, renowned Pike Place Market famous for its flying fish and gregarious vendors. Experience fantastic views of the city skyline, Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound on a harbor cruise. Become acquainted with your fellow travelers at a special Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 : Amtrak Cascades

We travel to King Street Station to board Amtrak’s Cascades train for a very scenic ride along Puget Sound as we head north to Vancouver, British Columbia. Once in Vancouver, we’ll have the opportunity to walk across one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. We check in for one night at The Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler.

Day 3 : Peak 2 Peak Gondola

More majestic landscapes await us during our PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. See lovely mountain peaks, lakes, and forests while riding in a gondola for bird’s-eye views. After an included lunch we explore the West Coast Railroad Heritage Park in Squamish where you will be able to see various locomotives and vintage rail cars. We stop at Shannon Falls for pictures on our way back to Vancouver where we check in to our Vancouver accommodations for a two-night stay. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 4 : Vancouver

We have a morning tour of Vancouver, described by The New York Times as “Manhattan with mountains.” Enjoy the city’s cosmopolitan sophistication and natural beauty. We stop for lunch on our own at Granville Island Public Market with its variety of produce and vendors, handcrafted products and unique gifts. Everything is fresh from the field, oven or ocean! The afternoon is at your leisure to take in everything the city has to offer.

Day 5 : The Butchart Gardens®

This morning we board a BC Ferry for a very scenic 90 minute cruise to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, we visit The Butchart Gardens®, the world-class horticultural masterpiece. Stroll pathways of landscapes filled with lovely scents and sights. A delightful lunch is included at the gardens. Later we arrive in Victoria for two nights.

Day 6 : Victoria

A local guide brings the history of Victoria to life. Learn about its origins as a fur trading outpost and its famous British background. View the magnificent Parliament Building on Inner Harbor. Flowerbeds and gardens reflect the area’s passion for gardening. An included lunch is served at the elegant Empress Hotel, one of Canada’s great railway hotels. Following lunch, enjoy this beautiful city at leisure.

Day 7 : Carriage Tour

This morning we return to Vancouver, taking another pleasant BC Ferry ride back to the mainland. Discover more ferry dining options as we admire clear blue waters and dense woodlands. This afternoon’s adventure is a Stanley Park horse-drawn carriage tour. Soak up the sights of Vancouver’s thousand-acre wonderland in a comfortable old-fashioned carriage. Our expert guide narrates, highlighting Vancouver’s Harbor, Deadman’s Island and more.

Day 8 : Rocky Mountaineer

“All Aboard” the Rocky Mountaineer, a private train that travels only during daylight hours through some of the most spectacular railroad scenery in the world. Today’s journey takes us through the beautiful Fraser and Thompson River Canyons. Our first-class GoldLeaf Service includes full glass-dome windows, gourmet a’ la carte meals, and sweet and savory snacks. We also have exclusive use of the large outdoor viewing platform. Arriving in Kamloops, we enjoy a comfortable night in a local hotel.

Day 9 : Spectacular Scenery

Our second day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is even more spectacular than the first as the rails take us to the Canadian Glacier National Park, the famous spiral tunnels, and Kicking Horse Pass. Our guide will give us informative commentary as we enjoy both breakfast and lunch. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Banff and check in to our comfortable accommodations for a two-night stay in this breathtaking mountain resort town.

Day 10 : Columbia Icefield

Today we visit Lake Louise within Banff National Park. View turquoise, glacier-fed water surrounded by the forested and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies as we travel along the incredible Icefields Parkway. Our next adventure brings us to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre where we enjoy a delectable lunch at Altitude Restaurant. We board an Ice Explorer for the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience Tour™ that carries us onto Athabasca Glacier. When we arrive back at our hotel in Banff, enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 11 : Raft Float

Begin the day with a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police meet and greet to hear stories and learn about the iconic Mountie uniform. Then have a guided raft float on the Bow River, revealing exceptional mountain beauty. This relaxed float is a perfect opportunity for taking pictures of the dramatic landscapes. We’ll float by the Hoodoos and come ashore at the face of soaring Mount Rundle. Have lunch and some last minute shopping time in Banff before traveling to Calgary. Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. Our accommodations are in Calgary.

Day 12 : Cheers Canada!

We return home with amazing memories from our Canadian rail vacation!