BEST OF THE WEST BY FERRY, TRAIN, AND COACH

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DESTINATION CITY Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops, Banff, and Calgary	DESTINATION COUNTRY
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8 DAY TOUR OF CANADA’S WEST COAST AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS Combine some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere with one of most spectacular train trips in the world and you have the makings of an unforgettable tour. This sample itinerary can be amended to suit the interests of your group. Day 1 - VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Canada Your Best of the West Tour begins in the vibrant city of Vancouver situated on beautiful English Bay with the snow-capped Coastal Mountains as backdrop. Your opening dinner and reception will give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers and provide an introduction to Canada’s West Coast. (D) Day 2 - to VICTORIA by B.C. Ferry B.C. Ferries will transport you through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island where your first stop will be at Victoria’s Butchart Gardens, a vast amphitheatre of solid rock containing thousands of flowering plants, trees and shrubs. Continue your sightseeing tour of Victoria, a modern city that still retains the stateliness of its British heritage. There are many scenic offerings from fine old structures such as the Empress Hotel and Legislative Buildings to the remarkable West Coast totem poles and artefacts in Thunderbird Park. After dinner the evening is yours to explore the unhurried streets of this most genteel of cities. (B/D) Day 3 - to VANCOUVER by B.C. Ferry Your day will begin with a thrilling three-hour whale watching tour off the coast of Victoria to view these majestic mammals in their natural habitat. As the brochures say, “Feel the wind in your face, smell the sea air and get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring creatures of the deep!” This afternoon return by ferry to the mainland and Vancouver where you will have the rest of the day and evening to explore its many diverse neighbourhoods such as ethnic Robsonstrasse, vibrant Gastown and innovative Granville Island at your leisure. (B) Day 4 – to KAMLOOPS by ROCKY MOUNTAINEER EXCURSION TRAIN What better way to traverse the Rocky Mountains and view some of the most dramatic scenery in the world than by settling back for two days of pampering aboard the Rocky Mountaineer? Board your excursion train at Pacific Central Station to begin your rail adventure. As you follow the winding Fraser and Thompson Rivers through the Coastal Mountains, witness the tumult of Hell’s Gate and treacherous Jaws of Death Gorge before arriving in the historic city of Kamloops for the night. You may choose the option of the Two River Junction Dinner and Musical Revue this evening, or enjoy an evening of relaxation on your own. (B/L) Day 5 – to BANFF, Alberta by ROCKY MOUNTAINEER Continue your railroad journey along the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake and on to Craigellachie where the last spike of Canada’s first transcontinental railway was driven into the ground on Nov. 7th, 1885. Watch for wildlife such as elk or moose as you travel through Rogers Pass, over the Stoney Creek Bridge, up the Kicking Horse Pass and through the impressive Spiral Tunnels. This unique engineering feat was described in an old railway timetable as follows: “The whole thing is a perfect maze, the railway doubling back upon itself twice, tunnelling under mountains and crossing the river twice in order to cut down the grade”. Your remarkable voyage through the Rockies comes to an end in Banff, Alberta, set in the midst of a stunning mountain landscape. Enjoy a group dinner at your hotel this evening. (B/L/D) Day 6 - BANFF This morning’s guided tour of Banff will give you lots of great ideas on how to spend the rest of the day at leisure in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Banff offers something for everyone from its magnificent mountain scenery to superb art galleries and entertainment facilities. The Sulphur Mountain Gondola and the Glass-bottom boats on Lake Minnewanka let you view the beauty of the region from two very different perspectives, while the Upper Hot Springs provide a perfect opportunity to relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters that made Banff famous in the first place. (B) Day 7 – to CALGARY by Motorcoach You have the whole morning for last minute sightseeing and shopping in Banff before your motorcoach transfer this afternoon to the delightfully distinctive city of Calgary, Alberta. Consider a visit to the revolving observation terrace of the Calgary Tower for a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding prairies with the snow-capped Rockies breaking the western horizon. Sample some of Calgary’s fabulous western cuisine at your closing dinner this evening. (B/D) Day 8 - Depart for home Checkout of your hotel this morning and return home with delightful memories of The Best of the Canadian West Tour. (B) Hope to see you again soon!
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LAST UPDATED 6/25/2002 3:44:51 PM
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