Grizzly Bears & the Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation

Day 1 Vancouver | Arrival Upon arrival in Vancouver transfer (own cost) to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.

Day 2 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Vancouver City Highlights & Capilano Suspension Bridge This tour is the perfect blend of city and nature. Explore downtown Vancouver’s urban elements and immerse yourself in the rugged North Shore wilderness. Highlights include Capilano Suspension Bridge, Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Vancouver Lookout Tower. Option 2. Granville Island Market Tour Discover Granville Island, Canada's second most-visited destination. Enjoy a vibrant tour through Vancouver’s renowned Public Market, savoring delicious bites while uncovering the captivating stories, culture, and history behind each creation. Experience the hidden gems that even locals miss! Option 3. Grand E-bike Tour of Stanley Park, Granville Island & Vancouver Explore Vancouver's highlights on this all-encompassing tour! Visit Stanley Park, ride the Seawall, discover hidden forest trails, cross to Granville Island, see False Creek's stunning views, and explore Olympic Village, Science World, Chinatown, and historic Gastown. Enjoy a 45-minute lunch break at Granville Island Public Market. Option 4. Half Day Whale Watching Excursion Set out on a half-day whale watching cruise from Vancouver through the scenic Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound. Encounter orcas, humpbacks, seals, and bald eagles as expert naturalists share fascinating insights into the region’s diverse marine life. Option 5. Vancouver City Skyline by Floatplane Experience the thrill of flying in a classic floatplane above Vancouver’s stunning skyline. Soar over coastal mountains and city landmarks on a truly unique adventure that begins and ends on water. Option 6. Helicopter Tour of Vancouver Take to the skies on a thrilling helicopter tour over Vancouver’s iconic landscapes. Soar above the city skyline, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This unforgettable aerial adventure offers a fresh perspective of Vancouver’s natural and urban beauty. Option 7. UNESCO Biosphere & Bowen Island Zodiac Boat Tour Embark on an exhilarating 4-hour Zodiac boat tour from Vancouver to explore the stunning fjord of Howe Sound, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Discover hidden coves, see a lively seal colony, pass by Lighthouse Park, visit Horseshoe Bay, and take in breathtaking coastal mountain scenery along the way.

Day 3 Vancouver to Campbell River | Flight Most of the day is yours to explore Vancouver before departing on a late afternoon flight to Campbell River. Upon arrival, transfer (included) to your overnight accommodation.

Day 4 Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge | Floatplane Flight | Grizzly Bear Viewing An early departure by floatplane this morning to Knight Inlet, a remote fjord and natural habitat of the grizzly bear feeding on sedge grasses during the spring and summer and in the fall on the salmon in the local river. After a short safety briefing join your guide in search of the bears that frequent the area.

Day 5 Knight Inlet Lodge | Freedom of Choice 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Extra Grizzly Bear Viewing Glendale Cove in Knight Inlet is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, Canada. Option 2. Interpretive Rainforest Walk The Kwalate valley is a 20-minute boat ride from the lodge. This is one of the few pristine watersheds left in this area. Over the past few years, Knight Inlet Lodge has been building a trail alongside the beautiful Kwalate River. Option 3. Wildlife tracking to make plaster casts of animal prints Head into bear habitat for a slow drive down the old forestry roads looking for bear signs like day beds, bear trails, “rub” trees and tracks. If we find bear tracks or any other animal tracks, we can make a plaster cast of the print to take home. Option 4. Walk the Clouds Hike This tour is a bit different from the others as you will walk along a raised wooden boardwalk to a scenic lookout. With spectacular, panoramic views of Glendale Cove and Knight Inlet the lookout provides an eagle eye view of the local area.

Day 6 Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver | Grizzly Bear Viewing | Flight Early morning visit to the bear viewing platforms in search of wildlife before returning to Campbell River by floatplane. On arrival, transfer (included) to the local airport for your re-turn flight to Vancouver.

Day 7 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Day 8 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 9 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake. Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight. Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca River Experience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Atha-basca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife through-out this gentle adventure. Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour Embark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible can-yon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local specialists to tailor your day in Jasper to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including a Maligne Valley tour & lake cruise, an ex-hilarating Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour of Jasper National Park, a Jasper food tour to experience the local cuisine, hiking and cooking tour in the backcountry, or a selec-tion of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 10 Jasper to Lake Louise Tour | Glacier Adventure, Skywalk & picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 11 Lake Louise to Banff Transfer | Coach Start your day with a leisurely morning exploring the stunning beauty of Lake Louise. With either a mid or late afternoon transfer to Banff, you have the flexibility to canoe on the lake, hike to the Glacier Teahouse, or indulge in afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before departing for the 45-minute journey along the breathtaking Bow Valley Parkway. Whether you choose the scheduled transfer (included) or a private transfer, both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations.

Day 12 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff Na-tional Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum ex-ertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, fea-turing picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Banff to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including guided hikes, evening wildlife e-bike tours, river explorer canoe tours, a foodie tour at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 13 Banff to Calgary Transfer | Coach Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to con-nect with your flight home.

Day 1 Calgary to Banff Transfer | Coach Leave the Stampede City of Calgary on the express service to Banff, where you’ll arrive to a picturesque resort town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is renown for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff Na-tional Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum ex-ertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, fea-turing picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Banff to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including guided hikes, evening wildlife e-bike tours, river explorer canoe tours, a foodie tour at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise Transfer | Coach Today offers the flexibility to spend more time in either Banff or Lake Louise. You have the choice of a mid or late-afternoon 45-minute scheduled transfer (included), or a private transfer. Both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning desti-nations. At Lake Louise, you can enjoy activities like canoeing on the lake, hiking to the Glacier Teahouse, or savoring afternoon tea at the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper Tour | Glacier Adventure, Skywalk & picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 5 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake. Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight. Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca River Experience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Atha-basca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife through-out this gentle adventure. Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour Embark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible can-yon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local specialists to tailor your day in Jasper to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including a Maligne Valley tour & lake cruise, an ex-hilarating Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour of Jasper National Park, a Jasper food tour to experience the local cuisine, hiking and cooking tour in the backcountry, or a selec-tion of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 6 Jasper to Vancouver | VIA Rail This morning, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the journey from Jasper to Vancouver. Using the original steel railcars from the 1950s, sit back and relax in the dome car to enjoy a dramatic change in scenery as you travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling gran-deur of Mount Robson. Watch the landscape transition from mountains to desert as you follow the Thompson River into central British Columbia. Brunch and dinner is included onboard VIA Rail, and your private quarters will once again be transformed into a bedroom for the overnight journey.

Day 7 Arrive Vancouver | VIA Rail After a continental breakfast you will disembark in Vancouver and take a transfer (own cost) to your hotel. Balance of day is at leisure

Day 8 Vancouver | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Vancouver City Highlights & Capilano Suspension Bridge This tour is the perfect blend of city and nature. Explore downtown Vancouver’s urban elements and immerse yourself in the rugged North Shore wilderness. Highlights include Capilano Suspension Bridge, Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Vancouver Lookout Tower. Option 2. Granville Island Market Tour Discover Granville Island, Canada's second most-visited destination. Enjoy a vibrant tour through Vancouver’s renowned Public Market, savoring delicious bites while uncovering the captivating stories, culture, and history behind each creation. Experience the hidden gems that even locals miss! Option 3. Grand E-bike Tour of Stanley Park, Granville Island & Vancouver Explore Vancouver's highlights on this all-encompassing tour! Visit Stanley Park, ride the Seawall, discover hidden forest trails, cross to Granville Island, see False Creek's stunning views, and explore Olympic Village, Science World, Chinatown, and historic Gastown. Enjoy a 45-minute lunch break at Granville Island Public Market. Option 4. Half Day Whale Watching Excursion Set out on a half-day whale watching cruise from Vancouver through the scenic Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound. Encounter orcas, humpbacks, seals, and bald eagles as expert naturalists share fascinating insights into the region’s diverse marine life. Option 5. Vancouver City Skyline by Floatplane Experience the thrill of flying in a classic floatplane above Vancouver’s stunning skyline. Soar over coastal mountains and city landmarks on a truly unique adventure that begins and ends on water. Option 6. Helicopter Tour of Vancouver Take to the skies on a thrilling helicopter tour over Vancouver’s iconic landscapes. Soar above the city skyline, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This unforgettable aerial adventure offers a fresh perspective of Vancouver’s natural and urban beauty. Option 7. UNESCO Biosphere & Bowen Island Zodiac Boat Tour Embark on an exhilarating 4-hour Zodiac boat tour from Vancouver to explore the stunning fjord of Howe Sound, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Discover hidden coves, see a lively seal colony, pass by Lighthouse Park, visit Horseshoe Bay, and take in breathtaking coastal mountain scenery along the way.

Day 9 Vancouver to Campbell River | Flight Most of the day is yours to explore Vancouver before departing on a late afternoon flight to Campbell River. Upon arrival, transfer (included) to your overnight accommodation.

Day 10 Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge | Floatplane Flight | Grizzly Bear Viewing An early departure by floatplane this morning to Knight Inlet, a remote fjord and natural habitat of the grizzly bear feeding on sedge grasses during the spring and summer and in the fall on the salmon in the local river. After a short safety briefing join your guide in search of the bears that frequent the area.

Day 11 Knight Inlet Lodge | Freedom of Choice 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Extra Grizzly Bear Viewing Glendale Cove in Knight Inlet is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, Canada. Option 2. Interpretive Rainforest Walk The Kwalate valley is a 20-minute boat ride from the lodge. This is one of the few pristine watersheds left in this area. Over the past few years, Knight Inlet Lodge has been building a trail alongside the beautiful Kwalate River. Option 3. Wildlife tracking to make plaster casts of animal prints Head into bear habitat for a slow drive down the old forestry roads looking for bear signs like day beds, bear trails, “rub” trees and tracks. If we find bear tracks or any other animal tracks, we can make a plaster cast of the print to take home. Option 4. Walk the Clouds Hike This tour is a bit different from the others as you will walk along a raised wooden boardwalk to a scenic lookout. With spectacular, panoramic views of Glendale Cove and Knight Inlet the lookout provides an eagle eye view of the local area.

Day 12 Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver | Grizzly Bear Viewing | Flight Early morning visit to the bear viewing platforms in search of wildlife before returning to Campbell River by floatplane. On arrival, transfer (included) to the local airport for your re-turn flight to Vancouver.

Day 13 Vancouver | Departure Your incredible Canadian Rockies winter adventure comes to an end today as we transfer you to the airport to begin the journey home.