Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies by Rail

12 days from $5,235 (Self Drive)

Discover the treasures of Vancouver then travel to the Canadian Rockies by train and explore three of Canada’s spectacular national parks: Jasper, Yoho, and Banff.

Highlights

� Go whale watching off the coast of Vancouver, and enjoy two days to discover the museums, art districts, and parklands of this buzzing coastal city.

� Board the Via Rail Canadian for an overnight rail journey through spectacular mountain scenery, riding in comfort in a glass-domed observation car.

� Explore the lakes, peaks, and glaciers of three magnificent national parks through activities of your choice.

� Take a guided ice walk on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the massive Columbia Icefield.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you.

Days 1–3 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Arrive in Vancouver and check in to your hotel. During a full day at leisure, you might ride a bike around Stanley Park, soak up the artsy ambiance of Granville Island, visit the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, or learn about local First Nations cultures at the Museum of Anthropology. The next day, look for orcas, porpoises, sea lions, and more on a shared whale-watching cruise.

Days 4 & 5 – VIA Rail Canadian and Jasper

Transfer to the VIA Rail station and settle into a glass-domed observation car aboard the Canadian. As you pass through gorgeous mountain scenery, naturalists will point out wildlife and important sites. Spend the night in your private cabin on board. Travel deeper into the mountains the next morning and disembark in Jasper. You’ll have a rental car waiting and the afternoon free to explore.

Days 6 & 7 – Jasper National Park

Enjoy two full days to experience Jasper National Park as you wish. Spot wildlife on hikes near Mount Edith Cavell and Angel Glacier or ride the cable car up Whistlers Mountain to admire a panorama of peaks. Hike the Old Fort Point loop trail or cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island.

Days 8 & 9 – Field and Yoho National Park

Drive south from Jasper, following the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Stop en route at Athabasca Glacier for a guided walk on the ice. Continue to Field and settle into your riverside hotel. During a free day in Yoho National Park, opt to go white-water rafting, fly-fishing, or mountain biking, or hike a variety of trails. We recommend a visit to towering Takakkaw Falls or a hike to the Natural Bridge.

Days 10 & 11 – Banff National Park

Travel to Banff this morning and enjoy nearly two days to discover Banff National Park. Take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, or hit one of the park’s many hiking trails. Consider a hike through Johnston Canyon to the brightly colored Ink Pots.

Day 12 – Calgary

After a final morning in Banff, drive two hours to Calgary Airport to return your rental car and catch your flight home.

Where To Stay

Listel Hotel Vancouver – A sophisticated boutique hotel in Vancouver’s West End that features artwork by regional artisits.

VIA Rail Canadian – A deluxe train featuring glass-domed sightseeing cars, fine dining, live entertainment, and Sleeper Plus Class private cabins for our guests.

Cathedral Mountain Lodge – A lodge on the banks of the Kicking Horse River, with comfortable log cabins and a great room with a large stone fireplace.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge – A mountain retreat set on nine acres of pine forest near downtown Banff, with easy access to many hiking trails.

Where To Stay

Yolita II – Built in 2007, the Yolita II was designed specifically for the Galápagos and offers a comfortable 16-passenger motor yacht experience. The eight guest cabins offer simple but comfortable accommodations with full-size windows, twin or double bed layouts, ample storage space, and private bathrooms. The main deck features an indoor dining room and a comfortable lounge area while the upper deck and sun deck offer space to relax in the sun while keeping an eye out for passing wildlife.

Hilton Colon Quito – Modern Hilton hotel located near a museum and nightly craft market in Parque El Ejido, within 15 minutes of Quito’s Old Town.