Rail & Sail

Combining the romance of train travel with the delights of cruising, this tour offers a unique view of Canada’s dazzling scenery including beautiful harbourside cities, breathtaking wilderness, rugged landscapes and magical wildlife. Climb the mighty Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, cross the wild Cariboo Region on the Jasper-Prince Rupert Train (Skeena Train), and finally, cruise the magnificent 'Inside Passage' to Vancouver Island. Choose to stay in four or five star hotels and for a truly memorable experience upgrade to Gold Leaf on board the Rocky Mountaineer.

Tour overview
•   Hop on/off trolley tour of Vancouver and time at leisure to visit Robson Street or the harbour
•   Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer past forests, river canyons and glaciers
•   Two nights in Banff to explore, go horseriding or trekking
•   Travel along one of the world's most scenic roads from the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park
•   Venture onto the massive Athabasca Glacier on the specially-designed 'Ice Explorer'
•   Memorable rail journey across British Columbia's Cariboo region on the Skeena Train
•   Full day cruise along the coast of British Columbia, including Vancouver Island
•   Two nights in Victoria to explore the city
•   Float plane across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver
•   Day in Vancouver for sightseeing and shopping

Guide

Rail & Sail is escorted by a local guide on sightseeing excursions only.

MEAL PLAN
• Prices include breakfast on Day 3, Day 4 and Day 9. Lunch on Day 3, Day 4, Day 8 and Day 9 and dinner on Day 8 and Day 9.
ACCOMMODATION
• Is available in a choice of four star or five star hotels, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns this standard may not exist and accommodation may be more simple and rustic. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries.
TOUR INCLUDES
• Via Rail’s Skeena Train is included and offers a daylight service through the Rockies from Jasper to Prince Rupert. Rail & Sail is based on Touring class (for May18, 22 and Jun01 departures only, guests will travel from Jasper to Prince Rupert on days 8-9 in Economy class) which offers comfortable seating in the fully enclosed dome carriage for 360º viewing, meals served at your seat (drinks not included) and use of the Park Car with breathtaking views. A choice of Red or Gold Leaf accommodation is available aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
GRATUITIES
• Tipping is common practice in Canada and it is customary to offer a tip to the tour guide and driver of between $5-6 per person per tour.
NB
• There is an 11kg limit for luggage on the floatplane flight. Any additional luggage must be advised at the time of booking.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO VANCOUVER
Upon arrival in Vancouver, make your own way to your hotel for a two night stay. After a good nights sleep a hop on/off trolley tour is included the next morning. Highlights of your tour are visits to historic Gastown, bustling Chinatown, scenic Stanley Park and the beautiful Sunken Gardens. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure visiting Robson Street or the stunning harbour.

DAY 3 - VANCOUVER TO KAMLOOPS
A early morning private transfer to the train station is included where you will board the Rocky Mountaineer. On today's journey to Kamloops you will witness dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through to forests and winding river canyons. Arrive in Kamloops late afternoon for your overnight stay.

DAY 4 - KAMLOOPS TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Continue eastbound today on board the Rocky Mountaineer passing glistening glaciers and alpine meadows as your train traverses the National Parks of Glacier, Yoho and Banff. Continue to the resort town of Banff, which will be your base for the next two nights. Spend the following day at leisure to explore Banff and the surrounding area. Walk around the main town, have lunch at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs or for the more adventurous take part on a horseriding or hiking trail.

DAY 6 - BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Leave Banff and transfer north along the famous Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the whole of Canada. Every turn unveils spectacular vistas of indomitable peaks, cascading waterfalls and colourful meadows. The coach will stop at the Columbia Icefield where you'll have the opportunity to venture onto the massive Athabasca Glacier on the specially designed 'Ice Explorer' (not included). In the afternoon arrive in Jasper, where you will spend the next two nights. Enjoy time free tomorrow to explore Jasper National Park at your leisure, perhaps hike past serene lakes and gentle meadows, stroll around the resort centre or take a ride on the Jasper Tramway.

DAY 8 - JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO PRINCE GEORGE
Today, embark on a memorable rail journey onboard the Jasper-Prince Rupert Train (Skeena Train), across British Columbia's Cariboo Region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pass the cloud-veiled peak of Mount Robson and watch the horizons widen as the train descends from the Rockies onto the rugged interior plateau. The northern arm of the Fraser River leads to Prince George where you will stay for the night.

DAY 9 - PRINCE GEORGE TO PRINCE RUPERT
Continue west onboard the Jasper-Prince Rupert Train (Skeena Train) and follow the currents of the Skeena River that meanders through spectacular canyons and open valleys. Stay overnight in Prince Rupert.

DAY 10 - PRINCE RUPERT TO PORT HARDY
Enjoy a magnificent full day cruise along the coast of British Columbia. The spectacular 'Inside Passage' is a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Sail south to Vancouver Island through a maze of enchanting islands, densely forested shorelines and jagged inlets. Watch bald eagles soaring in the skies overhead, sealions slumbering on the rocks and whales traversing the offshore waters. Arrive Port Hardy late evening.

DAY 11 - PORT HARDY TO VICTORIA
Transfer along the Island Highway south through Vancouver Island. Along the way witness the amazing coastline dotted with charming fishing villages. Make a stop in Campbell River and visit the murals in Chemainus and in Duncan. Arrive in the pretty city of Victoria for a two night stay. Here you will have a full day to explore the city. Make time to visit Butchart Gardens where you can enjoy one of the world's great floral displays. Visit the Parliament Buildings, the Royal British Columbia museum and Bastion Square. Sit by the harbour and take in the stunning views and to round off your day perhaps enjoy traditional English tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

DAY 13 - VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER
Morning at leisure to explore Victoria further before you board your float plane across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. This exhilarating journey is the perfect conclusion to your Western Canada adventure.

DAY 14 - VANCOUVER TO LONDON
Final day in Vancouver for some last minute sightseeing and shopping before you make your way to the airport in time for your onward flight.