Majesty of the Rockies | Insight Escorted Tour

Day 1

Banff

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transported to the grand Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This emblematic landmark dating from 1888 is also known as the Castle in the Rockies and was once planned to be the largest hotel complex in the world. Tonight, meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers at 18:00 for a progressive Welcome Dinner. Taste exquisite local specialities on your culinary journey through a selection of your hotel’s finest restaurants.

2 nights Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff

Day 2

to Banff

Surrounded by mountains, picturesque Banff offers a wide range of activities to immerse yourself in untouched nature. You might be tempted by an optional helicopter flight that soars high above the Rockies. Your Travelling Concierge is ready to assist you so you can make the most of your leisure time today.

Choose to join a relaxing horse ride along the tranquil Bow River and pass the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. Alternatively, play nine holes of golf at the stunning and challenging Banff Springs Golf Course.
During your leisure time, why not unwind at the Willow Stream Spa, a serene alpine sanctuary, for rejuvenation and pampering?

Day 3

Banff to Lake Louise

Start your day with a visit to scenic Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The azure-coloured lake is tucked away under ten towering peaks, each more than 9,800 feet high, and the Wenkchemna Glacier. Arrive to your stunning hotel on Lake Louise, the jewel of Banff National Park. Marvel at the breath-taking views of the glistening emerald lake and Victoria Glacier.

Choose to take the sightseeing gondola above the town of Lake Louise, spotting local wildlife and enjoying a gentle hike that takes in the breathtaking views. Alternatively, join your Travelling Concierge for a lakeside stroll and get creative as you put your paint brush to canvas and compose your own artistic masterpiece.

Later, relax in your lakeview room or join an Afternoon Tea service with delicious pastries while overlooking stunning Lake Louise. For dinner this evening, take advantage of the resort’s several restaurant options.

1 night, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 4

Lake Louise to Jasper

Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway passing through the rugged Rockies landscape. Embark on a specially designed Ice Explorer for a remarkable excursion onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier, a part of the Columbia Icefield. Follow your expert driver guide as you step out onto the frosty snow. Later, arrive to Jasper at your luxurious mountain resort on Lake Beauvert.

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the First Nations Warrior Women, who are matriarchs of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and guardians of their culture for a special BBQ dinner on Trefoil Lake with spectacular views of Pyramid Mountain. Engage in conversation about Indigenous culture, storytelling and drumming. Learn songs, beautiful phrases in Cree and gain a deeper understanding of the First Nations’ spirituality.

2 nights Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper.

Day 5

Jasper

Choose to join a panoramic tour across the crystal waters of magical Maligne Lake, fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park. Glide past the jagged mountain peaks and cruise to Spirit Island, a world-famous destination only accessible by boat. Alternatively, you can explore Jasper National Park by bike. The Jasper Park Lodge is the starting point of many scenic trails that you can explore on your biking adventure.

Continue to Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park with a depth of more than 160 feet in certain parts. Follow your Travelling Concierge for a gentle hike through this incredible natural landmark.

Day 6

Jasper to Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service to start your unforgettable luxury train journey.
Take in the pristine views from the glass-domed coach or the outdoor viewing platform and indulge in gourmet meals on board. Hear engaging stories and spot wildlife as you travel through the dramatic landscape.

Follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass. Spend the night in Kamloops.

Day 7

Kamloops to Vancouver

Return to your luxurious train and continue your journey toward Vancouver. Marvel at the dramatic changes in scenery from the desert-like interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, and past the lush green fields of Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in Fraser Canyon. Arrive in Vancouver for your stay at The Douglas, an elegant hotel paying homage to the original Douglas firs that laid the foundation for the city’s thriving economy.

2 nights The Douglas, Autograph Collection Hotel, Vancouver

Day 8

Vancouver

After a Relaxed Start, join your Travelling Concierge for a sightseeing tour of Vancouver. Travel through Downtown to Stanley Park and see the totem poles of Brocton Point.

Continue to Salmon n’ Bannock, the only restaurant in the city owned and operated by members of Canada’s First Nations. Savour a delicious and modern Celebration Lunch prepared with traditional ingredients and authentic flavours.

Day 9

Vancouver to Victoria

Today you’ll leave Vancouver and take a seaplane to Victoria on Vancouver Island.

2 nights Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria

Day 10

Victoria

The day is yours to explore the vibrant city of Victoria at your own pace. The city’s British colonial past is showcased in its Victorian architecture, with an abundance of lush and colourful gardens dot the landscape. This is a must-see destination for First Nation history, British and Asian traditions, iconic landmarks, culture, cuisine and lively atmosphere.

Day 11

Victoria to Vancouver

Today your Vancouver Island extension comes to end. Take a seaplane back to Vancouver, or depart directly from Victoria airport.

You may choose to extend your stay in Vancouver or even add-on an Alaska cruise, or you will fly from Vancouver International Airport back to the UK.