Looking for a Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation and the chance to spot Grizzly Bears in the wild? This 12-day tour from Vancouver to Calgary lets you explore Vancouver and Victoria, before flying to a secluded lodge to witness bears in their natural habitat. Enjoy a night in a private cabin aboard VIA Rail as you journey into the Canadian Rockies, followed by four days exploring Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, before concluding your trip in Calgary.
12 Days
25
Vancouver Airport
Calgary Airport
Tour Code: JV-CA-TV-05
Day 1: Vancouver – Arrival
Arrive and check in. Free day to explore Granville Island or the waterfront.
Day 2: Vancouver – Freedom of Choice
Choose from Capilano Suspension Bridge tour, Granville Market culinary tour, or Stanley Park E-bike adventure.
Day 3: Vancouver to Campbell River
Fly to Campbell River. Transfer to hotel. Free evening to explore coastal views.
Day 4: Knight Inlet Lodge – Grizzly Viewing
Floatplane to Knight Inlet. Guided grizzly bear tours and all meals included at the lodge.
Day 5: Knight Inlet to Vancouver
Early bear viewing session. Return to Campbell River, fly back to Vancouver.
Day 6: VIA Rail to Jasper
Board VIA Rail. Dinner onboard. Enjoy scenic views through BC’s mountains.
Day 7: Jasper – Arrival
Morning arrival. Check-in and explore Jasper town or relax.
Day 8: Jasper – Freedom of Choice
Choose from Maligne Valley tour, wildlife safari, Athabasca raft float, canyon hike or tailor-made excursion.
Day 9: Jasper to Lake Louise – Glacier Adventure
Icefields Parkway drive, Athabasca Glacier ride, Glacier Skywalk and picnic lunch.
Day 10: Lake Louise to Banff
Morning leisure in Lake Louise. Afternoon transfer to Banff via Bow Valley.
Day 11: Banff – Freedom of Choice
Choose from gondola ride, Moraine Lake tour, Cowboy cookout, Yoho National Park, or custom activity.
Day 12: Banff to Calgary
Coach transfer to Calgary. Drop-off at airport or downtown. End of tour.
Upon arrival in Vancouver, make your way to your hotel (transfer on your own). The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Take a walk along the waterfront, enjoy the stunning views, or head to Granville Island to discover local art galleries, shops, and cafes. The evening is yours to relax and settle in.
Choose one of the three excursions for today to make your Vancouver experience unique. Option 1: Explore the city and nature with a visit to Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. Option 2: Discover the vibrant Granville Island Public Market on a guided tour, where you'll savor delicious bites and learn about the local food culture. Option 3: Embark on an E-bike tour covering Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Vancouver's best attractions, including False Creek, Chinatown, and Gastown. Enjoy a break with a 45-minute lunch at Granville Island Public Market.
Today is yours to explore more of Vancouver before your afternoon flight to Campbell River. Upon arrival, take a transfer to your accommodation. Campbell River offers beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for a relaxed evening. Enjoy the views of the coast or explore local sights.
Start the day with an early departure by floatplane to Knight Inlet. This remote fjord is a natural habitat for grizzly bears. After a short safety briefing, your guide will take you to the bear viewing platforms to observe these majestic creatures as they feast on the grasses and salmon. The experience is truly unforgettable, offering insight into the wildlife of British Columbia's wilderness.
Rise early for one more bear viewing session before returning to Campbell River by floatplane. Upon arrival, transfer back to the local airport for your flight back to Vancouver. Enjoy a relaxed evening in Vancouver, or perhaps explore more of the city's vibrant nightlife.
Today, you'll board VIA Rail’s famous 'Canadian' train to Jasper. The scenic journey takes you through the Fraser Valley and Coastal Mountains, past the Fraser Canyon, and along the Thompson River. Dinner is served onboard as you settle into your sleeper cabin for the night, enjoying panoramic views as the train moves through the picturesque Canadian landscape.
After waking up to views of the Canadian Rockies, arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. Jasper is a picturesque alpine town in the heart of Jasper National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty. The day is free for you to explore the town at your own pace or relax in the serene surroundings.
Today, you have several exciting options to explore Jasper’s beauty. Option 1: Take a morning tour to Maligne Valley and Medicine Lake, two of the most scenic spots in the national park. Option 2: Join an evening wildlife tour to spot native species like elk and moose in their natural habitats. Option 3: For an adventure, enjoy a gentle raft float on the Athabasca River, followed by a fascinating guide talk about the area’s history and wildlife. Option 4: Explore Maligne Canyon on a stunning hike. Option 5: Customize your experience with a tailor-made excursion.
Today’s tour will take you on a full-day journey along the Icefields Parkway. This spectacular route will offer you a chance to ride the Ice Explorer and walk on the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll also visit the Glacier Skywalk, where you can stand on a glass bridge nearly 1,000 feet above the ground, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, surrounded by the stunning Rockies landscape.
After a morning to enjoy Lake Louise, you'll transfer to Banff in the afternoon. Lake Louise is known for its turquoise lake and iconic mountain views. You can opt to go canoeing on the lake, hike to the Glacier Teahouse, or relax at the Fairmont Chateau. The transfer to Banff is a scenic 45-minute drive, allowing you to take in the stunning Bow Valley Parkway views.
Choose from five unique experiences today. Option 1: Explore Banff’s natural wonders on a half-day guided tour, including stops at Bow Falls, Hoodoos, and Lake Minnewanka. Option 2: Join a small group tour to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, enjoying personalized experiences and a picnic lunch. Option 3: For a hidden gem experience, join a full-day tour to Yoho and Kootenay National Parks to see waterfalls, glacial waters, and mountain views. Option 4: Experience the wild west on a horseback ride along the Bow River with a BBQ cookout. Option 5: Customize your tour with tailor-made excursions, from hikes to e-bike tours and more.
On the final day of your tour, you’ll take a coach transfer to Calgary. Whether you’re heading to the airport for your flight home or exploring Calgary’s downtown, the journey offers a relaxing end to an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
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