Land Journey

The Best of Western Canada & Rocky Mountaineer

Days
10
From (per Person)
£8,990
Journey Type
Land
Time of Year
Jun - Sep
Cities & Landmarks
Lake Louise, Calgary, Vancouver, Whistler, Banff National Park, Icefields Parkway
Rocky Mountaineer

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

A two-day rail journey aboard Rocky Mountaineer astounds with dramatic contrasts in scenery as you travel from the glacial and alpine landscapes of Lake Louise to the coastal mountains and shores of Vancouver, stopping en route in Kamloops for an overnight stay

 

A float trip along the Bow River Valley in Banff National Park, followed by Afternoon Tea at Canada's "Castle in the Rockies"

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

Travel along the Icefields Parkway, rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, amidst ancient glaciers, stunning turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, woodland trails, and wildlife 

 

An expertly guided tour of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center in Whistler to learn about the First Nations people and their traditions

 

A private whale watching cruise out in the Salish Sea with marine biologists who share insights on the various whale species you may encounter

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

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Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Pace

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Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

View Full Itinerary

The World Next Door

All aboard! And you're off on a wilderness adventure that's steeped in scenic beauty accessible only by train, boat, float plane and Ice Explorer; rewarding with stays in luxury Fairmont hotels; and enriched by guided exploration with expert guides who introduce you to the gems of Western Canada. It all starts along the stunning shores of Lake Louise, where a three-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise indulges with the natural treasures of Banff National Park. 

View alpine wonders on a float trip on the Bow River, enjoy afternoon tea at the venerable Banff Springs Hotel, and explore the chic town of Banff as you wish. Drive along the incomparable Icefields Parkway for views of arctic wildlife, turquoise lakes, pristine glaciers, thundering waterfalls and towering peaks that defy comparison and ride a specially designed Ice Explorer atop a prehistoric glacier. Board the Rocky Mountaineer as you travel to Vancouver in premier Gold Leaf seats that pamper with head-turning vistas and First Class service, stopping overnight in Kamloops before ending your rail journey with a stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. A visit to Granville Island fly to Victoria Island aboard a float plane for a two-night stay at the waterfront Fairmont Empress where whale watching and a choice of sightseeing await. Ride a ferry back to Vancouver and drive to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, experiencing unique cultural discoveries that make your last two nights memorable in every way. Read Less

The Tauck Difference in the National Parks

Into the Rockies by rail aboard Rocky Mountaineer

Travel the Icefields Parkway

One of the top drives in the world

Experience a drive like no other as you travel along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefields. A destination within itself, the parkway is rated as one of the top drives in the world by <em>Condé Nast Traveler</em>; it winds along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks and is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, emerald lakes and plenty of wildlife.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Your home for nights 1 – 3

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of the world's most-often photographed hotels and is one of Canada's most renowned resorts. Built in 1890, this elegant hotel is set in the midst of extraordinary Banff National Park. Exuding Old World charm, this fine hotel is known to many as "the diamond in the wilderness."

Private whale-watching cruise off Victoria, British Columbia

A whale of a cruise off Vancouver Island

A whale-watcher's paradise, the waters off Victoria at the tip of Vancouver Island are home to a wealth of marine life. Along with seals, porpoises, sea lions and countless seabirds, there's a population of resident killer whales (orcas); humpbacks, the region's largest whale, singing loudly to announce their oversized presence; minke, the smallest of the locals here, also quite vocal; and migrating gray whales, often surfacing close enough for a friendly hello during your private whale-watching cruise by Eagle Wing Tours. Climb aboard their cozy, semi-covered catamaran 4 Ever Wild – offering multiple outdoor and inside viewing options, onboard restrooms, comfortable leather seating and more – for an enriching, inspiring and unforgettable nature-viewing experience.

Flightseeing over Vancouver & the Gulf Islands

A bird's-eye view of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands by floatplane

As far as geographical names go, British Columbia's scenic Gulf Islands can be a bit daunting. First of all, the more than 200 Gulf Islands are actually located not in a "gulf" but in the Strait of Georgia (which has nothing to do with the US state or the former Soviet republic), set between large Vancouver Island to the west, and the British Columbia mainland (where the city of Vancouver is situated) to the east. And to make things even more interesting, the islands include towns with names like Vesuvius and Ganges. But seeing these beautiful, pristine islands – home to many parks and protected areas – from the air is indeed a highlight of your flightseeing trip by floatplane from Vancouver's Coal Harbour that takes you aloft for a bird's-eye view of the city and environs.

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About Booking This Tour

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Canada. Click here for more information on the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Patrol website.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not require a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation. If you are a frequent traveler to Canada from the U.S., you may benefit from the NEXUS program which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet site by clicking here.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact a consulate or embassy of Canada to determine what travel documentation is required.

Anyone with a criminal record (including some misdemeanors such as Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges) may be excluded or removed from Canada, and should contact a Canadian embassy or consulate well in advance of any planned travel to ensure proper travel documentation.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

 

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Deposit & Booking Information

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Your deposit is £300.

Terms and Conditions:

For additional information pertaining to our Tauck Journeys, including Cancellation Information and Booking Conditions, click here to learn more.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Protect Your Travel Investment

Customer Protection: Our UK-based agents comply with the bonding requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority and provide full financial protection for the package holidays that we sell in the UK. For flight-based holidays, this is through the Air Travel Organiser's Licence (details of which are available from the UK-based agent with whom you book). When you buy a package holiday that doesn't include a flight, protection of your monies paid to our UK-based agent will be provided by way of a bond.

If You Have To Cancel

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Your deposit is £200.

Terms and Conditions:

For additional information pertaining to our Tauck Journeys, including Cancellation Information and Booking Conditions, click here to learn more.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment is due as specified on the invoice. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

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Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.


Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm). Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey.

Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences. Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage – General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc. For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches or onboard Rocky Mountaineer or in any of the hotels.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. 

 

VACCINATIONS 

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Canada. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The CDC operates a 24-hour travelers' information number at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of Canada to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.

 

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

 

MOBILITY

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

Several modes of transportation are used on this tour – motor coach, ferry, float plane and train. In general, this itinerary is recommended for those who have little if any difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or balancing onboard a moving train. Walking is also affected by weather conditions which do vary greatly and can involve snow, ice, and mud.

Regarding Wheelchairs- If you require a wheelchair while traveling, you must meet the specifications of each of the tour's suppliers including the motor coach, ferry, float plane and train. You may bring a collapsible, lightweight wheelchair on tour that weighs less than 100 lbs (45.4 kg), but you must be able to maneuver on and off the coach with limited assistance. We strongly recommend that if you require a wheelchair for travel or have moderate to severe difficulty walking that you bring a companion to assist you. Before you book this tour, you will need to provide us with the exact specifications of the wheelchair, including: size, model, and all components that accompany it to determine its motor coach storage capabilities.

Rocky Mountaineer has a lift to move between the upper level, where the dome car is located and the lower level, where the dining room is located.

 Regarding Oxygen- If you require portable oxygen while traveling, you will be responsible for any maintenance and operation that the tank requires while on tour, and for locating health facilities on the tour route that can perform tank maintenance. If you choose to bring a tank on tour, you will need to provide us the exact specifications of the tank, including size, model, and all components that accompany it prior to booking the tour to determine motor coach storage capabilities. You may inquire about having them filled at a hospital in Vancouver, Banff or Jasper (there is no hospital in Lake Louise), but tank maintenance facilities are limited in the Canadian Rockies.

Vancouver General Hospital: 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C, Canada V5Z 1M9. Phone: (604) 875-4111

Seaton General Hospital: Box 310, 518 Robson Street, Jasper, Alberta T0E 1E0.

Phone: (780) 852-3344. Fax: (780) 852-3413

Banff Mineral Springs Hospital: 305 Lynx Street, Banff, Alberta, Canada TIL1H7.

Phone: (403) 760-7214

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

Weather

The summer weather in the Canadian Rockies can change instantly and is often unpredictable as in any mountainous region. From June through early September, normal temperatures range from 50 to 80˚F (10 to 27˚C). However, the Canadian Rockies could experience some unusually warm weather (80 to 90˚F) (26 to 32˚C) during the summer months. Therefore, we suggest including some light warm weather clothing in your travel wardrobe. Conditions are often very local and can change radically from one valley to the next, or change during the course of the day. Due to its geographic location, Western Canada generally has long hours of daylight and in mid-summer the sun will rise as early as 5:00 a.m. and set as late as 10:00 p.m. In the early spring and fall, daylight hours average about 14 hours, from 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Rainfall is greatest by the ocean in Vancouver and lighter in the interior portions of the Canadian Rockies.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

What To Pack

When joining a Tauck journey, every guest is responsible for their own health and, in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the places we visit. As such, you are expected to follow local and supplier guidelines regarding face coverings, as explained by your Tauck Director. Our partners may have a limited supply of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer, so please bring such personal items for your own comfort.

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. During the evenings some dining rooms require smart casual attire for dinner (no jeans) and some fine dining rooms recommend jackets for the gentlemen, but they are not required.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee at all the Fairmont Hotels on this itinerary.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We suggest that you pack the following items your journey:

  • A reusable water bottle
  • Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
  • An optional jacket for men
  • Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Swimwear
  • Gym wear
  • A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
  • Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
  • Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Hiking boots if you would like to hike on some of the more extensive trails
  • Travel alarm clock/ cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
  • Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
  • Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Leave Your Worries At Home

One Upfront Price – No Hidden Costs

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Never Settle For Ordinary

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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