Rockies Adventure Safari
8 days
Enjoyable for all in reasonable health.
Quality transportation and accommodation in an uncommon environment, with the chance of occasional slight discomfort. E.g. an arctic polar bear tour
Trip Overview |
Map |
Itinerary |
Options |
Accommodation |
This Canadian train trip, like several others, came about because some younger members of our team asked themselves, ‘What would I do if I just had a week to spend in Canada’?
The result is an active journey that in just 7 days showcases the best of the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver and Whistler – traveling by train in between – with options to hike, bike, ride a horse, canoe, and more along the way.
Though we say it ourselves, if you are young at heart and fit, it’s the perfect introduction to western Canada – and you can always extend it by adding more days and activities, or combining it with another trip.
The result is an active journey that in just 7 days showcases the best of the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver and Whistler – traveling by train in between – with options to hike, bike, ride a horse, canoe, and more along the way.
Though we say it ourselves, if you are young at heart and fit, it’s the perfect introduction to western Canada – and you can always extend it by adding more days and activities, or combining it with another trip.
Outline
Arrive Vancouver*
2 nights Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night aboard VIA Rail
1 night Jasper
1 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
Arrive Vancouver*
2 nights Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night aboard VIA Rail
1 night Jasper
1 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
ITINERARY
Eastbound shown. Westbound works in reverse.
Day 1 – Your Canadian train trip begins - Arrive In Vancouver
Today you fly into the city that is a byword for the laid-back, healthy lifestyle of western Canada. After settling into your hotel (you have choices of popular, superior or deluxe), take time to explore the many parks, beaches and markets on foot or bicycle.
Day 2 – Explore Vancouver the way the locals do it
At last a way to see the Vancouver we show our friends and family when they visit - the major sites, plus a bit of bird-watching, a bit of hiking in the woods, a visit to a salmon hatchery – and all in a vehicle running sustainably on vegetable oil!
Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip to Whistler and a Ziptrek adventure
Today you board the Whistler Mountaineer for a spectacular train journey to Whistler, famous in summer for its alpine meadows of wildflowers and as a Mecca for mountain bikers. In the evening enjoy the Ziptrek – ‘flying through the trees with the greatest of ease.’
Day 4 – Horseback riding, then a sleeper train to the Canadian Rockies
Mount up cowboy and head on out across the nearby Pemberton Meadows, up through the trees, and across mountain streams… You are in Grizzly country here – a true Western Canadian adventure. Afternoon – return to Vancouver to catch the sleeper train to Jasper. (A private room on a twin-share basis is included – but if you are really on a tight budget you can ask us to customize your trip to sleep in a bunk or even a chair.)
Day 5 – By train into the Canadian Rockies & Jasper
Waking to the gentle rocking of the train, you pull back the blinds to see a remarkable vision - train’s ascent into the realm of the high Rockies. Arriving around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to stretch your legs and explore this quaint mountain town.
Day 6 – Early morning canoe safari
An early start for a ‘game drive’ the Canadian way – by canoe. Whether sunny or misty this is a beautiful experience – and you may see bear, elk, moose, bald eagles, beavers and much more. The haunting sound of a loon may accompany the smell of coffee and croissants for breakfast! The rest of the day is free for other adventures as you wish.
Day 7 – Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is the name given to a truly remarkable road that goes along the spine of the Rockies past the famous Columbia Icefield. You can get out along the way and this excursion takes you through two National Parks - Jasper and Banff. Overnight in Banff where you may want to try some line dancing with the local cowboys.
Day 8 – Depart Calgary - Your Canadian train trip comes to an end
Rather than over-nighting in Calgary we feel it is better to stay in the mountains the evening of day 7 and go direct to the airport from Banff today – a journey of about 2 hours.
Eastbound shown. Westbound works in reverse.
Day 1 – Your Canadian train trip begins - Arrive In Vancouver
Today you fly into the city that is a byword for the laid-back, healthy lifestyle of western Canada. After settling into your hotel (you have choices of popular, superior or deluxe), take time to explore the many parks, beaches and markets on foot or bicycle.
Day 2 – Explore Vancouver the way the locals do it
At last a way to see the Vancouver we show our friends and family when they visit - the major sites, plus a bit of bird-watching, a bit of hiking in the woods, a visit to a salmon hatchery – and all in a vehicle running sustainably on vegetable oil!
Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip to Whistler and a Ziptrek adventure
Today you board the Whistler Mountaineer for a spectacular train journey to Whistler, famous in summer for its alpine meadows of wildflowers and as a Mecca for mountain bikers. In the evening enjoy the Ziptrek – ‘flying through the trees with the greatest of ease.’
Day 4 – Horseback riding, then a sleeper train to the Canadian Rockies
Mount up cowboy and head on out across the nearby Pemberton Meadows, up through the trees, and across mountain streams… You are in Grizzly country here – a true Western Canadian adventure. Afternoon – return to Vancouver to catch the sleeper train to Jasper. (A private room on a twin-share basis is included – but if you are really on a tight budget you can ask us to customize your trip to sleep in a bunk or even a chair.)
Day 5 – By train into the Canadian Rockies & Jasper
Waking to the gentle rocking of the train, you pull back the blinds to see a remarkable vision - train’s ascent into the realm of the high Rockies. Arriving around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to stretch your legs and explore this quaint mountain town.
Day 6 – Early morning canoe safari
An early start for a ‘game drive’ the Canadian way – by canoe. Whether sunny or misty this is a beautiful experience – and you may see bear, elk, moose, bald eagles, beavers and much more. The haunting sound of a loon may accompany the smell of coffee and croissants for breakfast! The rest of the day is free for other adventures as you wish.
Day 7 – Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is the name given to a truly remarkable road that goes along the spine of the Rockies past the famous Columbia Icefield. You can get out along the way and this excursion takes you through two National Parks - Jasper and Banff. Overnight in Banff where you may want to try some line dancing with the local cowboys.
Day 8 – Depart Calgary - Your Canadian train trip comes to an end
Rather than over-nighting in Calgary we feel it is better to stay in the mountains the evening of day 7 and go direct to the airport from Banff today – a journey of about 2 hours.
Options & Upgrades
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
- Venture into the high alpine by adding a Whistler Gondola ticket
- Explore the trails by mountain bike in Whistler
- Extend your time in Banff to try Rafting or explore by horseback
- Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island or visit the adventure capital - Whistler
Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Request A Booking |
Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eco-tour of the real Vancouver
- Whistler Mountaineer alongside Howe Sound to Whistler
- Ziptrek through the forest canopy
- Overnight rail journey through the Rockies
- Choice of Whitewater rafting, a horseback adventure or a day guided hiking in Banff
- The majestic Canadian Rockies & the towns of Jasper and Banff
- Ride across the Athabasca glacier aboard the Ice Explorer
Testimonials
We had a great time on our trip to the Rockies... Fabulous scenery and excellent service.
The trip you organized for us was sensational and the Rocky Mountaineer was superb.
I just returned home from one of the best vacations in my life and it all went off without 1 problem.
Josh helped me customize a Canadian Rockies vacation for my family and we had nothing but the best experience. All the vouchers, transportation, events, etc. went together beautifully.
The trip was wonderful. The hotels were great. We really enjoyed everything about the trip. Dealing with Josh and Fresh Tracks was extremely easy. Thanks.
Just a quick note to Genevieve to say Claire and I really enjoyed our trip on the Rocky Mountaineer and the hotels we were accomodated in. The Banff Springs was the best hotel I have ever stayed in, so thank you for the upgrade. Chateau Lake Louise was also wonderful with the best view I have ever seen. All in all a wonderful last few days to our honeymoon.
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
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2009 Package Start Dates
Starting in Vancouver
May 12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28,30
Jun 4,6,9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30
Jul 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21,23,25,28,30
Aug 1,4,6,8,11,13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
Sep 1,3,5,8,10,12,15,17,19,22,24,26,29
Oct 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27
Starting in Calgary
May 12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28,30
Jun 4,6,9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30
Jul 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21,23,25,28,30
Aug 1,4,6,8,11,13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
Sep 1,3,5,8,10,12,15,17,19,22,24,26,29
Oct 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
Includes
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• The local’s Vancouver Eco-tour
• Whistler Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Whistler - Standard and Superior includes Coast Classic service while Deluxe features Glacier Dome Service
• Ziptrek tour through Whistler’s forest canopy
• Explore the wilderness around Whistler by horseback
• Scheduled transfer from Whistler to Vancouver
• VIA rail aboard The Canadian in a private bedroom, between Jasper and Vancouver
• Early morning canoeing trip
• Sightseeing transfer from Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
• Ride across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer
• Transfer from Banff to Calgary
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
• Whistler Mountaineer fuel surcharge $5 pp
Not Included
• Airport and rail station transfers (unless above)
• National park entrance fees
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
Starting in Vancouver
May 12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28,30
Jun 4,6,9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30
Jul 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21,23,25,28,30
Aug 1,4,6,8,11,13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
Sep 1,3,5,8,10,12,15,17,19,22,24,26,29
Oct 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27
Starting in Calgary
May 12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28,30
Jun 4,6,9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30
Jul 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21,23,25,28,30
Aug 1,4,6,8,11,13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
Sep 1,3,5,8,10,12,15,17,19,22,24,26,29
Oct 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27
| Standard Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||||
| Triple | Double | Single | Triple | Double | Single | |
| May 11 2009 - May 26 2009 | 1,612 | 1,724 | 2,161 | 1,822 | 1,948 | 2,442 |
| May 27 2009 - Sep 30 2009 | 2,155 | 2,403 | 3,071 | 2,435 | 2,716 | 3,470 |
| Oct 1 2009 - Oct 10 2009 | 2,025 | 2,216 | 2,762 | 2,289 | 2,504 | 3,121 |
| Superior Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| May 11 2009 - May 25 2009 | 2,053 | 2,700 | 2,320 | 3,051 |
| May 26 2009 - Sep 30 2009 | 2,714 | 3,529 | 3,067 | 3,988 |
| Oct 1 2009 - Oct 10 2009 | 2,478 | 3,107 | 2,800 | 3,511 |
| Deluxe Hotels | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| May 11 2009 - May 16 2009 | 2,472 | 3,525 | 2,794 | 3,983 |
| May 17 2009 - Oct 2 2009 | 3,545 | 5,111 | 4,006 | 5,776 |
| Oct 3 2009 - Oct 10 2009 | 2,781 | 4,081 | 3,143 | 4,612 |
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
Includes
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• The local’s Vancouver Eco-tour
• Whistler Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Whistler - Standard and Superior includes Coast Classic service while Deluxe features Glacier Dome Service
• Ziptrek tour through Whistler’s forest canopy
• Explore the wilderness around Whistler by horseback
• Scheduled transfer from Whistler to Vancouver
• VIA rail aboard The Canadian in a private bedroom, between Jasper and Vancouver
• Early morning canoeing trip
• Sightseeing transfer from Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
• Ride across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer
• Transfer from Banff to Calgary
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
• Whistler Mountaineer fuel surcharge $5 pp
Not Included
• Airport and rail station transfers (unless above)
• National park entrance fees
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
