Totem Rail Explorer
12 days
Enjoyable for everyone used to independent travel in a developed country.
Comfortable transportation and accommodations, except on a more off-the-beaten track itinerary. E.g. a self-drive trip
Trip Overview |
Map |
Itinerary |
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Accommodation |
The ocean, trees, mountains, and wildlife of Canada’s West Coast await on the Totem Rail Explorer vacation package.
See charming Vancouver Island, cruise the awe-inspiring Inside Passage, spend time in the wilds of Northern British Columbia, and see the majestic Canadian Rockies – all in one vacation package!
The relaxed pace of life in rural Canada, combined with superb Canadian train service and breathtaking scenery, ensures the kind of train trip you have only dreamed of.
See charming Vancouver Island, cruise the awe-inspiring Inside Passage, spend time in the wilds of Northern British Columbia, and see the majestic Canadian Rockies – all in one vacation package!
The relaxed pace of life in rural Canada, combined with superb Canadian train service and breathtaking scenery, ensures the kind of train trip you have only dreamed of.
Outline
Arrive Vancouver*
1 night Vancouver
1 night Victoria
1 night Port Hardy
2 nights Prince Rupert
1 night Prince George
1 night Jasper
2 nights Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
*can be done in reverse as a 14-day trip
Arrive Vancouver*
1 night Vancouver
1 night Victoria
1 night Port Hardy
2 nights Prince Rupert
1 night Prince George
1 night Jasper
2 nights Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
*can be done in reverse as a 14-day trip
Day 1 –Your Canadian Train Trip Begins – Arrival in Vancouver
Welcome to the West Coast city of Vancouver. You can’t help but begin to unwind as soon as you arrive. Surrounded by mountains and ocean and well known for its cool ambiance and friendly residents; Vancouver is the ideal place to sit at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by.
Day 2 – British Charm -Vancouver to Victoria
The ocean air whips through your hair this morning as you travel to Victoria by ferry. A large outdoor deck lets you turn the transfer into an independent sightseeing trip as you keep an eye out for seals and whales in the water below.
The colorful splendor of the Butchart Gardens is your introduction to Victoria. Trail after trail of manicured plants and flowers wait in the gardens – you can’t help but want to inhale the fragrance of each and every one. Your scenic drive continues along the coast and into downtown Victoria.
Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip Continues - Victoria to Port Hardy
Journey into small town Vancouver Island today as your luxury motorcoach makes its way along the Island’s coast. This scenic transfer takes you to the outdoor art murals in Chemainus and introduces you to the two curious residents at Coomb’s Old Country Market - two goats who are sure to bring a smile to your face. Tonight you arrive in Port Hardy where a warm bed waits.
Day 4 – The Inside Passage - Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
The Inside Passage delights your senses and keeps you wide eyed all day. This is Canadian West Coast scenery at its finest. Calm inlets, majestic old-growth forests, and towering coastal mountains. The salt tinged air of the Pacific Ocean fills your lungs as the breeze tickles your face.
Day 5 – Explore the Canadian Wilderness - Prince Rupert
Today’s the time to get outside and see what Canada is all about. The wildlife viewing in Prince Rupert is regarded as some of the best in North America - the region is home to grizzly bears, wolves, and nesting bald eagles. There are high concentrations of Humpback whales north of the city and the area has excellent Grey and Orca whale viewing.
Try sea kayaking on the Pacific Ocean or hiking through the coastal rainforest. Prince Rupert is an outdoors lover’s delight and the sights increase your anticipation for the approaching Canadian Rockies train journey.
Day 6 – Canadian Train - Prince Rupert to Prince George onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena
The train portion of your Canadian trip begins today as you take a seat in a comfortable, reclining chair. The train’s whistle echoes your enthusiasm as you begin the train trip to the Canadian Rockies. All around you are windows – 360 degrees of spectacular scenery surround the Skeena train as you travel through the dense forest of northern British Columbia. Small communities and native history are just outside your window, so you’re sure to keep your gaze outside. You won’t miss any of the scenery during the night as you arrive in Prince George for an overnight stay.
Day 7 – Canadian Rockies by Train - Prince George to Jasper onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena
This is the day you’ve been waiting for – today you enter the Canadian Rockies! Moose are abundant in this area and you train you eyes out the windows, watching for a glimpse of one of the magnificent creatures. Stepping off the train in Jasper, you take a deep breath – the crisp mountain air is invigorating. You’re on top of the Earth, far from the stresses at home, and ready to embrace the calmness of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8 – The Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Banff
Heading south along the Icefields Parkway, you’re traveling along one of the most scenic highways in the world, so wipe the sleep from your eyes quickly! A snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze you with the wonders that nature builds - and that feeling only gets more intense when you stop to view Bow Lake. Picture pure glacier water shining in the sun, with the Bow Glacier high above the pool – this kind of view is why you came to the Canadian Rockies. As you step off the bus in Banff, you’re geared up and ready to explore one last town in the mountains before continuing your Canadian Rockies train vacation.
Day 9 – Explore the Southern Rockies - Banff
Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian train trip and the energy on Banff Avenue is contagious. Quaint shops are interspersed with chain stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops. After your laid back nights in the north, the lively atmosphere in Banff is exhilarating.
Day 10 - On the Rocky Mountaineer – Banff to Kamloops
The delicious aroma of breakfast wafts through your car as your Canadian Rockies train rolls out of Banff and begins the descent into British Columbia. Circle around and around through the Canadian Rockies’ famous spiral tunnels as you descend.
Enjoy a cup of coffee as you re-acquaint yourself with life on the rails. Your onboard guides point out all new sights to marvel at while you keep an eye out the windows, looking for the mountain’s wild residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.
Day 11 – On the Canadian Rockies Train – Kamloops to Vancouver
Back in your familiar seat on the Rocky Mountaineer, you travel through the mighty Thompson Canyon before staring in awe at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through the narrow gorge. As you move from the arid interior of British Columbia to the coastal city of Vancouver you marvel at the diversity of the scenery you’ve seen during your Canadian train trip.
Vancouver’s personality is just the kind of last stop you need after your train trip through western Canada.
Day 12 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Vancouver
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your Canadian train trip comes to an end.
Welcome to the West Coast city of Vancouver. You can’t help but begin to unwind as soon as you arrive. Surrounded by mountains and ocean and well known for its cool ambiance and friendly residents; Vancouver is the ideal place to sit at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by.
Day 2 – British Charm -Vancouver to Victoria
The ocean air whips through your hair this morning as you travel to Victoria by ferry. A large outdoor deck lets you turn the transfer into an independent sightseeing trip as you keep an eye out for seals and whales in the water below.
The colorful splendor of the Butchart Gardens is your introduction to Victoria. Trail after trail of manicured plants and flowers wait in the gardens – you can’t help but want to inhale the fragrance of each and every one. Your scenic drive continues along the coast and into downtown Victoria.
Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip Continues - Victoria to Port Hardy
Journey into small town Vancouver Island today as your luxury motorcoach makes its way along the Island’s coast. This scenic transfer takes you to the outdoor art murals in Chemainus and introduces you to the two curious residents at Coomb’s Old Country Market - two goats who are sure to bring a smile to your face. Tonight you arrive in Port Hardy where a warm bed waits.
Day 4 – The Inside Passage - Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
The Inside Passage delights your senses and keeps you wide eyed all day. This is Canadian West Coast scenery at its finest. Calm inlets, majestic old-growth forests, and towering coastal mountains. The salt tinged air of the Pacific Ocean fills your lungs as the breeze tickles your face.
Day 5 – Explore the Canadian Wilderness - Prince Rupert
Today’s the time to get outside and see what Canada is all about. The wildlife viewing in Prince Rupert is regarded as some of the best in North America - the region is home to grizzly bears, wolves, and nesting bald eagles. There are high concentrations of Humpback whales north of the city and the area has excellent Grey and Orca whale viewing.
Try sea kayaking on the Pacific Ocean or hiking through the coastal rainforest. Prince Rupert is an outdoors lover’s delight and the sights increase your anticipation for the approaching Canadian Rockies train journey.
Day 6 – Canadian Train - Prince Rupert to Prince George onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena
The train portion of your Canadian trip begins today as you take a seat in a comfortable, reclining chair. The train’s whistle echoes your enthusiasm as you begin the train trip to the Canadian Rockies. All around you are windows – 360 degrees of spectacular scenery surround the Skeena train as you travel through the dense forest of northern British Columbia. Small communities and native history are just outside your window, so you’re sure to keep your gaze outside. You won’t miss any of the scenery during the night as you arrive in Prince George for an overnight stay.
Day 7 – Canadian Rockies by Train - Prince George to Jasper onboard VIA Rail’s Skeena
This is the day you’ve been waiting for – today you enter the Canadian Rockies! Moose are abundant in this area and you train you eyes out the windows, watching for a glimpse of one of the magnificent creatures. Stepping off the train in Jasper, you take a deep breath – the crisp mountain air is invigorating. You’re on top of the Earth, far from the stresses at home, and ready to embrace the calmness of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8 – The Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Banff
Heading south along the Icefields Parkway, you’re traveling along one of the most scenic highways in the world, so wipe the sleep from your eyes quickly! A snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier will amaze you with the wonders that nature builds - and that feeling only gets more intense when you stop to view Bow Lake. Picture pure glacier water shining in the sun, with the Bow Glacier high above the pool – this kind of view is why you came to the Canadian Rockies. As you step off the bus in Banff, you’re geared up and ready to explore one last town in the mountains before continuing your Canadian Rockies train vacation.
Day 9 – Explore the Southern Rockies - Banff
Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Canadian train trip and the energy on Banff Avenue is contagious. Quaint shops are interspersed with chain stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops. After your laid back nights in the north, the lively atmosphere in Banff is exhilarating.
Day 10 - On the Rocky Mountaineer – Banff to Kamloops
The delicious aroma of breakfast wafts through your car as your Canadian Rockies train rolls out of Banff and begins the descent into British Columbia. Circle around and around through the Canadian Rockies’ famous spiral tunnels as you descend.
Enjoy a cup of coffee as you re-acquaint yourself with life on the rails. Your onboard guides point out all new sights to marvel at while you keep an eye out the windows, looking for the mountain’s wild residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.
Day 11 – On the Canadian Rockies Train – Kamloops to Vancouver
Back in your familiar seat on the Rocky Mountaineer, you travel through the mighty Thompson Canyon before staring in awe at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through the narrow gorge. As you move from the arid interior of British Columbia to the coastal city of Vancouver you marvel at the diversity of the scenery you’ve seen during your Canadian train trip.
Vancouver’s personality is just the kind of last stop you need after your train trip through western Canada.
Day 12 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Vancouver
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colorful sights of Canada behind as your Canadian train trip comes to an end.
Options & Upgrades
- 14-day reverse itinerary is also available
- Upgrade to GoldLeaf service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer for gourmet meals and spectacular views
- Extra nights in Vancouver as well as day-trips and tours make great additions to this trip
- Optional Kamloops Entertainment:
- Two River Junction Dinner & Musical Revue - a humourous take on Canadian Rail history
- The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show - see the amazing feats of talented woodsmen
Accommodation
Popular, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Popular, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Request A Booking |
Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- 2 days on Rocky Mountaineer
- 2 days on VIA Rail's Skeena
- Explore the magnificent Rocky Mountains & Vancouver Island's east coast
- Spectacular Butchart Gardens
- Inside Passage cruise
Testimonials
Everything went exceptionally well - perfectly organized and great places and people - we really enjoyed it all.
We arrived home safe and sound yesterday afternoon - what a wonderful trip Kelly and Matt planned for us - we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our stay in Canada.
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 Vancouve r (round trip)
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays
May 15 17 19 29 31
Jun 2 12 14 16 28 28 30
Jul 10 12 14 24 26 28
Aug 7 9 11 21 23 25
Sep 4 6 8 18 20 22
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• 2 days Rocky Mountaineer - Popular and includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Superior and Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
• 11 nights accommodation
• Exclusive attractions pass- please ask our agent for details
• Tour to Victoria, including Butchart Gardens
• Motorcoach tour Victoria to Port Hardy
• Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
• VIA Rail Totem Deluxe Class from Prince Rupert to Jasper
• Icefield Parkway Tour between Jasper and Banff & Ice Explorer \
-Summit Helicopter Tour
• Rail, ferry and station transfers in Victoria, Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Jasper, Banff, Kamloops & Vancouver
• National Parks Pass
• Baggage handling in Vancouver and the Rockies
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Vancouver Airport transfers
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail
• Personal items
• Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
• Baggage handling in Port Hardy & Prince Rupert
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
Starting in Vancouve r (round trip)
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays
May 15 17 19 29 31
Jun 2 12 14 16 28 28 30
Jul 10 12 14 24 26 28
Aug 7 9 11 21 23 25
Sep 4 6 8 18 20 22
| Popular Hotels & RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | GoldLeaf & Totem Deluxe Upgrade | |||||
| Double | Single | Child | Double | Single | Child | USD$ | CAD$ | |
| May 15 - May 19 2009 | 3,362 | 4,273 | 2,026 | 3,799 | 4,829 | 2,289 | 779 | 880 |
| May 29 - Sep 22 2009 | 3,539 | 4,654 | 2,079 | 3,999 | 5,259 | 2,349 | 779 | 880 |
| Superior Hotels & RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | ||||
| Double | Single | Child | Double | Single | Child | |
| May 23 - Sep 16 | 4,681 | 6,105 | 2,329 | 5,289 | 6,899 | 3,299 |
| Sep 26 only | 5,070 | 6,813 | 2,329 | 5,729 | 7,699 | 3,349 |
| Deluxe Hotels, GoldLeaf Service & Totem Deluxe | USD$ | CAD$ | ||||
| Double | Single | Child | Double | Single | Child | |
| May 23 - Sep 16 | 5,043 | 6,778 | 3,129 | 5,699 | 7,659 | 3,249 |
| Sep 26 only | 5,486 | 7,672 | 3,129 | 6,199 | 8,669 | 3,319 |
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• 2 days Rocky Mountaineer - Popular and includes Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Superior and Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
• 11 nights accommodation
• Exclusive attractions pass- please ask our agent for details
• Tour to Victoria, including Butchart Gardens
• Motorcoach tour Victoria to Port Hardy
• Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
• VIA Rail Totem Deluxe Class from Prince Rupert to Jasper
• Icefield Parkway Tour between Jasper and Banff & Ice Explorer \
-Summit Helicopter Tour
• Rail, ferry and station transfers in Victoria, Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Jasper, Banff, Kamloops & Vancouver
• National Parks Pass
• Baggage handling in Vancouver and the Rockies
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $30 pp
• Vancouver Airport transfers
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail
• Personal items
• Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
• Baggage handling in Port Hardy & Prince Rupert
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
