A highlight of the tour is the incomparable train journey from Vancouver to Jasper, Prince George and Prince Rupert. The legendary CANADIAN takes us from Vancouver to the headwaters of the Thompson and Fraser Rivers, past astounding vistas of Mount Robson, over Yellowhead Pass and into Jasper. This line follows the Canadian National Railway mainline east over the main range of the Rockies. A superb dinner and breakfast in the diner and accommodations in luxurious “Silver and Blue Class” Pullman sleepers highlight this portion of the trip.

The SKEENA continues the journey, providing two more days of mountain majesty by train. The routing is west on the Canadian National Railway’s former Grand Trunk Pacific line through Red Pass Junction and along the isolated canyon of the Fraser River to Prince George. The train overnights here, and transfers and hotel accommodations in Prince George are included. When we continue west the next day, every mile to Prince Rupert is traversed by day over the Coast Ranges and along the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers through immense canyons. The tracks soar over rapids and waterfalls on high trestles before reaching the grand fjord that leads to the sheltered Inside Passage port of Prince Rupert.

From Prince Rupert to Port Hardy passengers enjoy a 15 hour all-daylight Inside Passage voyage on BC Ferries new coastal ferry-liner, the M/V Northern Adventure. This stretch is particularly scenic, with huge mountains that seem to plunge into the sea. The ferry has very comfortable accommodations, including a fine dining room, lounges and comfortable deck chairs and well-padded seating. Whales and eagles are frequently seen in these waters!

Finally there is a quietly scenic journey from Qualicum Beach to Victoria down Vancouver Island on the MALAHAT DAYLINER. The highlight of this trip is the towering Niagara Canyon trestle on the ascent to Malahat Summit.

Non-rail highlights include sightseeing to exquisite Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, the daylight Inside Passage cruise on B.C. Ferries, a scenic Gulf Islands ferry crossing from Victoria to Vancouver, city touring in Victoria (including renowned Butchart Gardens), and extras such as airport transfers and reserved lounge seating on the Inside Passage voyage.

There is a choice in Vancouver, Jasper and Victoria of comfortable Popular hotel or luxurious Deluxe hotel accommodations. In Prince George, Prince Rupert and Port Hardy, all passengers stay in Popular accommodations, as Deluxe rooms simply do not exist at these remote points. All passengers travel in “Silver and Blue Class” Pullman sleepers on the CANADIAN and in upgraded “Totem Deluxe Class” on the SKEENA. All meals are included on both these trains.

This is a “Hosted Tour”. Although fully narrated sightseeing, lodging, transportation and transfers are included, you will not necessarily have the same host/driver/narrator each day. All arrangements are fully prebooked/prepaid. You enjoy significant price savings on a Hosted Tour in contrast with a Fully Escorted trip, since you are not paying the travel cost of the same escort throughout. Complete details follow. All aboard!

Day One, Sunday or Tuesday (D) Arrive Vancouver; board the CANADIAN. Upon arrival in Vancouver, participants transfer by scheduled coach (included) to Pacific Central Station in downtown Vancouver to board the train for Jasper. In early evening, VIA Rail’s CANADIAN heads east through the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon, passing Hell’s Gate enroute. Other points of interest include the Cisco Tunnels above the Fraser River and Suicide Rapids in the North Thompson Canyon. Dinner is included in the elegant diner this evening, and we can enjoy the luxurious “Park Car” (a vista-dome observation-lounge) and the mid-train “Skyline Dome” lounge car. Accommodations are included in “Silver and Blue Class” Pullman sleepers. The basic tour price in Popular hotels includes Section berths on the train, while Roomettes and Bedrooms are included for Deluxe hotels. However, an upgrade permits Roomette/Bedroom travel for Popular hotel bookings as well. This is the only night spent on the train.

Day Two, Monday or Wednesday (B) VIA Rail over Yellowhead Pass to Jasper National Park. Today we travel between the Monashee and Caribou mountain ranges before crossing the Continental Divide over Yellowhead Pass,  

ending our train journey in Jasper National Park, Alberta. Upon arrival at the Jasper train station, transfer by taxi to your selected Jasper hotel is included. Popular hotels include the Lobstick Lodge or similar; the Deluxe hotel is the former Canadian Pacific Railway resort, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. We enjoy a two-night stay in Jasper.

Day Three, Tuesday or Thursday Touring in Jasper National Park; Maligne Lake cruise. Our introduction to Jasper on the Jasper General Drive/Maligne Lake Tour encompasses some outstanding scenery today, including Old Fort Point; Patricia Lake; and Maligne Canyon. With its narrow gorge and limestone walls reaching over 160 feet deep, it is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park We continue via the incredible disappearing Medicine Lake to Maligne Lake (one of the most photographed lakes in the world). Once onboard the tour boat, we enjoy a 90-minute cruise heading toward the south end of this picture-postcard-perfect lake. Travelers marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forests and glacial peaks rising abruptly from water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, we have the opportunity to take our own version of the world-famous photograph of the lake. We return to Jasper, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day Four, Wednesday or Friday (L,D)

VIA Rail SKEENA to Prince George.  This morning we transfer to the Jasper train station (transfer included) and board VIA Rail’s SKEENA, Totem Deluxe Class, with every seat in a single-level glass-topped car, bound for Prince George. Lunch and dinner are included today, served at your seat, and a vista-dome observation-lounge car is also available.

After crossing into the province of British Columbia, the train passes Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak. The route follows the Fraser River through a long, roadless canyon. Keep your eyes open for grizzly, moose, beaver and osprey.  Upon arrival in Prince George, we have an included transfer by taxi to our hotel. Popular hotels include the Sandman Hotel Prince George or similar. Deluxe hotels include the Ramada Hotel Prince George or similar tonight.

Day Five, Thursday or Saturday (CB,L,D)

VIA Rail SKEENA through the Bulkley and Skeena River Canyons and down the fjord to Prince Rupert.  This morning we return to the Prince George train station (taxi included) and re-board VIA Rail’s SKEENA for the journey to the west coast port of Prince Rupert. Today’s route may be the best-kept secret in railway scenery in Canada! To conquer the Coast Ranges, the builders of the Grand Trunk Pacific conquered the awesome depths of the deeply incised canyons of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers. The line hugs narrow shelves above foaming torrents and crosses high trestles suspended over waterfalls. Nearing Terrace, views of authentic totem poles and soaring peaks appear before the line makes a majestic entry to Prince Rupert along the Skeena River Fjord. The mountains rise over eight thousand feet from the water’s edge here. Upon arrival in Prince Rupert, a transfer by taxi is included to our hotel. Popular hotels include the Pacific Inn, the Crest Harbourview or similar. Deluxe participants are accommodated at the Crest Harbourview in the premium rooms or similar.

Day Six, Friday or Sunday Inside Passage day-cruise to Port Hardy. 

We transfer by taxi this morning to the B.C. Ferries Terminal (transfer included) and embark on BC Ferries new M/V Northern Adventure coastal ferry-liner for a full day cruising the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage. Reserved seating is included in the tour. Day-use cabins can be booked on-board at the Pursers’ office as well, should you wish to lie-down for a few hours, but given the amazing scenery this is not likely! 

During this fifteen-hour journey, a wonderful array of snow-capped mountains combine with rich forests to provide a background for a series of dramatic fjords. Killer whales, sea lions and playful porpoises often appear in these waters, so keep your camera close at hand! Upon arrival at the seaport of Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, we have an included transfer by passenger van to our hotel. Popular hotels include the Glen Lyon Inn or similar. Deluxe passengers stay at the Quarterdeck Inn and Marina or similar. 

Day Nine, Monday or Wednesday  Scenic B.C. Ferries Gulf Islands crossing to Vancouver, tour ends.  Transfers are included to the Victoria bus terminal this morning. We board a regularly scheduled motorcoach for the transfer to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, where the coach drives us on-board the ferry for the relaxing voyage through the Gulf Islands. We debark from the coach for the hour-and-a-half cruise through islands renowned for their picturesque land, seascapes, and rustic character. Occasionally, killer whales can be seen from the ferry’s decks. Upon arrival in Tsawwassen, we continue to your choice of either the Vancouver Airport or the downtown Vancouver joint bus and rail depot, where the tour ends. Extra nights can be reserved in Vancouver at special tour rates. While flights are not included in the tour price, we have attractive rates on Air Canada available from most U.S. cities to/from Vancouver. Ask us for a quote when you book.

TOUR PRICES include all rail, coach, ferry and Inside Passage fares; Silver and Blue Class sleepers in the room type selected on the CANADIAN; “Totem Deluxe First Class” seats on the SKEENA; lounge seating on the Inside Passage voyage; all sightseeing and meals noted as “included” above; transfers; and hotels in the class selected. Not included are connecting air travel, items of a personal nature and other meals. Rates vary by season and class of hotel/type of sleeper room selected. Only one night is spent on the train. VIA Sections share toilets on the train, while Roomettes and Bedrooms have private toilets. All VIA sleeper passengers have access to a private shower room in each car. All hotel rooms offer full private baths. Canadian Goods and Services Tax must be added to all prices at the rate shown below. 

All Prices Are in US Dollars

Popular Hotels

Early Season Departure May 20

$2799.00 per person, double occupancy using Section berths on the CANADIAN

$3429.00 single occupancy, using a Lower Berth on the CANADIAN

$2951.00 per person, double occupancy using 2 Roomettes or a Bedroom on the CANADIAN

$3581.00 single occupancy, using a Roomette on the CANADIAN

Deluxe Hotels

Early Season Departure May 20

$3299.00 per person, double occupancy using 2 Roomettes or a Bedroom on the CANADIAN

$4329.00 single occupancy, using a Roomette on the CANADIAN 

Popular Hotels

Main Season Departures June 1-September 23

$3349.00 per person, double occupancy using Section berths on the CANADIAN

$4179.00 single occupancy using a Lower Berth on the CANADIAN

$3598.00 per person, double occupancy using 2 Roomettes or a Bedroom on the CANADIAN

$4428.00 single occupancy, using a Roomette on the CANADIAN

Deluxe Hotels

Main Season Departures June 1-September 23

$4249.00 per person, double occupancy using 2 Roomettes or a Bedroom on the CANADIAN

$5729.00 single occupancy, using a Roomette on the CANADIAN 

MANDATORY CANADIAN GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

A 2.5% Canadian Goods and Services Tax must be added to all rates above and is not subject to rebate under Canadian law.