【VIA Rail Canada + Summer Tour】5-Day Canada Tour from Calgary: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Columbia Icefield, Yoho and Vancouver | VIA Rail Canada

Welcome to Calgary! Enjoy the dazzling mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows, blue-green lakes, dense forests and abundant wild animals. Immerse yourself into the nature, and enjoy local delicacies.

Your choices of full day/half day [Guided/ Self-Guided City Tour] (Additional Fees):

  1) [ City Walk - Full day Calgary Tour] Back to the Time at Heritage Park+Explore "Calgary CBD" + check out trendy locations (Start at 9:00 am, includes guide and transfer, 8hr)

  2) [ City Guided - Explore - Route A] Explore "Calgary CBD" + check out trendy locations + The Core shopping mall (For guests arrive Calgary before 12:00 pm, the tour starts at 1:30 pm, 5hr)

  3) [ City Self-Explore - Route C ] Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! @ CrossIron Mills Outlet (For guests arrive Calgary before 12:00 pm, the tour starts at 1:30pm, 5hr)

  4) [ City Self-Explore - Route D ] Shopping @ Chinook Centre (For guests arrive Calgary before 12:00 pm, the tour starts at 1:30pm, 5hr)

In the morning, we will pass [Castle Mountain] on the way to [Lake Louise], one of the most visited destinations in the Canadian Rockies; known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks, overlooked by a stately chateau and backed by [Victoria Glacier] and elevated by [Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise]. Followed closely by [Moraine Lake] (Open Seasonal/Alternative Attractions: Lake Minnewanka/Vermilion Lakes). Set in the rugged Valley of the [Ten Peaks], amazing colors create a unique appearance used on the Canadian dollar bill. After a lunch stop at Lake Louise Village (Optional choice of [Grill & Bar Asian or Western Set Lunch] with additional charges), we will enter the Yoho National Park, pass by [Spiral Tunnel] This section of the Canadian Pacific Railway carries too much blood and tears of railroad workers and history. Arrive [Emerald Lake], the place where the amazing blue-green color is caused by the sunlight reflecting off the "marl" layer. This is a extraordinary natural beauty! Before ending our tour, you will be amazed by the waterfall cascading over [Natural Bridge]. Enjoy the sounds of nature as you stroll along the path that leads to the Bridge.

【Itinerary】

Calgary/Banff - Lake Louise (75 min) - Moraine Lake (45 min) - Lunch Stop at Lake Louise Village [Optional [Grill & Bar] Asian or Western Set Lunch with additional charges) (60 min) - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake (20 min) - Natural Bridge (15 min)

Lake Louise

If there is only one place you can go while you are in the Canadian Rockies, you must visit Lake Louise. Also named "Jewel of the Rockies", this world famous turquoise lake draws millions of visitors every year. This gorgeous alpine lake is embellished with Victoria Glacier as the backdrop. The rugged peaks and glaciers behind the lake makes the scenery of the lake seem as if it were a carefully designed painting.

 

Moraine Lake

Located 14 km southeast of the hamlet of Lake Louise is home to Moraine Lake, a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by the Ten Peaks, waterfalls, and rock piles. The colour of the water actually changes intensity through the summer. Explore further by canoeing to the heart of the lake, or go on a hiking adventure that will lead you to a vista giving you a birds eye view of the beautiful Moraine Lake.

 

Emerald Lake

One of the most admired destinations in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake. This gorgeous emerald coloured lake is a result of the light refracting the deposit of rock flour in the lake. Emerald Lake is surrounded by the President Range that forms a natural amphitheater with towering forested banks. If you look carefully, you might be able to spot some really cool wildlife such as marmots, bald eagle, bears, loons, and the occasional moose!

Natural Bridge

Stop at the Natural Bridge along the way and admire the Kicking Horse River as it carves a path through ancient rock. You can view the incredible natural formation from different perspectives at vantage points with interpretive displays that tell you about interesting facts about Natural Bridge. This beautiful scenery is enhanced with the scenic mountains and lush forests in the background.

 

 

Today, we will drive along [Icefields Parkway], National Geographic magazine has voted it as one of the most beautiful scenic highways on the planet. This breathtaking drive blends jaw-dropping views with pristine wilderness. Pass by the snow-capped mountain peaks of [Crowfoot Glacier]. Following the visit to [Bow Lake], the lake is a bright turquoise color which is due to the glacial runoff from Bow Glacier. Shortly after, we will come to [Peyto Lake], a must-see lake in Banff National Park for its unique maple shape or vibrant blue glacier-fed water. (Note: If the Peyto Lake is under maintenance or other force majeure, we will go to Waterfowl Lake and Big Hill as an alternative attraction.)

Next, we will arrive at [Columbia Icefield] and experience the stunning beauty of [Athabasca Glacier], the largest and oldest icefield in North America. For an unforgettable trip into this region, take a ride of [Ice Explorer - Snowcoach], and a glass-bottomed [Skywalk] for thrill-seekers. Finally, we will head to the [Athabasca Falls] the most powerful waterfalls in Jasper National Park.

【Itinerary】

Banff - Crowfoot Glacier (Pass by) - Bow Lake (20 min) - Peyto Lake (30 min) - Lunch Stop (Optional Western Lunch Box with additional fees)(60 min) - Columbia Icefield [Snowcoach & Skywalk] (Additional fees) (150 min) - Athabasca Falls (30 min)

 

Jasper National Park

Occupying over 11 000 square kilometres, Jasper National Park is the largest national park inthe Canadian Rockies and is recognized as part of UNESCO's Canadian Rocky Mountain ParksWorld Heritage Site. Jasper encompasses beautiful valleys, Columbia Icefield glaciers, lushforests, meadows and majestic mountains. Athabasca Falls is one of the most incredible andpowerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, and is a must see while you are in Jasper. MaligneCanyon is also a remarkable destination, It is thedeepest canyon in Jasper National Park withsome areas reaching 50 m deep. At Maligne Canyon you will be stunned by the magnificentview of a cascading waterfall, uniquely structured canyon walls, with mountain peaks in thedistance. Explore the ancient glaciers on the Columbia Icefield via theIce Explorer. You will beable to walk on the massive glacier and have a taste of fresh glacier water. Jasper NationalPark is a tranquil but exciting place with beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and activities for you andyour family to explore. I assure you that you will soon fall in love with the Rocky Mountains aftervisiting Jasper National Park.

Crowfoot Glacier

Attached to the Northeast side of the Crowfoot Mountain and overlooking the Bow Lake lies the Crowfoot Glacier. This huge mass of ice was named a century ago because its appearance resembled that of a three-toed crowfoot. Be sure to take lots of photos because the next time you visit Crowfoot Glacier, it might not look the same anymore!

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is a stop you will not regret taking while you are travelling across Icefield Parkway. When the lake thaws in the summer, it becomes a vivid blue colour from the glacier melt of the Crowfoot Glacier. Speaking of the Crowfoot Glacier, the Bow Lake is also the perfect place to view the Crowfoot Glacier, Wapta Icefield, bow glacier, crowfoot mountain and Mount Thompson. It really seems like the ultimate all in one package!

Icefields Parkway

Joining the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff with the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park is one of the most scenic highways in the world --- Icefields Parkway. Along the 230 km mountain road, every corner on the Icefields Parkway reveals another one of nature's splendor, from the ancient glaciers and cascading waterfalls to the vivid colours of lakes and lush forests . Many stops along the Icefields Parkway deserve a stop.

Peyto Lake

Located along the Icefields Parkway, approximately 40km north of Lake Louise is the vibrant glacier-fed lake, Peyto Lake. The lake is nestled in majestic mountain ranges which lie on each of its sides. This jaw dropping view is the best reward for an intense scrambling hike. The scenery on the viewpoint looks as if it is a carefully painted piece of art. Peyto Lake's beauty is comparable with the famous Moraine Lake without as many crowds.

Columbia Icefield

It is the world's largest ice remains outside the Arctic Circle. The glacier lies partially in Jasper, extends between summits of Mount Columbia, and reaches the paved highway of Banff. That covers approximately 230 square km. Due to the high density of ice in the glacier, sunlight cannot be refracted. This results in a crystal-like blue light radiating out of the surface, presenting a magnificent view.

Athabasca Falls

Located 30 km south of Jasper town, Athabasca Falls, is one of the most incredible and powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Although its height is not astonishing, the Athabasca falls is known for its impressive volume and force of water. This splendid waterfall is in the foreground of a stunning backdrop of lush forests, and beautiful rocky mountain ranges.

 

Depart from Jasper Hotel at approximately 08:00am in the morning. Guests will go to the [Canada National Rail VIA] station to check in by themselves. (The departure time is subject to the final notification from Jasper Railway Station, please go to the railway station to check in at least 1 hour in advance.)

The train departs at 09:30 am (there is no driver-guide service on the train), and you will start the special Rocky Mountain train Brigade - 800 kilometers of magnificent mountains and rivers along the way, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Crossing the alpine meadows, driving in the snow-capped waterfalls under the blue sky is the snow-white glaciers, having the opportunity to see the highest peak in Canada, Mount Robertson, and looking down at the emerald lake, just like the words of the literati: "The Rocky Mountains are a A temple where people can worship and purify their souls.”The sun sets, night falls, and tonight you will fall asleep in pure nature.

  

08:00 am Vancouver time; arrive at [Pacific Railway Station]. Welcome to Vancouver! After arriving at Vancouver Pacific Railway Station, the tour ends on your own.