Calgary, Canada


PRE:ROCKY MOUNTAINEER: WONDERS OF THE WEST(6TS)

Discover the natural wonders of Western Canada’s Canadian Rockies , a gorgeous landscape of crystal clear glacier fed lakes , deep river canyons and unspoiled national parks.

NOTE: This program starts in Calgary, Alberta. Arriving flights must be into Calgary International Airport (YYC).

NOTE: Use this itinerary for suggested timings as they may change. Rocky Mountaineer will provide you with a Welcome Letter when you arrive in Calgary, which will have the most up-to-date timings and meeting information. Refer to that Welcome Letter throughout the program.

DAY 1

Upon arrival at the Calgary International Airport, you will be met by a representative that will assist in your transfer to the Hyatt Regency Calgary Hotel (or a similar hotel) located in the heart of downtown Calgary. After check-in at 12:00pm, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own. If you have an early-arriving flight, you may store luggage with the hotel concierge until check-in at the hotel.

NOTE: Rocky Mountaineer requires arrival flight details at least 3 months in advance. If your flights are not booked through Oceania Cruises, kindly make sure that we have these details so that the transfer can be arranged accordingly.

DAY 2

After your group breakfast and check out, meet your Tour Director and set off of a full-day tour ending in Banff.

Enjoy the scenery with photo stops along the way as you make your way to Banff. Once in the Banff area your tour highlights include Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Also take a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you will experience a stunning bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges.

In time, you will check in at the Fairmont Banff Springs or similar for the evening.

Dinner is included at your hotel.

DAY 3

Following an early morning group breakfast, set out for an awe-inspiring full-day Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls sightseeing. Among the highlights today are a day visit to Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Lunch at the Emerald Lake Lodge.

After this fun-filled day you will return to Banff where the remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.

Note: The Fairmont Banff Springs can provide you with a complimentary bus pass during your stay, which can take you into the town of Banff. Here you will find an array of restaurants and unique shopping opportunities. Schedules are available at the hotel’s reception and concierge desks.

DAY 4

Following an early morning shared motor coach transfer to the Banff Rail Station, you will board the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train. A gourmet breakfast will be served onboard shortly after departure.

The Rocky Mountaineer will head west through the majestic Canadian Rockies to your overnight destination of Kamloops. Highlights include passing by Craigellachie - where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels – a true engineering feat, and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

On arrival at the Kamloops station, you will be transferred by shared motor coach to your overnight accommodation (the exact hotel will be confirmed by Rocky Mountaineer approximately 7 days prior to departure and are subject to adjustment). The evening is at leisure and dinner is on your own.

DAY 5

You will re-board the Rocky Mountaineer, enjoy another gourmet breakfast on board and continue west along the banks of the Fraser River as it winds to the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver.

On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the BC Interior, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains and into the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.

At Vancouver's Rocky Mountaineer Station, you will board a shared motor coach and transfer to the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (or similar) hotel. Dinner is on your own.

Note: Please be aware that rail travel in Canada is subject to unforeseen delays. The expected arrival time in Vancouver will be between 5:30pm and 7:00pm.

DAY 6

After breakfast, you will enjoy a group tour across Lions Gate Bridge and into North Vancouver with a driver-guide. Included is admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge and a sky gondola ride to the peaks of Grouse Mountain, two of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions.

Originally built in 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. The twenty-seven-acre park also includes Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon. Treetops Adventure, seven suspension bridges through the evergreens taking you up to 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor, offers you a unique squirrel’s eye perspective of the forest. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Grouse Mountain made history in 1949 with the world’s first double chair lift which replaced a 2-3-hour trek to the summit for hikers and skiers. In 1966 the 45-passenger Grouse Mountain Sky Ride was opened which whisks passengers to its mountain station including two restaurants and a gift shop. This is North America’s largest aerial tramway and the views from the top are spectacular. Unfolding around you will be the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, the majestic mountain ranges around the city and the Gulf Islands in the distance.

DAY 7

Following a group breakfast at your hotel, depart by motorcoach for a half day sightseeing tour of Vancouver. Highlights include Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park and Granville Island. Later in the afternoon, you will be escorted by your Tour Director to the cruise ship for embarkation.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details are subject to change. The timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be issued by Rocky Mountaineer when you arrive in Calgary. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments and meeting information.

Accompanying our exclusive group will be a professional tour director that will handle every aspect of the tour so that you can truly relax and enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The tour director will check in and out of each hotel on your behalf, ensure that your luggage is in the right place at the right time, double-check all aspects of the tour and be available during daylight hours to assist you.

If you book extra nights on your own because your flight arrives before the first day of the program, transfers are not included. At this time, extra nights cannot be booked through Oceania Cruises or Rocky Mountaineer.

DAY 1

Arrive at Calgary International Airport

A Rocky Mountaineer representative will assist in to your transfer to the Hyatt Regency (or similar hotel) in Calgary.

Check-in is at noon. Although every effort will be made for rooms to be available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own.

DAY 2

7:00am-9:00am Group Breakfast

9:30am Full-day tour en route to Banff

1:00pm Ride up the Banff Gondola

3:00pm Arrive at your hotel in Banff

6:00 pm Dinner included at hotel

Overnight at the Fairmont Banff Springs or similar hotel

DAY 3

7:00am-8:00am Group Breakfast

8:30am Depart for the Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls sightseeing

Lunch included

2:00pm Return drive to Banff

3:00pm Approximate arrival back at your hotel

Afternoon at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Fairmont Banff Springs or similar hotel

DAY 4

6:45am Shared transfer from your hotel to Banff station

7:25am Check in at Banff station

7:40am Board the train – Gold Leaf Service

Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks served on board

7:00pm Arrive in Kamloops (Expected arrival is between 7pm and 9pm)

Transfer to your Kamloops hotel for the evening

Dinner on your own

Hotel is TBA

DAY 5

6:45am Shared transfers from your hotel to Kamloops train station

7:30am Board the train – Gold Leaf Service

Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks served on board

5:30pm Arrive in Vancouver (Expected arrival is between 5:30pm and 7pm)

Transfer to your hotel for the evening

Dinner is on own

Overnight at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or a similar hotel

DAY 6

7:00am-9:30am Group breakfast

10:00am-5:00pm Northshore Vancouver sightseeing with Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge

DAY 7

7:00am-9:30am Group breakfast

10:00am Half-day sightseeing tour of Vancouver

4:00pm Embarkation

Gold Leaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer Includes:

•On board hosts and culinary team (Michelin Star chefs)

•A refreshing welcome aboard toast

•Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches

•Morning scones and afternoon wine and cheese service

•Meal service in the private lower-level dining room of your dome coach

•Custom-designed bi-level dome coach with an upstairs seating area

•An exclusive outdoor vestibule to enjoy the fresh mountain air

•Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and gourmet snacks served throughout your journey

•Complimentary baggage delivery to your hotel

•Deluxe hotel accommodation in Banff and Vancouver

•Moderate (3-star) hotel accommodation in Kamloops

Expected Weather

The Rockies - Average high from May through September: 14-22 °C / 57-71°F

Kamloops - Average high from May through September: 14-23°C / 57-72°F

Vancouver - Average high from May through September: 13-18°C / 55-64°F

Luggage: The Rocky Mountaineer train allows for two pieces of luggage per person (total not to exceed 60 lbs.). Your airline policy may differ, so if you have excess luggage you may wish to consult a luggage-shipping firm and have your bags shipped from your home to the cruise terminal in Vancouver.

As a Gold Leaf Service guest, your checked luggage will travel separately from the train and will be waiting for you at your various hotel locations. There is no overhead or under-seat storage. Your carry-on bag must fit at your feet.

What to Bring: Sweaters, pants, light raincoat, lightweight summer wear, flat-soled shoes, medication, travel documents, sunglasses, camera and video camera, warm jacket and gloves for shoulder-season months.

Accessibility and Dietary Restrictions: The Rocky Mountaineer Trains and hotels are fully accessible, however advance notice of any mobility issues should be communicated when making your booking. Should you have any dietary restrictions, these will need to be communicated to Oceania Cruises in advance so that we may advise Rocky Mountaineer. Most diets, with advance notice, can be accommodated with the exception of kosher meals.

Local Currency: Canadian dollars, although U.S. dollars are accepted at most locations.

Electricity: 120V / 60Hz — same wall sockets as in the United States. Guests traveling from overseas with electric equipment should bring a travel converter.

Documents and Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens require a passport to travel into Canada. Please check your local Canadian Embassy for visa entry requirements.

Hotels

Hyatt Regency Calgary or similar

700 Centre St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6

Phone: 403-717-1234

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB, T1L 1J4

Phone: 403-762-2211

Kamloops Hotel – TBA

Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

900 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3L5

Phone : 604-691-1991

*Rocky Mountaineer will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified in advance of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•Meet and Greet at Calgary Airport and airport transfer. Flights outside will be provided with taxi vouchers.

•Services of a dedicated tour director from hotel check-in at Calgary until check-out in Vancouver

•One night in Calgary at the Hyatt Regency Calgary or similar in a standard room

•Two nights in Banff at the Fairmont Banff Springs or similar in a Fairmont room

•One-night moderate (3-star) hotel accommodation in Kamloops, hotel TBA

•Two nights in Vancouver at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or similar in a Fairmont room

•Daily breakfast and lunch onboard the train and as specified in the itinerary

•Shared transfers to or from the stations in Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver

•Two days on the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer with breakfast, lunch, snacks and

alcoholic- and non-alcoholic drinks. Gold Leaf Service.

•Gratuities for the onboard train hosts

•Group tours of Banff including Banff Gondola with driver-guide

•Group tour of Vancouver including Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain

•Mountains, lakes and waterfalls full-day tour including a visit to Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake with lunch

•A dedicated professional tour director for the entire journey (not a guide)

Transfers: Group Airport transfers are for flights within a 60-minute waiting time of each other and for a minimum of 20 passengers. Otherwise, taxi vouchers will be provided. All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up-to-date flight details. At this time extra nights cannot be booked for this program through OCI or Rocky Mountaineer.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Gratuities for motor coach drivers and guides. Gratuities are at the sole discretion of each guest

•Any meals aside from those specified within the itinerary

•Beverages during dinner in Banff

•Airport porterage, airport departure fees, passport or visa fees

•Admission to attractions other than those specified within the itinerary

•All items of a personal nature such as room service, mini bar, telephone calls and other incidentals

Please Note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces that may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change.

Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodations and transfers will be at the expense of guests.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.