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Alberta/British Columbia

The Best of the Rockies by Rail: Western Canada's Splendor

Program No. 3748RJ

Journey to the heart of the Canadian Rockies by train — and glass-enclosed gondola! — discovering ancient glaciers, unique wildlife, isolated towns and stunning alpine views.

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Itinerary

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Duration

12 days

11 nights

What's Included

26 meals ( 11B, 8L, 7D )

5 expert-led lectures

12 expert-led field trips

An experienced Group Leader

11 nights of accommodations

Taxes and customary gratuity

Road Scholar Assurance Plan

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Day

Arrive Calgary, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Meals: D

Stay: Best Western Plus Port O'Call Calgary Airport Hotel

Activity Note

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon:

Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and have good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day

Calgary History, Explore Calgary, Transfer to Banff

Location: Banff, Alberta

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: The Rimrock Resort Hotel

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 85 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking approximately 1/2 mile, periods of standing.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will be joined by a local expert who will give us a lighthearted introduction to Canada’s history and culture. We’ll learn about who Canadians are and why they came out West to build the city of Calgary. We’ll then board a motorcoach to explore several significant sites that tell the story of evolution from Mohkinstsis — the Blackfoot name for the camp that became Calgary — into the modern city. Among the highlights will be the geologic remnants of the Ice Age. We’ll also take a stroll through the downtown area to learn about some of the historic buildings and contemporary public art.

Lunch:

At a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Next, we’ll ride to Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with expert commentary by our Group Leader. During a scenic drive, we’ll see the grandeur of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, and, perhaps, even some wildlife. Banff National Park was the first national park in the country and fostered the beginnings of the national park system in Canada. Upon arrival at our hotel, we will check in with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure. You might like to go out and explore the town of Banff independently, walk along local trails, swim at local hot springs, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.

Day

Banff Geology, Cave & Basin, Sulphur Mountain Gondola

Location: Banff, Alberta

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: The Rimrock Resort Hotel

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles throughout the day, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; pavement, boardwalks, several sets of stairs at Cave and Basin Historic Site. Maximum elevation of Sulphur Mountain 8,041 feet.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will set out by motorcoach on a field trip to learn about the history and geology of the Canadian Rockies with a local expert at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. We’ll gain insights into the natural forces that formed the rugged landscape of the Rocky Mountains and the differences between the Front and Main Ranges. We’ll also learn what is meant by the “Ring of Fire,” the role of plate tectonics in the area, and about the healing splendor of the hot springs at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Lunch:

At a nearby restaurant.

Afternoon:

Next, we’ll ride to Sulphur Mountain and glide to the summit (weather permitting) in four-passenger gondolas. At a height of 8,041 feet, we’ll have a bird eye’s view of the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies before returning to the hotel.

Dinner:

At a local restaurant.

Evening:

At leisure.

Day

Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake

Location: Banff, Alberta

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: The Rimrock Resort Hotel

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 2 hours over the course of the day; flat lakeside trail, no elevation gain.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will set out with a local expert for a walking field trip to experience some of the foremost geological highlights of the Rockies at Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. We’ll learn about the area’s natural history in trailside discussions with a local expert.

Lunch:

At a scenic spot, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon:

For our next expert-led field trip, we’ll walk to Emerald Lake and stop at the Spiral Tunnels. We’ll learn about the interesting plant species to be found here and about the Burgess Shale quarries along Fossil Ridge. As we go, we’ll observe the various landscapes along the way including avalanche paths, pine forests, and the rainforest.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure.

Day

Whyte Museum, Moore Home, Afternoon Tea, Free Time

Location: Banff, Alberta

Meals: B,L

Stay: The Rimrock Resort Hotel

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 4 miles throughout the day, approximately1/4 hour riding time. Walking approximately 1/2 mile indoors and out, periods of extended standing.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the 1931 home of artists and Whyte Museum founders, Peter and Catharine (Robb) Whyte, whose home illuminates their simple yet classic mountain style. The Canadian Rockies art and artifacts they collected recognizes the relationship between newcomers and the original inhabitants of the area, the Stoney Nakoda people. We’ll then journey back a generation to absorb the rustic elegance enjoyed by collectors Phillip and Pearl (Brewster) Moore in their 1907 home. This field trip provides an intimate look at both homes and the intriguing people who lived in them.

Lunch:

We will ride to the world-recognized Banff Springs Hotel for afternoon tea.

Afternoon:

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

Dinner:

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening:

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day

Icefields Parkway

Location: Jasper, Alberta

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Tonquin Inn

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles throughout the day, approximately 5 hours total riding time with stops.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will board a motorcoach and ride along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. The highway follows a lake-and-river lined valley between the Eastern Main Ranges that make up the Continental Divide where water flows from one slope west to the Pacific Ocean, from another east to the Arctic Ocean, and another north to Hudson Bay. The Group Leader will provide expert commentary on the landscape and share historical accounts. We’ll also make several stops along the way to take photos.

Lunch:

At a scenic spot, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon:

We’ll continue our motorcoarch exploration of the Icefields Parkway while making our way to Jasper where we will check in to the hotel. En route we will stop at scenic overlooks to enjoy the turquoise lakes, mountain-framed valleys and raging waterfalls.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure.

Day

Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake, Maligne Canyon

Location: Jasper, Alberta

Meals: B,L

Stay: Tonquin Inn

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking approximately 2 miles, periods of standing; paved and maintained trails.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will gather for a lecture by an expert naturalist who will discuss the ecology of Jasper National Park. We’ll then board a motorcoach with our expert and set out on an exploration of the park including Pyramid Lake and Maligne Canyon. We’ll learn about its formation during the glacial ages.

Lunch:

At a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

We’ll learn about the cultural history of Jasper National Park in a presentation by an expert. The park encompasses more than 4,200 square miles with an abundance of wildlife including wolves and grizzly bears. We’ll then have some time for independent exploration. You might like to visit the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives that highlights area history. The Historical Gallery includes exhibits about the fur trade, pioneers, and the railway.

Dinner:

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening:

At leisure. Prepare for early morning check-out and transfer. Pack everything you will need for the day — including medications — in a small bag (not to exceed 16" x 11" x 8") to take on the train where it will be stowed under the seat. Other luggage will be transported to the Kamloops hotel.

Day

Rocky Mountaineer Train to Kamloops

Location: Kamloops, British Columbia

Meals: B,L

Stay: Kamloops Hotel TBA

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; boarding a train that will take us from Jasper to Kamloops, a ride of about 275 miles, approximately 9.5 hours.

Breakfast:

In the train dining car.

Morning:

We will board the Rocky Mountaineer with Gold Leaf Service to Kamloops then settle in for our comfortable ride. Train staff will provide expert commentary as we go. The bi-level dome coach with large glass windows will offer excellent views of the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies. The route from Jasper to Kamloops goes along the Thompson River and through the Monashee Mountains. We’ll also pass Pyramid Falls and the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, that reaches a height of 12,972 feet.

Lunch:

In the train dining car.

Afternoon:

Our train journey to Kamloops will continue. The city’s name comes from the First Nations word Kahm-o-loops, meaning “meeting of the waters” that aptly describes the city’s location at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. We will check in to our hotel upon arrival in Kamloops.

Dinner:

On your own to have what you like in Kamloops. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening:

Day

Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Meals: B,L

Stay: Sutton Place Hotel

Activity Note

Getting on/off a train; riding about 285 miles, approximately 9.5 hours from Kamloops to Vancouver.

Breakfast:

In the dining car.

Morning:

Gold Leaf train service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer will take us to Vancouver. We’ll ride along the Thompson River and the Fraser River and through the dramatic Fraser Canyon. As we go, we’ll marvel at the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains, then pass into the fertile farmland of the Fraser Valley. Expert commentary will tell us about the interplay of geology, glacial history, ecology, and human history that has shaped the diverse land.

Lunch:

In the dining car.

Afternoon:

As the train moves along to Vancouver, we’ll hear about the history, development, and struggles of building the Canadian Pacific Railway, nicknamed the “Iron Road.” We’ll check in to the hotel upon arrival.

Dinner:

On your own to enjoy the flavors of Vancouver. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening:

At leisure.

Day

History of Vancouver, Museum of Vancouver

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Meals: B,D

Stay: Sutton Place Hotel

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to approximately 2 miles; pavement, museum flooring.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will be joined by a local expert for a lecture focusing on the history and evolution of Vancouver into a modern and progressive city. We’ll then board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip to explore Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, and False Creek as we ride to Granville Island.

Lunch:

On your own to have what you like on Granville Island.

Afternoon:

Back aboard the motorcoach, we will ride to the Museum of Vancouver where the educational department staff will then lead us on an examination of the museum’s exhibits followed by some time to explore independently.

Dinner:

At a local restaurant.

Evening:

At leisure. You might like to set out and see more of Vancouver on your own or just relax.

Day

Vancouver Walking Field Trip, Free Time, Farewell Dinner

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Meals: B,D

Stay: Sutton Place Hotel

Activity Note

Walking up to 2 miles; city streets and sidewalks.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We’ll set out with a local expert on a walking field trip to explore some of Vancouver’s historic landmarks, architecture, and parks. We’ll learn about the extraordinary evolution of the city as we traverse from downtown to the vibrant waterfront.

Lunch:

On your own to sample the many diverse culinary experiences available.

Afternoon:

Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most. You might like to explore Stanley Park and Vancouver’s famous seawall or another part of the beautiful city. The Stanley Park Seawall rings the peninsula of Stanley Park for a distance of 5.5 miles. You can walk or bike where you please.

Dinner:

At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening:

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day

Program Concludes

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Meals: B

Activity Note

Hotel check-out 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast:

At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning:

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

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Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.

May 18 - May 29, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Travel in Gold Leaf Service in bi-level glass domed coach; meals served in dining car.

The Best of the Rockies by Rail: Western Canada's Splendor

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

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