Journey through the Clouds Discovery Drive

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver (airport transfer not included) and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper
Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. On arrival in Jasper collect your rental car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Jasper. B, L.

Day 4 Exploring Jasper National Park
Enjoy a day touring at your leisure in Jasper National Park with your rental car. Among the area’s highlights are Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistlers Mountain. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel south to Lake Louise via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Athabasca Falls, Bow Summit, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. With sightseeing stops, we recommend allowing at least eight hours for today’s drive. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff
Today, drive the scenic one-hour journey from Lake Louise to Banff. Along the way, watch for deer and elk crossing the specially constructed wildlife bridges over the highway. Alternatively, take a more leisurely drive along the Bow Valley Parkway for views of Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon (requires a short walk). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the shops, restaurants, pristine scenery and plentiful wildlife of magnificent Banff National Park. Overnight in Banff.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary
Travel through Kananaskis Country and the western ranching regions of Alberta at your own pace before arriving in Calgary. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 8 Calgary Car Rental Return
Drop off your rental car at Calgary International Airport and catch your return flight to London.

Day 9 London
Morning arrival.

Tour includes:

2 days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
2 lunches, 2 breakfasts
7 nights hotel accommodation
5 days car rental
Station and hotel transfers

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”