Summer in the Canadian Rockies w/Rocky Mountaineer

Included Features

• Free parking and roundtrip motorcoach transportation to the Philadelphia International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare from the Philadelphia Airport to Vancouver with return from Calgary
• Roundtrip transfers – airport/hotel/train
• Eight night hotel accommodations
• 2-day Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service in the exclusive Gold Leaf bi-level dining car
• Complimentary breakfast, hot gourmet three-course lunch, snacks and drinks included on train
• 6 additional breakfasts, 2 lunches & 1 Dinner
• Sightseeing and admissions as stated in itinerary
• Onboard Host Gratuities
• Driver and guide gratuities on land portion
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcases per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Full-day Vancouver and North Shore Tour
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Grouse Mountain Skyride
• Rocky Mountaineer Train- Vancouver to Kamloops
• Rocky Mountaineer Train- Kamloops to Jasper
• Two nights at the Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park
• Columbia Icefields
• Glacier Skywalk
• Yoho National Park 
• Lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge
• Banff Gondola

Itinerary

Wednesday, August 6: Depart for Vancouver

Transfer by motorcoach from Central, PA to the Philadelphia International Airport for a flight to Vancouver, British Columbia. Hotel: Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia 

Anticipated Group Flight Schedule* (subject to change):
AA1652  PHL  6:01am    ORD   7:22am
AA1717 ORD 9:45am    YVR    12:20pm

Group air schedule is in economy class. Air upgrades are available by request only and are not guaranteed. Seat assignments are controlled by American Airlines. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. 

Thursday, August 7: Vancouver and North Shore

After breakfast, depart for a full-day sightseeing tour of Vancouver and the spectacular North Shore with breathtaking views of the city, and surrounding mountains. Highlights include Chinatown, Gastown, and Granville Island. Take a walk across the 450 ft. long/230 ft. high bridge perched across the Capilano Canyon and stroll along the Treetops Adventure, made up of seven suspension bridges through the evergreens, taking you for a squirrel’s eye view of a thriving coastal rainforest. On Grouse Mountain, take a gondola to the apex, climbing to 4,100 ft. above sea level. At the summit, take in the incredible views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean. (Breakfast)

Friday, August 8: Vancouver to Kamloops by Train

Transfer by motorcoach to the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station. Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and enjoy GoldLeaf seats for your journey from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. You’ll see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush 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 will conclude on arrival into Kamloops. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure*. Hotel: To be Announced, Kamloops, British Columbia (Breakfast, snacks, unlimited drinks, 3 course lunch aboard train)

*Due to traffic on the rail lines, the anticipated arrival into Kamloops will be between 5:30-7:30pm (subject to change). 

Saturday, August 9: Kamloops to Jasper by Train

Transfer to the Kamloops Station and board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a second day where you will continue your journey east through 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 12,972 feet, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. 

Your rail journey ends this evening on arrival in the resort town of Jasper where you will be transferred to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, situated in Alberta’s magnificent Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site*. This iconic lodge is a 700-acre year-round luxury mountain resort which wraps around the shores of pristine Beauvert Lake and Canada’s #1 Golf Resort Course. The resort’s charming village of cedar chalets and cabins, all connected by picturesque paths, offers guests unique access to explore the natural environment surrounding the resort. Hotel: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta (Breakfast, snacks, unlimited drinks, 3 course lunch aboard train)

*Due to traffic on the rail lines, the anticipated arrival into Jasper will be between 6:30-8:30pm (subject to change). 

Sunday, August 10: Jasper

After breakfast, board your private motorcoach for a half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper. Highlights include Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon and the Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. This evening dine with your group in the magnificent Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, August 11: Columbia Icefields to Banff

After breakfast, head off by private motorcoach for a full day of touring on your way to Banff. The first stop is the Athabasca Glacier which you will tour in a giant six-wheel drive Ice Explorer vehicle while your guide explains the history of this ancient glacier and points out interesting geological features. Think of it like a “monster-truck meets glacier” adventure where you learn new things. You will have an opportunity to get out and walk on the glacier! After an included lunch, its on to the Glacier Skywalk consisting of a 1,640 ft. interpretive boardwalk and a glass-floored observation platform extending 98 ft. out over the Sunwapta Valley. This Skywalk takes spectacular scenery and a rare view of nature to unbelievable heights and its award-winning architecture is a feat of contemporary design. Venture on the beautiful mountain town of Banff for a two night stay. Hotel: Hotel Canoe & Suites in a Superior Room Mountain View, Alberta (Breakfast, Lunch)

Tuesday, August 12: Banff and Yoho National Parks

After breakfast, head out for a full-day sightseeing tour of Banff and Yoho National Parks. Yoho National Park offers natural wonders like the Spiral Tunnels, the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River. Lunch will be included at the Emerald Lake Lodge. Return to your hotel in Banff where the evening is yours to enjoy and relax on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Wednesday, August 13: Banff to Calgary

After breakfast depart for a sightseeing tour from Banff to Calgary. Your tour includes a ride on the Banff Gondola. Sit back and relax in a four passenger, glass enclosed gondola, and marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges from 7,486 feet above sea level. On arrival into Calgary, check into the Hyatt Regency, located in downtown within walking distance to the city’s most exciting retail shopping, arts, culture and entertainment venues. Hotel: Hyatt Regency, Calgary, Alberta (Breakfast)

Thursday, August 14: Depart for Central, PA

After breakfast, transfer to the Calgary Airport for your flight home and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

Anticipated Group Flight Schedule* (subject to change):
AA2521  YYC  8:19am    DFW   1:00pm
AA0410  DFW 3:05pm    PHL    7:24pm

Group air schedule is in economy class. Air upgrades are available by request only and are not guaranteed. Seat assignments are controlled by American Airlines. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. 

Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Tour Activity Level: 3
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this tour.

As travel policies are rapidly changing, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. 

* Canada reserves the right to deny entry to anyone with a felony conviction, including a DUI record. AAA is not responsible if you are denied entry to Canada and no refund will be provided.

Payment

A deposit of $1,750 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by May 23, 2025.

Cancellation/Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus cancellation fees listed below

From March 1 - May 23, 2025-   $1,750 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees

After May 23, 2025-                    NON-REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Insurance 

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights schedules may contain code share agreements.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for this region in August average in the 70s with cooler morning and evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended.

Baggage

Due to limited space while touring, all passengers are limited to one checked bag no more than 50lbs. You may also bring a small carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Soft sided carry on bags no larger than 17"x14"x4" with a zippered enclosure are recommended. Wheeled carry-on cases that are used as carry-on luggage on airlines are too large and are not suitable as hand-carried luggage. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges will be directly assessed by the airlines or the airport.

Travel Assistance 

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP8225

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