Journey Through the Clouds Rail & Heli Adventure | Rocky Mountaineer

Day 1 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky MountaineerAll aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 2 Kamloops to Jasper | Rocky MountaineerBack onboard the Rocky Mountaineer follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions.Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake TourExperience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake.Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its WildlifeAdmire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight.Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca RiverExperience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Athabasca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife throughout this gentle adventure.Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking TourEmbark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike.Option 5. Upgrade Option: Maligne Valley Sightseeing + Boat CruiseThis Jasper tour starts with a brief town overview before crossing the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. Discover the majestic Maligne Canyon's waterfalls and the enigmatic "disappearing" Medicine Lake. The highlight is a trip to stunning Maligne Lake, including an interpretative boat cruise to Spirit Island. Experience firsthand the beauty that captured adventurer Mary Schaeffer's heart a century ago, and has since become world-renowned.

Day 4 Jasper to Banff | Sightseeing with picnic lunchYour sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice at the Glacier Adventure (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (picnic lunch included today)

Day 5 Banff to CMH Heli Hiking Lodge | Coach / HelicopterDepart Banff this morning for the two hour motorcoach transfer to the Bugaboos Helipad. Light breakfast snacks are provided. We travel through Banff and Kootenay National Parks enroute to our destination. On arrival at the helipad prepare for the quick flight to Bugaboo Lodge. Meet the Lodge Manager who assigns you your room and directs you to the equipment room where you are outfitted with all the necessary gear for the next few days. You will then have lunch in the lodge. Following a helicopter safety talk, fly up for an afternoon of hiking in some of the world’s most stunning mountains. Return back to the lodge later in the day for après-hiking appetizers and relaxation. (lunch & dinner included)

Day 6-7 CMH Lodge | Heli HikingAfter an optional stretch class make your way up to the dining room for a delicious and hearty breakfast. Then pack your lunch for the day from the selection of sandwiches, beverages, fruit, cookies and other items set out for you. You’ll be divided into groups according to the activity level and adventure you’ve chosen. After breakfast each day, set out by helicopter with your guide to spend the day exploring the immense variety of landscapes. Choose classic hiking, walking or one of our adventure trails such as the Skyladder Via Ferrata and the Bugaboo Spires Glacier Trek. After a memorable day, fly back to the lodge for snacks and beverages; have a massage (not included), take in the sauna or outdoor hot tub before dinnertime. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 8 CMH Heli Hiking Lodge to Calgary | Helicopter / CoachShortly after breakfast, prepare for departure. Once everyone is down at the helipad the CMH arranged ground transportation retraces the journey through Kootenay and Banff National Parks to Banff. Following the Trans-Canada Highway, depart the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Arrive at Calgary airport where your vacation ends. (breakfast & packed lunch included)