Canadian Rockies by Train
Presented by Southern Arkansas University Foundation

Day 1: Monday, July 12, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia - Tour Begins

Join Collette Vacations for a remarkable journey through Alpine vistas, stunning landscapes, charming towns and beautiful lakes. Explore the beautiful Canadian Rockies by train. Your adventure begins in Vancouver.

Day 2: Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Vancouver - VIA Rail

Enjoy a memorable breakfast at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, taking in the fascinating sight of people “walking on treetops,” making their way across the swaying planks. A sightseeing tour of Vancouver begins at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest, and continues to Chinatown, the city’s waterfront, and Gastown, a turn-of-the-century center comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and the world-famous steam-powered clock, perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding VIA Rail’s The Canadian to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your private accommodations.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 3: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
VIA Rail - Jasper, Alberta

Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car as your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the Dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway. Settle into Fairmont’s Jasper Park Lodge for a relaxing two night stay.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 4: Thursday, July 15, 2010
Jasper

Begin your day with a trip to the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper's most spectacular landmarks. Later, behold the picture-perfect sparkling waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, where you can embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Return to Jasper with leisure time to explore this lovely town.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 5: Friday, July 16, 2010
Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise

Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing en route to Lake Louise. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway! Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas – so have your camera handy! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. At the Columbia Icefields, enjoy a fun ride* across a mass of glacial ice over 1,000 feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Peyto Lake – a turquoise glacier-fed lake that evokes pure serenity – before arriving in Lake Louise. Enjoy a stay at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Lake Louise - Banff

En route to Banff, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. The jagged Ten Peaks are distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Arrive in charming Banff and visit a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. Arrive at the grand Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Mountains,” for a luxurious two night stay.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Sunday, July 18, 2010
Banff

Set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and impressive Hoodoos – known as the “Land of the Sleeping Giants.” During an afternoon at leisure, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Monday, July 19, 2010
Banff - Calgary

Head to the cosmopolitan city of Calgary for the final stop on your scenic adventure. Tonight, join your new friends during a special farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 9: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Calgary - Depart for Home


Collette Logo

July 12 - July 20, 2010

Highlights...
British Columbia • Vancouver • VIA Rail • Jasper • Columbia Icefields • Lake Louise • Banff • Calgary •

9 Days • 13 Meals:
7 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 5 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $4379
Single $5729

Triple $4329

*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Little Rock Regional Airport, Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $235 per person, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $75 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers.
Click Here for Details


YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Westin Bay Shore, Vancouver, BC
DAY 2
  The Canadian, VIA Rail
DAY 3 - 4
  Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, AB
DAY 5
  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, AB
DAY 6 - 7
  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, AB
DAY 8
  Westin Hotel Calgary, Calgary, AB

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.


Experience It!
Experience Canada - VIA Rail


Listen to the peaceful sounds of a bygone era while natural beauty dances to life before your eyes in a scenic wonderland; it’s a veritable journey back in time as you travel from Vancouver to Jasper. Relax and discover the delight of overnight training aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian. Heralded in 1955 as “the first and only all-stainless steel ‘dome’ streamliner in Canada,” The Canadian has been exceeding passenger expectations ever since. Enjoy first-class meals and awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies vistas during the day. Spend the night in the comfort of your own bed inside a private sleeping room that includes a private bath. From the moment you board VIA Rail’s The Canadian, you’ll embrace the nostalgia of a golden era; rail lines trace history while whisking travelers through scenery far removed from the highway.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Jeanie Bismark
Southern Arkansas University Foundation
(870) 235-4991


Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• *Some attractions may not be available during the "off-season" months (weather permitting) and is reflected in the rate. Glacier Experience is weather permitting throughout the travel season. Order of sightseeing is subject to change. The number of single accommodations is limited on this tour. An overnight bag is necessary for your train experience aboard VIA Rail. Maximum elevation: 7,000 feet.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.