Rockies Highlights by Train
Presented by Athens State University

Day 1: Monday, October 11, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia - Tour Begins

Day 2: Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Vancouver - VIA Rail
A sightseeing tour of beautiful Vancouver begins at Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest that meets the sea. Visit Chinatown – one of the largest in North America – and explore its waterfront. Next, enjoy a visit to Gastown, a turn-of-the-century town comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and its world-famous steam-powered clock, which is 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 in your private accommodations.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Wednesday, October 13, 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 at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 4: Thursday, October 14, 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 for personal exploration.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 5: Friday, October 15, 2010
Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Banff
Today you’ll journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas! 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. En route to Banff, view 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. Upon arriving in Banff, visit a local ammonite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. Settle in at the world-famous “Castle in the Rockies,” Fairmont’s Banff Springs Hotel, for a relaxing three night stay.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Saturday, October 16, 2010
Banff - Yoho National Park - Banff
Enjoy a day trip to Yoho National Park, named by the Cree (using their expression for “awe”). See the Spiral Tunnels cut through the mountains during the railroads development and learn about the train system in Canada. Next, enjoy a visit to Fields, a cozy town known for its charm, nestled in the grand Canadian Rockies. Later, travel along Kicking Horse River and enjoy a visit to the Natural Bridge to learn how this amazing limestone rock formation was created. Continue your journey along the river and enjoy some time to explore spectacular Emerald Lake, named for the vibrant green color of its water. Then, enjoy a visit to the beautiful Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. Enjoy some leisure time before leaving Yoho National Park and returning to the village of Banff.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 7: Sunday, October 17, 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’ll take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown, stopping in some of its chic boutiques or cafes.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Monday, October 18, 2010
Banff - Calgary
Depart for the cosmopolitan city of Calgary for the final stop on your scenic adventure. Tonight, toast new friendships and memories during a special farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Calgary - Depart for Home
Today you will depart for home with a lifetime of memories.
Collette Logo
October 11 - October 19, 2010

Highlights...
Vancouver • VIA Rail’s The Canadian • Icefields Parkway • Banff • Yoho National Park •

9 Days • 11 Meals:
6 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 4 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $3314
Single $4114
Triple $3264

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

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC
DAY 2
  Via Rail's The Canadian, Train/Via
DAY 3 - 4
  Sawridge Hotel, Jasper, AB
DAY 5 - 7
  Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB
DAY 8
  Westin 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 as rail lines trace history while whisking you through scenery far removed from the highway.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Trish Di Lullo
 Athens State University
(256) 216-3319

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• 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.
• *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 stay aboard VIA Rail. Maximum elevation: 7,500 feet.
• 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.