Diamonds in the Rough
Jewels of Rugged Western Canada
August 9 – 17, 2003
INTRODUCTION
Before the end of the 19th Century, the western region of Canada
was a mountainous wilderness where very few outsiders ventured. Then
in 1896, cries of “Gold! Gold! Gold!” sent 100,000 optimistic prospectors
stampeding toward Alaska and the Yukon, believing that vast riches
lay waiting for them. Prospectors, though, might have been too busy
panning for gold to notice what wealth lay all around them. The wild
beauty of rugged western Canada easily outstrips the value of a bunch
of shiny rocks.
After meeting in Calgary we plunge right into the
gorgeous scenery with a whitewater rafting trip on the Bow River in Kananaskis
Mountain National Park. The views of the eastern portion of the Rocky
Mountains are spectacular!
Banff National Park was founded
in 1885 after the discovery of the Cave and Basin Hot Springs. It is Canada’s
oldest and most famous national park, and we get a good look at its beauty from
high atop Sulphur Mountain.
At nearby Lake Louise we marvel
at the emerald waters of one of Canada’s most dazzling “Diamonds in the Rough.” Called
the “Hiking Capital of Canada,” this place abounds in numerous hiking and walking
trails. As for scenery, you can’t beat the area’s spectacular glaciers, forests,
mountains, and waterfalls.
After exploring Lake Louise we drive along the
most spectacular highway in the world, the “Columbia Icefields
Parkway.” Stop along the way to experience a thrilling snow-coach
ride on the Athabasca Glacier.
Smaller and a lot quieter than Banff, the town
of Jasper is the starting point for the largest and wildest
of the Canadian Rockies national parks. It is home to some of North America’s
rarest and most endangered animals, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou,
and wolves.
A highlight of this adventure will be its centerpiece—a
journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Railtrain. Billed as the “most
spectacular train trip in the world,” travel from Jasper to Vancouver with
an overnight stop in Kamloops, the gateway to the interior of
British Columbia.
Vancouver has quickly gained an
international reputation as one of the world’s liveliest cities. In short, this
unbelievably magical city has it all—from vibrant green lawns and dense tree
cover, to dazzling mountain and ocean vistas, to the culture and nightlife rivaling
any major metropolis in the world. Spend a few days here and you just might decide
to pack up everything and start a new life!
In addition to the snow-capped peaks, glistening
glaciers and sweeping vistas, the biggest allure of the Canadian Rockies is
the abundant wildlife. In this place, it seems like animals outnumber humans.
On any given day, you might glimpse moose, caribou, mountain sheep, deer, timber
wolves, or black, brown and grizzly bears.
Canoe on a placid lake, walk alongside a gentle
stream, hike gorgeous mountain trails and ride aboard one of the most scenic
railways in the world. Come with us to this incomparable land, bedecked in the
finest of nature’s jewels. You will surely feel like the richest man on earth!
ITINERARY
Saturday, August 9, 2003
Arrival in Calgary
Fly to Calgary, Alberta today, arriving by 6pm at
the latest. You will be met at the airport and shuttled to our hotel.
This evening take a brief city tour then get acquainted during a
Welcome Dinner at the Regency Palace, Canada’s largest and finest
Chinese restaurant. Afterwards enjoy a nocturnal adventure amid Calgary’s
exciting gay nightlife. (Dinner
Included)
Sunday, August 10, 2003
Bow River / Banff
This morning drive west to Kananaskis Mountain National
Park for an exciting whitewater raft trip on the Bow River (Class
3 & 4 rapids). Kananaskis is on the very edge of the eastern
portion of the Rocky Mountains, and the views are spectacular.
Continue on to Banff, the most famous tourist town
in the world. Our adventures here start with a scenic gondola ride to the top
of Sulphur Mountain. From a height of nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, enjoy
an unobstructed 360 view of some of the most memorable mountain scenery you will
ever witness! The evening is free to discover the romantic beauty of this town,
and perhaps enjoy dining at the famous, castle-like Banff Springs Hotel. (Breakfast)
Monday, August 11, 2003
Banff
Lace up your hiking shoes today to take advantage of some of Banff’s
great hiking trails. Our hike will take us high into the mountains
where the air is fresh and nature is abundant. Enjoy a picnic lunch
in the secluded wilderness, and be sure to bring a camera for the
spectacular views and possible wildlife sightings. Afterwards, ease
any aching muscles with a soak in the thermally-heated waters of
the Banff Hot Springs. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Lake Louise
After a hearty breakfast, travel to Lake Louise to see the impressive
Chateau set amid grandiose walls of ice and sheets of rock. Enjoy
free time here for canoeing on the lake, walking around its beautiful
shores, or climbing up to Agnes Lake, which overlooks the Chateau
from high above. Then enjoy High Tea in the majestic Lobby Lounge
of the Chateau with spectacular views of Victoria Glacier.
After lunch we travel north along the scenic Columbia
Icefields Parkway, making stops at the unbelievably colorful Peyto Lake (you
won’t believe its colors) and the impressive Athabasca Glacier, where we thrill
to the excitement of a snow-coach trip out onto the Glacier. We continue north,
winding our way through the mighty canyon of icefiends heading into the town
of Jasper, situated in Jasper National Park—home to some of North America’s
rarest animals, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. Upon arrival,
the rest of the day is free to explore or relax. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Jasper National Park
This morning board the Jasper Skytram and travel to the top of
the world, where they say one can see for a thousand miles. Gaze
over six mountain ranges, glacial-fed lakes, meandering rivers, and
the scenic Jasper Township. The largest jewel of the Canadia Rockies,
Mt. Robson, will be visible from here. There will be plenty of time
for an alpine hike along a gentle and one of the most scenic trails
in all the Rockies.
This afternoon visit Maligne Lake, one of the most
beautiful and famous lakes in the world. Enjoy a 90-minute boat cruise to Spirit
Island. It is said that a beautiful Indian Princess, who died of a broken heart
after her warrior husband was killed in battle, is buried here. Return to Jasper
and the rest of the day is free. (Breakfast)
Thursday, August 14, 2003
All Aboard !
Board the Rocky Mountaineer Railtrain, and get ready to be pampered
on the most spectacular train trip in the world. Enjoy stunning views
of Pyramid Falls, marvel at the vast expanses of the Albreda Icefield
glaciers, and travel through the snowy peaks of the Monoshees. Follow
the Thompson River to historic Kamloops, gateway to the interior
of Brutish Columbia, where we spend the night at hotel accommodations.
This evening we are treated to dinner and entertainment at the Two
River Junction Dinner and Musical Revue. (Breakfast
/ Lunch / Dinner)
Friday, August 15, 2003
Kamloops to Vancouver
Today rejoin the train for the continuation of our trans-mountain
journey. Pass through the Fraser Canyon, the fertile fields of the
Fraser River Valley, and the towering Coastal Mountains. Late afternoon
arrival at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, one of Canada’s
liveliest cities. We are met by our motorcoach and driver and transferred
to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore and to
enjoy the city’s gay nightlife. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Vancouver / Farewell Dinner
After a leisurely morning take a sightseeing tour of the city,
including Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park, Gas Town, and
Chinatown. See the spectacular Vancouver skyline from the water on
an afternoon harbor cruise through Canada’s “Gateway to the
Pacific”—the Burrard Inlet—taking us close to many
of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks.
This evening Toto Tours hosts a special Farewell
Dinner to mark the end of our Canadian Rockies adventure. The setting will be
the famous seafood restaurant “Bridges” on Granville Island. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast. Make your flight arrangements
to depart any convenient time today. We provide one group transfer
to the airport. (Breakfast)
