Day 1 - Arrival/Calgary to Kananaskis or Banff
You might choose the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, located just 60 miles west of Calgary. As the foothills give way to the Rockies, you’ll find some of the most stunning scenery you’re ever likely to run across; mountains, meadows, lakes and plains filled with wild flowers.  The rooms at the lodge are spacious, designed with family travel in mind.  Or you may choose to stay in the bustling alpine village of Banff.  The town is filled with shops and restaurants.  The Buffalo Mountain Lodge lets you enjoy all the activities that Banff has to offer in a setting that is restful and serene.    
Overnight – Delta Lodge at Kananaskis or The Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Day 2 - Kananaskis or Banff at Leisure
The breathtaking aura of the Rockies is yours to revel in today.  You can explore the village of Banff, where you can see Bow Falls, Hoodoos and take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.  Hike beautiful Johnson Canyon, go river rafting, golf or relax in the refreshing mountain air.   
Overnight – Delta Lodge at Kananaskis or The Buffalo Mountain Lodge 

Day 3 – Banff to Lake Louise
As you travel in the Canadian Rockies you come to realize that many of the names you have seen are those of glaciers, resting in mountains high above the valley floor.  In summer, their slow steady melting creates lakes with color to rival the finest jewel.  You begin your day traveling past jagged mountains and lush valleys as we drive along the meandering Bow Valley Parkway, to spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.  Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is a small lake of incredible color.  It is often debated if Moraine Lake or Lake Louise has the most beautiful color.  You can soon decide for yourself, as your final destination, the Deer Lodge, is a short walk from the magnificent waters of Lake Louise.  Your travels today can also take you into Yoho National Park in British Columbia.  Here you will see first hand, breathtaking waterfalls, emerald lakes and awe-inspiring mountain tunnels known as “The Spiral Tunnels” — One of the Canadian Pacific Railways' engineering feats!   Stop at Takakkaw Falls, a Cree Indian word for “awesome”. The glacier fed stream which feeds these falls runs a mere quarter of a mile before plunging straight down more than a thousand feet into the Yoho Valley. Stop and explore a natural rock bridge before making your way to The Deer Lodge.  Rustic by intent, Deer Lodge offers a picture perfect setting. 
Overnight – Deer Lodge, Heritage Room

Day 4 – Lake Louise to Jasper
Today, travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops for your consideration would be - Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on the shores of stunning Bow Lake for a wonderful view of the Crowfoot Glacier. This one-time trapper’s lodge is rich with history in one of the most picturesque settings in the Rockies. Plan to visit Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier.  Here you have an opportunity to go out onto the Icefield Field in a specially designed Ice Explorer.  From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. Stop at Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.  Continue to the Sawridge Inn in Jasper, where the staff is waiting to welcome you and assist with your check in arrangements.
Overnight – Sawridge Inn

Day 5 – Jasper at Leisure
The scenery in and around Jasper is remarkable.  We highly recommend the drive to Maligne Lake and consider a cruise to Spirit Island.
Overnight – Sawridge Inn

Day 6 - Jasper to Vancouver aboard VIA Rail
Your train departs this afternoon, so you have your morning available to explore Jasper.  Consider a visit to the lovely Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.  Your train departs at 3:30 this afternoon, so plan to be at the station one hour prior to your departure.  The Budget office is a short walk from the station.  We suggest you drop one person and bags at the station and return your car to the Budget office.  You can walk back to the station or the Budget staff will take you in their van.  

It is quiet a thrill to take the train from Jasper, as you view the mountains from a prospective that can’t be experienced any other way.  The long summer days ensure that you have lots of mountain views before dinner.  Once you board the train, find a seat in the domed skyline car.  The scenery out of Jasper is breathtaking.  The VIA Rail staff will be on hand to assist with your every need. Your bedroom is VIA Rail’s “top of the line” accommodation.  Your sitting room by day converts to upper and lower berths at night. As a Silver and Blue Class passenger, your fare includes all meals, use of any of the lounges and access to the skyline car for spectacular viewing.
Overnight - Spent aboard VIA Rail

Day 7 - Arrive Vancouver
You are scheduled for an early morning arrival into Vancouver.  Take a taxi to your hotel.  The cost will be $8.00 to $11.00 Canadian.  Due to your early arrival, your room may not be available for check-in.  If that is the case, leave your bags at the hotel and set out to explore Vancouver.  Use your Double Decker Attractions Loop Tour to explore Vancouver. The “hop-on hop-off” Double Decker Attractions Loop Tour conveniently allows you to spend as much time as you like at all of Vancouver’s most popular attractions – or ride the entire 2-hour loop for a quick introduction of the city.  Each Double Decker ticket is good for any two days and allows you to board the authentic British double-decker coach for fun and easy transport between attractions.  Pick-up or drop-off at 21 attractions and sites, including Robson Street, Stanley Park, Canada Place, Granville Island, Yaletown, Chinatown and Gastown. 
Overnight – Renaissance Harbourside

Day 8 – Vancouver Home
Please check with the front desk for the exact pickup point and time for the shuttle bus to the airport. Present the enclosed voucher to the driver.  We hope you enjoyed your visit to Canada, and that it will be one of many trips to the “World Next Door” Thank you for choosing Cartan Tours.