CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL AND TRAIL THE CANADIAN ROCKIES ARE A WONDERLAND of twisting peaks, jewel-colored lakes,
and glaciers that pour down from towering heights. Watch as the temperate rain forests of Vancouver give way to awe-inspiring mountain ranges on a journey along the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer railway. Then delve into Jasper and Banff National Parks, witnessing their beauty from forested valleys, craggy peaks, and powerful glaciers. EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in panoramic views of Canada’s magnificent Rockies from the glass-domed cars of the Rocky Mountaineer train. • Experience Jasper National Park from many angles, cruising Maligne Lake and soaring to the park’s summits in a skytram. • If you wish, trek across Athabasca Glacier and learn about its geology. • Explore Banff National Park alongside geologist Ben Gadd, a contributor to the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERT With a master’s degree in wildlife biology, journalist Doug Chadwick studied mountain goats among the peaks of the Rockies for seven years, and also carried out surveys of grizzly bears and the harlequin ducks that breed along the Rockies’ rivers and streams. He has reported on wildlife around the world, producing close to 50 articles for National Geographic magazine. Over the past nine years, much of his free time has been spent as a volunteer helping carry out groundbreaking wolverine research in Glacier National Park, Montana. In addition to hundreds of magazine articles, Doug has written 13 books about wildlife and conservation, including several focused on the Rocky Mountains.
I T I N E R A RY
| 7 DAYS
DAY 1 VANCOUVER, CANADA
Arrive in Vancouver midday and set off on an afternoon excursion through the city. Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, lush forests, and sandy beaches, this modern metropolis is enveloped by natural beauty. Explore Stanley Park, a stunning urban green space crisscrossed by a network of nature paths. Walk the famous Seawall—lined by temperate rain forest and the shimmering waters of Vancouver Harbour—for incredible views of the skyline. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner. WEDGEWOOD HOTEL AND SPA (D) DAY 2 ROCKY MOUNTAINEER/KAMLOOPS
Highlights along this leg of the journey include the thunderous rapids of Fraser Canyon, where up to 200 million gallons of water can flow per minute, as well as the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Disembark at Kamloops and spend the evening exploring this mountain town at your leisure. HOTEL 540 OR SANDMAN SIGNATURE KAMLOOPS HOTEL (B, L) DAY 3 ROCKY MOUNTAINEER/JASPER NATIONAL PARK
The Rocky Mountaineer brings us farther north today, entering the Canadian Rockies and offering increasingly dramatic panoramic views. We’ll ride by Pyramid Creek Falls, a glacier-fed cascade that flows out of a hanging valley, and over the Continental Divide at Yellowhead Pass. Our train voyage culminates in the moments we glide by Mount Robson; with craggy peaks reaching nearly 13,000 feet, this behemoth boasts the tallest summit in the Canadian Rockies. This evening, arrive in Jasper National Park and check in to our lakeside lodge, nestled within a forested valley in the heart of the park. FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE (B, L, D)
DOUG WILL ACCOMPANY THE JUNE DEPARTURE. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR EXPERTS ON OTHER DEPARTURES.
Transfer to the train depot this morning and board the Rocky Mountaineer, settling into one of its two-level, glass-domed coaches. As you ride the rails in luxury accommodations, enjoy breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.
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Above: National Geographic photographer Susan Seubert captured this shot of the Rocky Mountaineer while on assignment for the November 2015 National Geographic Traveler feature article “Northern Exposure.”