A comprehensive Alberta and British Columbia travel adventure combines the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies with the charms of the far west of Canada.  Explore the Pacific coastal cities of Victoria and Vancouver before setting off across British Columbia for the adventures that await you in Canada's majestic mountains; visit The Butchart Gardens and a new First Nations cultural complex.  Stay in world-famous Fairmont hotels and resorts in Canada's western towns and finest national parks, and see nature's wonders as an insider.  Enjoy a scenic rail journey aboard the Whistler Mountaineer, jet boat along freshwater rivers, and climb up the surface of a mighty glacier aboard an Ice Explorer - just a few highlights of your Rockies and British Columbia travel experience operating round-trip from Seattle. Day 1. Arrive Seattle - Welcome to the Emerald City. Tour begins: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel at 15.00 hrs. A transfer is included upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma Airport to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in the heart of Seattle.  We invite you to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a different view of the city this evening during a reception and dinner cruise on Lake Washington and Lake Union. Meals: D Day 2. Olympic Peninsula. Sail across Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula, and view scenic vistas en route to Port Angeles for lunch. A ferry takes you for a tranquil cruise to Vancouver Island and a two-night stay in Victoria the capital of British Columbia. Your hotel overlooks the splendid natural harbor, where sloops and catamarans line the waters. Meals: BLD Day 3. Butchart Gardens / Victoria.  Visit magnificent Butchart Gardens, featuring different styles of landscapes brilliantly aflame with thousands of flowers. Return to Victoria, where the afternoon is at your leisure. Enjoy a 'Tauck exlusive' and 'Insiders walk' through your historic hotel. Stroll along the inner harbor, shop for items unique to Canada or sample the spa and fitness center at your hotel. This friendly and charming city offers a variety of attractions to explore and unique restaurants to sample. Meals: B

Day 4. Gulf Islands / Vancouver. Ferry through the tranquil Gulf Islands - almost 200 islands of different shapes and sizes, each with its own distinct features. Arrive in Vancouver, a cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city set beneath the peaks of the Coast Mountains. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour.  Meals: BL

Day 5. Ride the Rails to Whistler. Tauck takes pride in providing special experiences that other British Columbia tours may not.  Board the Whistler Mountaineer today for a wonderful rail journey along the Sea to Sky corridor with spectacular scenery to Whistler, Canada's renowned year-round resort area.  Visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center this afternoon.  Dedicated to the history and culture of local First Nations, this 30,400-square foot complex is scheduled to open in 2008 as a showcase for Squamish and Lil'wat cultures.  Exhibits feature a Squamish longhouse and Lil'wat istken (earthen dwelling with a fire pit)   Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.  Meals: BD

Day 6. Vistas of British Columbia.  Experience another side of Western Canada as you traverse the fertile Pemberton Valley and enter the high desert in British Columbia.  Tonight stay in a hand-carfted log cabin at a rustic mountain resort in a pristine natural environment, where stunning views of the Monashee and Cariboo mountain ranges will take your breath away.  Meals: BLD

Day 7. Scenic Wonders. A jet-boating adventure* should be a part of all British Columbia tours and Tauck is pleased to include just such an excursion for your enjoyment today.  Then, journey through the Yellowhead Pass to Canada's highest mountain, lofty Mount Robson, and Jasper National Park.  Meals: BLD

Day 8. Sample the Joys of Jasper National Park.  Today is at your leisure. The lakeside resort is a "village" of cottages and cabins along picturesque pathways. You'll discover many optional activities (some at additional cost) - hiking, golfing, swimming, tennis or simply reflecting on the spectacular vistas. Additional optional activities might include white- water raft rides on the Athabasca River, a walk around Lac Beauvert, or perhaps a visit to the town of Jasper. Meals: BD

Day 9. Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway winds through a panorama of snow-domed peaks, hanging glaciers and waterfalls. Visit Athabasca Glacier for a ride on the glacier in a specially built Ice Explorer to learn about its crevasses, seracs, and other features. The valleys along the parkway are seasonal homes for wildlife; you may see deer, moose, bighorn sheep or bear along the way. Arrive late afternoon at the beautiful resort of Château Lake Louise. In the spring there is often late snow, framing the lake and glacier with lofty snowbound peaks - a memorable sight! Meals: BLD

Day 10. Lake Louise / Banff.  Drink in the views of one of Canada's most beautiful lakes and the spectacular scenery surrounding its sparkling waters before setting off to explore another part of the Banff National Park.  You'll enjoy a two night stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, truly one of Alberta's legendary hotels.  Meals: BLD

Day 11. Banff National Park. Banff is a lovely village surrounded by magnificent beauty. The day is free for you to explore Banff on your own; optional activities (at extra cost) include golf and swimming, or perhaps pampering yourself in the hotel's renowned spa. Independent sightseeing can be arranged, with shopping close at hand. Join us this evening for a farewell dinner. Meals: BD

Day 12. Journey Home. Depart the beautiful scenery of Banff National Park for the return journey to the city of Calgary. Tour ends: Calgary Airport at 10:00 AM. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in; flights direct to the United States clear United States customs in Calgary. Meals B

B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner.

Departure Dates 2009
12 Days / 11 Nights
Begins Seattle
May: 30
Jun: 11, 23
Jul: 05, 17, 29
Aug: 10, 22
Sep: 03, 15
Additional dates may become available as these sell out.

Prices 2009
Price Per Person
May 1 - 31
Twin £2729
Single £3669
Triple £2479 (twin with roll-away)

June 1 - 20
Twin £2845
Single £3785
Triple £2595 (twin with roll-away)

June 23 - August 23
Twin £2905
Single £3845
Triple £2649 (twin with roll-away)

August 26 - September 16
Twin £2845
Single £3785
Triple £2595 (twin with roll-away)

25 Meals Included.

Special Airfares – Airfare to Seattle and from Calgary is additional. Just America will be pleased to quote for transatlantic airfares - please enquire at time of booking.

Night 1 Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, WA
Nights 2 & 3 Fairmont Empress, Victoria, B.C.
Night 4 The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver, B.C.
Night 5 The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, BC
Night 6 Mike Wiegele's Hotel, Blue River, B.C.
Nights 7 & 8 Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, AB
Night 9 Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Lake Louise, AB
Nights 10 & 11 Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB