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Yellowhead Discovery (Includes Car Rental)

6 Nights/7 Days

A magnificent rail and drive vacation that combines the Rocky Mountaineer Yellowhead Route with the mountain town of Jasper and spectacular lodge accommodation at Emerald Lake Lodge, a jewel hidden amid the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival

Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River, before you ease along the shores of Kamloops Lake into your overnight destination, Kamloops.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper

Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) as well as the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Overnight at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 4 Jasper National Park

Today is free to explore Jasper National Park with your rental car. Among the highlights are Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistler’s Mountain. Overnight at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 5 Jasper to Emerald Lake

Your journey continues south for four hours along the Icefields Parkway to the Emerald Lake. Allow time to visit highlights such as Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of snow and ice south of the Arctic Circle. Here take the opportunity to ride in a specially designed “Ice Explorer” to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier (not included). Overnight at Emerald Lake Lodge.

Day 6 Emerald Lake

Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, Emerald Lake Lodge includes a formal dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms. An oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s Yukon saloon highlights the lounge. From the upper and lower large verandahs, the visions nature presents are stunning. In addition to the 500 kilometres (300 miles) of hiking trails surrounding the Lodge, canoe rental are also available. Overnight at Emerald Lake Lodge.

Day 7 Emerald Lake to Calgary

After a morning of relaxation, depart the lodge for your drive through Banff National Park to Calgary allowing time to visit Lake Louise and Banff en route. Your Yellowhead Discovery vacation ends with the return of your rental car in downtown Calgary or Calgary airport.

Itinerary is also available in reverse.

Experience Includes:

2 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf or GoldLeaf Service
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
6 nights accommodation
4 day full-size car rental, including one-way drop charges and unlimited kilometres
GPS, including audio commentary
Exclusive Attractions Pass
§ Rail stations transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper

Day	Overnight	Activities
1	Vancouver	Arrive in Vancouver
2	Kamloops	Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
3	Jasper	Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper. Pick-up rental car
4	Jasper	Jasper National Park sightseeing
5	Emerald Lake	Drive to Emerald Lake
6	Emerald Lake	Free day at Emerald Lake
7		Return rental car in Calgary. Vacation ends