Setting out from Calgary aboard the lovingly restored Royal Canadian Pacific, we trace the historic rail route through the Canadian Rockies, while relaxing and dining in style in our private cars, stopping each day to bike or walk at Emerald Lake, the Crowsnest Pass, Banff and Lake Louise.
Our TrainThe Royal Canadian Pacific, the elegant train from which we bike and hike the Rockies, has a solid pedigree. Riding through mountains in the mahogany-panelled dining car, you return to the golden age of luxurious rail travel.
Of course, this is a B&R rail journey so we don’t just sit and admire the passing scenery. In the Alberta foothills, for example, we stop the train to enjoy a wonderful bike ride along quiet valley roads. And from a private pullover by the shores of Crowsnest Lake, we hike among rugged peaks to reach a dramatic cascading waterfall.
This unique Rockies journey offers incredible mountain vistas and chances to view wildlife in places where no roads have ever penetrated and few travellers have ventured on foot. Our route includes such Rockies landmarks as Fernie, Field, Emerald Lake, Banff and perennially beautiful Lake Louise. In the comfort of well-appointed rail cars, dining on white linen and enjoying acclaimed personal service, we relive an elegant past. And then on remote roads and pristine trails, we immerse ourselves in some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.
DAY ONE: Setting Out
DAY TWO: Emerald Lake and The Kicking Horse River
DAY THREE: Lake Windermere
DAY FOUR: The Height of the Rockies
DAY FIVE: The Continental Divide
DAY SIX: Homeward Bound
Board the train from it’s own pavilion right at Calgary’s Palliser Hotel. Our first bike ride begins at the headwaters of the Bow River and takes us to majestic Lake Louise. At the end of the ride either rejoin the train immediately or walk about a kilometre to Ross Lake to meet it there. After descending through the eerie Spiral Tunnels and to the historic town of Field where our train stops for the night.
Overnight: Royal Canadian Pacific Train
The Biking: A 32 km bike ride, plus an optional 5 km walk.
Cycle toward Emerald Lake--the jewel of the Rockies--where we’ll hike along its ancient shores. Navigate Kicking Horse River’s rapids or choose a scenic hike instead. Another glorious dining experience aboard our train en route to Golden.
Overnight: Royal Canadian Pacific Train
The Activity: A 16 km bike ride and 5 km hike, plus whitewater rafting
Ride a shaded trail winds through the forest along the canyon edge of Bugaboo Falls. Follow the wetlands surrounding the Columbia River, home to over 250 species of birds. Take a dip in Lake Windermere. Stroll up to the small resort town of Invermere to visit its art galleries or take in a local pub.
Overnight: Royal Canadian Pacific Train
The Activity: A 20 km bike ride and 3 km hike.
Options today include more hiking and golf
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll journey through the Rocky Mountain Trench. Disembark in Fernie for a hike that may include exploring a recently vacated black bear den, or a stroll through an old growth forest. Dinner will be served back on the train as we roll through the mountains, passing through tunnels and over passes that will afford some incredible photography.
Overnight: Royal Canadian Pacific Train
The Walking: Today’s hike is between 10 and 16 km
Our train sets out, following Crowsnest River through many historic towns such as Coleman, Blairmore and Frank. We’ll gradually leave the mountains and journey into rolling prairie foothills. Cycle along the edge of the Oldman Reservoir, passing wheat fields, wind turbines and a bison ranch, the Rocky Mountains providing an impressive backdrop for the ride. Cap off with our farewell banquet, as we’re carried across the prairies for our return to Calgary.
Overnight: The Fairmont Palliser, Calgary
The Biking: A 32 km bike ride
After breakfast at the hotel, we say our farewells.
6 days / 5 nights
Click Here for more information on other great Biking and Walking Vacations with Butterfield & Robinson
Start / Finish: Calgary
Activity Level: Moderate
Biking: 10-20 miles a day in rolling alpine valleys
Walking: 2-8 miles a day on well-maintained mountain trails
Price: us$6,995 per person, based on double occupancy
us$ 300 single supplement
2006 Departures: June 11
Itineraries
Royal Canadian Rockies Experience |
Royal Fly Fishing Adventure |
Royal Clubhouse Golf Excursion
Rockies by Rail with Butterfield & Robinson |
Culinary, Wine & Music Experience |
Pacific Express -- Anniversary Departure
Private Train Charters
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To check availability or receive additional information on The Royal Canadian Pacific, drop us a note, or call.... 800-777-7739 |
reprinted with permission of the Royal Canadian Pacific
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