A Deluxe Rail Journey Across Canada:
August 11-19, 2003
Itinerary
Day 1, August 11
Arrival in Toronto (D)
Arrive into Toronto's airport today and transfer on your own to our hotel, the Fairmont Royal York, a historic rail hotel. The biggest hotel in the British Empire when it was built in 1929, its location just across from the Toronto train station is a perfect start to our tour. After check-in, you may explore Canada's largest city on your own. The city offers some wonderful shopping, as well as many cultural attractions including the famous Royal Ontario Museum, the Fine Arts Museum of Ontario and the Science Centre of Ontario. For a great view of the city, head to the top of the CN tower, the world's highest free-standing structure.In the early afternoon, meet our tour leader, Karl Zimmermann, rail historian and author, who will lead a tour of Toronto's streetcar system and the Toronto Island ferries. The tour will provide just a sample of this city's fantastic public transportation system.
This evening meet all of your fellow travelers at a welcome wine and cheese reception and slide/lecture given by Mr. Zimmermann, which will feature the history of the Canadian and its route, in preparation of our exciting journey tomorrow. A three-course dinner will follow.
Overnight: Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
Day 2, August 12
The Canadian (B, L, D)
Transfer to Union Station this morning to board the legendary Canadian, VIA Rail's flagship train. Today you will discover for yourself why IRT's editors have chosen the Canadian twice as one of the top rail experiences in the world. We will use the top class of service - Silver and Blue Class - on the Canadian. Today we travel north across southern Ontario's farmlands. And soon after departure, you can enjoy breakfast in the diner.Settle into your deluxe compartment and enjoy the passing scenery. This afternoon we will enter the great Canadian Shield, a 900-mile region of rock, forest and lakes. Lunch and dinner will also be served on board today. After dinner you may choose to have a drink in the Park Car for more time to chat with other IRT members. Enjoy a restful night's sleep on board.
Overnight, VIA Rail's Canadian, Silver & Blue Class Service
Day 3, August 13
The Canadian (B, L, D)
Watch the scenery change as we continue our journey west aboard the Canadian. After mid-afternoon arrival into Winnipeg, we'll traverse the great plains of central Canada 800 miles to Edmonton, where we're scheduled to arrive early tomorrow morning. Enjoy all meals on board again today. Dining in the Canadian's diner is an experience in itself, a highlight of the trip, with its subtle beauty linens, mirrors and the golden glow of subdued lighting. Full-length glass panels are etched with images of chickadees, kingfishers and other birds. The menu is delicious and varied with choices such as veal chop, breast of duck, grilled Arctic char with duchess potatoes, sautéed strips of zucchini and sweet red pepper. Rich desserts top off the meals.Overnight, VIA Rail's Canadian, Silver & Blue Class Service
Day 4, August 14
The Canadian; arrival in Jasper (B, L, D)
Departing from Edmonton this morning, we begin approaching the Rockies, as the flat terrain gives way to rolling foothills and mountains in the distance. Arrival into Jasper is scheduled for mid-afternoon. Jasper National Park, established in 1907, is the largest of Canada's mountain parks at 4,200 square miles. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the Jasper Park Lodge, our home for the next two nights. Dinner tonight will be in the hotel's beautiful dining room.Overnight: Jasper Park Lodge
Day 5, August 15
Maligne Lake cruise; Jasper Tramway (B, D)
Today, we will cruise Maligne Lake, known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. We will cruise toward the south end of this picture-postcard setting, allowing us plenty of time to marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forests and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water's edge. Stop at Spirit Island to take photographs of the lake. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, including bears, moose, elk, caribou and bald eagles, all of which are frequently spotted in this area.We'll also take a ride on the Jasper Tramway, a gondola running up Whistlers Mountain, for great views of the Icefield and Mt. Robson (elevation 7,497 feet).
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore Jasper. Tonight, after dinner, enjoy a private slide/lecture given by Karl on the history of the dome car an important feature in rail travel in the Rocky Mountains of Canada.
Overnight: Jasper Park Lodge
Day 6, August 16
Icefields Parkway to Banff (B, L)
Today we will head south along the famous Icefields Parkway. Along the way, will see the Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield Chalet, where we'll have lunch. After lunch we'll take a ride on a Snocoach (an enclosed, heated, ice and snow terrain vehicle) to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Our driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Dress warmly if you want to get out. Last time we were there, we took little cups to drink the blue water, said to be a fountain of youth. Afterwards, we proceed south to Banff, stopping for a walk at Lake Louise.Overnight: Rimrock Resort, Banff
Day 7, August 17
Rocky Mountaineer (B, L, D)
Transfer to the Banff station this morning to board the Rocky Mountaineer, which will take us over the famous Canadian Pacific route. It offers two types of service. You may choose either.In the Rocky Mountaineer's RedLeaf Service, you will be escorted to your assigned seat on the train. You will enjoy great service, meals served at your seat, and wonderful sights you will see from your comfortable, fully reclining seat. On these cars, forward-facing seats are able to rotate to accommodate groups of four. Along the way, experienced guides tell much about the scenery, wildlife and geological features you will admire.
An upgrade to GoldLeaf Service is available on the Rocky Mountaineer and is highly recommended by IRT staff and members. As you check in and walk across the red carpet, up the spiral steps to your seat in the double-decker, luxury-class GoldLeaf Service, you'll begin to understand why. Right away, your attendants start to pamper you. You'll receive hors d'ouvres and a glass of orange juice to toast your departure. Before long, you'll head back down the spiral staircase and admire the 36-seat dining area, with its white linen, gleaming tableware and fresh bouquets. Here you will enjoy elaborate breakfasts and equally elaborate lunches on board. For breakfast, the menu might include tasty Eggs Pacifica, Eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles and other treats. For lunch, medallions of pork tenderloin and roast lamb are just two of the choices. After dining, you may choose to step outside onto the GoldLeaf Dome's exclusive rear-end, open-air observation platform. Or perhaps you'll repair to the upper level the largest area of domed glass of any rail car in the world for an after-meal drink prepared by your steward as you take in the wild beauty that is the Canadian Rockies. The open-air platform, dome car and meals in the diner are strictly for GoldLeaf passengers. We think you'll agree with Society member David Orwig of St. Louis: "The GoldLeaf Service is totally worth it."
As the train crosses the Continental Divide, we'll pass through the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. Marvel at stunning glaciers, numerous tunnels and snow-capped mountains of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. The sights are breathtaking. You will discover why so many call the Canadian Rockies some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. In the evening, we come to the town of Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior. Upon arrival this evening, we'll transfer and check-in to our Kamloops hotel. Dinner tonight will be at Two River Junction, a frontier dining experience complete with musical revue celebrating the arrival of the first passenger train into Kamloops. The buffet features many of the culinary delights that British Columbia has to offer
Overnight: Kamloops, hotel to be announced by the Rocky Mountaineer
Day 8, August 18
Rocky Mountaineer; arrive in Vancouver (B, L, D)
Transfer from our Kamloops hotel to the Rocky Mountaineer this morning. Breakfast and lunch will again be served on board today as we continue our journey westward along the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon. Our steward will help us look for birds, animals, and famous sites such as Hell's Gate, where millions of gallons of water per minute rush through the narrowest point of the canyon. Upon leaving this region, the train will journey through the fertile Fraser Valley to the coastal city of Vancouver. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sutton Place Hotel. This evening we'll take a gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city and its harbor. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the summit, as we toast a wonderful trip over Vancouver's breathtaking skyline.Overnight: Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver
Day 9, August 19
Depart Vancouver (B)
Our tour ends after breakfast at the hotel this morning. We are happy to help you extend your vacation in Vancouver, Victoria or to Alaska to join an 8-day Clipper Cruise with rail pre-tour. Please inquire for further details.
Price:
Save $200 per person if booked six months prior to departure!
$3,995 per person, double occupancy + tax*
if booked by February 11, 2003
$875 single supplement + tax*After February 11, 2003:
$4,195 per person, double occupancy + tax*
$875 single supplement +tax*GoldLeaf Upgrade: $447 per person + tax*
Includes access to the Rocky Mountaineer's open-air observation deck, dome car and hot gourmet meals (two breakfasts and two lunches) in the train's dining car.*Prices do not include Canadian Goods & Services tax of 3.5%.
Included in this journey:
- 6 nights accommodation in four-star, deluxe hotels except in Kamloops, where hotels are assigned by the Rocky Mountaineer.
- Two nights on board VIA Rail's Canadian in Silver & Blue Class Service
- Two days on board the Rocky Mountaineer in RedLeaf Service (GoldLeaf upgrade optional)
- All transfers in chartered motorcoach except Kamloops, where transfers are shared by other Rocky Mountaineer passengers.
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners; welcome and farewell dinners include wine
- National Parks entrance fees
- Jasper Tour, including Maligne Lake Cruise and Jasper Tramway
- Columbia Icefields drive and Snocoach ride
- Wine and cheese welcome reception in Toronto
- Farewell dinner on Grouse Mountain, including gondola ride and transfers
- Two River Junction musical buffet in Kamloops
- Luggage handling at all hotels and train stations
- Services of full-time IRT tour leader, Karl Zimmermann
- Exclusive lectures by Mr. Zimmermann
- Gratuities for all included services: all meals, transfers, drivers, train and hotel staffNot included:
Canadian federal goods and services tax; airfares or airport taxes; passport or visa fees; meals and beverages other than indicated above; admissions to attractions other than indicated above; items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls and room service.
Terms & Conditions
How to Book: Call our tour desk at 1-800-IRT-4881 to make a reservation. A deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required. Deposits can be made by check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover). Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Final payment is made by check 90 days before departure. Please note optional pretour will require additional deposit and is subject to availability.
Passport: A valid passport is required, valid for six months after departure from U.S.
Cancellations: Notice of cancellations must be received by this office in writing before 90 days prior to departure and are subject to a $250 per-person administrative fee. This fee may be applied to a future trip taken within one year. Final payment is due 90 days before the trip. Cancellations occurring within 90 days prior to the trip are nonrefundable . No refunds will be made in the event of "no-shows" or cancellations the day of the trip. No refund will be given for unused portions of the tour.
Insurance: We strongly recommend that all passengers protect themselves with tour insurance to cover costs in the event of cancellation. Upon booking (or in advance upon request), we will send a brochure about tour interruption/cancellation insurance. We recommend purchasing coverage immediately upon booking. In order to cover pre-existing conditions, coverage must be purchased within 10 days of the initial trip deposit.
Minimum/Maximum Participants: This tour must have at least 20 passengers in order to qualify for special group rates. This tour will be limited to 25 passengers.
Prices: This tour price is based on currency exchange rates in effect at the time of printing. In the event of revaluation or devaluation of U.S. currency, the tour operator reserves the right to make adjustments.
Price does not include: Airfare, Passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry; telephone calls; meals and alcoholic beverages not listed in the included section; optional sightseeing excursions; services other than those specifically mentioned in the included section; transfers and baggage handling on the day of arrival and departure; accident; sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; and excess baggage charges on aircraft. Please note: our tours officially begin at the first hotel. The tour does not include porterage from the airport to the first hotel; or from the last hotel to the airport. With IRT members coming and leaving at so many different times, this is impossible to arrange on a group basis. However, if you would like the IRT tour desk to arrange a private car and driver for you at additional cost, please notify IRT at time of booking. We will be happy to make these arrangements.
Medical: Any physical or mental condition which may require special medical attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require some walking to take full advantage of the transportation systems of each country we visit.
Baggage: Porterage is limited to one main bag per person. Please note that because of the differing times of arriving and departing flights, porterage to and from the airport to and from the first and last hotels is not included. Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout the trip, and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
Responsibility: The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. (HPC), parent company of The Society of International Railway Travelers, act only as agents for the passenger with respect to travel services. IRT and HPC do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. As a result, IRT and HPC are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such supplier of any other third party over whom IRT and HPC have no control. We can assume no responsibility nor liability in whole or in part for any delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, damage, weather, strikes, acts of God, circumstances beyond our control, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, expense, accident, sickness, injury or death to person or property, or mechanical defect, failure, or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation or other services, for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment beyond our control, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour due to these causes or voluntary cancellations. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
No revisions of the printed itinerary or the "included" section are anticipated; however, IRT and HPC reserve the right to make changes at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and IRT and HPC shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of such cancellation, substitution or changes. All fares as well as ship and train schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special programs, and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change without prior notice. IRT and HPC shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare nor make any other compensation under these circumstances. IRT and HPC cannot be responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers that may result due to operational and/or itinerary changes, regardless if the passenger and/or IRT and HPC make the flight arrangements. Any additional expenses resulting from the above will be paid by the individual passenger. IRT and HPC reserve the right to substitute a similar category for those listed in this brochure. IRT and HPC reserve the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in air fares, currency fluctuations or fuel surcharges and such increases are to be paid to IRT and HPC by the tour participant upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
Air tickets, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances.
By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract.
Behavior: Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT tour guides and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of the tour guide, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger to safety of other passengers the tour manager will issue him or her with a verbal warning. Should this not resolve the matter a second, written, warning will be issued. If the disruptive behavior continues after the second warning then the passenger will be removed from the tour and will have to make his or her own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untravelled portion of the tour will be entertained. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time should such a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
Rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange current at the time of printing and are subject to changes therein, at or before the time of departure. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage is at the owner's risk throughout the trip, unless insured. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time.
Complaints: We strive to offer the very best value in travel services to our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to one of your tour leaders. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office (Hardy Publishing Co., and The Society of International Railway Travelers are located at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205). We will not consider any claims not made to us within two months of completion of your journey. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
www.irtsociety.com
Send us e-mail with comments or questions
