Which Rocky Mountaineer Itinerary Should You Choose?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  What time of year would be best for you? 

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  • A.
    Spring (April, May)
  • B.
    Summer (June, July, August)
  • C.
    Autumn (September, October)
• 2.
  How long do you like to spend in each location?

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  • A.
    I want to see the essential things and if I can see everything in one day,  I don't mind if it's 1 night in a new spot before moving on.
  • B.
    I prefer at least 2 nights in most locations so that I am not constantly unpacking/packing. 
  • C.
    I enjoy very leisurely travel, often spending 3+ nights in a location if it's worth it.
• 3.
  What type of lodging do you like? 

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  • A.
    I prefer rooms with a view, premium hotels, and the most upgrades where possible. 
  • B.
    As long as it's comfortable and convenient, it doesn't matter to me that much.
  • C.
    I like to mix levels of accommodations on a trip to have some splurges as a compromise. 
• 4.
  Which of these would you be most excited to see?

  • A.
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    Banff
  • B.
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    Lake Louise
  • C.
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    Jasper
  • D.
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    Whistler 
• 5.
  I like the idea of driving myself through the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. 

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  • A.
    Yes - that sounds fun! 
  • B.
    No - I want to use the transfer service provided so everything is taken care of. 
• 6.
  Ideally, how long of a vacation can you take? 

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  • A.
    Only about 5-6 days, I'm afraid. 
  • B.
    I could do around 7-8 days or so. 
  • C.
    I'm able to go longer - more than 10 days.  
• 7.
  On the train, which level of service would you prefer? 

  • A.
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    GoldLeaf:  Full glass dome windows with panoramic views, gourmet a la carte meals in the dining room, large private outdoor viewing platform
  • B.
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    Silverleaf:  Oversize glass dome views, breakfast and lunch served at your seat, outdoor viewing area between carriages
  • C.
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    The level of service isn't that important to me. 
• 8.
  Are you celebrating a special occasion or want to make the trip extra memorable? 

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  • A.
    This is going to be the trip of a lifetime for me - I'd be willing to add some amazing extras if it's worth it! 
  • B.
    The whole trip already seems super special, I don't tend to add "extras" when I travel 
• 9.
  What level of organization do you prefer? 

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  • A.
    I don't mind having essential items like transportation or important tours pre-arranged, but I still want a decent amount of unscheduled time / some free time to be on my own.
  • B.
    I want to relax - I want everything arranged ahead of time so I know it goes smoothly.
  • C.
    I prefer relying on myself (like driving myself) rather than rely on pre-arranged transportation or tours. 
• 10.
  What makes you most excited about a Canadian Rockies trip? 

  • A.
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    The scenery
  • B.
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    The animals
  • C.
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    The level of luxury or "wow factor"
  • D.
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    The train part!
  • E.
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    Opportunity for adventure/active activities

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Journey Through the Clouds in Goldleaf Service with a pre-stay at Sonora Resort

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  You've got the time to spend a little longer on your trip, so this itinerary pulls out all the stops for a special experience! Start your trip with a stay at the stunning Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands, a Relais & Chateaux property, then take in the Canadian Rockies with upgraded rooms with a view at all your accomodations and Goldleaf service whilst on the train. Extend your journey with a resort unlike any other, by combining Sonora Resort – a five-star all inclusive getaway in the wilderness – with a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Only accessible by sea or air, Sonora Resort is nestled in British Columbia’s Discovery Islands on a remote stretch of pristine coastal rainforest. But the accommodations and amenities are a far cry from roughing it. Choose from an abundance of outdoor activities offered, or enjoy the lavish on-site features. We suggest a mix of both. What better way to wind down from hiking and biking through unspoiled wilderness than rejuvenating at the spa? Or, perhaps you’ll decide to add on an eco-adventure tour, guided salmon fishing, or a grizzly bear tour. After, you can relax in the rooftop hot tubs, hop into the sauna, take in a movie, or visit the putting green. With this package, your flight to Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands is already included. Upon arrival at Sonora, check into your room and then explore some of Sonora’s luxurious amenities. Your accommodation at Sonora Resort include gourmet meals, liquor and wine, beer, juice and soft drinks (additional charges may apply for premium spirits and wines), as well as complimentary wireless internet and unlimited worldwide phone calls. Tonight, enjoy a delicious wine-paired dinner featuring the seasonal best of BC created by Chef Terry Pichor. Spend three nights here, and take advantage of the wealth of included activities at Sonora Resort. Sonora’s all-inclusive outdoor amenities include a swimming pool, hiking and biking trails, tennis court, a putting green, fly fishing ponds (equipment supplied) and more. For guests seeking adventure beyond what’s included, two optional touring activities are available at additional cost: a guided eco tour in a Polaris vessel (a 1 hour tour of the surrounding area, learning about the history and taking in amazing views along the shoreline, including viewing wildlife and marine life in their natural environment), and; grizzly bear viewing tours up Bute Inlet (5 hours, and includes transportation and upclose viewing from one of five grizzly stands stationed on the Orford River). On Day 3 you'll take the seaplane back to Vancouver and be escorted to the station to begin your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey! Travel in luxurious Goldleaf Service for 2 days (overnight in Kamloops) with a private outdoor viewing platform, glass domed roof, and a separate dining room. After disembarking the train in Jasper, start exploring either through the included transfer and tour service or if you're more independent, a car rental package is available. Blend breathtaking adventure with plenty of time to relax and take in the Canadian Rockies on your own. Be whisked away in luxury to beautiful mountain towns, with stays in Jasper and Banff and a day trip to Lake Louise. Enjoy a tour of Jasper National Park, Banff gondola ride, and an unforgettable helicopter tour. All tours, transfers, sightseeing activities are included ahead of time to make this a seamless process. Transfer to Calgary at the end of your itinerary for your trip home after an amazing journey! Reminder: All Rocky Mountaineer itineraries are reversible - you can start/end in Vancouver OR Calgary, and the itineraries always run in both directions. Each trip is completely customizable - for instance, removing an included helicopter ride, or adding an extra night in an upgraded room. Check your email for additional tips or ask your travel advisor!
• 2.
  First Passage to the West 

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  If you don't have too much time to spend but still want an incredible luxurious experience, this is the itinerary that will help you get a taste of the Canadian Rockies! Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels, traverse the Continental Divide, and be inspired as you wind through mountain passes and dramatic canyons. 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 Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC 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. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. The next day, your journey continues Eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, thenSpiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in the mountain hamlet of Lake Louise. Overnight in Lake Louise. Enjoy a full day tour along one of the most scenic highways in the world as you travel to Jasper National Park on the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Lunch is included at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Afterwards, brief stops will be made at Bow and Peyto Lakes before arriving back in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight in Lake Louise. This morning you are free to explore beautiful Lake Louise on your own. After lunch, a half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff. Today you will have an entire day to spend exploring Banff National Park on your own. Optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff’s historic museums, cruising on Lake Minnewanka or playing a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff. Today you will enjoy a full-day tour concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Banff Gondola included. Continue on to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure, a 12-minute Panoramic Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Overnight in Calgary. Depart from Calgary for the airport to return home. Reminder: All Rocky Mountaineer itineraries are reversible - you can start/end in Vancouver OR Calgary, and the itineraries always run in both directions. Each trip is completely customizable - for instance, removing an included helicopter ride, or adding an extra night in an upgraded room. Check your email for additional tips or ask your travel advisor!
• 3.
  Rainforest to Gold Rush with an overnight in Whistler 

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  For those who want extra time on the train, Rainforest to Gold Rush is the only itinerary with an extra half-day on the train and 2 overnights at local hotels (one in Whistler, one in Quesnel), giving you 3 days on the train. This is also the only itinerary that also features free time in Whistler. Witness true wilderness. Explore the mountain mecca of Whistler. See hidden lakes and canyons few others get to see. Relax in comfort as you move through seemingly impassable terrain by the Rocky Mountaineer train. Revel in the history of the gold rush. Marvel at Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak. Following your check-in at and motorcoach transfer from your downtown Vancouver hotel, the Rocky Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. Breakfast will be served onboard. You will arrive in Whistler between 11:30am and 12:30pm PT. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. The next day, board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Whistler Station at 7:10am PT, you will travel to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, through the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, to rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacier-fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, and the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Breakfast and lunch will be served onboard. Arrive in Quesnel between 8:00pm and 9:30pm PT. Spend the evening exploring the town, or relaxing in your hotel. All hotels in Quesnel are of moderate standard: your hotel will be assigned post-booking. After spending the night in Quesnel, your journey continues eastwards today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George, then travels east through the forests of northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife, including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded to the north by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains and to the south by the Cariboo Mountains. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in Jasper. Follow with sightseeing tours or car rentals through Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, and Calgary before heading to the airport! Travel in Goldleaf Service for an upgraded experience and add on pre- or post-nights in Vancouver, Calgary, or the Sonora Resort in British Colombia to make this a journey to remember! Reminder: All Rocky Mountaineer itineraries are reversible - you can start/end in Vancouver OR Calgary, and the itineraries always run in both directions. Each trip is completely customizable - for instance, removing an included helicopter ride, or adding an extra night in an upgraded room. Check your email for additional tips or ask your travel advisor!
• 4.
  Self drive itinerary with either Goldleaf or Silverleaf service on the train portion

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  Journey Through the Clouds - Self-drive Young, wild, and untamed, this route takes guests through some of the most untouched, most breathtaking natural beauty on the planet. It's perfect for nature lovers wanting to spend time in Jasper. After spending two days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train (overnight is at a hotel in Kamloops) you'll pick up your rental car and spend nights in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff. A self-drive is perfect for an independent traveler, allowing you to stop your car at scenic viewpoints, while you'll still receive tickets to items like a cruise on Maligne Lake and the Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier ahead of time to keep your itinerary moving smoothly. Reminder: All Rocky Mountaineer itineraries are reversible - you can start/end in Vancouver OR Calgary, and the itineraries always run in both directions. Each trip is completely customizable - for instance, removing an included helicopter ride, or adding an extra night in an upgraded room. Check your email for additional tips or ask your travel advisor!