Calgary to Vancouver | Free Airport Pickup | 7-Day VIA Rail Train & Bus Tour | Banff, Yoho, Jasper National Parks, Six Major Lakes, Second-Largest Icefield

Day 1: Place of Origin - Calgary

Calgary

# Airport Pick-up Arrangement:

Airport pick-up service is included in the itinerary. Please provide your flight information at least 3 days in advance. If flight details are submitted within 3 days prior to departure, complimentary airport pick-up will not be available.

## Complimentary Airport Pick-up Service

Each booking entitles you to one free airport pick-up at YYC Airport on the start date of your trip. Paid pick-up service is available for multiple pick-up trips.

### Service Hours for Free Airport Pick-up

6:30 – 22:30. Please note that the last shuttle guided by tour departs at 22:00, and the final hotel shuttle bus leaves at 22:30. If you miss either shuttle, you will need to make your own way to the hotel.

## Private Paid Airport Transfer

Private transfer can be booked for flights arriving between 7:00 and 23:00. Please contact customer service for pricing details. A maximum of 4 guests are allowed per booking.

### Pick-up Method

We will arrange either a Western Star tour guide pick-up or hotel shuttle flexibly based on your flight arrival time. Guests with similar arrival times will share the same shuttle bus, which may result in a short waiting period at the airport. We appreciate your understanding.

### Pick-up Locations

1. Western Star Tour Guide Pick-up:

Available at 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 20:00 / 22:00 (exact time subject to flight details)

Lounge Area inside Gate 11, Arrivals Level

2. Hotel Shuttle Pick-up:

6:30 – 22:30 (exact time subject to flight details)

Parking Space 16, outside Gate 4, Arrivals Hall, Calgary Airport

## Important Reminders

The exact pick-up time and location shall be subject to the SMS notification sent 3 days before your tour departure. If your mobile number starts with +86, you may leave your WeChat ID in the order notes so we can send pick-up information via WeChat in case the SMS fails to deliver.

If airport transfer is included in your itinerary yet the scheduled pick-up cannot be completed due to delayed or inaccurate flight information provided by guests, guests shall travel to the hotel at their own expense. If a new pick-up needs to be arranged, the travel agency can provide private paid transfers based on actual conditions with separate charges applicable.

# itinerary

# Itinerary Arrangement

Welcome to Calgary! Here you will embark on a journey blessed by nature. Snow-capped peaks, lush alpine meadows, turquoise glacial lakes, dense primeval forests and diverse wildlife will unfold right before your eyes. Immerse yourself in nature, unwind, savour local delicacies, leisurely embrace the joy of blending with wilderness, and leave all worldly worries behind.

Guests arriving one day early or before 12:00 noon on the tour date may pre-book the self-paid "Calgary City Tours":

1) One-Day City Walk Tour (YYCCW): Cultural Heritage Village Time Travel (admission ticket included) + Downtown Calgary CBD Exploration + Check-in at Popular Landmarks

(Departs at 9:00 AM, includes round-trip transfer and guided tour, around 8 hours; minimum 4 guests to operate)

2) Half-Day City Tour A (YYC-A): Downtown Calgary CBD Exploration + Check-in at Popular Landmarks + The Core Shopping Centre

(For flights arriving before 12:00 noon; departs at 13:30, total duration 5 hours; minimum 4 guests per group)

3) Half-Day City Tour C (YYC-C): Discount Outlet Shopping Spree

(For flights arriving before 12:00 noon; departs at 13:30, total duration 5 hours; minimum 4 guests per group)

4) Half-Day City Tour D (YYC-D): Fun Shopping at Chinook Centre

(For flights arriving before 12:00 noon; departs at 13:30, total duration 5 hours; minimum 4 guests per group)

• Breakfast: at your own expense; Lunch: at your own expense; Dinner: at your own expense
• Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel in Calgary or similar
• Things to Know
  • The sequence of itineraries for this product will be rearranged based on tourists' group registration dates, local weather and other factors, while all sightseeing contents remain unchanged. The itinerary sequence shown below is for reference only, subject to the final tour departure notice.

Day 2: Calgary - Banff - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge - Banff

Banff Town Area

Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

Yoho National Park

Emerald lake

Natural Bridge Banff

Itinerary:

Calgary - Banff - Lake Louise (75 mins) - Moraine Lake (60 mins) - Lunch at Lake Louise Village (at own expense; Grill & Bar lunch add-on available, 45 mins) - Emerald Lake (20 mins) - Natural Bridge (15 mins) - Banff

Depart the hotel early in the morning and head west along Highway 1. The rugged and precipitous Castle Mountain will come into view, and shortly afterward, you will arrive at Lake Louise, the most renowned lake in the Rocky Mountains. Under the sunlight, the mineral-rich lake water shimmers with a mesmerizing sapphire blue, enclosed on three sides by the towering Victoria Glacier. Resembling a jade gem scattered amid the mountains, it has earned the moniker "Sapphire of the Rockies". Glancing back from the lakeshore, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands serenely among pine forests, welcoming visitors. Afterwards, hike to the top of the trail, where the crystal-clear turquoise waters of seasonal Moraine Lake reflect the jagged Ten Peaks. Standing at the vantage point, you will soak in the full panoramic view of the lake and mountain scenery, losing all sense of time. After leaving Moraine Lake, proceed to Lake Louise Village for lunch (at own expense; Chinese or Western plated meals available as add-ons). Following lunch, continue westward, passing the Spiral Tunnel built through the toil and hardship of Pacific Railway workers before entering Yoho National Park. You will then reach the secluded Emerald Lake, where red canoes ripple across the tranquil water surface. Next, visit Natural Bridge, formed by centuries of erosion by the Kicking Horse River. The river channel, ancient pine trees, distant mountains and shallow shoals together form a breathtaking landscape painting. Drive back to Banff.

*Moraine Lake: Seasonal access. Tentative opening period: Victoria Day long weekend in May through late September / early October each year, subject to official notice from the national park administration. If closed and inaccessible, alternative attractions will be provided: Lake Minnewanka (30 mins) + Two Jack Lake (15 mins). Mandatory fees for Moraine Lake will be waived.

• Breakfast: Available for additional order; Lunch: Available for additional order; Dinner: At your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • The arrival time in Banff may be subject to change depending on the schedule of activity programs. We appreciate your understanding.

Day 3: Banff - Banff Gondola - Bow Falls - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Johnston Canyon - Banff

Banff Gondola

Sulphur Mountain

Bow Falls

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Johnston Canyon

Banff Town Area

# Itinerary:

Banff – Banff Gondola (own expense, 90 minutes) – Hoodoos (15 minutes) – Bow Falls (15 minutes) – Surprise Corner (15 minutes) – Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch (own expense; French bistro set meal available as add-on, 90 minutes) – Johnston Canyon (60 minutes) – Check in to hotel

In the early morning, take a coach to Banff National Park. Upon arriving at Sulphur Mountain, board the Banff Gondola (own expense). As the gondola ascends slowly, admire the snow-laden alpine scenery surrounded by rolling snow-capped peaks. Afterwards, head to the Hoodoos towering above the Bow River bank, then witness the mighty Bow Falls roaring down the river. Dark rock formations contrast vividly with foaming white rushing water, just like a grand river surging eastward. Next, arrive at Surprise Corner for distant views of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River. You will then tour the Scottish castle-style Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and stop here for lunch at your own cost. After lunch, explore Johnston Canyon, one of the three major canyons in the Rocky Mountains, and follow the trail to the front of the rushing waterfalls. (In case of force majeure such as scenic area maintenance and closure, the trip will be adjusted to visit Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.) Check into the hotel in Banff in the evening.

• Breakfast: available as an add-on; Lunch: available as an add-on; Dinner: at your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodg / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or equivalent hotels
• Things to Know
  • You may tick the box to add a gourmet package if needed. **Lunch will be a French bistro-style meal served at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, where Banff’s charm is infused into every bite. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel features Scottish castle architecture, sits on the Bow River, and stands as an iconic landmark of the Canadian Rockies.**
  • The arrival time in Banff may vary depending on the schedule of activity items, and we appreciate your understanding.
  • The actual sequence of the itinerary may be adjusted depending on the departure date of the tour group to ensure a smooth trip.

Day 4: Banff - Peyto Lake - Icefields Parkway - Ice Explorer, Glacier Skywalk - Athabasca Falls - Jasper

Peyto Lake

Rocky Mountain Icefields Parkway

The Glacier Skywalk

Athabasca Falls

Jasper Town

Crowfoot Glacier

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Banff – Crowfoot Glacier – Peyto Lake (30 mins) – Icefields Parkway – Lunch (at your own expense; buffet lunch available for additional booking, 45 mins) – Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk (at your own expense, 150 mins) – Athabasca Falls (30 mins) – Check in at hotel in Jasper

Depart from your hotel in Banff in the morning and catch distant views of Crowfoot Glacier along the way, then proceed to Peyto Lake. In case of force majeure such as park maintenance and closure, the visit will be substituted with Waterfowl Lake. This maple-leaf-shaped lake looks like a turquoise ribbon embedded in the valleys of the Canadian Rockies. Afterwards, buffet lunch (at your own expense) will be arranged at The Crossing Resort. Continue driving along the scenic Highway 93 Icefields Parkway until you reach the Icefield Centre. Board the Ice Explorer (at your own expense) to travel across Athabasca Glacier and witness nature’s accumulation over millions of years. You may also step onto the 280-metre-high Glacier Skywalk (at your own expense) to take in the full panorama of Sunwapta Valley; when mist and clouds roll in, you will feel as if walking among the clouds. Later, head to Athabasca Falls, a 23-metre waterfall carved by glacial meltwater erosion, before driving to Jasper Town and checking into the local hotel.

*Operating hours for Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk (at your own expense): May 1 – October 12.*

Starting from October 13, the itinerary will include stops at scenic spots without bookings for Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk:

- Fine weather: Guests can take an easy hike on the hills in front of the glacier (around 60 mins) to get up-close views of the glacial landscape.

- Poor weather: Follow the tour guide’s arrangement to view the glacier from a distance, with an extra stop at Waterfowl Lake added to the trip.

• Breakfast: Available for additional order; Lunch: Available for additional order; Dinner: At your own expense
• Athabasca Hotel in Jasper Town or similar

Day 5: Jasper - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake - Free time in Jasper

Medicine Lake

Maligne Lake

Maligne Canyon

Jasper Town

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Beauvert Lake

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Jasper – Medicine Lake – Maligne Lake (Optional Boat Cruise, 90 minutes) – Lunch at Maligne Lake (At your own expense, 45 minutes) – Free time in Jasper Town, Overnight stay in Jasper Town

Depart from your hotel in Jasper and pass by [Medicine Lake], then arrive at [Maligne Lake], the world’s second-largest glacial lake, located at the end of the route. Board [Maligne Lake Cruise (Optional, Seasonal Operation)*] and cruise along the 22-kilometre-long lake, slowly approaching [Spirit Island], known as "the meeting place of gods". After [Lunch at Maligne Lake (At your own expense)], proceed to [Maligne Canyon*], the longest and deepest canyon in the Canadian Rockies. (Due to the 2024 wildfires, this stop may be replaced with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Beauvert depending on the national park’s opening status.) Carved by glacial erosion, the canyon features deep, craggy rock formations and stunning scenery. After returning to town from the Maligne Lake scenic area, you will be dismissed from the group in Jasper Town. The afternoon is reserved for free exploration, and you will continue to stay at a hotel in Jasper Town for the night.

*Maligne Lake Cruise (Optional) operates from May 29 to October 11. The schedule is subject to adjustment based on lake ice conditions. When the cruise service is unavailable, the alternative itinerary includes a 45-minute stop at Pyramid Lake and a 15-minute stop at Patricia Lake.

Maligne Canyon* may be substituted with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Beauvert (30 minutes total) subject to national park opening status due to the impact of the 2024 wildfires.

• Breakfast: available for additional booking; Lunch: available for additional booking; Dinner: at your own expense
• Athabasca Hotel in Jasper Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • You may tick to add a gourmet package if needed. **Lunch will be served at Historical Chalet Restaurant by Maligne Lake. Local chefs select regional ingredients to infuse the unique vibes of nature, exploration and adventure into a wide array of exquisite dishes. (Groups with fewer than 15 simultaneous bookings may be offered plated meals or la carte lunch including soup, main course and dessert.)**

Day 6: Jasper - VIA Rail

Jasper Town

VIA Rail Canada

# Itinerary Arrangement

## Itinerary Overview

The train will arrive at Jasper Railway Station at approximately 8:00 a.m. Please arrive at the station at least 90 minutes in advance to complete relevant procedures (the train departs at 9:00 a.m.). This is a VIA rail trip from Jasper to Vancouver (a journey of about 23.5 hours), arriving at Vancouver Pacific Railway Station at 8:00 a.m. the next day.

Address of Jasper Railway Station: Jasper station, 607 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0

Departing from Jasper, you will embark on a distinctive Rocky Mountain rail journey. The 800-kilometer route unfolds spectacular mountain and river scenery showcasing the full splendor of the Rockies. You will pass through alpine meadows and travel amid snow-capped peaks and waterfalls, with white glaciers stretching beneath cerulean skies. You may catch distant views of Mount Robson, Canada’s highest mountain. As writers and poets once put it: "The Rockies are a temple worthy of reverence, one that cleanses the soul." When the sun sets and night falls, you will fall asleep surrounded by unspoiled wilderness.

## Notes

No West Star tour guide service will be provided for this day’s itinerary, which is self-guided. For assistance, you may contact the itinerary service hotline listed in the Trip Confirmation Form in advance.

The train departs at 9:00 a.m. Please arrive at the station no later than 90 minutes ahead of departure for check-in and luggage consignment (processing requires valid identification and your VIA Rail e-ticket).

### Luggage Allowances (vary based on your booked rail cabin class)

- Economy Seat: 1 checked luggage piece meeting airline size standards (23kg) + 1 carry-on luggage piece meeting airline size standards (7kg) + 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or garment bag)

- Comfort Sleeper: 1 checked luggage piece meeting airline size standards (23kg) + 2 carry-on luggage pieces meeting airline size standards (7kg each) + 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or garment bag)

- Comfort Cabin: 1 checked luggage piece meeting airline size standards (23kg) + 2 carry-on luggage pieces meeting airline size standards (7kg each) + 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or garment bag)

### Meal Arrangements (vary based on your booked rail cabin class)

- Economy Seat: Meals not included; a variety of light meals and snacks are available for purchase onboard at your own expense.

- Comfort Sleeper: One lunch and one dinner included; alcoholic beverages at personal cost.

- Comfort Cabin: One lunch and one dinner included; alcoholic beverages at personal cost.

Avoid scheduling critical connecting arrangements (such as flights or pre-booked scenic spot visits) on the day of arrival, to prevent disruptions to subsequent plans caused by train delays.

## Special Remarks

This travel package includes a train ticket for VIA Rail Canada. All train operation information and refund & rescheduling policies applicable to accidents or force majeure events are subject to the final announcements released by VIA Rail Canada.

In the event of train cancellations or delays resulting from force majeure circumstances (including but not limited to capacity adjustments by transportation operators, temporary closures of airports or stations, service cancellations by transport companies, weather conditions, traffic control, etc.), the travel agency will make every reasonable effort to assist you with relevant changes. However, any additional expenses incurred as a result (such as accommodation, transportation, dining, etc.) shall be borne solely by the traveler.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

• Breakfast: available for additional order; Lunch: (at your own expense); Dinner: (at your own expense)
• On board VIA Rail train
• Things to Know
  • Please contact customer service to confirm the detailed prices of different packages for train cabin upgrade.
  • The travel time of the VIA train from Jasper to Vancouver is approximately 19 hours.

Day 7: Arrival in Vancouver

Vancouver

Itinerary Arrangement:

Arrive at [Pacific Central Station] at approximately 8:00 a.m. Vancouver Time. Welcome to Vancouver. Upon arrival at Vancouver Pacific Central Station, the tour will conclude and the group will disband on your own.

Address of Pacific Central Station: 1150 Station St, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C7

• Breakfast: At your own expense; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
• Things to Know
  • This is the estimated arrival time. We recommend that you do not arrange any connecting transportation on the same day to avoid disruptions to your travel plans due to train delays.
  • If flights or trains are cancelled or delayed due to unexpected incidents and force majeure, including but not limited to capacity allocation adjustments by transportation companies, temporary closures of airports or stations, temporary service cancellations by transportation carriers, weather conditions, and transportation control measures, the travel agency will make every reasonable effort to assist you in handling modification procedures.
  • This product includes bundled train tickets for VIA Rail Canada. All train information and refund and rescheduling policies shall be subject to the final confirmation issued by VIA Rail Canada, the railway operator.
  • It is strongly recommended that you purchase relevant travel insurance in advance.