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Sonora Resort

Rocky Mountaineer & Sonora Resort

11-day tailormade itinerary & rail journey from £5,130 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

See Canada's wildlife and the most scenic vistas of the Rocky Mountains on this tailor-made journey

Highlights

  • Indulge at Sonora Resort, a wilderness retreat in the Discovery Islands
  • Speed through mountains and valleys on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train
  • Visit Jasper National Park, the Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier and more
  • See the serene turquoise waters of Lake Louise up close
  • Round off your trip in Banff with Gondola rides and a lake cruise

In Brief

  • 1 Night Vancouver
  • 2 Nights Sonora Resort
  • 1 Night Vancouver
  • 1 Night Kamloops
  • 2 Nights Jasper
  • 2 Nights Banff

About

Recommended for:
Mountains | Rail journey | Wildlife

This awe-inspiring journey takes you through some of Canada's most beautiful locations. After a luxury stay in the hidden retreat that is the Sonora Resort, you'll embark on a Rocky Mountaineer adventure that combines panoramic views from your glass-domed carriage with attentive service and delicious food and drink. Along the way, you'll see everything from gushing waterfalls to jagged peaks along one of the world's favourite rail routes. The adventures continue from there, with wildlife watching in Jasper National Park, glacier expeditions along the Icefields Parkway and a guided tour of Yoho National Park included in your trip. Finally, you'll stand on the shores of Lake Louise, gazing at one of the world's most photographable sights and breathing in the fresh, glacial air. 

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
UK to Vancouver

You'll enjoy VIP lounge access at the airport before boarding your flight to Vancouver. On arrival, check in to your hotel for some rest and relaxation before your adventure begins.

Stay: Opus Hotel, Vancouver (Superior)

Day 2
Vancouver to Sonora Resort

This morning you'll have the chance to explore Vancouver at your leisure. This seaport city boasts a number of must-do attractions, from the 405-hectare Stanley Park to the historic Granville Island. Strolling through busy streets, you'll take in art galleries, museums, gardens and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of the spectacular Coastal Mountains. Come the afternoon, you'll transfer to the airport to take a short flight and floatplane to Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands. This wilderness retreat feels truly remote, surrounded by woodlands and water and designed with escapism in mind. Your stay includes gourmet meals and drinks (additional charges may apply for premium spirits and wines), complimentary wireless internet and unlimited worldwide phone calls. This evening, you'll be treated to a seasonal tasting menu, paired with fine wines and served in the restaurant overlooking the sea.

Stay: Sonora Resort (Deluxe)

Meals: D

Day 3
Sonora Resort

Today is the perfect day to explore everything Sonora Resort has to offer. After a freshly prepared breakfast, take advantage of the all-inclusive amenities designed to immerse you in your surroundings. Extensive hiking and biking trails, a putting green, tennis courts, swimming pool and even fly-fishing ponds await. For those keen to see more, choose from additional extras such as guided salmon fishing excursions, Polaris eco-tours of the local shoreline and marine habitats, and (during September and October) grizzly bear viewing tours via the Bute Inlet, with up-close views from one of five purpose-built grizzly stands along the river. There's also an onsite spa, perfect for taking the edge off after a busy day of activities. 

Stay: Sonora Resort (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 4
Sonora Resort to Vancouver

After a final delicious breakfast, you'll have a little more time to explore Sonora, perhaps taking another optional tour or soaking in one of the roof top hot tubs. This afternoon, you'll fly back to Vancouver and transfer to your hotel, ideally located in the vibrant downtown area. This evening, make the most of your central location and enjoy Vancouver's buzzing nightlife; dine in one of the many hip restaurants or enjoy a drink in a cosy bar.

Stay: Opus Hotel, Vancouver (Superior)

Meals: B L

Day 5
Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

Today you'll board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for the start of your scenic rail journey. Two levels of service are available; SilverLeaf passengers enjoy gourmet dining served to your seat and curved dome windows for taking in the incredible views, while an upgrade to GoldLeaf sees you enjoying a custom split-level car with full glass dome windows and an à la carte menu in the dedicated dining room. As you wind your way from west to north east, you'll spot dramatic changes in the landscape, as Fraser Valley's green fields melt into lush forests and winding river canyons among the rugged Coast and Cascade Mountains. Inching closer to British Columbia's interior, the landscape becomes dryer, revealing steep slopes and unique rock formations along the Thompson River. Finally, Rocky Mountaineer skirts the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops, where you'll rest for the night.

Stay: Kamloops accommodation (Superior/Deluxe)

Meals: B L

Day 6
Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper

You'll continue north east on Rocky Mountaineer today as you head towards Alberta. Journeying through the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, you'll pass the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, the Continental Divide, and Pyramid Falls. A highlight is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies - Mount Robson at 3,954 metres high, rising proudly above Kinney Lake. Towards the end of the day, you'll climb the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park, home to moose, elk and bighorn as well as stunning glacial lakes and subalpine forest. This evening, you'll say farewell to Rocky Mountaineer and settle into the resort town of Jasper, where cosy bakeries, brewpubs and hip coffee bars offer respite from a cooler climate.

Stay: Chateau Jasper (Superior)

Meals: B L

Day 7
Jasper

Today you'll have a full day in Jasper, home to the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A full-day tour takes you to some of the most photo-worthy natural attractions and majestic cragged peaks, and hopefully offers a glimpse of the local wildlife, including mountain goats, coyotes, and (in summer) bears. You'll also be treated to lunch and a serene cruise across historic Maligne Lake. At the conclusion of your tour, you're free to explore Jasper at your leisure, perhaps taking a short hike or simply enjoying the atmosphere in town.

Stay: Chateau Jasper (Superior)

Meals: L

Day 8
Jasper to Banff

Today you'll take on the 232km stretch of highway known as the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic drives. Dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, this route covers highlights such as Bow Lake, the Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Falls. At the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice fields south of the Arctic Circle, you'll take an Ice Explorer to the middle of the spectacular Athabasca Glacier, where an expert guide will explain the geology of the region. After an included lunch at the Glacier Discovery Centre and a short stop at the glassy Bow Lake, you'll arrive at Banff via Lake Louise late in the afternoon.

Stay: Moose Hotel & Suites (Superior)

Meals: L

Day 9
Banff

Today, your included touring will showcase the myriad delights of Banff. Often heralded as Canada’s greatest national park, your expert guide will teach you the culture, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights. You’ll also take the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for truly spectacular valley views. The day is completed with a historical cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

Stay: Moose Hotel & Suites (Superior) 


Meals: L

Days 10-11
Banff to the UK

Today you will have an entire morning 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, before your afternoon transfer. You’ll end the day at Calgary airport in time for your overnight flight home.

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior

11-day tailormade itinerary & rail journey
from £5,130 pp incl. flights

Silverleaf

Apr / Oct

from £5,130 pp. incl. flights

May - Jul

from £6,405 pp. incl. flights

Aug & Sep

from £6,445 pp. incl. flights

Rocky Mountaineer operates between April and October

Itinerary inclusions
  • Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
  • Return flights between UK and Vancouver / returning from Calgary
  • Private arrival transfer in Vancouver
  • All accommodation on a Superior level
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Vancouver (pre-Sonora Island)
  • Return floatplane transfer between Vancouver and Sonora Resort
  • 2 all-inclusive nights at Sonora Resort
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Vancouver (post-Sonora Island)
  • 2 days onboard Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service including 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts and overnight accommodation in Kamloops
  • Rocky Mountaineer Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper with luggage handing service included
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Jasper
  • Maligne Valley Sightseeing & Boat cruise excursion
  • Jasper to Banff including Ice Explore and Glacier Skywalk excursion
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Banff
  • Banff Gondola & Lake Minnewanka Cruise excursion
  • Private departure transfer between Banff and Calgary airport

Sonora Island

  • Private cabin accommodation
  • One full day Coastal Safari tour: guided boat tours such as sightseeing, bear viewing, whale watching, and cultural experiences
  • Guided activities including: yoga classes, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, paintball, snorkelling, beach combing, and visits to the floating sauna dock
  • Use of games room including: poker table, self serve mini-bar, satellite television and stargazer viewing system
  • Adventure gear including life vests, kayak and rafting shells, hiking boots, rain jackets, rain pants, wetsuits, fleece pants, wool socks, open water storm suite and bug repellent.
  • Includes all meals (gourmet cuisine with special requests available)
  • All house alcohol, wine and beer, & non-alcoholic beverages

Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service

  • Single level glass domed coach with oversized windows
  • Delicious, hot entrée options served at your seat and plated to your preference
  • Complimentary beverages, including wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks will be served throughout your journey, along with gourmet snacks
  • Overnight accommodation in popular hotels

Upgrades to Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf service available on request - please ask you consultant for details

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0635 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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