Ways-n-Means Fundraiser

Train Trip Through the Canadian Rockies

August 6 - August 12

Vancouver - Calgary, Canada

By Dot Greener, AzFRW Ways-n-Means Chairman 

AzFRW is proposing a trip that goes from Vancouver to Calgary, Canada (The Canadian Rockies). Part of the trip is by rail (2 days) and part by motor coach. The basic cost of the Red Leaf service (rail portion) is $1841. To upgrade to the Gold Leaf service is an additional $840. We will be booking this trip by “elevens”. We need 11 people to be able to do the trip. If we have 12 to 21 people, the 12^th through the 21^st persons would have an additional charge of $200, so reservations will definitely be by 1^st come 1^st served basis. Should we receive 22 reservations, the $200 charge would not be applied. There will be no refunds on the trip! If someone is traveling alone and wants “single occupancy”, the cost of the trip is $2649 for the Red Leaf service (Gold Leaf remains an additional $840). We are planning to leave Vancouver on August 6^th.  There are opportunities to extend the trip on either end, based on the traveler’s wishes; however, that would be done individually. Transportation to Vancouver and from Calgary would be up to each individual. Two breakfasts and two lunches are included on the train. The basic trip lasts six days.

The itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Enjoy Vancouver… surrounded by mountains, beaches, lakes, and ocean. We will spend the night at the 3-star Pacific Palisades Hotel.

Day 2: On the “Rocky Mountaineer” (train)—Vancouver to Kamloops. We will be traveling through Fraser Valley into a spectacular world of scenery. The train will climb through Fraser Canyon, past the thundering water at Hell’s Gate, and into the high desert of British Columbia’s interior. Kamloops is in Okanogan Valley and we will be spending the night at a 3-star hotel.

Day 3: This is the day where we reach the spectacular Canadian Rockies. An onboard guide will teach the history of the Canadian railroad and the colorful characters who built it. There will be opportunities to view bears, elk, and other mountain residents. You will be riding through spiral tunnels – you will ascend slowly, round and round through the darkness, until you will suddenly emerge to find yourself high in the mountains, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. In the late afternoon the Rocky Mountaineer arrives in Banff which is in the Canadian Rockies. We will spend the night at the 3-star Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa.

Day 4: In the Rockies…enjoy Banff. Banff’s population doubles during the summer…you will enjoy a guided tour of the town and the country as you visit four local mountains and learn how natural phenomena have made Banff into an outdoor paradise. A gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain will give us a panoramic view of Bow Valley. Mountains surround us on all sides and we have marvelous views of the wilderness and the river glistening in the distance. Again we will stay at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa.

Day 5: Deeper into the Canadian Rockies—Banff to Lake Louise. Our deluxe motorcoach will take us to Lake Louise. Picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine. Stroll the lakeshore, learn about local wildlife, or relax and enjoy the view. Canoe rentals are available on the Lake. We will spend the night at Deer Lodge and enjoy a rooftop hot tub with staggering views of Victoria Glacier.

Day 6: Lake Louise to Calgary Airport. We will gradually descend through the foothills by luxury motorcoach, arriving in Calgary in time for your flight home.

Remember that extra nights can be added in the Rockies or in Vancouver. In Vancouver, consider adding a trip to Victoria, Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island. Transfers from the airport are not provided in Vancouver…the company recommends taking a cab to the hotel.

Triple rates are available for rooms.

The price includes Provincial taxes and a Documentation package.

Trip cancellation insurance is available for between 5% and 10% of the total trip. The cost depends upon age.

Red Leaf: Picture windows; assigned seating in fully reclining day-nighter seats; seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four; temperature controlled comfort; extended legroom; selection of chilled meals served at your seat; complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; and restroom facilities.

Gold Leaf: Bi-level domed coach; panoramic views from full-length domed windows; spiral staircase and elevator to dome level; dining room with linen table cloths, fresh flowers and onboard chefs to make local gourmet cuisine; dining room seating of tables of four; DINNER INCLUDED IN KAMLOOPS; LARGE outside platform viewing at the back of the train; baggage delivered to the hotel in Kamloops. Optional evening entertainment is available at a reduced price.

August Temperatures: Vancouver: 74 degrees; Kamloops: 83 degrees; and Rockies: 71 degrees.

We would need reservations with all monies due by May 15^th. Should you have further questions or wish to make reservations, call Dot Greener at (520) 378-1045.