Canada Scenic Journeys are an innovative collection of rail/coach holidays through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The concept of the holidays is to offer a choice between affordable scheduled rail and coach service to take you to the regions you want to see in uncompromising comfort and style, utilizing deluxe motor coaches with driver-guided commentaries, bedrooms on-board Via Rail. These journeys have a comfortable balance between guided local sightseeing and time for you to explore and experience the Canada you came looking for. All itineraries include accommodation and transfers between the overnight accommodation and rail and coach depots.
Skeena Discovery is an amazing journey through the western region of Canada. Beginning in Vancouver you will travel to Victoria and visit the stunning Butchart Gardens, from Victoria travel to the top of Vancouver Island to Port Hardy. Cruise the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage to Prince Rupert; killer whales, sea lions and playful porpoise often appear in these waters. From Prince Rupert travel by rail to Jasper via Prince George, relax and enjoy your time in Jasper. See the Rockies from a different perspective as you travel from Jasper via Lake Louise to Banff by coach. Marvel at the stunning scenery of the Bow Valley on your way to Calgary. This journey will help you discover the real Canada.
Download our current Canada Scenic Journeys flyer
Travel Options
There are 3 levels of service available on Canada Scenic Journeys:
Moderate Grade
Victoria - Queen Victoria (Standard Room)
Port Hardy - Quarter Deck Inn (Standard Room)
Prince Rupert - Coast Prince Rupert (Standard Room)
Prince George - Ramada Hotel (Standard Room)
Jasper - Lobstick Lodge (Standard Room)
Banff - Spruce Grove Inn (Standard Room)
Superior Grade
Victoria - Inn at Laurel Point (Standard Room)
Port Hardy - Quarter Deck Inn (Standard Room)
Prince Rupert - Coast Prince Rupert (Standard Room)
Prince George - Ramada Hotel (Standard Room)
Jasper - Sawridge Hotel (Standard Room)
Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge (Standard Room)
Deluxe Grade
Victoria - Fairmont Empress Hotel (Fairmont Room)
Port Hardy - Quarter Deck Inn (Standard Room)
Prince Rupert - Coast Prince Rupert (Standard Room)
Prince George - Ramada Hotel (Standard Room)
Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont Room)
Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs (Fairmont Room)
Please note: Port Hardy, Prince Rupert & Prince George accommodation in all categories is Moderate Grade.
Itinerary
Your Skeena Discovery vacation includes:
• Hotel accommodation for 8 nights
• Sightseeing tour to Victoria (including entrance to the Butchart Gardens and city tour of Victoria)
• Driver-guided day tour between Victoria and Port Hardy.
• Return transfer between rail, ferry & coach depot and hotel in Port Hardy, Prince Rupert & Prince George
• B.C. Ferry Inside Passage cruise with reserved seating in private lounge
• Via Rail ‘Skeena’ train between Prince Rupert & Jasper*
• Transfer between rail station and hotel in Jasper
• Evening Jasper wildlife tour
• Full day tour between Jasper and Banff, pickup/ drop-off at hotels
• Ice Explorer ride on to Athabasca Glacier
• Sightseeing tour of Banff with Gondola Ride
• Scheduled coach transfer between Banff hotel and Calgary
• National Park fees
• 452 page Canada Guide
• Rand McNally Canada Map
• All applicable pre-payable taxes
* Note: Between 21 May - 9 Jun Via Rail only offer Economy Class between Prince Rupert & Jasper with no meals, for departures between Jun 18 - Sep 25 guests will be in touring class with meals and access to dome car.
Journey Highlights:
• Cruise across Georgia Strait through the beautiful Gulf Islands
• Sightseeing tour to Victoria
• Butchart Gardens
• The drive along Malahat Highway to Port Hardy
• Inside Passage cruise from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
• Killer whales, sea lions and playful porpoise often appear in the waters of the Passage
• Dramatic scenery from the VIA Rail Skeena train
• Free time to explore Jasper
• Columbia Icefield including an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier
• Lake Louise, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake
• Crowfoot Glacier
• Athabasca Falls
• Tour of Banff
• The Hoodoos
• Surprise Corner
• Sulphur Mountain including a gondola ride
• Tunnel Mountain Drive, which overlooks the splendor of Bow Valley
• Views of cattle ranching country on the trip into Calgary
Itinerary:
Vancouver to Calgary (Eastbound)
Day 1 Vancouver to Victoria (Coach / Ferry)
Day 2: Victoria to Port Hardy (Coach)
Day 3: Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (Ferry)
Day 4: Prince Rupert to Prince George (Rail)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Prince George to Jasper (Rail)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Jasper - Evening wildlife tour
Day 7: Jasper to Banff (Coach)
Day 8: Morning sightseeing tour of Banff
Day 9: Banff to Calgary (Coach)
This journey is also available in the reverse direction from Calgary, departure details are below.
For full details regarding the itinerary for this journey, click on the "Download Itinerary" button.
Departure Information
Eastbound from Vancouver
2012
May: 20, 22, 24
Jun: 3, 5, 7, 17, 19, 21
Jul: 1, 3, 5, 15, 17, 19, 29, 31
Aug: 2, 12, 14, 16, 26, 28, 30
Sep: 9, 11, 13, 23
Westbound from Calgary
2012
May: 19, 23
Jun: 2, 6, 16, 20, 30
Jul: 4, 14, 28
Aug: 11, 25, 29
Sep: 8 12
Additional Information
Documents:
You will be provided with a kit containing the following information:
• Detailed day-by-day itinerary
• Comprehensive travel guide
• Map
• Vouchers and visitor information on the areas they will be travelling.
Documentation is sent to the passengers’ first hotel of the package or pre tour hotel
Comprehensive Assistance:
Should you need assistance while a toll free help line is available 7 days a week from 7.00am to 7.00pm.
To Book
This product is not currently available to book through our online booking system.
To book, please contact one of our Rail Specialists on 1300 360 823 or email details of your requirements to
info@railtickets.com.au
Terms and Conditions
Payment:
• Deposit of $400 per person required to confirm booking
• Full payment is required at least 65 days prior to departure
• Bookings made within 65 days of departure require full payment to confirm service
Cancellation and Administration Fees:
• 66+ days prior to departure - $200 per person (loss of deposit)
• 46 - 65 days prior to departure - 20% of package price
• 45 or less days prior to departure - non refundable
Photographic credits: Butchart Gardens, whales and Prince George photos courtesy of © Tourism British Columbia
