Canadian Rockies
& Pacific Northwest
September 6-20, 2024
Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper,
Banff and Jasper National Parks
Columbia Icefields Parkway
OPTIONAL Two Days on the Rocky Mountaineer Train- Gold Leaf Seating - Overnight in Kamloops.
"Journey Through the Clouds" from Jasper, Alberta to Vancouver, BC; *Additional Fees will be applied.
Plus... Washington, Idaho, Montana & North Dakota
A Full Passport Book is highly recommended.
Your eyes won’t believe the spectacle of nature that has brought millions of visitors annually to the Canadian Rockies. Radiant cliffs, rugged mountains, national parks, and forests are all part of this majestic tour through Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. The Rocky Mountaineer is also part of this magnificent adventure! You'll "Journey Through the Clouds" from Jasper to Vancouver, British Columbia with an overnight in Kamloops. Join us on this 15-day tour through North America's most scenic journey.
DELUXE MOTORCOACH TRANSPORTATION from Northeast, Central, and Southern MN
Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia, Eveleth, Duluth, Sartell, Rice, Baxter, Little Falls, Burnsville and Owatonna
14 NIGHTS LODGING: In Canada: Winnipeg, Manitoba; Regina, Saskatchewan; Calgary, Banff, Jasper Alberta; Kamloops and
Vancouver, British Columbia. In U.S.A: Leavenworth, WA; Missoula and Billings, Montana, Medora, North Dakota
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS 15 DAY ADVENTURE: Winnipeg, Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Columbia Icefield Parkway, Rocky
Mountaineer Train, Vancouver, Ferry to Vancouver Island (Butchart Gardens), Grand Coulee Dam Visitors Center & Film, McDonald's Pass Scenic Byway, Teddy Roosevelt Nat'l Park
TRAIN OPTION: Rocky Mountaineer - Two Days - Jasper to Vancouver, BC - Gold Leaf Class
19 MEALS: 14 Breakfasts- 2 Dinners and 3 Lunches
LUGGAGE HANDLING (wherever possible) – MOST TIPS – FULLY GUIDED
Deposits/ Payments: $400.00per person is due with registration and becomes non-refundable after Dec 1, 2023.
Final payment: Due June 1, 2024. Cancellations: Cancellations from June 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024 are contingent to what Happy Trails Tours receives from hotels, tour companies, restaurants, charters, etc. There are no refunds with cancellations made after
July 1, 2024.
Payment may be made with personal check, money orders, bank drafts or credit cards (no Amex) – All U.S. Funds.
Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended. It can offer financial security as well as peace of mind. Pre-existing conditions are waived when insurance is purchased within 12 days of your initial deposit paid. We'll be happy to send you a brochure. Call us with questions.
Sept 6th - Day 1 Begin Your Journey on the Canadian Rockies Tour
Central Minnesota (Sartell, Little Falls and Baxter)
6:00 am- Sartell AmericInn Motel - 119 Le Sauk Drive - Phone: (320-259-0877)
6:35 am- Little Falls - Walmart - 15091 18th Street NE (320-632-9268)
7:10 am- Baxter - Walmart - McDonalds - 7295 Glory Road - (218-829-5510)
*Note: For those boarding in Central MN, your driver looks forward to greeting each of you early on Friday morning. We have scheduled a breakfast break for you in Baxter at the #371 Cafe. You will also have another quick comfort stop at the Cenex Station when you join the rest of the group in Bemidji
*Northeast Minnesota (Duluth, Eveleth, Virginia, Hibbing, Grand Rapids)
5:20 am- Duluth Menards in Hermantown - 4809 Miller Trunk Hwy (218-722-0078)
6:25 am -Eveleth Super Eight - 1080 Industrial Park (218-744-1661)
6:45 am- Virginia Village Inn - 1500 13th Street South (218-749-8289)
7:15 am- Hibbing Hampton Inn – 4225 9 AV W (218-262-000)
Note: For those boarding in Northeast, MN, your tour manager will be boarding the coach at the Duluth stop and your tour manager looks forward to greeting you. You will have your breakfast in Grand Rapids at 8 am.
8:45 am- Grand Rapids Country Kitchen (625 Pokegama Ave- 218-326-9618)
9:00 am-The bus departs Grand Rapids and continues to Bemidji to meet the rest of our Happy Trails Travelers!
*Note: For our folks from Northern Minnesota ... International Falls - You will join us in Bemidji, MN.
10:15 am- Bemidji Cenex Station (71 & U.S. Hwy 2 - # 218-751-1830)
12:45 pm- Grand Forks, North Dakota - Lunch, paying on own.
Once we get all of our early morning stops behind us... we'll begin to get serious about traveling northwest to Winnipeg, Canada. We've adjusted our routing to improve the timing so those of you getting on in the earliest hours could leave a bit later making your day a little shorter. After our lunch, we'll travel straight north along I-29 to Pembina / Emerson where we'll cross the boarder. Be sure to have your passports ready. Double check them before you leave home to be sure they are current. (A new passport can look very similar to your expired passports). Put your seats back, get to know one another and enjoy your first day of your Canadian Rockies Adventure! We have a restful evening planned tonight. This property offers a delightful restaurant in house and is local favorite.
5:30 pm- Arrive to the BW Plus Winnipeg Airport Hotel.
Hotel: BW Plus Winnipeg Airport - 1715 Wellington Ave- Winnipeg, Manitoba PHONE: 204-775-9889
The hotel porter will bring your suitcase to your rooms and tips have already been included in your package. They have an elevator, full service restaurant, lounge, fitness center and an indoor heated pool. They have two queens or one king bed coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards in the rooms. Enjoy the rest of the evening and dinner at your leisure, paying on your own.
6:00 am- Sartell AmericInn Motel - 119 Le Sauk Drive - Phone: (320-259-0877)
6:35 am- Little Falls - Walmart - 15091 18th Street NE (320-632-9268)
7:10 am- Baxter - Walmart - McDonalds - 7295 Glory Road - (218-829-5510)
*Note: For those boarding in Central MN, your driver looks forward to greeting each of you early on Friday morning. We have scheduled a breakfast break for you in Baxter at the #371 Cafe. You will also have another quick comfort stop at the Cenex Station when you join the rest of the group in Bemidji
*Northeast Minnesota (Duluth, Eveleth, Virginia, Hibbing, Grand Rapids)
5:20 am- Duluth Menards in Hermantown - 4809 Miller Trunk Hwy (218-722-0078)
6:25 am -Eveleth Super Eight - 1080 Industrial Park (218-744-1661)
6:45 am- Virginia Village Inn - 1500 13th Street South (218-749-8289)
7:15 am- Hibbing Hampton Inn – 4225 9 AV W (218-262-000)
Note: For those boarding in Northeast, MN, your tour manager will be boarding the coach at the Duluth stop and your tour manager looks forward to greeting you. You will have your breakfast in Grand Rapids at 8 am.
8:45 am- Grand Rapids Country Kitchen (625 Pokegama Ave- 218-326-9618)
9:00 am-The bus departs Grand Rapids and continues to Bemidji to meet the rest of our Happy Trails Travelers!
*Note: For our folks from Northern Minnesota ... International Falls - You will join us in Bemidji, MN.
10:15 am- Bemidji Cenex Station (71 & U.S. Hwy 2 - # 218-751-1830)
12:45 pm- Grand Forks, North Dakota - Lunch, paying on own.
Once we get all of our early morning stops behind us... we'll begin to get serious about traveling northwest to Winnipeg, Canada. We've adjusted our routing to improve the timing so those of you getting on in the earliest hours could leave a bit later making your day a little shorter. After our lunch, we'll travel straight north along I-29 to Pembina / Emerson where we'll cross the boarder. Be sure to have your passports ready. Double check them before you leave home to be sure they are current. (A new passport can look very similar to your expired passports). Put your seats back, get to know one another and enjoy your first day of your Canadian Rockies Adventure! We have a restful evening planned tonight. This property offers a delightful restaurant in house and is local favorite.
5:30 pm- Arrive to the BW Plus Winnipeg Airport Hotel.
Hotel: BW Plus Winnipeg Airport - 1715 Wellington Ave- Winnipeg, Manitoba PHONE: 204-775-9889
The hotel porter will bring your suitcase to your rooms and tips have already been included in your package. They have an elevator, full service restaurant, lounge, fitness center and an indoor heated pool. They have two queens or one king bed coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards in the rooms. Enjoy the rest of the evening and dinner at your leisure, paying on your own.
Sept 7th - Day 2 A Bit of Time in Winnipeg before traveling West to Regina, Saskatchewan
7:00 am - 9:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. (9:00 am - Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter) (350 Miles)
9:00 am- We are going to leave the morning open until we decide how we want to fill the next couple of hours.
Time will be made for an early lunch, paying on own, before we begin our journey westward to Regina.
12:00 pm- Wheels Rolling as we begin traveling west through Manitoba and on into Saskatchewan to Regina (about 350 miles away).
A comfort stop will be made along our westward journey on the Trans Canadian Highway #1.
7:00 pm- (Central Time) Estimated arrival Regina, Saskatchewan.
Hotel: BW Seven Oaks, 777 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan PHONE: 306-757-0121
The BW Seven Oaks offer a mix of rooms with two queen beds and single king beds. They also have an elevator, indoor pool, laundry facilities, Keurig coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards and hair dryers. They also offer free Wi-Fi. We are including a dinner tonigh
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
7:00 am - 9:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. (9:00 am - Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter) (350 Miles)
9:00 am- We are going to leave the morning open until we decide how we want to fill the next couple of hours.
Time will be made for an early lunch, paying on own, before we begin our journey westward to Regina.
12:00 pm- Wheels Rolling as we begin traveling west through Manitoba and on into Saskatchewan to Regina (about 350 miles away).
A comfort stop will be made along our westward journey on the Trans Canadian Highway #1.
7:00 pm- (Central Time) Estimated arrival Regina, Saskatchewan.
Hotel: BW Seven Oaks, 777 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan PHONE: 306-757-0121
The BW Seven Oaks offer a mix of rooms with two queen beds and single king beds. They also have an elevator, indoor pool, laundry facilities, Keurig coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards and hair dryers. They also offer free Wi-Fi. We are including a dinner tonigh
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Sept 8th - Day 3 Continue Westward on Trans Canadian Highway to Calgary, Alberta
6:30 am - 8:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
7:30 am- Set your luggage outside your door for the porter. (470 Miles)
8:30 am- Wheels Rolling as we continue west into the beautiful province of Alberta, Canada. We'll move into Mountain Time at the border.
We'll travel through the prairie lands of Saskatchewan and Alberta today. Comfort stops will be made as the day progresses. We are about 475 miles to Calgary, which is about an 8 plus hour day of travel.
6:30 pm- (Mountain Time) Estimated arrival Calgary, Alberta.
Hotel: Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, 2481 39th Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta PHONE: 403-250-1800
This property is located outside of town near the airport. They offer a mix of rooms with two queen beds and single king beds. Also have an elevator, indoor pool, laundry facilities, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards and hair dryers. There is a nice Chili's Restaurant or a Tim Horton's' right next door.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sept 9th-Day 4 Beautiful Calgary and Banff National Park
6:30 am -8:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
7:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors for the porters. (80 Miles)
We'll begin the day with a delightful City Tour of Calgary before continuing our way through the Kananaskis Valley on to
beautiful Banff National Park. Relax and enjoy the amazing scenery as we travel into the beautiful Rocky Mountains!
2:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Banff, Alberta.
Hotel: Best Western Siding 29 Lodge - 453 Marten Street, Banff Phone: 403-762-5575
Many restaurants and shops are located within walking distance of this beautiful hotel (3 blocks from historic downtown) The rest of this day is at your leisure. All the rooms at this property offer two queen size beds in the rooms (no kings). This property has indoor pool, elevator, breakfast in the morning, laundry facilities, high speed internet, coffeemakers in the rooms. We'll be here two nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
6:30 am - 8:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
7:30 am- Set your luggage outside your door for the porter. (470 Miles)
8:30 am- Wheels Rolling as we continue west into the beautiful province of Alberta, Canada. We'll move into Mountain Time at the border.
We'll travel through the prairie lands of Saskatchewan and Alberta today. Comfort stops will be made as the day progresses. We are about 475 miles to Calgary, which is about an 8 plus hour day of travel.
6:30 pm- (Mountain Time) Estimated arrival Calgary, Alberta.
Hotel: Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, 2481 39th Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta PHONE: 403-250-1800
This property is located outside of town near the airport. They offer a mix of rooms with two queen beds and single king beds. Also have an elevator, indoor pool, laundry facilities, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards and hair dryers. There is a nice Chili's Restaurant or a Tim Horton's' right next door.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sept 9th-Day 4 Beautiful Calgary and Banff National Park
6:30 am -8:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
7:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors for the porters. (80 Miles)
We'll begin the day with a delightful City Tour of Calgary before continuing our way through the Kananaskis Valley on to
beautiful Banff National Park. Relax and enjoy the amazing scenery as we travel into the beautiful Rocky Mountains!
2:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Banff, Alberta.
Hotel: Best Western Siding 29 Lodge - 453 Marten Street, Banff Phone: 403-762-5575
Many restaurants and shops are located within walking distance of this beautiful hotel (3 blocks from historic downtown) The rest of this day is at your leisure. All the rooms at this property offer two queen size beds in the rooms (no kings). This property has indoor pool, elevator, breakfast in the morning, laundry facilities, high speed internet, coffeemakers in the rooms. We'll be here two nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sept 10th-Day 5 Beautiful Lake Louise
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6:30 - 8:15 am- Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge (We have to depart a little earlier this morning to make our Lake Louise appointments).
9:30 am- Depart for Lake Louise for the day's activities. 10:30 am- Arrive to the City of Lake Louise - for our 10:45 am Lake Louise Gondola Ride. We've included a delightful experience where you'll cruise for fourteen glorious minutes in an open chair or a fully enclosed gondola to one of the Banff National Park's greatest views! From 2088 m (6850ft), the spectacular scenery is just stunning. One of the most stunning views will be the lovely Lake Louise! We will |
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have our buffet lunch after our gondola rides, included, and then continue a short drive to along the border of British Columbia north along Hwy #93 to the Chateau Lake Louise, Canada's "Diamond in the Wilderness". It’s here where we’ll spend a bit of time exploring, taking photos and breathing in some of North America’s most amazing beauty. The Chateau Lake Louise, is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake. This iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel is located in Alberta's Banff National Park.
4:30 pm- Board the coach and return to lovely Best Western Siding 29 Lodge for the rest of the day to enjoy as per your own agenda.
4:30 pm- Board the coach and return to lovely Best Western Siding 29 Lodge for the rest of the day to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Sept 11th - Day 6 The Columbia Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier and Jasper National Park
6:30 am - 7:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. 6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter. (180 Miles)
7:30 am- Be on board the coach and begin another amazing day through Banff National Park to Jasper National Park!
Today you’ll journey along the unforgettable Columbia Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas! Reflect on this inspiring landscape at Peyto Lake, a turquoise glacier-fed treasure. At the Columbia Icefield, we may ride across on the Ice Explorer or walk on the Skywalk over glacial ice 1,000+ feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Experience breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and the dramatic landscape from the glass floored platform if the skywalk is confirmed to us. As you continue down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots & stately elk. NOTE: They will not confirm which form of exploring we will do on the parkway until about 4 months prior to arrival. We only have time to do one or the other. So just know, it will be exciting whichever way this day plays out.
6:30 pm- Estimated arrival to Jasper, Alberta
Hotel: Mount Robson Inn – 902 Connaught Drive, Jasper PHONE: 780-852-3327
Many restaurants and shops are located within 5 blocks of walking distance of this very sought-after property. All the rooms at this property offer two queen size beds in the rooms, and outdoor hot tubs. They also offer breakfast in the morning, but we will be departing early for the train (which also offers breakfast once you get settled.) We have waited nearly 3 years to finally get a solid reservation into this property. It’s not particularly fancy but it’s nice and the location is what we want for our Happy Trails Family. Meals Included: Breakfast
CUSTOMIZING OPTIONS FOR DAYS 7 & 8
Happy Trails Tours received requests to customize the Canadian Rockies & Pacific Northwest tour. With the desire to design a tour that will appeal to each of our travelers, we have devised two options from which to choose. Option One provides motorcoach transportation from Jasper to Kamloops ending in Vancouver. Option Two includes the “Journey Through the Clouds” Rocky Mountaineer Train excursion, ending in Vancouver. See the itinerary below for details. The price differences are listed on the front page of the brochure.
6:30 am - 7:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. 6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter. (180 Miles)
7:30 am- Be on board the coach and begin another amazing day through Banff National Park to Jasper National Park!
Today you’ll journey along the unforgettable Columbia Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas! Reflect on this inspiring landscape at Peyto Lake, a turquoise glacier-fed treasure. At the Columbia Icefield, we may ride across on the Ice Explorer or walk on the Skywalk over glacial ice 1,000+ feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Experience breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and the dramatic landscape from the glass floored platform if the skywalk is confirmed to us. As you continue down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots & stately elk. NOTE: They will not confirm which form of exploring we will do on the parkway until about 4 months prior to arrival. We only have time to do one or the other. So just know, it will be exciting whichever way this day plays out.
6:30 pm- Estimated arrival to Jasper, Alberta
Hotel: Mount Robson Inn – 902 Connaught Drive, Jasper PHONE: 780-852-3327
Many restaurants and shops are located within 5 blocks of walking distance of this very sought-after property. All the rooms at this property offer two queen size beds in the rooms, and outdoor hot tubs. They also offer breakfast in the morning, but we will be departing early for the train (which also offers breakfast once you get settled.) We have waited nearly 3 years to finally get a solid reservation into this property. It’s not particularly fancy but it’s nice and the location is what we want for our Happy Trails Family. Meals Included: Breakfast
CUSTOMIZING OPTIONS FOR DAYS 7 & 8
Happy Trails Tours received requests to customize the Canadian Rockies & Pacific Northwest tour. With the desire to design a tour that will appeal to each of our travelers, we have devised two options from which to choose. Option One provides motorcoach transportation from Jasper to Kamloops ending in Vancouver. Option Two includes the “Journey Through the Clouds” Rocky Mountaineer Train excursion, ending in Vancouver. See the itinerary below for details. The price differences are listed on the front page of the brochure.
Sept 13th - Day 8 – OPTION TWO "Journey Through the Clouds - Vancouver, British Columbia
______ am- Set your luggage outside your door. Be sure you have your luggage tag on your luggage.
(The time to have your luggage ready for pick up will be posted in the lobby of the hotel.)
______ am- The motor coach transfer from the hotel lobby is also posted in the lobby of the hotel.
______ am- Set your luggage outside your door. Be sure you have your luggage tag on your luggage.
(The time to have your luggage ready for pick up will be posted in the lobby of the hotel.)
______ am- The motor coach transfer from the hotel lobby is also posted in the lobby of the hotel.
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7:35 am- Board the train for the 2nd day of our "Journey Through the Clouds" to
Vancouver, BC. Breakfast and lunch are served on board the train. Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. Today, we will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. |
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5:30 pm- 7:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Vancouver, British Columbia
(The Rocky Mountaineer cannot say exactly what time you'll arrive so this an estimate.)
We will be transported to our hotel by bus. This is where we re-join our Happy Trails driver and the rest of the Happy Trails Travelers. Our luggage will be waiting for us in Vancouver at the train station. Specifics on how the luggage is handled will be announced ~ we may have to personally handle our own bags when bringing them to the motor coach for our transfer to the hotel.
Hotel: The Sutton Place Hotel – 85 Burrad Street, Vancouver, British Columbia (Three Nights) Phone: 604-682-5511
The Sutton Hotel, a boutique hotel with European charm, is ideally situated in downtown Vancouver in the heart of the downtown. It offers a pool, oyster bar, lounge, full service restaurant (Boulevard Kitchen) free wi-fi and fitness center. We should all settle in nicely!
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
(The Rocky Mountaineer cannot say exactly what time you'll arrive so this an estimate.)
We will be transported to our hotel by bus. This is where we re-join our Happy Trails driver and the rest of the Happy Trails Travelers. Our luggage will be waiting for us in Vancouver at the train station. Specifics on how the luggage is handled will be announced ~ we may have to personally handle our own bags when bringing them to the motor coach for our transfer to the hotel.
Hotel: The Sutton Place Hotel – 85 Burrad Street, Vancouver, British Columbia (Three Nights) Phone: 604-682-5511
The Sutton Hotel, a boutique hotel with European charm, is ideally situated in downtown Vancouver in the heart of the downtown. It offers a pool, oyster bar, lounge, full service restaurant (Boulevard Kitchen) free wi-fi and fitness center. We should all settle in nicely!
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
BOTH OPTION ONE & OPTION TWO CONVERGE TODAY
Sept 14th - Day 9 Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia for the Next Three Nights
NOTE: It is possible that the next two days might be reversed. We are waiting to see what appointment might best fit the group schedule.
for the Vancouver Ferry that will cross to Vancouver Island. If we do reverse these days, we will announce this on board the coach.
7:00-10:00- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
10:00 am - Board the coach and begin a delightful Vancouver Area City Tour of this amazing city!
Enjoy a sightseeing tour beginning at Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest. Meet a member of the Stanley Park Ecological Society and learn about the Young Naturalist program supported by the Collette Foundation, as well as other conservation and preservation efforts. Visit Chinatown – one of the largest in North America. Your next stop is Gastown, a turn-of-the-century town comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques, and its world-famous steam-powered clock which is perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver.
2:00 pm- Return to the hotel where you can relax and take the rest of the day at your leisure. Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 15th - Day 10 Ferry to Vancouver Island ~ Butchart Gardens
We won't likely have time to eat before leaving for the boat dock. We will include breakfast vouchers.
7:30 am- The bus departs for the Bay Ferry Terminal for Vancouver Island. (This may change due to scheduling of the Ferry for 2024)
A scenic ferry crossing transports you to Vancouver Island to visit the incomparable and lovely Butchart Gardens. Set on over 55 acres, Butchart Gardens are among the world's most beautiful and are a veritable explosion of color and fragrances. Then, take a short sightseeing tour of the "City of Gardens," Victoria, and enjoy leisure time to explore this charming, seaside city. This evening you will journey back to the mainland via a short ferry ride.
9:00 pm- Return to the hotel for the well-deserved night's rest. Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 16th - Day 11 Crossing the B.C. & U.S. Border / Traveling to Leavenworth, Washington
7:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. Set your luggage outside your door at 7 am when you go to breakfast. (200 Miles)
7:00 am- We depart Vancouver and travel into the United States - Have your passports ready as we cross B.C/ U.S. Border. We'll continue our way south until we come to Monroe before traveling east on Hwy #2 though the Cascade Mountain Range. We'll cross through
Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest over Gunn Peak (6240 Ft) and Steven's Pass (4055 Ft) to the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth.This little Pacific Northwest gem is nested in the Wenatchee Mountains / Cashmere Mountain Ranges.
3:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Leavenworth, Washington.
Hotel: Bavarian Lodge - 810 U.S. #2, Leavenworth, Washington Phone: 509-888-8808
This little Bavarian mountain village is a real gem! The rooms offer either two queen beds or one king. They have a heated outdoor pool, an elevator, coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards in each room. They also have a delightful pub and restaurant in-house. They are within walking distance of all the shops on the main street. Hopefully the stores remain open a little later today so that you can enjoy a bit of shopping before they close.
Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 14th - Day 9 Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia for the Next Three Nights
NOTE: It is possible that the next two days might be reversed. We are waiting to see what appointment might best fit the group schedule.
for the Vancouver Ferry that will cross to Vancouver Island. If we do reverse these days, we will announce this on board the coach.
7:00-10:00- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
10:00 am - Board the coach and begin a delightful Vancouver Area City Tour of this amazing city!
Enjoy a sightseeing tour beginning at Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest. Meet a member of the Stanley Park Ecological Society and learn about the Young Naturalist program supported by the Collette Foundation, as well as other conservation and preservation efforts. Visit Chinatown – one of the largest in North America. Your next stop is Gastown, a turn-of-the-century town comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques, and its world-famous steam-powered clock which is perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver.
2:00 pm- Return to the hotel where you can relax and take the rest of the day at your leisure. Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 15th - Day 10 Ferry to Vancouver Island ~ Butchart Gardens
We won't likely have time to eat before leaving for the boat dock. We will include breakfast vouchers.
7:30 am- The bus departs for the Bay Ferry Terminal for Vancouver Island. (This may change due to scheduling of the Ferry for 2024)
A scenic ferry crossing transports you to Vancouver Island to visit the incomparable and lovely Butchart Gardens. Set on over 55 acres, Butchart Gardens are among the world's most beautiful and are a veritable explosion of color and fragrances. Then, take a short sightseeing tour of the "City of Gardens," Victoria, and enjoy leisure time to explore this charming, seaside city. This evening you will journey back to the mainland via a short ferry ride.
9:00 pm- Return to the hotel for the well-deserved night's rest. Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 16th - Day 11 Crossing the B.C. & U.S. Border / Traveling to Leavenworth, Washington
7:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. Set your luggage outside your door at 7 am when you go to breakfast. (200 Miles)
7:00 am- We depart Vancouver and travel into the United States - Have your passports ready as we cross B.C/ U.S. Border. We'll continue our way south until we come to Monroe before traveling east on Hwy #2 though the Cascade Mountain Range. We'll cross through
Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest over Gunn Peak (6240 Ft) and Steven's Pass (4055 Ft) to the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth.This little Pacific Northwest gem is nested in the Wenatchee Mountains / Cashmere Mountain Ranges.
3:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Leavenworth, Washington.
Hotel: Bavarian Lodge - 810 U.S. #2, Leavenworth, Washington Phone: 509-888-8808
This little Bavarian mountain village is a real gem! The rooms offer either two queen beds or one king. They have a heated outdoor pool, an elevator, coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards in each room. They also have a delightful pub and restaurant in-house. They are within walking distance of all the shops on the main street. Hopefully the stores remain open a little later today so that you can enjoy a bit of shopping before they close.
Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 17th - Day 12 The Rocky Mountains of the Pacific Northwest / Missoula, MT
6:30-8:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel
7:30 am - Set your luggage outside the door for the porter. (390 Miles)
8:30 am- The coach departs Leavenworth.
6:30-8:30 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel
7:30 am - Set your luggage outside the door for the porter. (390 Miles)
8:30 am- The coach departs Leavenworth.
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Today on our way out of town, we'll make a stop at the Coulee Dam Visitors Center. We'll enjoy a short film and see the exhibits as well as a nice overlook of the dam. After our tour, we'll head south on I-174 to Highway #2 and continue straight east until we arrive to Spokane ~
Next we'll go east on #90 to the Washington - Idaho border. Enjoy the picturesque view while we drive through the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains and on through Coeur d' Alane, Shoshone and Lolo National Forests. Comfort stops will be made as the day rolls along. We'll continue #90 direct to Missoula. |
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6:30 pm- (Mountain Time) Estimated arrival to Missoula, Montana.
Hotel: BW Grant Creek Inn - 5280 Grand Creek Road, Missoula, Montana Phone 406-543-0700
Beautiful property with either two queens or one king bed, coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons and boards, free Wi-Fi, an elevator, an indoor pool, hot tub, coin operated laundry and nearby restaurants within walking distance.
Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 18th - Day 13 Big Sky Montana ~ McDonald's Pass Scenic Byway ~ Billings, Montana
6:00 - 7:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. 6:00 am - Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter. (340 Miles)
7:00 am- Say good-bye to Missoula and travel to Billings, Montana.
As we travel east on I-90, the scenery will be spectacular! Once we hit Garrison, we'll travel along I-#12, one of Montana's Scenic
Byways that crosses over the "Continental Divide" at "McDonald's Pass" (6362 Feet) on our way to the states capital, Helena.
We'll have lunch along the way, and then continue to Billings, Montana. Stay awake and keep your cameras ready!
7:00 pm - Estimated arrival to Billings, Montana.
Hotel: Hampton Inn - 3550 Ember Lane, Billings, Montana Phone: 406-656-7511
The Hampton Inn offers King and double queen beds, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards and hairdryers. They also have a coin-operated laundry, an elevator, indoor pool, free W-Fi and two very nice restaurants right next door to the hotel. Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 19th - Day 14 Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Medora, North Dakota
6:00 - 7:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
6:00 am - Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter. (280 Miles)
7:00 am- Say good-bye to Billings and travel to Medora, North Dakota.
We'll leave bright and early from Billings and travel east along I- 90 / to I-94 through the state of Montana to North Dakota. Once we cross the border into North Dakota, we'll arrive to Medora around 12:30 pm. After lunch, we'll visit Teddy Roosevelt National Park~
Theodore Roosevelt first came to the badlands on a hunting trip in September 1883. Enchanted by the landscape and its wildlife, he invested in two cattle ranches, the Maltese Cross and the Elkhorn. The experience was influential on his life, philosophy, and politics. "I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota," he said. A major feature of the South Unit is the Scenic Loop Drive. Pullouts and interpretive signs explain park features and allow visitors to enjoy scenic views and wildlife along this paved 36-mile drive. Get ready to see one of the most beautiful painted canyons in America! Oh ... a watch out for wandering buffalo along the trail.
6:00 pm- Estimate arrival to our hotel.
Hotel: Rough Rider's Hotel- Medora, North Dakota Phone: 800-633-6721
This property is located nearby shopping and easy walking to the little western town of Medora. All rooms have two queen beds in them, they have an elevator, indoor pool, coffeemaker, hair dryer, irons and ironing boards in all rooms. We'll take folks out for dinner tonight. Dinner is included tonight at the Rough Rider’s Hotel in the Medora Room. Meal Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Sept 20th - Day 15 Homeward Bound With Many Fond Memories!
6:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. / 6:00 am- Set your luggage outside your door when you go to breakfast.
My dear Happy Trails Friends.... our property here in Medora does not have porters this early in the morning so unfortunately, we may need a little assistance with your luggage. IF you can help out a bit, we sure would appreciate it. This property does have an elevator and we've asked that they put us all on the lower level, if possible.
6:45 am- Board the coach.
We have a full day of traveling with comfort stops as needed. We'll travel straight east on I-94 through Fargo. We'll have our lunch in Fargo and also use this same venue to meet the Central MN shuttle transportation for those folks continuing south to Baxter, Little Falls and Sartell. Once we say good-bye to each other, the main motor coach will continue east to Grand Rapids & the Iron Range and Duluth.
Estimated Arrival Home to the Northeast: 7 pm to Rapids; 8:30 pm to Hibbing; 9 pm to Virginia; 9:15 pm to Eveleth and 10:15 pm to Duluth.
Estimated Arrival Home to Central: 5:30 pm to Baxter; 6:00 pm to Little Falls; 6:45 pm to Sartell/ St Cloud area.
A few other things to know about the 2024 Canadian Rockies / Pacific Northwest Tour:
Current U.S. Passport: This tour requires everyone to have a United State Passport with an expiration date SIX months after the tour returns. So in this case, your expiration date on your passport should not be earlier than March 2025. Though passport cards are acceptable to cross the U.S. and Canadian borders by vehicle, should you become ill and have to fly home from the Canadian side, a passport card cannot be used at an airport. We highly recommend full U.S. Passports but the decision is yours. You decide what works best for you. Your reservation form must include correct spelling to match your passport and your passport 9-digit number and expiration date.
Reservations: Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is held without a financial deposit made.
Meals: We have included many meals in this tour package. Tips are included for all meals arranged by Happy Trails. Most restaurants will be sit-down style but you will notice on occasion to save time, we'll stop at fast-food restaurants.
Hotels: The hotels are very nice – 3 & 4 Star - Occasionally we may get a property that does not have an elevator. Let us know if you need a first-floor room IF no elevator is available. All rooms booked are non-smoking. Most properties along this journey offer coin-operated laundry. Some may not offer luggage handling due to staffing issues. We reserve the right to change a hotel if we feel it benefits the entire group.
Fully Guided with Professional Drivers and Tour Managers: Not to worry - you’re in good hands! Our tour manager is very personable and will greet each of you as they take great care in operating a well-organized tour. Our driver is caring, professional, personable and very experienced!
Dress Code & How to Pack: Dress Code: The tour is comfortable and casual - Pack good walking shoes.
Luggage: Pack one suitcase each. In most cases, your suitcase is delivered each night to your rooms by the porter. (Tips are included). NOTE: With so many staffing shortages, we may stay at a property that can not promise luggage handling. You may bring a carry-on bag, as well, on board. Carry-on bags are handled by yourself. Do not make them heavier than what you can carrry. Pack a swimming suit if you enjoy the pool, bring a camera, a raincoat, & an umbrella, a light weight jacket, sunscreen and a hat. Please do not bring coolers on board. We make ample stops for breaks.
The Coach/ Seat Rotation: The coach is a 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD & DVD and chartered through Minnesota Coaches (Duluth) .The coach has seatbelts, cup holders and spacious leg room. It also has a restroom, microphone. Limited Wi-Fi & 110 outlets are also offered. We cannot promise seating up front for all the requests that are given to us. Seats in the first several rows are obviously limited.
We do not rotate seats so you will keep the seat you have throughout the tour. If you have a special need for seating, kindly let us know in advance. We will pre-assign your seat according to physical need and the date of registration. We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks. PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes we end up on a stretch of road/interstate that may prevent us from stopping exactly at 2.5 or 3 hours. We do our best to accommodate but remember…there’s also a restroom on board IF you need it. Thank you for your understanding.
Shuttles For Our Friends From Central MN - Baxter-Little Falls-Sartell-Twin Cities AREA: Sometimes, if an area where we promised to be a boarding location, falls short in numbers, you may have to join the group along the route in a nearby town. A smaller shuttle vehicle may also be used depending on the numbers. By smaller vehicle, we mean a car, van or an SUV owned and operated by the bus chartering company and driven by a professional driver.
Special Needs: Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, climbing stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best) or a scooter, please let us know. The Rocky Mountaineer will request any special needs about 90 days prior to arrivng. Please refrain from using strong cologns or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling. Diabetics are encouraged to bring along some little snacks as we cannot always promise meal breaks on schedule though we do our best to. Remember we are also moving into Mountain and Pacific Time Zones. So pack accordingly. This tour is manageable for folks with limited walking or special needs. There are very limited long distances to walk. It does not include hiking, though there may be short walks to some of the overlooks. It may be challenging if you need a wheelchair or scooter. Ask your doctor if your health can manage traveling in high mountain elevations.
Tipping: The tour includes tips for luggage handling, meals and step-on-guides who step on board the coach and included meals. Tips are not included for your driver & on board travel host. It is customary to tip them at the end of the tour.
On Board Activities: We play movies, play games, listen to CDs & tell stories as we pass the time along while traveling. If you have a cute joke or story (and it’s appropriate for all audiences!) then we invite you to use the microphone and share your humor with all on board.
Schedule Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. Sometimes changes occur beyond our control. If a change occurs, we’ll replace it something of equal value. We have no control over any of the attractions listed in this flyer nor can we control hotels, tour companies (other than our own); restaurants and theaters.
Hotel: BW Grant Creek Inn - 5280 Grand Creek Road, Missoula, Montana Phone 406-543-0700
Beautiful property with either two queens or one king bed, coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons and boards, free Wi-Fi, an elevator, an indoor pool, hot tub, coin operated laundry and nearby restaurants within walking distance.
Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 18th - Day 13 Big Sky Montana ~ McDonald's Pass Scenic Byway ~ Billings, Montana
6:00 - 7:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. 6:00 am - Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter. (340 Miles)
7:00 am- Say good-bye to Missoula and travel to Billings, Montana.
As we travel east on I-90, the scenery will be spectacular! Once we hit Garrison, we'll travel along I-#12, one of Montana's Scenic
Byways that crosses over the "Continental Divide" at "McDonald's Pass" (6362 Feet) on our way to the states capital, Helena.
We'll have lunch along the way, and then continue to Billings, Montana. Stay awake and keep your cameras ready!
7:00 pm - Estimated arrival to Billings, Montana.
Hotel: Hampton Inn - 3550 Ember Lane, Billings, Montana Phone: 406-656-7511
The Hampton Inn offers King and double queen beds, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards and hairdryers. They also have a coin-operated laundry, an elevator, indoor pool, free W-Fi and two very nice restaurants right next door to the hotel. Meal Included: Breakfast
Sept 19th - Day 14 Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Medora, North Dakota
6:00 - 7:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
6:00 am - Set your luggage outside your doors for the porter. (280 Miles)
7:00 am- Say good-bye to Billings and travel to Medora, North Dakota.
We'll leave bright and early from Billings and travel east along I- 90 / to I-94 through the state of Montana to North Dakota. Once we cross the border into North Dakota, we'll arrive to Medora around 12:30 pm. After lunch, we'll visit Teddy Roosevelt National Park~
Theodore Roosevelt first came to the badlands on a hunting trip in September 1883. Enchanted by the landscape and its wildlife, he invested in two cattle ranches, the Maltese Cross and the Elkhorn. The experience was influential on his life, philosophy, and politics. "I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota," he said. A major feature of the South Unit is the Scenic Loop Drive. Pullouts and interpretive signs explain park features and allow visitors to enjoy scenic views and wildlife along this paved 36-mile drive. Get ready to see one of the most beautiful painted canyons in America! Oh ... a watch out for wandering buffalo along the trail.
6:00 pm- Estimate arrival to our hotel.
Hotel: Rough Rider's Hotel- Medora, North Dakota Phone: 800-633-6721
This property is located nearby shopping and easy walking to the little western town of Medora. All rooms have two queen beds in them, they have an elevator, indoor pool, coffeemaker, hair dryer, irons and ironing boards in all rooms. We'll take folks out for dinner tonight. Dinner is included tonight at the Rough Rider’s Hotel in the Medora Room. Meal Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Sept 20th - Day 15 Homeward Bound With Many Fond Memories!
6:00 am- Breakfast is served at the hotel. / 6:00 am- Set your luggage outside your door when you go to breakfast.
My dear Happy Trails Friends.... our property here in Medora does not have porters this early in the morning so unfortunately, we may need a little assistance with your luggage. IF you can help out a bit, we sure would appreciate it. This property does have an elevator and we've asked that they put us all on the lower level, if possible.
6:45 am- Board the coach.
We have a full day of traveling with comfort stops as needed. We'll travel straight east on I-94 through Fargo. We'll have our lunch in Fargo and also use this same venue to meet the Central MN shuttle transportation for those folks continuing south to Baxter, Little Falls and Sartell. Once we say good-bye to each other, the main motor coach will continue east to Grand Rapids & the Iron Range and Duluth.
Estimated Arrival Home to the Northeast: 7 pm to Rapids; 8:30 pm to Hibbing; 9 pm to Virginia; 9:15 pm to Eveleth and 10:15 pm to Duluth.
Estimated Arrival Home to Central: 5:30 pm to Baxter; 6:00 pm to Little Falls; 6:45 pm to Sartell/ St Cloud area.
A few other things to know about the 2024 Canadian Rockies / Pacific Northwest Tour:
Current U.S. Passport: This tour requires everyone to have a United State Passport with an expiration date SIX months after the tour returns. So in this case, your expiration date on your passport should not be earlier than March 2025. Though passport cards are acceptable to cross the U.S. and Canadian borders by vehicle, should you become ill and have to fly home from the Canadian side, a passport card cannot be used at an airport. We highly recommend full U.S. Passports but the decision is yours. You decide what works best for you. Your reservation form must include correct spelling to match your passport and your passport 9-digit number and expiration date.
Reservations: Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is held without a financial deposit made.
Meals: We have included many meals in this tour package. Tips are included for all meals arranged by Happy Trails. Most restaurants will be sit-down style but you will notice on occasion to save time, we'll stop at fast-food restaurants.
Hotels: The hotels are very nice – 3 & 4 Star - Occasionally we may get a property that does not have an elevator. Let us know if you need a first-floor room IF no elevator is available. All rooms booked are non-smoking. Most properties along this journey offer coin-operated laundry. Some may not offer luggage handling due to staffing issues. We reserve the right to change a hotel if we feel it benefits the entire group.
Fully Guided with Professional Drivers and Tour Managers: Not to worry - you’re in good hands! Our tour manager is very personable and will greet each of you as they take great care in operating a well-organized tour. Our driver is caring, professional, personable and very experienced!
Dress Code & How to Pack: Dress Code: The tour is comfortable and casual - Pack good walking shoes.
Luggage: Pack one suitcase each. In most cases, your suitcase is delivered each night to your rooms by the porter. (Tips are included). NOTE: With so many staffing shortages, we may stay at a property that can not promise luggage handling. You may bring a carry-on bag, as well, on board. Carry-on bags are handled by yourself. Do not make them heavier than what you can carrry. Pack a swimming suit if you enjoy the pool, bring a camera, a raincoat, & an umbrella, a light weight jacket, sunscreen and a hat. Please do not bring coolers on board. We make ample stops for breaks.
The Coach/ Seat Rotation: The coach is a 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD & DVD and chartered through Minnesota Coaches (Duluth) .The coach has seatbelts, cup holders and spacious leg room. It also has a restroom, microphone. Limited Wi-Fi & 110 outlets are also offered. We cannot promise seating up front for all the requests that are given to us. Seats in the first several rows are obviously limited.
We do not rotate seats so you will keep the seat you have throughout the tour. If you have a special need for seating, kindly let us know in advance. We will pre-assign your seat according to physical need and the date of registration. We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks. PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes we end up on a stretch of road/interstate that may prevent us from stopping exactly at 2.5 or 3 hours. We do our best to accommodate but remember…there’s also a restroom on board IF you need it. Thank you for your understanding.
Shuttles For Our Friends From Central MN - Baxter-Little Falls-Sartell-Twin Cities AREA: Sometimes, if an area where we promised to be a boarding location, falls short in numbers, you may have to join the group along the route in a nearby town. A smaller shuttle vehicle may also be used depending on the numbers. By smaller vehicle, we mean a car, van or an SUV owned and operated by the bus chartering company and driven by a professional driver.
Special Needs: Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, climbing stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best) or a scooter, please let us know. The Rocky Mountaineer will request any special needs about 90 days prior to arrivng. Please refrain from using strong cologns or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling. Diabetics are encouraged to bring along some little snacks as we cannot always promise meal breaks on schedule though we do our best to. Remember we are also moving into Mountain and Pacific Time Zones. So pack accordingly. This tour is manageable for folks with limited walking or special needs. There are very limited long distances to walk. It does not include hiking, though there may be short walks to some of the overlooks. It may be challenging if you need a wheelchair or scooter. Ask your doctor if your health can manage traveling in high mountain elevations.
Tipping: The tour includes tips for luggage handling, meals and step-on-guides who step on board the coach and included meals. Tips are not included for your driver & on board travel host. It is customary to tip them at the end of the tour.
On Board Activities: We play movies, play games, listen to CDs & tell stories as we pass the time along while traveling. If you have a cute joke or story (and it’s appropriate for all audiences!) then we invite you to use the microphone and share your humor with all on board.
Schedule Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. Sometimes changes occur beyond our control. If a change occurs, we’ll replace it something of equal value. We have no control over any of the attractions listed in this flyer nor can we control hotels, tour companies (other than our own); restaurants and theaters.