This was a fantastic day but it was a long day and I am so tired I can't even think straight.
You will have to wait for the report on today.
We do an excursion in the morning and have to board a bus at 8:30, We also have to be ready to board the train tomorrow afternoon.
There is no wifi on the train but the bigger stations have wifi. I expect to be able to post when we are in train stations. I hope to post before we leave Jasper tomorrow.
Stay Tuned, I will do my best.
Carolyn
Friday, August 4, 2017
Proposed Jasper Sightseeing
Jasper Sightseeing
Itinerary Instructions
Maligne Valley and Cruise with the Jasper Tour Company The Jasper Tour Company looks at each trip through the eyes of someone who's seeing the Rockies for the first time, ensuring that every tour is an adventure!
Many guests consider this tour to be the highlight of their entire trip. The journey begins in the Athabasca Valley and travels into the Maligne Valley. You will be inspired by the power of water as you witness it carve its way deep into the earth at Maligne Canyon.
Next, wonder at the mysterious disappearance of the water at Medicine Lake before taking in the sheer beauty of Maligne Lake itself. The Maligne Lake vista is undeniably one of Jasper National Park’s most spectacular views.
Once at Maligne Lake you will enjoy a boat cruise on the lake to Spirit Island. At Spirit Island you will be standing at what is known as the “Doorway to The Hall of the Gods".
On your return trip to Jasper be sure to watch for bears, deer, wolves, coyotes, moose, and eagles, as Jasper is a hot spot for wildlife activity.
The Maligne Valley is considered the “Jewel of the Rocky Mountains”.
Itinerary Instructions
Maligne Valley and Cruise with the Jasper Tour Company The Jasper Tour Company looks at each trip through the eyes of someone who's seeing the Rockies for the first time, ensuring that every tour is an adventure!
Many guests consider this tour to be the highlight of their entire trip. The journey begins in the Athabasca Valley and travels into the Maligne Valley. You will be inspired by the power of water as you witness it carve its way deep into the earth at Maligne Canyon.
Next, wonder at the mysterious disappearance of the water at Medicine Lake before taking in the sheer beauty of Maligne Lake itself. The Maligne Lake vista is undeniably one of Jasper National Park’s most spectacular views.
Once at Maligne Lake you will enjoy a boat cruise on the lake to Spirit Island. At Spirit Island you will be standing at what is known as the “Doorway to The Hall of the Gods".
On your return trip to Jasper be sure to watch for bears, deer, wolves, coyotes, moose, and eagles, as Jasper is a hot spot for wildlife activity.
The Maligne Valley is considered the “Jewel of the Rocky Mountains”.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Proposed Lake Louise to Jasper adventure
Lake Louise to Jasper Sightseeing
Itinerary Instructions
Rockies Discovery & Glacier Adventure Lake Louise to Jasper (8 Hours)
Voyage through the remnants of the last Ice Age and look upon the monuments of rock and ice that still remain today.
While on this must-see Columbia Icefield sightseeing tour, enjoy the experience of a lifetime by travelling onto the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier on one of the specially designed, giant all-terrain Ice Explorers. Step out, take in these most stunning alpine and glacial vistas. Actually touch the glacial ice that many only dream of doing.
Plus experience one of Canada's newest attractions - stand suspended on the Glacier Skywalk’s glass-floored platform 280 metres (918 feet) over the spectacular glacier-formed valleys!
The Ice Age meets the Space Age as you learn all about the natural and human history of this remarkable area.
August 3rd
Today was wonderful in every way. I am certain that you are getting tired of all of the superlatives but it has been that kind of a trip.
We boarded the bus at eight and we picked up people from other hotels.
Our driver was very accomplished and he helped with the commentary. Later we would learn just how accomplished he was. I think his name was Genesis. Our guide was from Czechoslovakia and because of her accent I am not sure. Her name was Nichole . She was very good and accomplished and friendly.
Then our first tour stop was at Chateau Lake Louise. It is truly grand. It looks like a modern palace rather than a stone castle like the Fairmont at Banff. Being right on the lake made it so perfect this morning. The morning light was perfect for photos and there was little or no smoke.
We went to Moraine Lake. Breath taking.
We climber 156 steps and I made it. The steps were placed by Parks Canada . Once at the top the view was incredible. At the end of that hike we were given drinks and snacks.
We had lunch at Emerald Lake in the resort and it was very nice and well organized. We had burgers and salad. At the end we stopped for an ice cream treat.
After lunch we crossed the great divide, we entered YOHO National Park and Kicking Horse Pass.
The ultimate experience was a visit to Takakkaw Falls. Getting there involved taking the bus up a long narrow road that involved a switch back. I could not believe that our driver actually backed this full sized bus up this night mare road and then down on our return. My heart was in my mouth both times.
He was giver a rousing round of applause when we were successfully at the end of this road.
At the end of the tour we were dropped off at The Chateau Lake Louise.
We had been upgraded to Gold Service and a suite. We expected this to be good but we had no idea how good.
We were given complimentary hot canapes in a special lounge. We will have a complimentary full breakfast in the morning. Our room overlooks the lake. The room is large and opulent. We have never seen such a room. See for yourself.
This is the view from our window.
We toured the hotel and enjoyed the sunset in the front garden before we came back to enjoy our beautiful room.
Our tour leaves at 9:30 in the morning so can enjoy our wonderful complimentary breakfast and our beautiful room.
So far this holiday is turning out to be fantastic in all ways.
We boarded the bus at eight and we picked up people from other hotels.
Our driver was very accomplished and he helped with the commentary. Later we would learn just how accomplished he was. I think his name was Genesis. Our guide was from Czechoslovakia and because of her accent I am not sure. Her name was Nichole . She was very good and accomplished and friendly.
Then our first tour stop was at Chateau Lake Louise. It is truly grand. It looks like a modern palace rather than a stone castle like the Fairmont at Banff. Being right on the lake made it so perfect this morning. The morning light was perfect for photos and there was little or no smoke.
We went to Moraine Lake. Breath taking.
We climber 156 steps and I made it. The steps were placed by Parks Canada . Once at the top the view was incredible. At the end of that hike we were given drinks and snacks.
We had lunch at Emerald Lake in the resort and it was very nice and well organized. We had burgers and salad. At the end we stopped for an ice cream treat.
After lunch we crossed the great divide, we entered YOHO National Park and Kicking Horse Pass.
The ultimate experience was a visit to Takakkaw Falls. Getting there involved taking the bus up a long narrow road that involved a switch back. I could not believe that our driver actually backed this full sized bus up this night mare road and then down on our return. My heart was in my mouth both times.
He was giver a rousing round of applause when we were successfully at the end of this road.
At the end of the tour we were dropped off at The Chateau Lake Louise.
We had been upgraded to Gold Service and a suite. We expected this to be good but we had no idea how good.
We were given complimentary hot canapes in a special lounge. We will have a complimentary full breakfast in the morning. Our room overlooks the lake. The room is large and opulent. We have never seen such a room. See for yourself.
We toured the hotel and enjoyed the sunset in the front garden before we came back to enjoy our beautiful room.
Our tour leaves at 9:30 in the morning so can enjoy our wonderful complimentary breakfast and our beautiful room.
So far this holiday is turning out to be fantastic in all ways.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Our Day in Banff
This is what they told us about our day
Banff Sightseeing Itinerary
Instructions Explore Banff with Gondola
Learn about culture, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights of the renowned mountain town of Banff.
Your Banff adventures await you as you embark on this sightseeing tour that takes you to some of the most outstanding sights and sounds that the Canadian Rockies has to offer.
Soar up the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for a 360 degree view of six mountain ranges. Spend your time walking the summit trail, offering breathtaking panorama views of the Bow Valley.
The tour then continues to the best sights in Banff: Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and the Hoodoos.
Our day went just as described.
Our driver was Clayton
The Gondola Ride was really amazing and a bit scary.
The views from the top were spectacular!!
The Bow Falls are spectacular!
Lake views are breath taking.
We were dropped off down town and we walked around, toured areas and then walked back to the hotel. It was hot and we were very tired when we got here. After a rest we decided to tour the hotel and its facilities.
Here are some views inside and out.
There are millions of petunia blossoms here at the Fairmont Banff Springs and we saw NO faded blossoms. How do they do that? How many gardeners are hired to just dead head the petunias?
We had a sandwich in our room and called it a day.
In the morning we board a bus and head for Lake Louise and a tour and a stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise.
Banff Sightseeing Itinerary
Instructions Explore Banff with Gondola
Learn about culture, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights of the renowned mountain town of Banff.
Your Banff adventures await you as you embark on this sightseeing tour that takes you to some of the most outstanding sights and sounds that the Canadian Rockies has to offer.
Soar up the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for a 360 degree view of six mountain ranges. Spend your time walking the summit trail, offering breathtaking panorama views of the Bow Valley.
The tour then continues to the best sights in Banff: Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and the Hoodoos.
Our day went just as described.
We were dropped off down town and we walked around, toured areas and then walked back to the hotel. It was hot and we were very tired when we got here. After a rest we decided to tour the hotel and its facilities.
Here are some views inside and out.
We had a sandwich in our room and called it a day.
In the morning we board a bus and head for Lake Louise and a tour and a stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Kamloops to Banff
Kamloops to
Banff
We loved
our room in the Signature Sandman but we had too little time to enjoy it. They
had a great pool and patio and we would have loved to make use of it but there
was just too little time.
We slept
better last evening but by 5:15 we were both wide awake. We got dressed and
headed to the lobby by 6:10. Our instructions were to just leave our suitcases
in our room and the staff from the Rocky Mountaineer would gather it and it
would be in our room at the Banff Springs Fairmount when we arrived. But only
one case was there. Ken’s suitcase was not there. We called the desk and in
less than a half hour our suitcase was in our room. What a relief that was!!
We were
supposed to be in the lobby by 6:15. The bus left on time and we were at the
train just a few minutes later.
The obvious difference is the fact that now
people know each other and there is a lot of visiting and chatting going on.
Yesterday the train was quiet but that is not the case today.
We were in
the first seating for meals yesterday so we are in the second seating today. A
seating takes almost an hour and a half so to keep us from being too hungry we
were server cinnamon scones and coffee. Then when the first group was finished
and the tables were reset we were called for our breakfast. This time we were
seated with a couple from Florida and Wisconsin, Tom and Ginger.
As soon as
we came back up to our seats the gals were around taking our drink orders. Ken
ordered a rum and coke and I got a diet coke. They feed and water us
constantly.
It is a
very hazy day. The smoke is heavy and you can hardly see the surrounding hills.
Again we
visited with other passengers and generally had a very pleasant time.
We took
pictures and relaxed and enjoyed the day. Our lunch was late because we were
second seating. We did not go to eat until around 2:15. I had the pork and Ken
had the shrimp.
When it was time for dessert they brought a very nice serving
with Happy 75th birthday written in icing. Everyone sang Happy
Birthday and applauded him. It was fun.
Then we
came back to our seat. Again they offered us more to drink.
The air
cleared a little when we got into the high mountains. We could hear the gasps
throughout the train as people who are having their first look at the Canadian
Rockies began to appreciate them.
Just before
we arrived in Banff the staff said thank you and they gave us a post card that
each of them had signed. They also acknowledged Ken’s birthday . They gave him
a gift bag with a set of postcards, a magnet and a birthday card. Everyone sang
Happy Birthday.
When the
bus arrived in Banff our room keys were waiting us. The air was very cool and
we were driven to the Banff Springs.
It is so
impressive on the outside. It looks like a medieval castle. The rooms are nice
but they are not as nice as the rooms at the Signature Sandman.
Tomorrow we
have to be waiting for our bus at 8:00. Our tour is only 4 hours long so we
will have time to explore and enjoy these facilities.
Stay
tunned!!
August 1
This is what they told us our day would be like.
Kamloops to Banff
#1 - 510 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada 1-800-653-4105
The pick-up time for this morning's motorcoach transfer to the train station is posted in the lobby of your hotel.
Boarding: 06:25
After an overnight stay at your Kamloops hotel, transfer by motorcoach to the train station. Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Today's journey ends in the alpine town of Banff at the CP Rail Station on Railway Avenue.
Our expected arrival time in Banff will be between 19:30 and 21:00.
Meals onboard the train:
Gold Leaf Service guests will be served a hot gourmet breakfast and lunch in the lower-level dining room. Guests will also receive complimentary snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages throughout the rail journey.
Pick-up: Rocky Mountaineer Banff Station Drop-off: 19:45 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Upon arrival at the Banff Train Station, you will be transferred by motorcoach to the drop off location noted in your itinerary.
Kamloops to Banff
#1 - 510 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC Canada 1-800-653-4105
The pick-up time for this morning's motorcoach transfer to the train station is posted in the lobby of your hotel.
Boarding: 06:25
After an overnight stay at your Kamloops hotel, transfer by motorcoach to the train station. Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Today's journey ends in the alpine town of Banff at the CP Rail Station on Railway Avenue.
Our expected arrival time in Banff will be between 19:30 and 21:00.
Meals onboard the train:
Gold Leaf Service guests will be served a hot gourmet breakfast and lunch in the lower-level dining room. Guests will also receive complimentary snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages throughout the rail journey.
Pick-up: Rocky Mountaineer Banff Station Drop-off: 19:45 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Upon arrival at the Banff Train Station, you will be transferred by motorcoach to the drop off location noted in your itinerary.