CANADA

Vintage Rail Tour, "Royal Canadian Pacific”

Truly a once-in-a-lifetime railway experience. The Royal Canadian Pacific draws from an elite fleet of dedicated Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) business and parlour carriages, built between 1916 and 1930. These 80-foot-long steel constructed cabins were built to carry important individuals and the railway's executives. Among the luminaries that have graced the Royal Canadian Pacific's fleet are Winston Churchill, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, and their Royal Highnesses King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

You will experience the magnificence of the Canadian Rocky Mountains as, from the interiors of what were once private business railway cars, in the exclusive service of Canadian Pacific Railway's senior managers, and their guests - members of royalty, leading politicians and captains of industry. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or entertaining business associates, the time-honored tradition of luxury railway - fine cuisine, impeccable service, elegant surroundings and spellbinding scenery-are yours to enjoy.

Coach Plans

Full breakfast, luncheon and dinner menus are posted daily and served in the wood-paneled dining cars, all meals are served silver service.

Comfortable, private guest quarters evoke a gracious bygone era, with beautifully restored fixtures and the modern conveniences that today's traveler expects. Spacious lounge cars afford an opportunity to socialize with other guests, contemplate the scenery and enjoy interpretive programs. At any one time, the Royal Canadian Pacific will host no more than 30 guests. The Service team will accompany you on your journey and ensures at all times, your safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Views of the insides of the coaches.

One of the most unique aspects of the Royal Canadian Pacific is its interactive program. You'll learn about the history of the Canadian West, interpreted by the area's most experienced naturalists and historians. Visits from "actual" characters of the day and stops at selected points, including Fort Steele Historic Town and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a World Heritage Site. These provide travellers with a rare taste of what life was like at the turn of the last century. A fully appointed motorcoach is used to transport guests during off-train activities. Other options for off-train activities may include golfing at several world-class alpine golf resorts in Alberta or British Columbia and short or longer alpine walking tours or picnics.

Leaving Calgary, the Royal Canadian Pacific travels on Canada's original transcontinental line, completed in 1885. Linking East with West, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) unified Canada and made real, what, until then, was only a political dream. William Cornelius Van Horne, who was CPR's American-born railway builder at that time, recognized nature's splendour and was instrumental in creating mountain resorts that would become much sought-after by tourists from around the world. He was also instrumental in creating Canada's first national park in 1887, now known as Banff National Park. The triple locomotives that draw of the Royal Canadian Pacific are vintage 1950's General Motors passenger locomotives. Each diesel-electric is equipped with a 1750 h.p. engine and is geared for a maximum speed of 65 m.p.h. The individual rail carriages in the Royal Canadian Pacific fleet are styled after the Pullman "heavyweight" and feature richly paneled interiors, meticulous wood inlay finishing and turn-of-the-century appointments.

Day 1

Check in to Calgary's landmark Palliser Hotel. Enjoy dinner in the Rimrock Room. Overnight Calgary.

Day 2

After breakfast, the train departs, headed West to the Rocky Mountains and Banff, then through the famous Spiral Tunnels to Field and Golden, B.C. The train then turns south along the banks of the Columbia River to an overnight station stop at Invermere, B.C. Overnight onboard.

Day 3

The train proceeds south to Fort Steele where the west's early days come alive at Fort Steele Historic Town. After your tour, you'll continue to the city of Cranbrook and continue up at the lush Elk Valley, through the town of Fernie en route to your overnight station stop in at the Crownest Pass. Overnight onboard.

Day 4

The Pulling Engines

Leaving the mountains behind, you'll visit several fascinating historic sites as the tour continues to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a World Heritage Site. From here, the Royal Canadian Pacific proceeds to the final touring site - a private guided tour of Spruce Meadows, which is a recognized as one of the world's finest equestrian center's. A special, on board feast is held as you return to the train in Okotoks (south of Calgary) for your overnight station stop. Overnight on board.

Day 5

A leisurely journey back to Calgary ends your rail journey at the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion by mid-morning. You'll check into the Palliser Hotel once more and have a farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight Calgary.

Day 6

Breakfast and the check-out complete your tour.

The Royal Canadian Pacific departs on Thursday from May to October.

This Itinerary is a complete vacation on its own, but it can be combined with any other in the region, either in Canada or the U.S.A., to take best advantage of your time after the long flight.

Times and Dates are subject to change, by the Train Company or Operator, without notice.