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Hosted By: Lou Baxter
Retired News Director
WJET TV
View Biography
Discover the Canadian Rockies and vibrant cities of Western Canada, featuring two breathtaking national parks and one overnight rail journey. Begin in Calgary, just east of the Rockies, and explore its art, history, and culture. Visit Banff for a guided tour of the city and national park, before enjoying a savory lunch at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Travel along Icefields Parkway and feel the powerful beauty of Athabasca Glacier up-close at the Columbia Icefield. Next, we board VIA Rail’s Canadian train for phenomenal mountain views and decadent onboard service as we travel in comfortable Sleeper Plus cars for a top-class experience. Arrive in Vancouver and find your adventurous side with a thrilling walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge! The next day, take a ferry to Vancouver Island and visit The Butchart Gardens® with time to roam independently. Then spend two evenings in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, to witness the rich culture and British atmosphere during a guided tour and time at leisure. Our adventure concludes with a ferry ride to Washington State, where we drive along the Olympic Peninsula and arrive in Seattle for a wonderful Farewell Dinner.
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August 23rd, 2025 - September 1st, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$6999
Single
$8299
Final Payment Date: 05/20/2025
Day 1 : Fly to Western Canada
Upon arrival, we check in to our accommodations in Calgary.
Day 2 : Discover Calgary
We begin our morning by meeting our local guide to learn about this spectacular city that sits just east of the Rocky Mountains. After enjoying the highlights of Calgary, we travel 630 feet above downtown to the top of Calgary Tower for lunch at Sky 360. Relax and savor a delectable meal in the revolving restaurant while taking in exceptional views of the city and mountains. Later, we journey through some of the best natural beauty in the world and stay two fantastic evenings in Banff.
Day 3 : Banff
Our day in Banff National Park starts with visiting a Mountie, a retired Canadian Mounted Police member, to hear intriguing stories of their years in service and learn about the “Red Serge” uniforms of scarlet tunics. After the meet and greet, we immerse ourselves in this unique mountain town and take a panoramic tour of all that Banff has to offer. Lunch today provides a savory meal and breathtaking views at the historic and grand Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. We then take a relaxing gondola ride to a mountaintop for bird’s-eye views of the awe-inspiring vistas that surround us and have an evening at leisure.
Day 4 : Columbia Icefield
Today’s adventure is a journey into Jasper National Park, featuring captivating vistas along Icefields Parkway. This beautiful area is famous for the glacial blue waters of its many lakes nestled among the mountains. Upon reaching the Columbia Icefield, we board a giant Ice Explorer that drives us to a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice, known as Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy the unique experience of walking out onto this natural wonder and take a sip of fresh glacial water as we learn about its powerful history. Later, we travel to Jasper and check in to our accommodations for the evening.
Day 5 : Ride the Rails
This morning, we board VIA Rail’s historic Canadian train and begin our scenic journey to Vancouver in their Sleeper Plus cars. Enjoy top-notch service and unforgettable experiences on board as you roll past majestic mountains, lush forests, and spectacular waterfront in areas that are only accessible by rail. Select from a variety of chef-prepared gourmet meals to enjoy in the dining car and lounge comfortably in the skyline car’s dome section for outstanding views with windows that extend to the ceiling.
Day 6 : Vancouver
Following an included breakfast on the train, we arrive in Vancouver. Surrounded by water on three sides and nestled along the Coast Mountain Range, this vibrant city is the largest in British Columbia. We find our adventurous side on a walk across the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, providing spectacular views from over 200 feet above the rushing river below. Those not ready to conquer a fear of heights can visit the nearby Trading Post to shop for locally made crafts and goods. After lunch on our own in North Vancouver’s waterfront market, Lonsdale Quay, we settle into our accommodations and have time to relax before dinner together at a downtown restaurant.
Day 7 : The Butchart Gardens®
This morning, we board a ferry for Vancouver Island to visit The Butchart Gardens®, one of the most acclaimed horticultural exhibitions in the world. Stroll along pathways through themed gardens that are wonderfully landscaped, including seasonal floral displays and Ross Fountain, playing water patterns every four minutes. Later, we arrive in enchanting Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. Shops, cafes, and interesting attractions are just a stroll away from our accommodations for the next two evenings.
Day 8 : Victoria
Our day starts with joining a local guide for a tour of this capital city. It began as an outpost for the Hudson Bay Company in 1843 and is now known for its rich British culture, magnificent architecture, and time-honored traditions. We view historic sites, including the Parliament Building on the lovely Inner Harbor, as well as beautiful flower beds and gardens that reflect the area’s passion for gardening. After a delicious lunch together, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to browse charming shops or visit local attractions, such as the Royal BC Museum or Craigdarroch Castle.
Day 9 : Ferry to Washington
This morning, we depart Victoria by ferry to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca and international border, arriving in Washington. A picturesque drive along the Olympic Peninsula then brings us into Seattle for the evening. Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the beautiful hotel to celebrate our adventures through the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada.
Day 10 : Fly Home
We bid farewell to Canada and our new friends as we depart for the airport.
WJET TV Pickup Locations:
Cleveland, OH - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Erie, PA - The Home Depot
JET 24, FOX 66, and YourErie.com News Director Emeritus and Special Projects Coordinator Lou Baxter is one of the original members of the JET 24 Action News team.
Lou began his radio and television broadcasting career more than 45 years ago in Erie at WWYN Radio. He joined WJET-TV in 1980 as a reporter. During his tenure at JET 24 and FOX 66, Lou served as JET 24’s first-ever live morning show anchor; first weekend news anchor; and was named News Director in 2004.
The veteran broadcast journalist has enjoyed reporting stories from the White House and Capitol Hill; interviewing presidents, governors, celebrities and local officials.
Lou and his wife, Connie, enjoy ballroom dancing, jet skiing, and kayaking. They live in Girard and are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren.
Join Lou and JET 24/FOX 66 viewers on this wonderful vacation.
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword ERIE.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.