Canadian travel companies, including ours, have been very busy over the past few months. With Canada celebrating its 150th birthday this year, resulting in free entry into all National Parks here, combined with the weak Canadian dollar as well as Canada being seen as a safe country to visit, we are seeing record visitors in 2017. There is no better time to come and visit our magnificent country and join in with the 150th birthday celebrations. However, due to the popularity we are seeing some hotels and rail dates now completely sold out which, if you have set dates in mind, is proving to be quite disappointing, as not all the guests booking this late into the season will be able to secure rooms in the best hotels. If there is availability, then you will receive a FREE hotel night when you book a 2017 Rocky Mountaineer package of 4 of more nights, but this offer does not hold a candle to those who are now booking their 2018 vacation this far in advance. If there is one thing our guests have learned from the 2017 season, it is that booking far in advance gets you the best rates and deals, as well as availability at the best hotels. For a deposit, you can lock in the 2018 dates you want, at the best hotels and receive the best deals.
Rocky Mountain Holidays have just updated their website to include all of the 2018 Rocky Mountaineer Vacation packages. We are very excited about the addition of the “Culinary and Adventure Packages“. These packages have been introduced based on customer feedback and are to appeal to foodies and the more adventurous types – we think they will be very popular indeed!
Rocky Mountaineer have also renamed some of their popular packages to avoid confusion and to allow you to know for sure, you are booking a genuine Rocky Mountaineer vacation package. Look out for following trade-marked route names in the packages:
Rocky Mountaineer Rail Routes – 2018
Journey through the Clouds™ Means the package incorporates Jasper-Kamloops-Vancouver 2-day train route (or reverse)
First Passage to the West™ Means the package incorporates Banff-Kamloops-Vancouver 2-day train route (or reverse)
Rainforest to Gold Rush™ Means the package incorporates Jasper-Quesnel-Whistler-Vancouver 3-day train route (or reverse)
Coastal Passage® Means the package incorporates the newest Seattle-Vancouver 5 hour train route (or reverse)
Any operators trying to mimic a Rocky Mountaineer package can no longer do this as they can not use the above trade-marked terms in their package names. We welcome this change as it ensures guests know that they are booking a genuine Rocky Mountaineer package, and not a trimmed down inferior product.
With our Canadian dollar so weak, you can now book your trip of a lifetime for less than you think. With a weak dollar, travelling outside of Canada is expensive for us Canadians, so we are finding many Canadians are now exploring their own country with a good old “staycation”. It is a great time to travel in Canada, no matter where you are from.
The Canadian dollar has weakened significantly against other major currencies.Right now, Rocky Mountain Holidays are offering their best rates and deals for 2018. You will also be able to get locked into their private tours while availability is still good. Be sure to contact them directly to ensure you receive the absolute best service: RockyMountainHolidays.com
Have you travelled with Rocky Mountain Holidays or onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train? Share your experiences with us below!
Join in the annual tradition and take the Christmas train in Stanley Park, Vancouver. The “Bright Nights” Christmas Train in Stanley Park starts today and operates through until New Year’s Day.
The place is lit up with three million twinkling lights and is perfect for all ages. This is a holiday tradition you won’t ever want to stop!
Non-stop service to London to operate year-round from Calgary and Toronto
WestJet announces year-round service to Europe
WestJet today announced it is extending two of its new non-stop transatlantic services to London (Gatwick) from seasonal to year-round. Flights from Calgary and Toronto to London will now operate on a year-round basis, three times weekly and daily respectively through the winter, while service from Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg and St. John’s will operate seasonally as announced in September 2015.
“Today’s announcement is another important step in the international expansion of WestJet,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “Year-round service to and from Europe on board our fleet of Boeing 767-300 extended-range aircraft offers our business and leisure guests the opportunity to take advantage of our low fares, high value and remarkable guest experience on both sides of the Atlantic whenever it suits their schedule.”
As part of a major system-wide seat sale, one-way fares to London (Gatwick) are available starting from:
Departing
Arriving
Air transportation charges (ATC)
One-way taxes, fees and charges
Total one-way price from
One-way base fare from
One-way other ATC
Toronto
London Gatwick
$209
$7.50
$54.50
$271 CAD*
Vancouver
London Gatwick
$269
$7.50
$46.50
$323 CAD*
Calgary
London Gatwick
$284
$7.50
$57.50
$349 CAD*
Edmonton
London Gatwick
$284
$7.50
$57.50
$349 CAD*
Winnipeg
London Gatwick
$258
$7.50
$52.50
$318 CAD*
St. John’s
London Gatwick
$181
$7.50
$59.50
$248 CAD*
*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com/londongatwick for details. Advertised taxes and fees may fluctuate without notice.
One-way fares from London (Gatwick) are available starting from:
Departing
Arriving
Air transportation charges (ATC)
One-way taxes, fees and charges
Total one-way price from
One-way base fare from
One-way other ATC
London Gatwick
Toronto
£100.00
£4.00
£86.00
£190 GBP*
London Gatwick
Vancouver
£128.00
£4.00
£86.00
£218 GBP*
London Gatwick
Calgary
£146.00
£4.00
£86.00
£236 GBP*
London Gatwick
Edmonton
£146.00
£4.00
£86.00
£236 GBP*
London Gatwick
Winnipeg
£140.00
£4.00
£86.00
£230 GBP*
London Gatwick
St. John’s
£87.00
£4.00
£86.00
£177 GBP*
*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com/londongatwick for details. Advertised taxes and fees may fluctuate without notice.
Service dates for WestJet’s non-stop flights to London are:
WestJet today announced it will launch new non-stop service next spring to London (Gatwick) a total of four times daily from six Canadian cities: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and St. John’s. These new routes represent WestJet’s first non-stop service to London, and the only non-stop service from Winnipeg to the United Kingdom.
“Canadians have been paying far too much to fly to Europe for far too long and today, as we have throughout our history, we’re going to fix that,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “We are offering non-stop flights at very low prices and we’re proud to once again lower airfares and make travel more affordable.”
One-way fares between Canadian cities and London (Gatwick) are available starting at:
Departing
Arriving
Air transportation charges (ATC)
Taxes, fees and charges
Total one-way price from
Base fare from
Other ATC
Toronto
London
$187
$7.50
$54.50
$249.00*CAD
Vancouver
London
$244
$7.50
$47.50
$299.00*CAD
Calgary
London
$234
$7.50
$57.50
$299.00*CAD
Edmonton
London
$234
$7.50
$57.50
$299.00*CAD
Winnipeg
London
$219
$7.50
$52.50
$279.00*CAD
St. John’s
London
$131
$7.50
$60.50
$199.00*CAD
*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com for details. Advertised taxes and fees for European destinations may fluctuate based on exchange rate.
During peak periods from early May to early October, Vancouver service will operate six times weekly, Edmonton will operate twice weekly, Calgary five times weekly and Winnipeg once weekly. Flights from Toronto and St. John’s will operate once daily. For details, please visit westjet.com/londongatwick.
WestJet’s non-stop flights from Canada to London all operate as overnight flights leaving late afternoon or evening, which is ideal for travellers connecting to all six airports from other regions in Canada. Some 45 airlines operate from Gatwick airport, offering WestJet guests low fares and easy connections to and from approximately 200 destinations in 90 countries, more destinations than from any other airport in the UK. Located just 30 minutes from all of Central London’s many attractions, Gatwick is also one of the easiest London airports to navigate, with a monorail connecting its two terminals.
“Non-stop service between Canadian cities and London is a natural next step in the evolution of WestJet and for our transatlantic service in particular,” said Bob Cummings. “With the addition of our 767 aircraft, we will now bring our low fares and fun, friendly, people-driven service to England where we know many Canadians have relatives. This new service will also help connect family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic.”
With the exception of flights from St. John’s, which will operate on one of the airline’s Boeing Next-Generation 737s, all London flights will be operated by one of WestJet’s four 767-300ERW extended range aircraft. Featuring a new teal and blue maple leaf-themed logo, which will eventually appear on all WestJet aircraft, each 767 seats 262 guests and has a range of approximately 11 hours. The aircraft will include a Plus cabin with 24 premium seats in a two-by-two configuration, hot meals and all other amenities associated with Plus. The main cabin has 238 seats, with two seats on either side of the aircraft and three in the middle. By next spring all four 767s will be equipped with WestJet Connect, the airline’s new inflight entertainment and wireless connectivity system.
Banff National Park, AB – Mt. Norquay’s third annual Santa Shreds for Free takes place Christmas Day, 2014 offering a free day pass to those that arrive fully dressed as Jolly St. Nick, Mrs. Claus, an Elf or even a Reindeer.
“It’s less expensive to go buy a cheap Santa Suit than to pay for a lift pass, and you get to keep the suit”
“It’s less expensive to go buy a cheap Santa Suit than to pay for a lift pass, and you get to keep the suit,” said a Norquay guest taking advantage of the offer in 2013.
High Alpine Dining – The newly renovated Cliffhouse Bistro, will be open daily throughout the holiday season starting December 27th to January 4th. Norquay guests are invited to ride the historic North American Chair and take in legendary views of Banff whilst savoring the inspired flavors of new Executive Chef Morne Burger.
Experience winter in Banff from a whole new perspective. No longer exclusive to skiers and snowboarders, winter sightseeing from the North American Chairlift is available all season long, offering foot passengers the option of taking the chairlift up and down the mountain.
It’s going to be a great winter at Mt. Norquay – discover all that Banff’s closest resort has to offer.
2015 Rocky Mountaineer Vacation Packages – itineraries, rates and dates
Rocky Mountain Holidays have just posted all 2015 Rocky Mountaineer vacation packages for 2015. There are significantly more packages available with the welcomed addition of some old favourites such as the “at leisure” packages, which give you more time in the Canadian Rockies. There are now 129 Rocky Mountaineer Canadian vacation package options to choose from.
All vacation packages were always available through customisation, although the addition of these extended packages make it much easier for guests to view itineraries and prices at a glance. Rocky Mountain Holidays also have a useful vacation search tool which assists you in finding the perfect vacation package with Rocky Mountaineer (featured below):
For 2015, at time of press, all new Rocky Mountaineer Vacation packages will be subject to a 20% non-refundable deposit. In the past, guests took advantage of the low deposits to secure their vacations in advance. For now, any guests booking 2015 will have to be a little more committed – we always recommend you take out adequate travel insurance to protect you against unforeseen circumstances.
Changes to 2015 Alaska cruise out of Vancouver
It’s goodbye to NCL in 2015 and the relationship with Holland America continues to grow strong for the 2015 season. Having travelled onboard Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam myself out of Vancouver on their 7 night round-trip Alaska cruise, I have to say it was an excellent cruise ship and perfect for the Alaskan climate with not too much outside deck.
In 2015, the ms Zuiderdam’s route will be replaced by the returning ms Noordam. The itinerary will remain the same. This ship is a Vista-class ship like the Zuiderdam and was the last built of the Vista Class ships (Zuiderdam being the first). As this is a newer ship, Holland America made some improvements. The consensus is that this is a better ship with some slight changes – it is a sister ship to ms Zuiderdam and has mostly identical features. So, this is a really positive change for the rail and cruise packages in 2015. We are already off to a great start!
Here is a nice photo I took from onboard the ms Zuiderdam as we cruised Glacier Bay National Park – just breath taking.
Photo taken from onboard Holland America’s Zuiderdam as we cruised Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. The Zuiderdam is the sister cruise ship to ms Noordam.
Holland America’s ms Westerdam will be the cruise ship of choice out of Seattle again in 2015 and ties in nicely with the Coastal Passage route which connects Seattle to Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies.
Rocky Mountaineer’s research with guests and potential guests indicated that future guests are seeking more days onboard the train. To accommodate this growing demand for circle trips, Rocky Mountaineer introduced the new shorter-duration 6 night “Taste of the Rockies” Circle package.
Itinerary and map of the new 2015 “Taste of the Rockies” Circle Vacation with Rocky Mountaineer.
This rail vacation package includes both the Rocky Mountaineer’s best-selling First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds routes, plus a motorcoach tour along the Icefields Parkway connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks. The journey can also be extended to begin and/or end in Seattle instead of Vancouver by adding Coastal Passage, or combined with pre- or post-tour cruise options onboard the ms Noordam out of Vancouver.
Canadian Rockies Adventures
Canadian Rockies Adventure Vacation Package in 2015 with Rocky Mountaineer
During my years of guiding in Banff National Park, the Icefields Parkway was one of my favourite places to take guests and the scenery never failed to disappoint. This route is only accessible by road and is a favourite of many Rocky Mountaineer guests too. With this in mind, the “Canadian Rockies Adventures” vacation package was introduced for 2015. It extends guests’ stays in Lake Louise and Banff to two nights, to allow for more time to include this spectacular highlight in their itineraries while at the same time, slowing the pace making this holiday more relaxing over 7 nights.
Please note that this package is not the same as the one with the same name sold until 2012 as the old itinerary did not include lunch on the Icefields Parkway tour or the helicopter flight at Cline River. A 7 night round-trip Alaskan cruise out of Vancouver onboard ms Noordam can also be added before or after this package.
Canadian Rockies at Leisure and Northern Rockies at Leisure
Due to increased demand of vacation packages in the Canadian Rockies with longer durations, the “Canadian Rockies at Leisure” (9 nights) and “Northern Rockies at Leisure” (10 nights) have been re-introduced. These itineraries are very similar to the best selling Western Explorer package and the Northern Explorer package, but with two night stays in Banff and Lake Louise, as well as in Jasper. A 7-night round-trip Vancouver cruise onboard ms Noordaman can also be added to either of these packages (at the start or the end).
Coastal Passage Packages
We were some of the lucky ones to be invited onboard for the inaugural departure in August 2013 and we were certainly impressed by this new exciting route, connecting Seattle to Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies.
Back in February 2014, Rocky Mountaineer vastly expanded the number of Coastal Passage packages available, making a total of 41 package options to choose from which include this route. For 2015, these packages will also be available with cruises from Holland America (ms Westerdam, before or after your rail tour)
As in 2014, the Coastal Passage add-on is available to begin or end any Rocky Mountaineer package in Seattle, it can not be taken as a stand-alone.
Is that all the changes for 2015?
Yes, as far as we can see. Apart for some minor tweaks on some existing packages, such as the Summit Helicopter tour removal from the Canadian Rockies Getaway, Grand Rail Circle, Trans-Canada Rail Adventure, and Coast to Coast by Rail, no other major changes to report.
We are delighted about the changes we have seen for the 2015 season…it will be here before we know it!
Rocky Mountain Holidays posted Rocky Mountaineer’s anticipated rail schedule and rates for 2015 today. We have highlighted the main changes below.
The Rocky Mountaineer train travelling north from Seattle to Vancouver [Coastal Passage Route]After Rocky Mountaineer’s launch of their successful Coastal Passage Route in 2013, which connects Seattle to Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, they have introduced a planned 18 northbound and southbound departures, up from 12 departures this year (2014). The Coastal Passage Route can still only be booked in conjunction with 2-day rail, it cannot be booked as a standalone product.
The Rocky Mountaineer 2-day rail departures for 2015 remain the same, however, there will be no break in 2015 during the first week of August as per previous years. This break was due to annual maintenance of the trains but they have now changed this schedule to ensure a continuous service.
Rates have increased significantly for 2-day rail over their 2014 rates and at time of press, Rocky Mountain Holidays were still offering 2014 Rocky Mountaineer vacation package pricing for 2015.
In 2015, there are no longer two price bands of April through to May, and June through to October. In the past, April and May departures for 2-day rail were reduced to encourage guests to travel earlier in the season. As a result of this change, there have been some significant price hikes, especially for travel in April and May:
2-day Rail – Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies [Jasper, Lake Louise or Banff]
For April and May train departures in 2015:
RedLeaf = +26% rate increase over 2014
SilverLeaf = +12% rate increase over 2014
GoldLeaf = +10.5% rate increase over 2014
For June through to October train departures in 2015:
RedLeaf = +14.6% rate increase over 2014
SilverLeaf = +5% rate increase over 2014
GoldLeaf = +5% rate increase over 2014
The Rocky Mountaineer train in Banff National Park, travelling eastwards between Lake Louise and Banff [Morant’s Curve]
2-day Rail – Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Calgary
For April and May train departures in 2015:
RedLeaf = +23.4% rate increase over 2014
SilverLeaf = +11% rate increase over 2014
GoldLeaf = +9.8% rate increase over 2014
For June through to October train departures in 2015:
RedLeaf = +13.2% rate increase over 2014
SilverLeaf = +4.6% rate increase over 2014
GoldLeaf = +4.7% rate increase over 2014
Vancouver to Whistler 3.5 hour train [Sea-to-Sky Climb]
For May through to September train departures in 2015:
Classic Service – One Way = Almost 18% rate increase over 2014
Classic Service – Return = Over 11% rate increase over 2014
Seattle to Vancouver train [Coastal Passage Route]
SilverLeaf = +10% rate increase over 2014 ($50 increase per person)
GoldLeaf = +7.1% rate increase over 2014 ($50 increase per person)
Why such dramatic rate increases in 2015?
Our assumption is that rising operating costs, updates to their GoldLeaf dome coaches, along with expansion into the United States are all reasons for increased rates. The weakening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar has also contributed to potential increased costs in 2015.
The upgrade margins between RedLeaf, SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service have been narrowed to entice guests to indulge in the ultimate luxury of GoldLeaf service onboard.
From November 1st, 2013, Rocky Mountaineer imposed rail fuel surcharges on all of their routes in 2014 due to rising oil prices, so taking that into consideration, the actual percentage rate increases from 2014 are less (as long as more fuel surcharges aren’t imposed for 2015). Rocky Mountain Holidays are still currently offering “rail and cruise fuel surcharge protection” on all of their Rocky Mountaineer bookings, so they will pay any fuel surcharges imposed on your behalf when you book through them.
The Canadian dollar has weakened significantly over the past year, most dramatically over the past few months.
How do these rate increases affect you?
The good news for most international guests is that the Canadian dollar has weakened significantly over the past year, most dramatically over the past few months.
For example:
The U.K. pound has increased in value against the Canadian dollar by 17% over the past year
The U.S. dollar has increased in value against the Canadian dollar by 10% over the past year
Unfortunately, Australians have seen a 5% decline in the Australian dollar against the Canadian dollar over the past year and most guests who live in Canada will not see any benefit in a weakened Canadian dollar.
That being said, the early-bird booking deals set to be offered for 2015 will be very attractive to encourage guests to book far in advance.
What do you think about these changes? Feel free to comment below.
We are pleased to announce that rocky-peak Holidays has recently acquired VacationsCanada.com . This travel domain adds to their growing collection of easy to remember travel domain names relating to the services they offer.
rocky-peak Holidays are an established travel company in B.C., Western Canada, and have been offering year-round vacation packages within Canada for over 8 years. They have a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, are licensed with Consumer Protection BC and have a 5-star online rating on independent travel review websites.
To celebrate Canada’s upcoming birthday, Rocky Mountain Holidays and Rocky Mountaineer are giving away 2 FREE dome service tickets onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, return, between Vancouver and Whistler. Currently at time of this post, the odds of winning are 1 in 22!
![The Canadian Dollar ["Loonie"]](http://rocky-peak.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/canadian_dollar-300x180.jpg)
