Category Archives: July

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Rocky Mountaineer release 2015 Rail Schedule & Rates

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Rocky Mountain Holidays posted Rocky Mountaineer’s anticipated rail schedule and rates for 2015 today. We have highlighted the main changes below.

Rocky Mountaineer's Coastal Passage Route
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
Rocky Mountaineer Train, Morant's Curve
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 ["Loonie"]
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.

Source: Rocky Mountain Holidays

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Win 2 tickets onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train

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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!

Entering is easy as 1, 2, 3!

1) Follow @HolidaysCanada on Twitter

2) Retweet (RT) this tweet by June 30th 2013 to enter

3) Winner randomly selected and announced on Canada’s Birthday, July 1st 2013

This is Rocky Mountain Holiday’s second Rocky Mountaineer giveaway over the past couple of months.

Good luck 🙂

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Rocky Mountaineer Train Schedule & Rates – 2014

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Rocky Mountain Holidays™ have just posted the schedules and rates on their website for the Rocky Mountaineer train in 2014.

The main (and most exciting) change is the permanent addition of the Coastal Passage Route which connects Seattle to Vancouver by Rocky Mountaineer train. This route is due to debut for the first time for just one departure in August 2013. In 2014,  there are the following departures:

  • 4 departures in May 2014
  • 3 departures in June 2014
  • 1 departure in July 2014
  • 2 departures in August 2014
  • 2 departures in September 2014

With the exciting Rocky Mountaineer Coastal Passage route in 2014, you will have the option of connecting with 2-day rail routes (Vancouver to Banff / Calgary or Jasper, via Kamloops) as well as the option of SilverLeaf service onboard. For the first debut departure this August 2013, the Coastal Passage route is only available in GoldLeaf service.

In 2014, you will also have the option of disembarking the Rocky Mountaineer train in Lake Louise (instead of Banff). This option was introduced in 2013.

We are thrilled with the new 2014 Rocky Mountaineer train schedule which will connect Seattle (U.S.A.) to the Canadian Rockies (via Vancouver) for over 5 months in 2014 – a fabulous addition.

Rocky Mountaineer video featuring the new Coastal Passage Route from Seattle to Vancouver:

Rocky Mountaineer packages in 2014 are now available to book by contacting Rocky Mountain Holidays.

Source [PDF]:  Rocky Mountaineer Schedule & Rates for 2014

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Rocky Mountaineer Vacations 2013

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Rocky Mountaineer 2013 packages are now available to book with Rocky Mountain Holidays.

For 2013, there are less vacation package options due to the fact that a lot of packages can easily be customised making some of the current 2012 packages redundant.

The new Rocky Mountaineer Coastal Passage Route – 2013:

Rocky Mountaineer Coastal Passage Route - 2013

The most exciting addition is the new Coastal Passage Route from Seattle which connects to Vancouver then onto Banff or Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. There is currently only one departure date set in August 2013 which means that this debut route will likely book up quite early.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Another addition for 2013 is the option to board and disembark the Rocky Mountaineer train in Lake Louise (as well as Banff as before) in Banff National Park. This provides us with more customisation options based on guest preferences.  The station is located just southwest of the Lake Louise Village, and less than 5 km northeast of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The address is: 200 Sentinel Road Lake Louise, Alberta T0L 1E0. View Map

Motorcoach transfers will be available to and from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and are included on all packages except 2 day rail-only. For guests departing from Lake Louise, please note that all check-ins will be at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and NOT on the station platform or at the station itself.

Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service - 2013

After the successful introduction of the onboard SilverLeaf service in 2012, the Rocky Mountaineer will also be offering this service on the Vancouver to Jasper two (2) day “Journey through the Clouds” route. SilverLeaf service will not be available onboard the Rocky Mountaineer route between Whistler and Jasper in 2013 and could potentially be introduced in 2014.

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Deluxe Service - 2013

For the most luxurious accommodation option, this has been rebranded as “GoldLeaf Deluxe Service”. This allows us to book more than just Fairmont properties, such as the Four Seasons brand in this deluxe accommodation category, without conflicting with the Fairmont branding.

Cruise terminal transfers will be included with all Rocky Mountaineer rail and cruise packages in 2013.

Other than on packages connecting to Coastal Passage route, Holland America’s Oosterdam cruise from Seattle up to Alaska has been removed in 2013.

The Rocky Mountaineer city stops will not be available in 2013.

Rocky Mountain Holidays now have all of the 2013 Canada rail vacation packages for download along with early-bird pricing and promotions.

Thanks for reading and don’t hesitate to message us direct with any questions you may have. For reservations, we recommend you book direct with Rocky Mountain Holidays, an A+ rated business with the Better Business Bureau (their highest rating) and licensed with Consumer Protection BC for financial protection.

Safe travels 🙂

 

 

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2011 Summer Holiday Packages – Canada

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What a great start we have had to 2011 with about a metre of snow received by the ski resorts across Western Canada over the past week! Now that we are into 2011, the busy summer season does not seem so far away. With the early-bird deals starting to “fizzle” out or become less attractive for the summer, especially with the Rocky Mountaineer train packages, now is a good time to get a good deal on a 2011 spring, summer or autumn/fall package. Rocky Mountain Holidays have brochure downloads in PDF (Portable Document Format) and as always, we have provided the links below for easy reference. These packages can be easily customised based on your preferences (as long as the changes fit in with the rail or cruise schedule). Be sure to take advantage of specials such as free nights and activities in Vancouver – value added rather than discounts are the way to go.

Self-drive holidays are becoming increasingly popular in the Canadian Rockies as it gives you the independence but you also have full support when you are out here and the peace of mind that you won’t struggle to find accommodation during the peak season months in the Canadian Rockies. When booking a self-drive package, check to see if you have Loss Damage Waiver insurance coverage with your credit card provider as this can save you about $30 per day. Also, check out what the one way drop-off fees are from Vancouver to Calgary for example. When you book independently they can be as much as several hundred dollars whereas through a tour operator, typically the rates are about $75-$100.

Other things to look out for if you are shopping around are hidden fees such as “credit card surcharges”. This is a common technique used by some companies to squeeze some extra cash out of you after you have already agreed to the booking. It is also good to ask the straight question – “what extra costs will I have to pay in additional to the package price?”. Any good tour operator will be able to list these for you immediately so you know where you stand with the total of your holiday cost.

Here are the holiday brochures for 2011 – available for download through RockyMountainHolidays.com.

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2011.

2010, Canada, canadian rockies, canmore, information, itinerary, July, schedule, summer, things-to-do

Canada Day – Canmore July 1 2010

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Every year on July 1st, Canada’s birthday is celebrated across the country. Canada will be 143 years old on Thursday so make sure you get out and celebrate with us!

The Town of Canmore organizes the Canmore Canada Day Parade. The parade starts at Main St. (8th street) and Railway Avenue at NOON.

***Railway Avenue will be closed from 10am – 2pm on July 1st for the parade and access to the downtown core will be restricted ***

To download full details on the Canada Day celebrations in Canmore, click on the image below for the downloadable PDF version:

Canada Day - Canmore July 1 2010

Canada Day 2010 – Canmore parade route map:

Canada Day Parade Route, Canmore 2010

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CANADA DAY:
The Canmore Canada Day Committee is in need of help – They need people to help out with set up and tear down at Centennial Park.
– Wed, June 30 at 10am – 4 people required to pick up equipment from the Canada Day Storage and transport to Centennial Park.
– Wed, June 30,  Noon to 4 – 10 people to do set up
– Thursday, July 1 at 5:30 – 12 people required for tear down and four to take equipment back to storage.

If you or anyone you know is able to help, please contact Chris Bartolomie (Town of Canmore, Supervisor, Arts & Culture and Canmore Canada Day Committee Town Liaison) at [email protected]

Source: Town of Canmore

Heading to Banff?

Check out what they have going this year: Canada Day in Banff

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FREE night at Vancouver Fairmont 2010

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Book a Rocky Mountaineer rail tour package of 3 nights or more on GoldLeaf Service or 5 nights or more on RedLeaf Service between June 7 and August 31, 2010 and receive a FREE additional night at a Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. Some conditions apply.

Book by August 31, 2010 to take advantage of this special offer!

Download the packages below or visit Rocky Mountain Holidays.

Circle Tour Holiday Packages (Start and finish in Vancouver):

One-Way Tour Holiday Packages (Can be taken in either direction):

Trans-Canada Rail Tour Holiday Packages (Can be taken in either direction):

Rail and Self-Drive Holiday Packages (Can be taken in either direction):

City Stop Add-Ons (To be added to any of our packages or purchased separately):

Alternatively you can call 0800-567-7542 (freephone) from the U.K. or 1-888-747-6259 (freephone) from within North America.

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Kid Rock and Orianthi to Raise the Saddledome

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Exclusive Insider News:
Kid Rock and Orianthi to Raise the Pengrowth Saddledome Roof [in Calgary]

Kid Rock and his outstanding Twisted Brown Trucker Band will electrify the concert goers July 16 during the 2010 edition of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, began his music career at the age of 11. Since the release of his first album in 1990, Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast, he has sold 22 million records worldwide. His 2007 album, Rock n Roll Jesus, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

Opening act, Orianthi a singer-songwriter-musician who’s skyrocketing up the rock charts. Her hit single, According to You, out of her album Believe, reached #2 on the American Top 40 for the week of March 29.

Tickets are priced at $73 to $41.50 (plus applicable ticket fees) and include admission to Stampede Park on the day of the concert.

Kid Rock and Orianthi are presented by Stampede Concerts Inc., CJAY92, the Calgary Sun and Global Calgary.

Source: Calgary Stampede

Exclusive ticket presale runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. MST, Wednesday, April 14. We will post the exclusive password next week as soon as it becomes available.