Category Archives: rates

2011 Summer Holiday Packages – Canada

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.

Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies, Canada

We are excited to tell you about heli-hiking packages in Western Canada for summer 2011. You may think it is too early to be planning next year’s summer holiday in the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada, but there are limited departures for these popular three and six-day trips and so they usually book up quickly. You will have the opportunity to hike in the Purcell Mountain Range and the Bugaboos.

These heli-hiking tours are customised and so are suitable for families through to extremists! It’s not all about hiking either, with two luxury backcountry lodges in the Columbia Mountains of BC, there are many fun activities to take part in. For those of you who are into keeping your heart rate down, there is painting, photography and yoga available for you and your group. If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, there is via ferrata, ziplining, traversing a snow-covered glacier (whilst being roped to your fellow travellers) and rappelling a sheer rock-face to keep you entertained. There are of course plenty of spectacular hikes to do from both lodges (Bugaboo Lodge and Bobbie Burns Lodge).

The video below should get you excited.  If you want more information including rates, just click on the link below for this and other Rocky Mountain Holiday packages:

=>Heli-Hiking in Canada (External Link)

Kokanee Crankworx Evening Events 2010

EPIC KOKANEE CRANKWORX EVENTS ROLL OFF MOUNTAIN AND INTO THE NIGHT

Deraylor Music Festival And Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge Back For Second Year

WHISTLER, BC July 29 , 2010 – The world saw Whistler go off this February, and that spirit and vibe will be back in full force with Whistler’s other big event, Kokanee Crankworx.  With a sporting event roster matched by none, Kokanee Crankworx throws down huge in the special events department to keep the energy and excitement flowing day and night.

BLOCK PARTY – Skier’s Plaza August 7, 8:30pm

First up to kick start the biggest mountain biking festival on the planet is the Block Party.  This community event is free for all participants and will take place in Skier’s Plaza and the Boneyard.  The tenth anniversary of bike movie mavens Freeride Entertainment will be celebrated with a showing of their first film, New World Disorder 1. This movie epic played a huge part in bringing the sport of freeride mountain biking to where it is today. Huge outdoor screens, prizes, interviews from the original crew and a few surprises will make the Block Party an incredible all-ages launch for Kokanee Crankworx. The party will continue for those of age at the GLC with Metallica cover band Damage Inc. The $5 cover includes a live feed of the Block Party inside, great views of the action outside, an epic after party with Damage Inc and, of course, ice cold Kokanee will be flowing all night long.

PECHA KUCHA NIGHT – Maxx Fish, August 9, 7:30pm

Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat,” Pecha Kucha will open minds with an eccentric mix of Whistler locals presenting stories and photos. Each presentation will move through 20 images shown for 20 seconds each. Current presenters include Tyler Schramm, Schramm Vodka; Rick Harry, Aboriginal Artist; Keith Reynolds, Playground Builders; Robin O’Neill, Photographer; Peter Alder, Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners; Leslie Anthony, Writer, Paula Shackleton, Bookbuffet; and Carla Gutierrez, Fitness Model.  Tickets are $7 at the door or at Hot Buns Bakery.

SAINT DEEP SUMMER PHOTO CHALLENGE – Fairmont Chateau Whistler, August 11, 7pm

The Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge is back for 2010 with an unbelievable list of confirmed photographers. Paul Morrison, Sven Martin, Nicolas Teichrob, Jordan Manley and two wildcard photographers, Steve Lloyd and Adrian Marcoux will work against the clock to create a slideshow from images shot over three days in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and on Whistler’s cross-country trails. Each show will be presented to a live audience of over 1,000 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Tickets are $17 and on sale now at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations.

DERAYLOR MUSIC FESTIVAL – Whistler’s Best Nightclubs, August 11-13

The Deraylor Music Festival takes place August 11, 12 and 13 with the Deraylor wristband granting access to more than 40 artists in six venues over three days for only $40. Venues include the Garibaldi Lift Company, Garfinkel’s, Maxx Fish, Merlin’s, Moe Joe’s and Tommy Africa’s.  The current Deraylor line-up includes strong talent such as DJ Nu-Mark (from Jurassic Five), Mike Relm, BCDC, Fort Knox Five, DJ Jelo, Marcus Visionary, Said the Whale, Hannah Georgas, Mishka and illScarlett and many more. The first 100 tickets sold online will also receive access to the exclusive Kokanee Silent Disco party at the GLC on Saturday, August 14. Admission to all shows is through a $40 Festival wristband only, and are subject to age (19+) and capacity restrictions.  Visit www.deraylor.com for all ticket and event information.

Rocky Mountaineer Train Holidays 2011

We are not even into August 2010 yet and the rates have been released for all Rocky Mountaineer Train and Cruise Holiday packages for 2011. They have kept most of the packages the same as 2010 but have added an Alaska cruise from Seattle onboard Holland America’s ms Oosterdam to seven of their existing popular 2010 train holiday packages. Alaska cruises from Vancouver for 2011 are still onboard the Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam, which, in our opinion, has to be one of, if not, the best cruise ship sailing up to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada.

Below are the new 2011 Rocky Mountaineer train holiday packages with the Seattle cruise add-on. The links are to PDF documents on RockyMountainHolidays.com.

Rocky Mountaineer with Cruise to Alaska from Seattle

New Rocky Mountaineer Holiday Products for 2011

There have not been any major changes to the 2010 Rocky Mountaineer packages for 2011. Any changes are “tweaks” to already very popular and exciting train holiday packages.

Changes to Existing 2010 Products for 2011

  • All tours that overnight in Vancouver now include admission to the Vancouver Lookout
  • All tours that overnight in Calgary now include admission to the Calgary Tower
  • RedLeaf Service pre- or post-cruise tour packages now utilize Ocean- View Staterooms (Category D).
  • GoldLeaf Service pre- or post-cruise tour packages continue to use Deluxe Verandah Ocean-View Staterooms (Category VC).
  • Classic Rail Circle now has an additional pre-night in Vancouver plus a six hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore.
  • Grand Rail Circle now has an additional pre-night in Vancouver plus a six hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore
  • Canadian Rockies Highlights now has an additional pre-night in Vancouver plus a six hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore.
  • Canadian Rockies Highlights – 5 nights is also available; this is the same as the 2010 Canadian Rockies Highlights.
  • Canadian Rockies Circle is now 9 nights in duration instead of 12 nights.
  • The westbound itineraries of Trans-Canada Rail Adventure, Canada’s Coast to Coast by Rail, and the post-tour cruise options of these packages now include 2 nights in Jasper plus a Jasper highlights motorcoach tour, but only one night in Lake Louise.
  • City Stop add-on products are able to be sold independently, with rail-only, or in conjunction with any Rocky Mountaineer packages. Please note that transportation to/from the station or airport is not included in any City Stop packages.
  • Taxi transfers to/from cruise terminals in Vancouver are no longer included.
  • Travel documentation will advise of estimated taxi transfer rates, and limousine transfers available for purchase.

Discontinued 2010 Rocky Mountaineer Holiday Products

New for 2011 – Child and Youth Rates

New for 2011, Rocky Mountaineer holiday packages now include rates for youths (ages 12-18) and children (ages 2-11) when travelling with at least one single adult guest.

The published child and youth prices will apply for a maximum of 1 child or youth sharing with 1 adult. Parties of 1 adult and 2 or more children/youths will have to be booked with a minimum of 2 adults. It is not possible to book a single room with more than 2 persons sharing.


These are all the changes to the Rocky Mountaineer Holiday packages for 2011. Rocky Mountaineer package information which include cruises up to Alaska from Vancouver or Seattle can be all found at RockyMountainHolidays.com. You can view all the latest Rocky Mountaineer early-bird deals there too.

FREE night at Vancouver Fairmont 2010

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.

Lake Louise Torchlight Dinner 2010

Last one of the season!

Friday April 16 2010 :
Lake Louise Torchlight Dinner and Ski – The Ultimate Après Ski Party

This is the final Torchlight Dinner and Ski event for the 09/10 winter ski season at Lake Louise!

This party is the ultimate way for your group to wrap up a wonderful day on the slopes, or the perfect escape to the mountains after a work week.

Rates: Adult $49, Child $28.

Group rates (>15) and transportation to Banff or Lake Louise available.

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book!

Famous People and Celebrities Onboard The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer train is one of the most famous and spectacular train journeys in the world and as a result attracts famous people and celebrities. Below is a list of famous people and celebrities who have been on this spectacular rail journey (that we know of!).

When you go on a Rocky Mountaineer Holiday – you never know who you may see!

  • Peter Jennings, ABC News Anchor
  • Sam Sullivan, Former Mayor of Vancouver
  • Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transportation
  • Stephane Dion, Former Leader of the Liberal Party
  • Joe Clark, Former Prime Minister of Canada
  • John Reynolds, MP/MLA and Speaker of the House of Commons
  • Chaim Herzog, Former Israeli President
  • Molly Sugdeon, TV Actor – played the role of Mrs. Slocum on the British comedy “Are you being served?”
  • Carroll Spinney, TV Actor – played the role of Big Bird on “Sesame Street”
  • The great-great-grandson of Simon Fraser – he proposed to his fiancée on the Fraser River between Lytton and Vancouver on the westbound leg of the journey in the dome car
  • The great-great-granddaughter of Billy Barker (Onboard in 2008)
  • Andrew Jergens, Inheritance magnate of Jergen Soap Products – one of the family members with him is the inventor of Crocs (shoes)
  • Dal Richards, Musician, Dal Richards Orchesta (Vancouver)
  • Carlo Rota, TV Actor, host of “Great Canadian Cooking Show” and now starring on “Little Mosque on the Prairie”
  • Charlotte Gray, Host of CBC’s “The Greatest Canadian”
  • Morgan Freeman, Film Actor
  • Ken Dodd, British Comedian – he resembles a real life Austin Powers.
  • Dr. Heimlich, Inventor of the Heimlich Maneuver
  • Thaksin Shinawata, Former Prime Minister of Thailand (Onboard in 2003)
  • Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft – he bought out an entire RM GLS dome coach for him and his family and asked to stop the train for a photoutside. This was allowed for him, of course. (Onboard in 2003)
  • Patrick Stewart, TV Actor – Jean Luc Picard, “Star Trek Next Generation” (Onboard in 2006)
  • Hans Blix, Swedish Diplomat – served as the United Nations Chief Weapons Inspector (he was the one who told George Bush there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, although Bush invaded anyway). (Onboard in 2006)
  • Anna Faris, Film/TV Actress – Scary Movie, Entourage, The House Bunny, etc. With a group of friends onboard RM winter train. (Onboard in 2007)
  • John Bishop, Chef of Bishops Restaurant in Vancouver, BC

The Whistler Mountaineer

  • Rajan Datar, Host of BBC TV “Fast Tracks” – he is a very well known British Television personality with program aired internationally. (Onboard in 2006)
  • Alan Thicke, TV/Film Actor, “Growing Pains”. (Onboard in 2007)
  • John Curly, Host of “Evening Magazine” (Seattle). (Onboard in 2007)
  • Johanna Ward, Host of Shaw Cable’s “The Express”. (Onboard in 2007)
  • Michael Eckford and Fiona Forbes, Hosts of Shaw Cable’s “Urban Rush” (Onboard in 2007)

To obtain Rocky Mountaineer prices please visit Rocky Mountain Holidays for a full list of downloadable PDF brochures.