Canadian Tours
Rail ToursDEPARTURE INFORMATION
Lower Mainland
June 11, 2027 – 9 Days
BC Interior
June 11, 2027 – 9 Days
Activity Level 2
GROUP SIZE
TOUR SUMMARY
Includes grizzly bear watching at Khutzeymateen Sanctuary
Discover the spectacular beauty of British Columbia’s North Coast by land and sea on this unforgettable circle tour. Settle in aboard BC Ferries’ Northern Expedition for a 16½-hour journey from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, travelling 500 kilometres along a rugged coastline where you can watch for wildlife and admire the scenery, mostly in daylight. In Prince Rupert, venture by catamaran to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary for a seven-hour excursion in search of grizzly bears in their natural habitat, then step back in time at the restored North Pacific Cannery. Continue inland aboard VIA Rail’s Skeena Train, enjoying a spectacular journey through the Coast Mountains to Houston. You’ll also explore Fort St. James National Historic Site and wander through Barkerville, a beautifully restored gold rush town that brings British Columbia’s gold rush history to life. From coastal wildlife and scenic rail travel to fascinating heritage sites, this is a wonderful way to experience the diverse landscapes and history of our province.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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Meals
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14 meals
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13 meals
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Transportation
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Accommodation
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Gratuities
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Knowledgeable Wells Gray tour director
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Tour Highlights (Included)
Attractions are subject to change. Please see Tour Policies for more information. -
TOUR FARES
| Departure Point | Fares per Person |
|---|---|
$4,285$5,175$3,720 |
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$4,680$5,570$4,115 |
- Please add 5% GST.
- BC Seniors from (65 & over): $56 discount with BC Services card.
DEPARTURE POINTS & DATES
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Level
Moderate Activity: As a traveller you like a variety of activities and walking up to 2 km with breaks such as a guided walking tour is very doable for you without assistance. You can stand for prolonged periods, negotiate moderate hills comfortably, and can climb two flights of stairs without assistance. There is lots of walking to see everything in Fort St. James and Barkerville. There are steep steps on and off the train. The ferry has an elevator. Luggage service is not available in Port Hardy and Fort St. James.
You may bring a cane or walking poles if needed. This tour is not appropriate for people who require the use of a walker. The coach cannot carry a scooter or motorized wheelchair. The tour director and driver have many responsibilities, so please do not expect them, or your fellow travellers, to provide ongoing assistance. If you cannot keep up with the group or require frequent assistance, the tour director may stop you from participating in some activities or some days of the tour.
Tour Size
This tour can accommodate 40 participants.
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NORTHERN EXPEDITION: BC Ferries’ Northern Expedition was specially designed for Inside Passage voyages. Launched in 2009, she is 150 metres long with a beam of 23 metres and a draft of 7½ metres. She carries 130 vehicles, 600 passengers, and 30 crew at a travelling speed of 20.3 knots. The ferry has three passenger decks and an outdoor sun deck. Facilities include the Canoe Café, Vista Restaurant, gift shop, and Raven’s Lounge. A comfortable reserved seat in the private Aurora Lounge is included in your fare. The 500-kilometre journey from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert takes 16½ hours, almost all in daylight to permit great viewing of the rugged coastline and abundant wildlife, marine life, and birdlife. Our motorcoach travels on the ferry, so luggage and other belongings can be stored there.
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Please Book Early: Unsold ferry and train space must be released on April 15, 2027. Even though we may have seats on the motorcoach, there may not be space on the ferry or train if you book after this date.
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VIA Rail’s Skeena Train: Seating is in Economy, which is the only class offered, but there is a dome car with open (unreserved) seating. We ride on the train as far as Houston and continue by coach because the train usually runs late for the last 300 km into Prince George due to many freight trains. Your luggage travels conveniently on the coach today.
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Accommodation: There are limited accommodation choices in northern BC. For instance, there is only one hotel in Fort St. James, so please do not expect luxury lodging.
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Photo ID: You must bring government-issued photo ID, otherwise you will not be allowed to board the ferry or the train.
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Food Allergies: You must notify us no later than at final payment if you have a food allergy. This tour goes to some remote places where restaurants may not be able to satisfy all food allergies. An allergy causes medical distress, a preference does not. For some allergies, please consider bringing your own snacks or food items so you are not dependent on what restaurants are able to serve.
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Payments: A deposit of $300 per person is requested at the time of booking and the balance is due April 7, 2027. By paying the deposit, you agree to the Terms and Conditions, Company Policies, Activity Level, and Cancellation Policy outlined. Payments can be made by online banking or cheque (3% discount on tour fare), or by Visa or Mastercard.
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Seniors Discount: BC seniors (65 & over) receive a $56 discount extended by BC Ferries. You must show your BC government-issued ID to receive the discount and board the ferry.
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Cancellation Policy: • Up to March 8, 2027, the cancellation charge is $100 per person. • From March 9 to April 7, the cancellation charge is $200 per person. • From April 8 to May 7, the cancellation charge is 50% of the tour fare. • After May 7, there is no refund.
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Travel Insurance: A Comprehensive Insurance policy is available through Wells Gray Tours and coverage is provided by battleface® travel insurance. Policies purchased at deposit include a waiver of the preexisting condition clause for medical and cancellation claims, otherwise policies can be purchased no later than at final payment. This tour stays in British Columbia. While your BC Services Card may cover you for a medical issue that arises during the tour, you will probably benefit from trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage in case of illness or a mishap before or during the tour. Many other benefits such as luggage insurance are included. Medical questionnaire is not needed. Please contact us for details. If you have your own travel insurance, please read the policy carefully to be sure that you are adequately covered for cancellation, interruption, and luggage. Insurance premiums are not refundable whether or not you make a claim.
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Photo Credits: VIA Rail (Skeena Train), Prince Rupert Adventure Tours (Grizzly Bear), Wikimedia (Northern Expedition), and tour director Lisa (all others).
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Experience Points or E-points: This tour earns 106 Experience Points or e-points. Redeem up to 106 of your earned e-points from a previous tour until April 7, 2027. Please see loyalty rewards on our website for more information about e-points.
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Consumer Protection BC Licences: Kamloops 178, Vernon 655, Kelowna 588, Penticton 924, Victoria 65842