Page 42 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – January 2019

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region on the train line’s Rainforest to Gold Rush route, departing from either Vancouver or Jasper. Destinations include Whistler and Quesnel.
CIRCLE JOURNEYS
For the ultimate Pacific Northwest and Canada experience, consider taking one of Rocky Mountaineer’s Circle Journeys, which are lengthier in duration and provide more opportunities to explore the region –
by land and sea. There are 25 different packages to choose from, some of which include a post-tour cruise with Holland America Line.
The 21-day Grand Rail Circle, for example, starts with a rail journey from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, visiting Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Quesnel and Whistler. After disembarking the train in Vancouver, enjoy a six-hour sightseeing tour of the city’s North Shore and an overnight stay. The following day, board the ms Nieuw Amsterdam for a cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage to the ports of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.
The 10-day Rockies and Vancouver Island Circle tour takes a round-trip Calgary route that ventures past beautiful lakes, jagged mountain peaks and raging rivers while traveling toward the lush Fraser Valley and Vancouver’s magnificent coastline. From Vancouver, travel by ferry to the island city of Victoria for an overnight excursion in British Columbia’s capital city.
EXPLORING SEATTLE AND VANCOUVER
Rocky Mountaineer’s rail service provides the perfect opportunity to expand your sightseeing experiences in the
Photo: Rocky Mountaineer
vibrant cities of Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful
and interesting cities in North America, cosmopolitan Vancouver is a wonderful tourist destination, known especially for its colorful neighborhoods, energetic nightlife and Pacific Northwest outdoor lifestyle.
Located on the mainland of British Columbia, amid towering mountains, rainforests, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, this attractive city exudes beauty and a sense of excitement. There is much to see and experience here – outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, exceptional cuisine, theater and shopping.
A bit artsy, yet also the site of great innovation, Seattle’s allure comprises different offerings that have shaped the cool atmosphere of this northwestern city. Known as the site of the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle and the birth of the ‘90s-era grunge movement, Seattle’s allure has also attracted technology giants, such as Amazon and Microsoft.
For a true tourist experience, head to the 605-foot-tall Space Needle and enjoy 360-degree views of the city, expanding over the town to include natural wonders Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Olympic and Cascade mountains. Be sure also to visit Pike Place Market, one of the city’s most recognizable attractions. Since 1907, the market has been a focal point of
Seattle commerce and today is so popular that tours of the space are offered through Public Market Tours, Friends of the Market and Seattle Free Walking Tours.
Judie Karhan is a freelance writer from California.
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For travel planning assistance, visit your AAA store or AAA.com/Travel.