Canadian Rockies with Rail Travel

Embark on an epic journey through the Canadian Rockies - includes all travel, an overnight mountain train trip and an exciting range of excursions.

Tour Itinerary 

Day 1: UK - Banff, Canada

Welcome to Canada; a vast expanse of stunning scenery, friendly hospitality, harsh winters and maple syrup. Upon arrival at Calgary International Airport you’ll transfer to your first hotel in Banff, where you’re immediately rewarded with special views of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade, both of which dominate the skyline of this pretty resort town. When you arrive at Elk + Avenue Hotel you have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure; get acquainted with your new digs, or head straight out and start exploring.

Day 2: Banff

Today marks the official beginning of your Rockies adventure, with a tour that takes you to some of the most incredible sights and sounds the mountain range has to offer. You’ll start by exploring Banff itself, seeing historic places like Banff Springs Hotel, before taking in Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, Hoodoos Viewpoint and Lake Minnewanka. You’ll even get the chance to ride the renowned Banff Gondola to the summit of the Sulphur Mountain, from which you can take in unbelievable panoramic views of the Bow Valley.

Day 3: Banff

You have today to spend as you like in Banff.

Day 4: Banff - Jasper

Even though on day four you’ll spend most of your time transferring from Banff to Jasper, don't take that to mean you should write the whole day off as a dud. This is a drive like no other, with every twist and turn of the spectacular 143-mile Icefields Parkway (also called Highway 93) revealing cloud-piercing peaks, valley-carving glaciers, teal lakes and dense forests. The journey will be broken up by a once-in-a-lifetime ride on the Athabasca Glacier, as well as visits to Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield, not to mention a glacier skywalk.

Day 5: Jasper

Today, seize the opportunity to explore Jasper, the largest gem in the Rockies. Join our optional tour of Maligne Lake, starting with the ancient Maligne Canyon and the powerful Maligne River. Witness the mystery of disappearing Medicine Lake before a relaxing cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake. If you prefer solid ground, opt for a guided walk along the scenic shoreline. Immerse yourself in Jasper National Park's natural wonders today.

Day 6: Jasper - overnight train to Vancouver

Your overnight Via Rail train leaves Jasper at 9.30 am for its 800-kilometre journey to Vancouver. Lunch and dinner is included, and you’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking vistas throughout the journey.

Day 7: Vancouver - Whistler

When you arrive at Vancouver you’ll hop on a luxurious coach and take the scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. When you arrive you have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure.

Day 8: Whistler

You can either spend day eight as you please, exploring Whistler at your own pace, or you can enjoy a number of thrilling optional activities and adventures.

Day 9: Whistler - Vancouver

It’s back on board the luxurious coach today for the return drive to Vancouver. When you arrive you’ll make your own way to the hotel and then spend the remainder of the day as you want.

Day 10: Vancouver

You’ll depart in the morning for Victoria on Vancouver Island, the capital of the Province of British Columbia. You’ll see the stunning British Columbia coastline by land and ship. Later on you’ll sail through the Gulf Islands, where marine wildlife sightings of eagles, sea lions and whales are very common. After wandering through the themed Butchart Gardens, you’ll have some time to explore Victoria before returning to Vancouver.

Day 11: Vancouver

You have the whole day to explore the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver however you like. More than just a pretty face, the mountain-rimmed city of Vancouver is an epicurean enclave with a growing crop of microbreweries and Insta-worthy neighbourhoods, from uber-cool Gastown to hipster Main Street. Flanked by snow-covered peaks, acres of national parkland and miles of rugged Pacific coastline, Vancouver is truly a one-of-a-kind city bursting at the seams with a unique mix of culture and natural beauty.

Day 12: Vancouver - UK

Sadly, that’s your lot. Today you’ll check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. 

Offer includes:

- Three nights in a Two Queens room at Elk + Avenue Hotel ( or similar ), Banff
- Two nights in a Standard Two Doubles room at The Crimson ( or similar ) , Jasper
- One night in a two-person Cabin on board the Via Rail (overnight from Jasper to Vancouver) with brunch/dinner included
- Two nights in a Crystal Double room at Crystal Lodge Hotel ( or similar ) , Whistler
- Three nights in a Deluxe Queen room at Georgian Court Hotel ( or similar ) Vancouver
- Room-only basis throughout
- Tour of Banff's scenery and its wildlife, plus a ticket for the Banff Gondola
- Icefields Parkway discovery tour, with a skywalk and lunch
- Trip to Victoria and Butchart Gardens
- Flights are included from your selected airport to Calgary, Canada, returning from Vancouver, Canada 
- One piece of hand luggage per person included 
- One piece of hold luggage per person included
- Shared transfers from Calgary Airport to Banff and private transfers from Vancouver Hotel to Vancouver Airport