Whistler to the Rockies by Train 9 days / 8 nights

Trip Overview

The Whistler to the Canadian Rockies by train journey takes you to the Canadian Rockies via the Coastal Mountains and Whistler resort. With nearly a week spent in the Canadian Rockies themselves, this is a luxury lover’s wilderness dream.

Map

Arrive Vancouver*
1 night Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night Quesnel
2 nights Jasper
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
 *can be done in reverse

Detailed Itinerary

( Please note, like most of our Canada rail packages & tours, this Whistler and the Canadian Rockies railroad vacation can be customized to your needs).
Day 1 – Begin your Canadian Rockies Train Vacation – Arrival in Vancouver
 You’ll begin to unwind as soon as you arrive - the west coast Canadian city of Vancouver has that effect on everyone! Surrounded by mountains and ocean, the air is fresh, the ambiance laid back, and the residents are friendly. This is the city where Greenpeace started, where bears wander into backyards, and where coyotes sometimes stroll across the Stanley Park mini-golf course. Explore the city on your own, stopping perhaps at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by, or hiring bicycles to ride the seawall - or let us arrange private tours or a special dinner to start your vacation. Overnight in Vancouver (as usual, with your choice of 3, 4 or 5-star accommodations - see pricing options.)

Day 2 – From Sea to Sky – The Whistler Mountaineer Train
 Step aboard the Whistler Mountaineer train - Canada’s newest passenger train and sister to the famous Canadian Rockies train, the Rocky Mountaineer - for the start of a three-day train journey to the Canadian Rockies. Today you’ll travel from ‘sea to sky’ on a half-day train journey from Vancouver to the Olympic village of Whistler, for a relaxing afternoon and overnight stay amid the beauty of BC’s Coastal Mountains.

Along the way, the Whistler Mountaineer train winds along the shores of Howe Sound, a deep fjord surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Then slowly it chugs into the mountains, besides the rushing waters of the Cheakamus River, with waterfalls cascading down from the glaciers above. Overnight in Whistler.

 Day 3 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train – Whistler to Quesnel
 The Rocky Mountaineer’s whistle sounds and the smell of breakfast wafts from the galley as you pull out of Whistler heading north. Over coffee you may chat with your fellow passengers or simply gaze out of the window at some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

In a single day you will travel through the majestic Fraser Canyon, by the winding shores of Anderson and Seton Lakes, and into the ‘cowboy country’ of the high-desert Cariboo Plateau.

In the canyon you may wonder - not for the last time - at the feat of engineering this railroad represents. As you gaze down from your window, thousands of feet to the rushing waters of the Fraser River below, spare a thought for the chutzpah of the 19th century railroad barons who conceived the project - and the skill and hard work of the engineers, surveyors and migrant workers who built it. Overnight in a hotel in the small town of Quesnel.

 Day 4 – Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train – Quesnel to Jasper
 This morning return to your home on the rails – the Rocky Mountaineer train. This is the day you’ve been waiting for – the day your train reaches the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies at last. Moose, bald eagle & bear are plentiful up here, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled! Seeing the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies for the first time is a thrilling moment and as you step off the train in the quaint mountain town of Jasper the smell of pristine mountain air fills your lungs. Everyday cares are far behind as you look forward to 4 more days exploring the wonderful Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 – In The Canadian Rockies - Maligne Lake Tour & Cruise, Near Jasper
 You first full day in the Canadian Rockies - and a guided tour through one of Jasper National Park’s most spectacular areas. Maligne Canyon will leave you in awe at the power of erosion, where 10,000 years have created a gorge so deep that it looks almost bottomless. You will learn how Medicine Lake is “mysteriously” disappearing before boarding a lake cruise bound for the serenity of Spirit Island. Looking around at the dark green of the trees, the earth’s history told in the surrounding cliffs, and the rippling water below, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the majesty of our world. Overnight in Jasper.

 Day 6 - In The Canadian Rockies -The Icefields Parkway To Lake Louise
 Today you’ll head south on a luxury bus along one of the most scenic roads in the world - the Icefields Parkway. The road runs south down the spine of the Canadian Rockies, and your driver-guide will give an expert commentary so you don’t miss a thing. Near the highest point of your journey, a highlight is one of the optional ‘sno-coach’ tours onto the Athabasca Glacier itself - where you can walk a little and get a sense of the glacier’s movement and crevasses. Finally you arrive in Lake Louise for a wonderful overnight stay.

 Day 7 – In The Canadian Rockies - Banff and Yoho National Parks
 This morning you wake up in what must surely be one of the most beautiful places on the planet - Lake Louise. Whether the sun is shimmering on the water or a mist hangs over the surrounding peaks and glaciers, the magic of this place is unmistakable. The water is often turquoise in color, and so pure-looking that you want to jump right in - but renting a canoe and going for a paddle will be the warmer option! Today is another day to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies as you continue to explore some of Canada’s most spectacular national parks by luxury bus. Overnight in the town of Banff, a small yet bustling town in the Canadian Rockies.

 Day 8 – In the Canadian Rockies – Exploring Around Banff
 Today’s the day to get outside, explore, and see why the population of Banff doubles in the summer months. A guided tour lets you relax in comfort as you visit four local mountains and learn how natural phenomena have made Banff into the outdoor playground it is today. A gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain gives you a panoramic view of Bow Valley - the best of the Canadian Rockies surround you on all sides and you gaze upon the pristine wilderness below, with the Bow River glistening in the distance. Now you understand the sense of peace that keeps people returning to Banff year after year. Overnight in Banff.

 Day 9 - Leaving The Canadian Rockies – From Banff To Calgary
 Much too soon, you leave the clean air and breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies behind. Your vacation concludes as you travel through the foothills of the Canadian Rockies by private luxury vehicle to Calgary Airport for your flight home.

Yet you take with you memories to revisit and treasure for a lifetime.

Bon yoyage!

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Accommodations

Westin Resort and Spa Whistler

Superior and Deluxe

Fresh Tracks's favourite Whistler property is the Westin Resort, located right in Whistler village within meters of the ski lifts and gondola. This is an all-suite deluxe hotel featuring full kitchens, gas burning fireplaces, soaker tubs, and the Westin Heavenly bed.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Deluxe

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is it's own Canadian wilderness resort. The property is made up of many buildings with different room types throughout the resort. Relax by the lake, or enjoy a round of golf on the beautiful Stanley Thompson Golf Course, or enjoy a game of ice hockey on the lodge's pond. Be sure to keep your eyes open for Elk as they walk past your building!

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Standard, Superior and Deluxe

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is undoubtedly a beautiful and impressive hotel. Its amazing location overlooking beautiful Lake Louise and the distant mountains can not be compared. There are a variety of restaurant types, so you can do casual or fine dining as you choose. Strolling around the lake, renting a canoe, riding horses, or hiking up to the tea house are all great summer activities. In winter choose from snow shoeing, skating, skiing or taking a sleigh ride around the lake.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Deluxe

Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy one of the many activities that the hotel has to offer from tennis, horseback riding, a round of golf, skiing, relaxing at the the Willow Stream Spa (charge), or enjoying a great meal at one of 12 restaurants, lounges or pubs.

Options & Upgrades

Options & Upgrades

 All our Canada train trips can be customized to create your ideal vacation featuring some time on a railroad across all or part of Canada.

Here are some ideas - but please ask our friendly experts for more ideas tailored to your needs when you call.
• Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows that optimize your view of the scenery, freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform providing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
• Extra nights in Vancouver, the Rockies or Calgary as well as day-trips and tours make great additions to this trip
• Add a few days in Victoria to check out Butchart Gardens, the parliment buildings and British Columbia’s famous Orcas

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates

Starting in Vancouver May 15, 22, 29
Jun 5, 19
Jul 3, 10,17,31
Aug 7,14, 28
Sep 4,11,28

 Starting in Calgary May 7,14,21,28
Jun 4,18
Jul 2,9,16,30
Aug 6,13,27
Sep 3,10

Standard Hotels, Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service & Coast Classic Experience USD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service & Glacier Dome Experience Upgrade
Double Single USD$
May 7 - May 21 2010 2,628 3,816 990
May 28 - Jun 4 2010 2,841 3,946 990
Jun 5 - Sep 28 2010 3,059 4,362 990
Superior Hotels, Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service & Coast Classic Experience USD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service & Glacier Dome Experience Upgrade
Double Single USD$
May 7 - May 22 2010 3,552 5,632 990
May 28 - Jun 18 2010 3,968 6,328 990
Jun 19 - Sep 28 2010 4,045 6,480 990
Deluxe Hotels, Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service & Glacier Dome Experience USD$
Double Single
May 7 - May 22 2010 4,800 7,121
May 28 - Jun 18 2010 5,729 8,694
Jun 19 - Sep 28 2010 5,810 8,853
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available

Includes
 • 2 day Rocky Mountaineer - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service while Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• Whistler Mountaineer Rail Journey - Standard & Superior include Coast Classic Service while Deluxe features Glacier Dome
• 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
• 8 nights accommodation
• Maligne Lake tour with cruise (from June 1st onwards, alternative Jasper tour in May)
• Icefields Parkway scenic transfer between Jasper and Lake Louise including Ice Explorer
• Private luxury vehicle arrival and departure airport transfers, including meet & greet on day one
• Private luxury vehicle transfers between Lake Louise & Banff (vehicle type subject to availability)
• Motorcoach transfers between hotels and rail stations in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, and Jasper
• Discover Banff tour including Banff Gondola
• Documentation package

Not Included
 • Personal items
• Driver Gratuities
• National Park Pass
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Canadian sales taxes (pre-rebated by 50% for visitors to Canada)

HAVE A CHAT  

From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743

Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.