Ultimate Rockies Rail Journey 8 days / 7 nights

Trip Overview

Experience 2 different rail trips into and out of the Canadian Rockies.

This 8-day Canada train trip packs a lot in - at a leisurely pace. Spend your first night of the trip in a private bedroom as you head into the Canadian Rockies! Wake up and see the peaks of the mountains come into view. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you are likely to see elk, bears, and bald eagles.

Spend the next 4 days exploring the Canadian Rockies from Jasper to Lake Louise to Banff, before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer train. Marvel at the sights of the Rockies and the great service of the Rocky Mountaineer before returning to the coastal city of Vancouver.

Map

Arrive Vancouver
1 night on train
1 night Jasper
1 night Lake Louise
2 nights Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver

Detailed Itinerary

(Please note, like most of our Canada rail packages & tours, this railway vacation can be customized to your needs - just ask one of our local experts when you call.)
Day 1 – Your Canadian Rockies Train Journey Begins On VIA Rail
 Arrive anytime during the day in Vancouver where you will be met by your personal driver at Vancouver airport for your transfer to downtown Vancouver. You will be leaving tonight on an overnight VIA Rail train bound for Jasper - so drop your luggage off at the VIA Rail station and explore the city before boarding VIA’s famous train ‘The Canadian’ in the evening for your overnight journey. (You will have more time to enjoy Vancouver when you return from the Rockies - but just if you would like us to add a night before your Canadian Rockies train journey.)

Day 2 – VIA’s Canadian Rockies Train & Arrival In Jasper After a night of gentle rocking to the sound of your train winding up through the mountains, awake to catch your first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies from a train. Watch for wildlife such as elk, moose and bears. You’ll have the late afternoon to explore the town of Jasper on your own and you’ll overnight here (see hotel options under ‘Accommodations’ and ‘Dates & Prices’).

Day 3 – In The Canadian Rockies - The Icefields Parkway To Lake Louise
 Today you travel by luxury bus south along the spine of the Canadian Rockies on what is surely one of the most beautiful roads in the world - the Icefields Parkway. Stop to walk on the Athabasca Glacier and learn about its geology - before arriving in the late afternoon at stunningly beautiful Lake Louise, for your overnight stay.

Day 4 – Exploring The Canadian Rockies – Lake Louise to Banff
 After enjoying the magnificence of Lake Louise in the morning, it is only about 45 minutes to Banff - a lively mountain town with great restaurants and a low-key cowboy atmosphere. Enjoy strolling Banff Avenue or try one of the numerous outdoor adventures offered in this adventure playground. Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 - Enjoying The Canadian Rockies - Exploring Around Banff
 Discover Banff on a guided tour of the area, including a gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain. Overnight in Banff.

Day 6 - On the Rocky Mountaineer train – Banff to Kamloops
 This is the first day of your 2-day Canadian Rockies train journey back to Vancouver on a more southerly route. There’s a gentle pull as the train leaves Banff and the smell of breakfast wafts from the galley. The passing scenery is breathtaking; step out onto the outdoor viewing platform and feel the cool wind against your cheeks (Goldleaf service only). Overnight in the small mountain town of Kamloops.
Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer train – Kamloops to Vancouver
 The exhilaration of your Canada train trip continues as you now travel through the interior of British Columbia passing many different landscapes. Pass by Hell’s Gate and see the crashing waters of the Fraser Canyon below you. In the late afternoon arrive in Vancouver, and enjoy the rest of the day exploring this cosmopolitan west coast city surrounded by ocean and mountains. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 8 - Your Canadian Train Vacation Ends - Depart from Vancouver
 Much too soon you leave the fresh air and colorful sights of Vancouver as your Canadian train vacation package comes to an end. Yet you leave with many fond memories to revisit and treasure for a lifetime!

Need help making the most of your time?

Call one of our friendly local experts now.

US & Canada 
 United Kingdom
0-800-917-5924		 Australia
1-800-992-872		 Other Countries
1-604-737-8743		 Reserve
Online »

Accommodations

The Banff Caribou Lodge And Spa

Standard

Enjoy the ambiance of a beautiful Banff mountain lodge. After a day of skiing, the Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa is an oasis of relaxation. Comfortable rooms with mountain inspired décor beckon. Relax your tired muscles in the jetted whirlpool or for the ultimate treat, visit the Red Earth Spa for an après-ski massage. One of Canada's most popular steak houses is located on site; visit for lunch, dinner or an evening appetizer and cocktail. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Banff, the lodge is perfectly located near the mountains and the village.

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!

Sheraton Wall Centre

Superior

A visually-stunning hotel located in the heart of downtown. Enjoy great views through the floor to ceiling windows. Thoughtful extras include luxury bath amenities, and refreshment centers in every room.

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 on the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery, excellent food and an outdoor viewing platform allowing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
• Extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies to go river rafting on the Kicking Horse River, explore the National Parks on foot or mountain bike, or sharpen up your shopping skills on Banff’s Main Street
• Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island or other city tours along the way

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates

 April 27, 30
May 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 29
Jun 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
Jul 6, 9, 13, 20, 23, 27
Aug 3, 6, 10, 17, 20, 24, 31
Sept 3, 7, 10, 14, 28
Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD $ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single USD$
Apr 26 - May 24 2010 3,095 4,414 633
May 27 - Sep 13 2010 4,066 5,679 898
Sep 27 2010 3,610 5,013 898
Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer Red Leaf Service USD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single USD$
Apr 26 - May 24 2010 3,402 5,098 633
May 27 - Sep 13 2010 4,469 6,599 898
Sep 27 2010 3,999 5,812 898
Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service USD$
Double Single
Apr 2 - May 21 2010 4,799 6,838
May 25 - Sep 14 2010 6,108 8,751
Sep 28 2010 5,502 7,796
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
Includes
 • Accommodation for 6 nights
• 1 night onboard VIA rail’s Canadian train in a private Cabin for 1 or 2
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Jasper - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service whilst Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
• Icefields Parkway tour between Jasper and Lake Louise, venture on to the Athabasca glacier aboard the famous Ice fields explorer (May 1st onwards)
• Banff Tour including gondola ride
• Private luxury vehicle arrival and departure airport transfers, including meet & greet on day one
• Private luxury vehicle transfers between hotels and rail stations (vehicle type subject to availability), excluding between Jasper and Lake Louise
• Motorcoach rail station transfers in Kamloops
• Meals while onboard trains - 3 breakfasts,3 lunches and 1 dinner
• Documentation package

Not Included
 • National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Driver gratuities
• 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.