013-3-0278

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail

5.0
47 reviews

Length

8 days / 7 nights

Time on train

2 days

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

April – October

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
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The most popular Canadian Rockies train trip

Our bestseller and favourite Canadian Rockies rail trip! This 8-day train vacation features the highlights of the Rockies at a leisurely pace. Discover coastal Vancouver, then travel through the Canadian Rockies and soak up the splendour of the mountains.

Route map of Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail from Vancouver to Calgary
Highlights of your trip

Rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer, from Vancouver to Jasper

Five days in Banff and Jasper National Parks

Activities catered to your interests, including unique Fresh Tracks experiences

Stay at the Chateau Lake Louise

Photograph glaciers, emerald lakes, forests, and wildlife 

Top experiences and features

Onboard Host speaks about the scenery from GoldLeaf dome on the Rocky Mountaineer Train

Enjoy the perks of GoldLeaf Service

Experience Rocky Mountaineer’s legendary hospitality, as friendly and attentive staff entertain you along the way.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
Meals whilst onboard the train
Choice of unique guided activities
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Train station transfers
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

Your trip can be completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do. Let us know if you have specific destinations, hotels, activities, or attractions in mind and we can build these into your itinerary.

There are a few differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service.

In SilverLeaf, you travel in a single-level dome car with oversized windows and are served meals at your seat. In GoldLeaf, you travel in a bi-level dome car, which features comfortable seating on the upper level and a dining area on the lower level. GoldLeaf coaches are taller, so you can see above the treeline.

GoldLeaf also includes access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. In SilverLeaf, there is a small viewing area between train cars.

When travelling on Rocky Mountaineer, you enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard the train. In SilverLeaf service, these meals are served at your seat. In GoldLeaf service, meals are served in the lower-level dining room.

The seasonal menu varies by rail route and day. The cuisine is inspired by the areas the train passes through, so you'll notice that some dishes feature locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served each day.

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Best Western, Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.

Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.

Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.

In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.

Hotel amenities can vary by property, so your Vacation Advisor will discuss what’s most important to you, such as air conditioning, parking, laundry, swimming pool, spa, onsite restaurants, or 24-hour room service.

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured inclusions
Arrive in Vancouver
Day 01

Arrive in Vancouver

Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city, surrounded by mountains and ocean. 

  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport

    Bypass the crowds and start making the most of your vacation. A friendly driver welcomes you to the city. 

  • Dinner in Vancouver

    Dine at one of our favourite harbourside restaurants. Watch seaplanes land and enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains.

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops
Day 02

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

All aboard! Settle into your seat while the smell of breakfast wafts from the galley. A small jolt announces you are on your way — look forward to a day of spectacular scenery. 

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station
  • Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

    Rocky Mountaineer daylight trains feature glass-dome cars with oversized windows, gourmet meals, and friendly, attentive staff. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf.  

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Jasper
Day 03

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Jasper

After your overnight stay in Kamloops, wake up refreshed and ready for another day of breathtaking views. 

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel
Explore Jasper National Park
Day 04

Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park, the biggest park in the Canadian Rockies, is a magical place — and we have lots of ideas to help you enjoy it.

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Jasper Motorcycle Sidecar Tour

    Admire the stunning alpine landscape on a guided Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour. Explore Maligne Canyon, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, or Mount Edith Cavell. 

  • Maligne Lake Tour with Cruise

    Watch for wildlife on this mini-bus tour to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake, then cruise to picturesque Spirit Island. 

  • Privately Guided Nature Walk

    Join one of Jasper's most knowledgeable guides for a private nature walk. Discover wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views.

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise
Day 05

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise

Today is an all-day trip down the spine of the Canadian Rockies, on one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with lots to do along the way.

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Icefields Parkway Tour to Lake Louise
  • Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour
Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff
Day 06

Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff

For a good vacation — as for a good story — a varied pace is important, and today you set the cadence. Relax, stroll around the lake, go to the spa, or ask us about getting out for an adventure like canoeing, horseback riding, hiking or climbing.

  • Yoho National Park Tour to Banff

    On an exclusive one-way sightseeing tour, discover Yoho National Park. After a stroll around Moraine Lake, cross the Continental Divide to visit the Spiral Tunnels, then see Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge before arriving in Banff this evening.

Explore Banff National Park
Day 07

Explore Banff National Park

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out to explore Banff National Park.

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Afternoon Banff Sightseeing Tour with Gondola

    On an exclusive small group tour, discover Banff’s folklore and natural history before a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.   

  • Lake Minnewanka Nature Cruise with Sightseeing Tour

    Explore Banff's picturesque lakes and wetlands as you make your way along the Minnewanka Loop on an exclusive small-group tour. Included is an unforgettable boat cruise offering wide-open views of the Canadian Rockies. 

  • Banff History Walking Tour
Depart from Calgary
Day 08

Depart from Calgary

Too soon, your wonderful week in the Canadian Rockies is over — to be relived in memory over many years. 

  • Transfer to Calgary Airport

    On this two-hour journey, watch the landscape change from towering mountains to rolling prairie.

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer Train Service
Airport Transfer Calgary <> Banff
Scheduled bus
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View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Modern hotel lobby with armchairs and chandelier

Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel

Example of a Comfort hotel in Vancouver

The Coast Coal Harbour Hotel is close to Vancouver Harbour and Stanley Park, with views of the North Shore mountains available from some floors. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, spa services, fitness centre and on-site restaurant.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Travel in a private group

Travel in a private group

Exploring with friends and family is the best way to create lasting memories and reconnect. Organizing once-in-a-lifetime trips for families and small groups of friends is a particular passion for us. Ask us about how our itineraries can be customized to work for your group.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 47 reviews

This was a spectacular trip

This was a spectacular trip. All the people we dealt with - train employees, hotel staff and tour guides were friendly and helpful and knowledgeable. The entire trip went smoothly.

Phyllis and John review of their [object Object] trip

Phyllis and John

AZ, USA

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