Essential Rockies by Train
Rated 5 / 5 based on 6 customer reviews6 days from $1,854 per person
The ‘Bear’ Essentials
The perfect getaway to the Rockies for people a little pressed for time. It's a chance to experience the best of the Canadian Rockies on the famous Rocky Mountaineer, with plenty of time to explore the town of Banff, the beauty of Lake Louise and the cosmopolitan jewel of Vancouver. Best of all, you can work with our Travel Experts to arrange this trip so you do it all at a pace that suits you.
What we love about this trip• Two day rail journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer to the Canadian Rockies• Unique, small group tours in the majestic Canadian Rockies • Glaciers, waterfalls, forests and wildlife • Stopover at the beautiful Lake Louise • Sightseeing tour of Banff
ItineraryPlease 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. Eastbound itinerary is shown. A westbound itinerary is also available.Day 1 – Your Canadian Rockies by Rail Vacation Begins – Arrival Vancouver One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is surrounded by towering mountains and sparkling ocean. Depending on your time of arrival, you can relax and dine al fresco or get out and explore on foot or start of your Canadian vacation with a guided bicycle tour of Vancouver (ask your vacation advisor for more details). Overnight in Vancouver. Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops A lonesome wail sounds from the Canadian Rockies railroad whistle, and the smell of your breakfast wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer train leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey through the Canadian Rockies. Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, past the thundering water of Hell’s Gate, and take a trip through the high desert of British Columbia’s interior. Relax, chat, read, or stretch your legs on an outdoor viewing platform. In late afternoon, the train arrives in Kamloops where you observe the lifestyle of locals in a small Rockies town. Day 3 – On the Rocky Mountain train – Into the Canadian Rockies in Banff The second day onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, anticipation builds over breakfast for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way you’ll learn about the history of the Canadian Rockies, and the railroad, keep your eyes peeled for elk, bald eagles and bears. Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff. Day 4 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Canadian Rockies air! On a free day, explore the sleepy mountain town of Banff and drink in the views of the surrounding you on all sides. Banff is home to unique heritage sites, boutiques, and world class eateries. Overnight in Banff. Day 5 – Deeper into the Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise Lean even more about Banff today, with a small group and expert guide. Travel to surrounding lakes and mountain valleys for great photo opportunities and a chance to see elk, moose, bear, and even wolves. The morning concludes with a thrilling ride up the Sulphur Mountain. The lofty peak is reached by a gondola swinging beneath the cable far above the valley floor and surrounded by jagged Canadian Rockies peaks, with the Bow River glistening in the distance. After a chance to soak in the views, travel with your guide along the beautiful Bow Valley Park way, ending with the most famous view of your entire Canadian Rockies train trip - the turquoise water of Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers tumbling off mountain peaks. This is a place to relax, stretch your legs on a stroll or a hike - or go for a paddle in a canoe. Overnight in Lake Louise. Day 6 – Depart Calgary – your Canadian Rockies train vacation concludes Filled with memories of the Canadian Rockies today you transfer by private vehicle to the Calgary airport and home as your train vacation across Canada draws to a close.
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today! |
What's IncludedHere are just a few of the things to look forward to on this trip...  Breakfasts and lunches aboard the train  Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain  Small group sightseeing tour of Banff
Customize this trip a little... or a lotThink of this itinerary as just a starting point. Work with us to personalize this trip by adding some amazing side trips & activities, like...  Cruising Inside Passage to Alaska  Renting a car and exploring the area  Golfing at world-famous Banff Springs  Whalewatching in the Salish Sea |
Accommodation Options
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options. Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
Georgian Court Hotel
An example of our Comfort accommodations
The Georgian Court Hotel features 180 guestrooms in a 12-story brick building, in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Enjoy a comfortable sleep in your elegant room, surf the internet with the complimentary wireless, or enjoy a meal on the seasonal patio.
Rimrock Resort
An example of our Superior accommodations
The Rimrock Resort is one of Fresh Tracks favourite hotels! The hotel is built into the side of a mountain, when you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 7th floor, and the views from the pamorama of windows over the Bow Valley are simply stunning. The hotel has an upscale yet understated feel, and the service is impeccable.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
An example of our Deluxe accommodations
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.
Moraine Lake Lodge
An example of our Luxury Mountain Lodge accommodations
Ask our vacation planners about customizing your trip, to stay in some of our more secluded, intimate, and unique wilderness lodges. First class service, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious accommodations are combined with rustic ambiance in a stunning setting. Step out of your doorway for a morning hike, then relax on your patio sipping wine, gazing at the reflection of snow capped peaks on pristine mountain lakes. Here, the only noise is the whispering of pines and the calls of alpine birds.
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Prices & Dates
2013 Eastbound start dates from Vancouver:Apr 22 29
May 2 5 6 9 12 13 16 19 20 23 26 27 30
Jun 2 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30
Jul 4 7 11 14 18 21 25 28
Aug 8 11 15 18 22 25 29
Sep 1 5 8 12 15 16 19 26 30
2013 Westbound start dates from Calgary
Apr 22 29
May 2 5 6 9 12 13 16 19 20 23 26 27 30
Jun 2 6 9 13 16 20 23 27 30
Jul 4 7 11 14 18 21 25 28
Aug 8 11 15 18 22 25 29
Sep 1 5 8 12 15 16 19 26 30
Below you’ll find the prices for this trip. Make sure to give us a call to chat about your options:
• Prices are per person, and double means two people sharing a room. Please give us a call for single, triple, or child rates.
• Comfort, Superior, Deluxe, and Deluxe Plus refer to the type of hotel accommodations.
• RedLeaf, SilverLeaf, and GoldLeaf refer to the type of train service. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for upgrade prices.
| RedLeaf Train Service & Comfort Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 22, 2013 | 1,854 | |
| Apr 29 - May 27, 2013 | 2,111 | |
| May 30 - Sep 26, 2013 | 2,689 | |
| Sep 30, 2013 | 2,421 | |
| SilverLeaf Train Service & Superior Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 22, 2013 | 2,808 | |
| Apr 29 - May 27, 2013 | 2,978 | |
| May 30 - Sep 26, 2013 | 3,507 | |
| Sep 30, 2013 | 3,279 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service & Deluxe Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 22, 2013 | 3,695 | |
| Apr 29 - May 27, 2013 | 4,127 | |
| May 30 - Sep 26, 2013 | 4,881 | |
| Sep 30, 2013 | 4,317 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service & Deluxe Plus Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 22, 2013 | 4,741 | |
| Apr 29 - May 27, 2013 | 5,067 | |
| May 30 - Sep 26, 2013 | 5,914 | |
| Sep 30, 2013 | 5,292 | |
| SilverLeaf Train Service Upgrade for Comfort Guests | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 22 - May 27, 2013 | 579 | |
| May 30 - Sep 30, 2013 | 526 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service Upgrade for Comfort Guests | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 22 - Sep 30, 2013 | 947 | |
| GoldLeaf Train Service Upgrade for Superior Guests | USD$ | |
| Double | ||
| Apr 22 - Sep 30, 2013 | 421 | |
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Absolutely terrific train ride
“ I wanted to tell you once more how much Julia and I enjoyed the vacation you provided for us. I find myself 'daydreaming' every time I think of the absolutely terrific train ride through the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. I have tried to relive every moment and still find new things to remember realizing even more how breathtaking it all was. I am very happy that we decided 'not to have any goals'. This allowed us to see and cherish every single moment and properly file it in our memories. I purchased two "Gold Leaf" wine goblets for Julia and I and made a rule that no one in our family could drink out of them and that only Julia and I were allowed only if we were wearing our "Gold Leaf Pins". Silly, yes but it keeps our memory of the journey special. ”
John & Julia Min, Hawaii
From beginning to end everything was perfect
“ I want to thank you for an absolutely fabulous trip that you planned for us. From beginning to end everything was perfect and even when I misplaced two coupons your office quickly faxed new ones to our hotel. The hotels were fantastic, the service perfect, and everyone was so helpful and friendly. My son's comment was, "Canada is an upgraded United States" and I wouldn't be surprised if he moved to Vancouver or Victoria. The Rocky Mountaineer was a once in a lifetime experience and first class all the way. I must have gained 10 pounds just in those two days. What a magnificent country you have and what wonderful people. ”
Matt, Rosalie and Raymond Reynolds, US
We enjoyed the splendor
“ We have left Canada after our trip which we thoroughly enjoyed. The arrrangements which you made for us all went very well and we enjoyed the beautiful splendor of the Canadian Rockies and the service on the train was excellent, certainly a journey to remember. I would like to thank you for your help in making those arrangements on our behalf. ”
Roger Cornwell, Dubai, UAE
Wonderful holiday in a great country
“ Thank you and your team for helping us to have a wonderful holiday in your great country. Everything went like clockwork. We had no problems with any of the accommodation, tours or the Rocky Mountaineer train. I will have no problem in recommending Fresh Tracks to anyone wanting to take the Rocky Mountaineer. Our holiday has certainly left us with long lasting memories of the train, scenery, people etc. We will be coming back to Canada for sure, sooner rather than later. We are thinking of coming back to Vancouver to visit Victoria and whale watch etc. and wondered if you could help us again nearer the time. Once again thanks for all your help! ”
Graham Brook and Mairi Alderman, UK
Breathtaking!
“ I want to move to Canada! ”
Betty Korman, TX, USA
The rail ride was everything we expected
“ The trip was awesome. Everything was well planned and we enjoyed the activities that were set up. The rail ride was everything we expected. Thanks! ”
John & Mary Purcell, TX, USA
Interested? Contact us to start customizing this trip today!
Trip Map & Outline
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
What Clients Say
Absolutely terrific train ride
“ I wanted to tell you once more how much Julia and I enjoyed the vacation you provided for us. I find myself 'daydreaming' every time I think of the absolutely terrific train ride through the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. I have tried to relive every moment and still find new things to remember realizing even more how breathtaking it all was. I am very happy that we decided 'not to have any goals'. This allowed us to see and cherish every single moment and properly file it in our memories. I purchased two "Gold Leaf" wine goblets for Julia and I and made a rule that no one in our family could drink out of them and that only Julia and I were allowed only if we were wearing our "Gold Leaf Pins". Silly, yes but it keeps our memory of the journey special. ”
John & Julia Min, Hawaii
Why Book With Us?
What makes booking with Fresh Tracks Canada different?
- Our commitment to making your trip an unforgettable experience
- 20 years of experience in travel
- Intimate knowledge of Canada
- Attention to every detail
- Caring and creative people
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