Essential Rockies by Train 6 Days / 5 Nights
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.Eastbound itinerary shown. Westbound follows the same itinerary in reverse.
Day 1 – Your Canadian Rockies by Rail Vacation Begins – Arrival Vancouver
Surrounded by mountains & ocean, this is where Greenpeace started, where bears occasionally roam into backyards, and coyotes cross the golf course in Stanley Park.
Relax in a sidewalk café, or tour the city on foot or bicycle before starting your Canadian Rockies train trip.
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 air! Today enjoy a change of pace on your Rockies train trip. Explore Banff’s spectacular surroundings with a guide and small group, and drink in the views of the surrounding national parks from the summit of 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 (note that gondala package is only available in peak season May-October). Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 – Deeper into the Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise
Wind your way slowly past clear blue rivers and breathtaking mountain vistas, with a few companions and a guide. Today you’ll see perhaps the most famous view of your entire Canadian Rockies train trip and in all of the Rockies - the turquoise water of Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers tumbling down from the high peaks. This is a place to relax, stretch your legs on a stroll or a hike, go for a paddle in a canoe with mountain heritage guides, or indulge in gourmet afternoon tea. 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.
Westbound Itinerary
The trip follows the above Rocky Mountain train trip itinerary in reverse. Begin with your Canada train trip in Calgary and transfer directly to Lake Louise on Day 1 - consider adding a pre-night if you arrive late in the day.
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