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Circle the Canadian Rockies by Rail

5.0
7 reviews

Length

12 days / 11 nights

Time on train

5 days

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

May – September

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
Start Planning

Explore the Canadian Rockies on this roundtrip train tour

Combine two incredible Rocky Mountaineer train journeys. Travel by rail through Whistler, Jasper, Banff and Vancouver – the scenery is varied in each direction, with some of the most magnificent scenery in the world.

Route map of Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train trip from Vancouver to Banff and back
Highlights of your trip

See Vancouver, Whistler, Banff and Jasper

Two journeys on board the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer train

Explore Banff and Jasper National Parks

Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Banff Gondola

Sightseeing along the Icefields Parkway

A great selection of activity choices

Top experiences and features

The Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Seton Lake on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route.

Enjoy Rocky Mountaineer's longer route

Journey on Rocky Mountaineer's northerly route, which takes you through Whistler, for more time onboard the train.

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.

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and 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.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

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.

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.

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

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.

Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight touring trains, which travel along three of the most spectacular routes in Western Canada. You’ll enjoy onboard commentary, award winning service, and incredible food.

GoldLeaf service on Rocky Mountaineer is an amazing experience. You will have a seat on the top floor of a bi-level glass-dome train car where the windows reach to the ceiling, offering panoramic views. A-la-carte meals are served in the lower-level dining room. There's also an exclusive outdoor viewing platform for when you want a breath of fresh air.

This trip itinerary includes time in Banff and Jasper national parks. For days in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, we provide a selection of activity options for you to choose from. You could enjoy small-group sightseeing tours, a helicopter flight over the mountains, afternoon tea at Lake Louise, a lake cruise, private guided nature walks, and more.

For details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors. You can customize your trip and decide what activities best fit with your interests.

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
Welcome to Vancouver
Day 01

Welcome to Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean. From the very beginning, we take care to ensure that your vacation gets off to the best start. We’ve planned every detail — from your excursions to the best dining experiences.

  • 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 Whistler
Day 02

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Whistler

Step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train for the start of a three-day train journey to the Canadian Rockies. Today you’ll travel from ‘sea to sky’ on your way to Whistler.

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station
  • Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

    In GoldLeaf, you have assigned seats in a top-level dome car with panoramic views and access to an outdoor viewing platform. Gourmet meals are served in the dining room below, and Rocky Mountaineer’s friendly staff entertain you along the way.  

  • Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola 360 Experience Day Pass

    Enjoy spectacular views of towering volcanic peaks and coastal rainforest on this world record-breaking gondola.

  • Suggested Add-On: Whistler Dinner Tour (Extra Cost)

    This four-hour tour features four delicious courses at award-winning Whistler restaurants. 

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Whistler to Quesnel
Day 03

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Whistler to Quesnel

Another day of your train journey begins on board the Rocky Mountaineer. You'll travel into the sprawling wilderness of British Columbia, so keep your eyes open for wildlife. Spend the night in the small town of Quesnel.

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Quesnel to Jasper
Day 04

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 you travel into the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the town of Jasper this evening. 

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel
Explore Jasper National Park
Day 05

Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park — the largest park in the Canadian Rockies — is one of our favourite destinations. You can look forward to spending the day exploring Canada’s most authentic mountain town, where the wild never left the wilderness.

    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 to Lake Louise
Day 06

Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise

Travel along the spine of the Rockies on one of the most beautiful routes in the world — the Icefields Parkway. Along the way, watch for cascading waterfalls and dramatic peaks, mountain goats, elk, and even bears.

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Icefields Parkway Tour to Lake Louise

    Travel along the Icefields Parkway on this full-day tour. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier, stop for lunch, and step bravely onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

  • Private Icefields Sightseeing with Heli-Tour (Extra Cost)

    Explore the Icefields Parkway at your own pace with a private guide. Stop to soar over Cline Pass in a helicopter. 

Explore Lake Louise
Day 07

Explore Lake Louise

Spend your day in one of the most beautiful places on the planet — Lake Louise. It doesn't matter 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.

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Lakes and Waterfalls of Banff and Yoho National Parks

    Explore the most treasured spots in Banff and Yoho National Parks and enjoy a BBQ lunch at Emerald Lake.

  • Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise

    Sip on traditional English Tea while enjoying the beautiful scenic views of Lake Louise. 

Lake Louise to Banff
Day 08

Lake Louise to Banff

Spend a relaxing morning in Lake Louise before journeying to Banff this afternoon.

  • Lake Louise to Banff Sightseeing Transfer

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.
Superior Level
Hotel Accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer Train Service
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Deluxe Level
Hotel Accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer Train Service
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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.
Rooftop hot pool at the Moose Hotel in Banff National Park

Moose Hotel and Suites

Example of a Superior hotel in Banff

Moose Hotel and Suites is steps away from downtown Banff. Amenities include a spa, indoor pool, sauna, and on-site restaurant. Take a dip in one of the rooftop hot pools – the perfect place for checking out the spectacular mountain views.

Personalize This Itinerary

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

Add an Alaska Cruise

Add an Alaska Cruise

Ask us to pair you up with your style of cruise and discover Alaska's spectacular Inside Passage.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 7 reviews

Thank you for all your help in planning a wonderful vacation

We had a wonderful time - everything went smoothly as planned - even the weather co-operated. The hotels were great, near to everything. The tours and guides were both professional... 

Linda and George review of their [object Object] trip

Linda and George

NY, USA

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