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Ultimate Rockies Rail Journey

5.0
19 reviews

Length

10 days / 9 nights

Time on train

3 days / 1 night

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
Start Planning

Take a train trip on the Canadian Pacific Railway

Spend a night in a private cabin on the train 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 Rockies from Jasper to Banff, before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer train back to Vancouver.

Route map of Ultimate Canadian Rockies by Rail trip from Vancouver back to Vancouver

Top experiences and features

Window view in VIA train

Ride the VIA Rail train to the Rockies

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing scenery as you make your way through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

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
Sleeper train experience in a private cabin
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This trip itinerary features a private cabin in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's The Canadian train. Each cabin features comfortable seating that converts to a bed. Cabins include a sink and toilet and access to a shared shower.

In Sleeper Plus Class, you’ll also enjoy gourmet meals in the dining car and access to the train's viewing cars, where you can watch the passing scenery and meet fellow travellers. Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are available throughout your journey. Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase.

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 Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean. From the very beginning, we ensure your vacation is off to the best start. We’ve taken care of 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.

Explore Vancouver
Day 02

Explore Vancouver

Explore Vancouver, a coastal city on the mainland of British Columbia. The city’s modern, high-rise buildings sit between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, in a truly picturesque setting of soaring peaks, ancient forests, and sandy beaches. 

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour

    Begin your day with a scenic ferry sailing between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Enjoy leisure time in Victoria, then visit world-renowned Butchart Gardens. 

  • Vancouver and the North Shore Tour

    Visit Vancouver's main attractions and neighbourhoods. Highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge.

  • Whistler Day Tour

    Explore the Sea to Sky highway with a guide — pass stunning mountain ranges, the world's second-largest granite monolith and Shannon Falls, then discover the beauty of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola and Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Day 03

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

Board The Canadian train in Vancouver and begin your eastward journey to Jasper. Pass through the varied landscape of British Columbia's Fraser Valley.

  • Private Transfer to Train Station
  • The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

    Watch the changing scenery from the train's viewing cars and enjoy hot meals in the dining car. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class.

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper
Day 04

VIA Rail - Arrive in Jasper

After travelling through BC's Cariboo Mountains, arrive in Jasper National Park. Get ready to explore the charming mountain town of Jasper and its stunning natural surroundings.

  • Transfer from Train Station to Hotel
  • Suggested Evening Add-Ons: Wildlife Tour, Skytram Ride, or Hiking Culinary Tour
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 - Jasper to Banff
Day 06

Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Banff

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 Banff

    On this full day sightseeing tour, walk on the Athabasca Glacier, stop for lunch, and step bravely out onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 

  • Six Glaciers Helicopter and Icefields Tour
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 at your chosen pace.

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride

    Discover Banff’s folklore and natural history on a small group tour, then ride the gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.  

  • Banff Townsite Explorer E-Bike Tour
  • Yoho National Park Tour

    Discover the beauty of Yoho National Park on an exclusive full-day tour. Crossing the Continental Divide, see the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and Natural Bridge. Stop at Moraine Lake (when road access permits), then visit Lake Louise. Return to Banff later this afternoon.

Rocky Mountaineer Train – Banff to Kamloops
Day 08

Rocky Mountaineer Train – Banff to Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train for the second part of your rail adventure. Just sit back and enjoy the breathtaking beauty as you pass Banff and Yoho National Parks.

  • 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.  

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
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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.

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Prestige Class is Canada’s version of the Orient Express. Available on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto, this luxury double cabin includes a special concierge service throughout your journey. This is one of our most popular upgrade options.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 19 reviews

It is impossible to explain what an awesome time we had

The entire trip was fantastic. It is impossible to explain what an awesome time we had: the wildlife sightings in Jasper; the beauty of Lake Louise; the trail ride/cookout in Banff... 

Debbie and Randy review of their [object Object] trip

Debbie and Randy

PA, USA

Insider Tips

I love British Columbia. It is truly a unique Canadian province that embraces island life, city life and nature all in one! Whether you want to go surfing in Tofino, hiking in the mountains, or shopping downtown Vancouver - there is a little something for everyone here.

Billie G

Billie

Canadian Insider

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