Rail to the Rockies

The below itinerary is only a suggestion, we offer tailor-made personal service and solutions to help you plan your perfect vacation. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.

Departing Vancouver
Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper (Rail)
This afternoon, check in at Pacific Central Station and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original stainless steel ‘streamliner’ railcars made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s. Each has been restored with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access to the dome car. (dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Exclusive to Sleeper Touring Class:
By day, sit back in comfortable seating and enjoy the exclusive comfort of your own accommodation. Come evening, attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a bedroom. Don’t forget to visit the Dome Car – the true essence of travelling by train is all in the panoramic views. Some Sleeper Plus Class amenities include towels, pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit.

Day 2 Canadian Rockies by daylight onboard VIA Rail, arrive Jasper late morning.
Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 3 Jasper Exploring
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90-minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise (208 km/129 mi)
This morning depart on the Icefields Parkway that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You will view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk (included) to experience a glass-floored observation platform 918 ft (280 m) over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June).

Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff (62 km/38 mi)
Take the short drive from Lake Louise to Banff. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff.

Day 6 Banff Exploring
A full day to explore Banff. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs (included).

Day 7 Banff to Calgary (115 km/72 mi)
Drive to Calgary today, along the 1A Highway. En-route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (not included) before dropping off your rental car at the Calgary International Airport or downtown.

Departing Calgary
Day 1 Calgary to Banff (115 km/72 mi) Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your rental car and begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure.

Day 2 Banff Exploring (Banff Gondola)
A full day to explore Banff and the surrounding area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement including shopping, cafés, nightlife and museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs (included).

Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise (62 km/38 mi)
Take the short drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, and enjoy a short nature walk at Johnston Canyon. Continue on to the “Jewel of the Rockies,” Lake Louise, for your overnight accommodation.

Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper (208 km/129 mi)
Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway. You’re sure to be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife, incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route. A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included) and a stop at the award-winning Glacier Skywalk (included), before continuing your journey to Jasper. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June)

Day 5 Jasper Exploring
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90-minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.

Day 6 Jasper to Vancouver (VIA Rail)
This morning, board VIA Rail for Vancouver in Sleeper Plus Class. Leaving Jasper National Park, you’ll travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson. Watch the scenery change from mountains to desert as you follow the Thompson River into central British Columbia. (brunch and dinner included today onboard VIA Rail)

Exclusive to Sleeper Touring Class:
By day, sit back in comfortable seating and enjoy the exclusive comfort of your own accommodation. Come evening, attendants will transform your quarters into cozy bunks or a bedroom. Don’t forget to visit the Dome Car – the true essence of travelling by train is all in the panoramic views. Some Sleeper Plus Class amenities include towels, pillows, cozy down duvets and a shower kit.

Day 7 Arrive Vancouver
Waking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival. (continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)