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Rail to the Rockies
Highlights: Vancouver | VIA Rail | Jasper | Lake Louise | Banff | Calgary Explore the best of the Canadian Rockies on this 7 day self drive & rail tour. Stay in Rocky Mountain resorts of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper and travel by train in a sleeper berth on-board VIA Rail train between Vancouver & Jasper.
- Drive through and stay at spectacular alpine resorts
- Ride an Ice Explorer on an ancient glacier
- Banff Gondola with spectacular views of Banff
- Sleep on-board the classic VIA Rail Train
2020 Summer Early Booking Bonus
Book by December 20, 2019, receive up to $250 per couple in added value which can be used for additional hotel nights, city sightseeing tours, activities or private transfers.
See Terms & Conditions
Add to my itinerary
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)
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including provincial taxes for 5 nights
- Sleeping berth onboard VIA Rail Sleeper Touring Class for 1 night
- Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs Jasper
- Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
- Glacier Skywalk
- Banff Gondola
- Total # of meals: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner (Vancouver departures)
- Total # of meals: 1 breakfast, 1 brunch, 1 dinner (Calgary departures)
- Taxi transfer between Jasper hotel and rail station
- Travel Documentation
Not included:
- Rental Car
- Road Tolls
Hotel Information (Moderate Grade)
- VIA Rail (Semi Private Berth)
- Jasper - Lobstick Lodge (Standard Room)
- Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn (Deluxe Queen Room)
- Banff - Elk+Avenue Hotel (Standard Room)
Hotel Information (Superior Grade)
- VIA Rail (Cabin)
- Jasper - Sawridge Inn (Outside Room with Balcony)
- Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn (Deluxe Queen Room)
- Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge (Standard Room)
Hotel Information (Deluxe Grade)
- VIA Rail (Cabin)
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont Room)
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Fairmont Lakeview Room)
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont Room)
Hotel Information (Deluxe Plus Grade)
- VIA Rail (Private Sleeper Berth)
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Premier Deluxe)
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Deluxe Lake View Room)
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Deluxe Mountain View Room)
Moderate Grade with Semi-Private Berth on-board VIA Rail
Superior Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail
Deluxe Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail
Deluxe Plus Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail
Departure dates
Depart from Vancouver (Tour Code: SD12) Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays May 1, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29 Jun 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 Jul 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28, 31 Aug 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31 Sep 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28, 29 Oct 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 16
Depart from Calgary (Tour Code: SD13) Sundays, Mondays & Fridays May 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 29, 31 Jun 1, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29 Jul 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27, 31 Aug 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31 Sep 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28 Oct 2, 4, 5, 9, 12, 16
Pricing
All pricing is in
USD$
TWIN | SINGLE | TRIPLE | CHILD | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade with Semi-Private Berth on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May - 17 May, 2020 18 May - 26 May, 2020 29 May - 29 Sep, 2020 02 Oct - 09 Oct, 2020 12 Oct - 16 Oct, 2020 Upgrade to Private Cabin |
$1,254 |
$1,739 |
$1,129 |
$690 |
Superior Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May - 17 May, 2020 18 May - 26 May, 2020 29 May - 29 Sep, 2020 02 Oct - 09 Oct, 2020 12 Oct - 16 Oct, 2020 |
$1,732 |
$2,289 |
$1,595 |
$1,094 |
Deluxe Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May - 10 May, 2020 11 May - 26 May, 2020 29 May - 09 Oct, 2020 12 Oct - 16 Oct, 2020 |
$2,597 |
$3,924 |
$1,094 |
|
Deluxe Plus Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May - 10 May, 2020 11 May - 26 May, 2020 29 May - 09 Oct, 2020 12 Oct - 16 Oct, 2020 |
$3,023 |
$4,778 |
$2,506 |
$1,094 |
Child age 10 yrs & under
Start planning your tailor-made holiday by contacting one of our specialists

Jennifer Balicha
Travel Designer

Samantha MacGregor
Travel Designer
Call 1-800-217-0973
Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am - 5pm
Pacific time
Or send a message
Start planning your tailor-made holiday by contacting one of our specialists

Jennifer Balicha
Travel Designer

Jasmine Wong
Travel Designer
Call 1-800-217-0973
Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am - 5pm
Pacific time
Or send a message