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Grand Adventure Circle Journey

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
14 days From $8,745 per person
4.6 stars(5 reviews)
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Spend two weeks enjoying the best of western Canada and the Rockies on this impressive rail journey featuring daylight-only travel on the Rocky Mountaineer.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2024 Tour code: RV-GCIR-24

About the tour

Wonderful cities, resort towns, and all the mountain scenery you could hope for beckon in western Canada. This 14-day independent journey dives into it all, exploring all the remarkable landscapes between coastal Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies' national parks aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, Canada's premier option for luxury, daylight-only train travel. The contrast between the city's bustling excitement and the countryside's quiet scenery is immediately apparent as you board the train in Vancouver. As the Rocky Mountaineer works its way into the interior, spend time in the resort city of Whistler and enjoy the serenity of Quesnel ahead of arriving at Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

From snow-capped mountains to abundant wildlife, some of the continent's most vibrantly hued lakes, and awe-inspiring canyons, it is no wonder that together, Jasper, Banff, and Yoho National Parks have been given UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. Your time in the Rockies brings opportunities to explore these parks and their beautiful sights on your terms. Enjoy stays in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff and a half-day excursion that explores the best of Yoho National Park. After five full days to soak in the natural paradise that is the Rockies, reboard the Rocky Mountaineer to venture back to Vancouver, whose differences with the mountainous interior are more apparent than ever after your travels. This eye-opening journey is what Rocky Mountain dreams are made of.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver

A scenic coastal city and the crowning jewel of Canada's West Coast, Vancouver is the beginning point for your epic adventure. Check into your hotel, then dip your toes into Vancouver's offerings for the rest of the day. You may wish to wander through Stanley Park or venture through the city's eclectic neighborhoods, such as historic Gastown. Besides having a thriving art community, Vancouver boasts a terrifically diverse food scene thanks to the multicultural influences and abundance of fresh Pacific seafood. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - At Leisure in Vancouver

The day is yours to continue exploring Vancouver as you please. Stroll along one of the local beaches or walk the Seawall to take in beautiful views of Stanley Park and the ocean. Vancouver has an impressive selection of museums, including the Vancouver Art Gallery. Get a taste of the local flavors and culture at Granville Island Public Market, or get a taste of adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Of course, you could take a ferry to beautiful Victoria on Vancouver Island for a more adventurous day. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 3 - Vancouver to Whistler

This morning, a motorcoach transfer takes you from downtown Vancouver to the train station, where you join the Rocky Mountaineer on its Sea to Sky Corridor. Your destination this evening is Whistler, a mountain resort town renowned as an outdoor lover's utopia. Year-round activities, ranging from downhill skiing in the winter to mountain biking in the summer, promise great adventures on arrival.

As you board, head to your seat in the domed-glass panoramic carriage, and settle in for a route filled with natural beauty. Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains are just the beginning of the amazing sights to come. Other highlights include Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and Cheakamus Canyon. As the train pulls into the station in Whistler, make your way to your hotel, then enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. For a unique vantage point on your new scenery, consider riding on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which spans between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Overnight Whistler.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Whistler to Quesnel

Quesnel, a sleepy mountain town at the intersection of the Quesnel and Fraser Rivers, is your destination today. This destination has seen fur trading and a gold rush in its nearly 200-year history and is known as the gateway to the North Cariboo. A motorcoach picks you up from your hotel this morning and takes you to Pemberton train station, where the Rocky Mountaineer awaits to whisk you to Quesnel. Sit back and relax as the train's attendants cater to all your needs and the vast and varied scenery unfolds. Look over river canyons and lush farmlands in the Pemberton Valley. The terrain becomes more arid as the train reaches Fraser Canyon, then becomes lush once more on the Cariboo Plateau. Keep watch for highlights of the route, including Anderson Lake, Seton Lake, and Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges globally. The final miles of your journey see the train alongside the Fraser River and into the charming town of Quesnel, where you have the remainder of the day to enjoy nature as you please. Overnight Quesnel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Quesnel to Jasper

Set your sights on the majestic Canadian Rockies today as the journey presses forth toward Jasper National Park. The route begins alongside the Fraser River once more, venturing first north toward the scenic town of Prince George, then east through British Columbia's lush inland forests. Dense coniferous trees and abundant wildlife are hallmarks of this stretch of the route. You may even spot a moose or bear! From this point, the train enters the Rocky Mountain Trench with views of the Rocky Mountains in one direction and the Cariboo Mountains in the other. Elevation continues to increase as the train negotiates the mountainous terrain. Enjoy a view of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, and cross through Yellowhead Pass across the Continental Divide, with Jasper just down the tracks. We arrive in Jasper with the evening at leisure to marvel at its immaculate natural surroundings. Night owls will relish the opportunity to stargaze in Jasper, the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. Overnight Jasper.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - At Leisure in Jasper

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Jasper National Park has much to offer during your day at leisure. Ride the Jasper SkyTram to see the glacial lakes and impressive peaks from above, or set out on one of the bountiful hiking trails to experience the park's beauty up close. The park is absolutely brimming with spectacular attractions, including Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, picturesque Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, and Medicine Lake, which disappears at certain times of the year. Whether you book an excursion through the park or explore independently, Jasper sets an incredible backdrop for adventure. Overnight Jasper.

Day 7 - Jasper to Lake Louise

One of the world's most scenic highways is our guide today as we venture from Jasper National Park to the iconic Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Board a motorcoach at your hotel this morning, and settle in for a showcase of lakes, mountain peaks, and forests while traveling along Icefields Parkway. Athabasca Falls is the first significant highlight along the route, with Columbia Icefield following shortly after. This icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle, and your journey pauses here to allow you to explore Athabasca Glacier - one of the icefield's most accessible "toes" - aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle. Admire the scenery while learning about the region's history and geology. You will even have a chance to step out onto the face of the glacier. Back at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Center, enjoy an included lunch and a chance to walk on the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk before returning to the coach to continue the route.

Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are other highlights to anticipate before arriving at Lake Louise. This brilliant turquoise lake is breathtaking, and the combination of surrounding mountain and glacier scenery with the iconic chateau on the lake's shores makes for picture-perfect scenery. Overnight Lake Louise.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 8 - At Leisure at Lake Louise

Look over Mount Victoria, a hanging glacier, and many other impressive peaks during your stay in Lake Louise. Today is yours to soak in all the glory however you please. Stroll along the lakeshore or take to one of the abundant local hiking trails. Weather permitting, you can rent kayaks and canoes to get out on the beautiful lake. Of course, since this locale is famed for its scenery, it is also the perfect place to break out your camera and snap envy-worthy pictures. Overnight Lake Louise.

Day 9 - Lake Louise, Yoho & Banff

You have the morning to continue exploring beautiful Lake Louise and the surrounding region. If you are okay with waking early, Lake Louise is one of the most spectacular places in Banff National Park to watch the sunrise. Rich shades of pink, orange, and red creep over the surrounding mountains, reflecting off the snow-capped peaks and vibrant blue lake water to create an unbelievable scene. Alternatively, you could use the morning for a last-minute spa treatment at Chateau Lake Louise. Check-out is at noon, upon which the hotel will store your luggage for you while you continue using the lake's amenities until you depart on a half-day tour around 2:00 p.m.

This afternoon's tour is your chance to experience the wonders of Yoho National Park, including the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and the natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Winding through the park presents mountain vistas from every angle, with even more to come as the tour proceeds to Banff, located within its namesake national park. This vibrant resort town is filled with amenities - from shops for outdoor gear to an impressive array of restaurants, museums, and art galleries. Overnight Banff.

Day 10 - At Leisure in Banff National Park

There are many ways to fill your free day in Banff National Park, each presenting a new layer of the park's rugged intrigue. You could relax in the warm mineral waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs or enjoy a leisurely walk through nature on one of the park's hiking trails. Booking a lake cruise on Lake Minnewanka, or a wildlife adventure that takes you to popular spots for bear, moose, and caribou sightings are also possible. Of course, sticking to downtown Banff offers plenty of options, ranging from Riding the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to visiting the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight Banff.

Day 11 - Banff to Kamloops

Today sees you back on the rails aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. Board the train at Banff's station this morning with your sights set on Kamploops deep in the heart of British Columbia's interior. Enjoy final glimpses of the wild beauty of the Canadian Rockies, with all their deep forests, soaring peaks, impressive glaciers, and sparkling lakes. The train winds through mountain tunnels and over narrow mountain passes, presenting the region in all its glory. Eventually, the landscapes fade from dramatic mountains to rolling foothills and become arid as we approach the farms and ranchlands outside Kamloops. The onboard attendants will be sure to point out the route's highlights, including the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Rogers Pass. Craigellachie, the place where the Canadian Pacific Railway drove its final railway spike into the ground to create Canada's transcontinental railway, is also featured. Arrive in Kamloops with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Kamloops.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Kamloops to Vancouver

Your westbound route continues to unfold this morning as the train departs Kamloops bound for its final stop in Vancouver. Today's views are filled with contrasts as you first look upon the desert-like terrain of interior British Columbia, and then the route once again becomes lush and green as we near the coast. Marvel at the perspective your domed train car provides as the Rocky Mountaineer winds through river canyons and the steep slopes of the Thompson River. You will even have a chance to view the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon. Mountains come into sight once more, this time the Coast and Cascade ranges. Conclude your travels weaving through the serene Fraser Valley before arriving in the metropolis that is Vancouver this evening. Overnight Vancouver.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 - Vancouver

Get reacquainted with Vancouver's hustle and bustle and endless amenities during your free day in the city. Revisit your favorite destinations from your first days here or explore even more. After all, with such an enticing mixture of mountain and ocean adventures to balance the city's museums, art galleries, and landmark sites, there is no end to what you can discover. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 14 - Tour Conclusion

After two weeks of exploring western Canada's most impressive train routes and visiting bucket-list destinations, your grand circle adventure concludes this morning upon checking out of your hotel. Make your way to the airport at leisure for your return home.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

SilverLeaf Service & Hotel
SilverLeaf Service Hotels include the Hampton Inn, Sawridge Inn, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Banff Caribou Lodge. Enjoy the thrill of the Canadian Rockies in classic style as you embark on a stunning all-daylight rail adventure in SilverLeaf Service. Settle back in your roomy, reclining seat and enjoy commentary and service provided by your Rocky Mountaineer Host.

GoldLeaf Service & Hotel
Hotels include the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Fairmont Banff Springs. Travel first-class aboard Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf Service from Seattle to Vancouver and from Vancouver into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. A custom-designed bi-level dome coach puts travelers right in the middle of the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies as they enjoy gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs.

GoldLeaf Service & Hotel Upgrade
Hotels include the Deluxe Rooms at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Deluxe Lakeview Room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Spoil yourself by making your Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf rail journey through America's Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies a deluxe one. Enjoy all of the same luxurious onboard amenities in GoldLeaf Service plus deluxe hotel accommodations.

Please note
Recommended Airport
Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (3)
  2. 4 stars
    (2)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

EVELINE INGRID GRUSE

4 stars

Submitted 12 Sep 2022

It was a great experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

Marcia F, Scottsdale, AZ

4 stars

Submitted 15 Oct 2018

The very best part of the trip was on Rocky Mountaineer. I would highly recommend this railway.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Rena H, Des Moines, IA

5 stars

Submitted 09 Oct 2018

My friend and I had a most wonderful experience on this round trip across the Canadian Rockies. All our arrangements were perfect and trouble less. We were glad that we were updated to the 'gold leaf' status as we were treated like queens. The new rail passenger cars with the domes and an outdoor observation deck and each with its kitchen and dining room (on the Rocky Mountaineer) were superb.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Anita V, Adel, IA

5 stars

Submitted 08 Aug 2018

The service was excellent, meals were good, and we enjoyed the history & commentary given about our surroundings by the Rocky Mountaineer staff

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Anita

5 stars

Submitted 03 Nov 2017

This was a great trip and an excellent value. We have strongly recommended it to our friends.

Collected by Vacations By Rail