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Lakes, Mountains & The Rockies

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
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9 days From $3,008 $2,858 per person
4.6 stars(20 reviews)
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Two mountain resort towns and all the alpine beauty surrounding them beckon on this rail journey featuring VIA Rail’s Canadian.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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Save $300 per booking on Independent Canada Tours in 2024

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2024 Tour code: PP-LMRE-24

About the tour

Western Canada is filled with remarkable destinations, and this rail journey is your ticket to some of the best. Explore Vancouver's fast pace and vibrant surroundings before heading into nature on VIA Rail's Canadian. The overnight journey unveils landscapes marked by mountains, lakes, and deep forests and takes you right to the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Jasper. Spend days immersed in Rocky Mountain adventures, exploring Jasper and Banff National Parks. See soaring peaks capped in snow and picture-perfect lakes nestled amongst the valleys. Immerse yourself in nature while exploring deep gorges, scenic lookouts, and hidden waterfalls. The scenery throughout this journey is truly spectacular - and it is waiting for you. 

This itinerary is also available from Calgary to Vancouver based on your travel preference.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver

Ideally located on Canada's western seaboard, Vancouver is the starting point for this exhibition of nature. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in, and then take the rest of the day to explore Vancouver's attractions, restaurants, and retail options. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - Vancouver Sightseeing

Vancouver is brimming with fascinating neighborhoods and attractions that shine a spotlight on the city's unique heritage. Today, set out to places like Stanley Park, historic Gastown, Chinatown, and more alongside a knowledgeable guide. The tour continues outside the city's boundaries to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a place wrapped in nature and filled with adventure. Climb through the treetops on suspension bridges and enjoy excellent perspectives over the lush coastal rainforests for which Vancouver is known. You also have the opportunity to walk out over the canyon on the park's Cliffwalk. 

Should you prefer a different excursion for the day, choose from the following:
● Granville Island Market Tour - Explore British Columbia's eclectic culinary scene while wandering through the stalls of Granville Island Market. Enjoy local wine, cheese, cured meats, and specialty tastings while hearing stories from the vendors and finding hidden gems in the marketplace.
● Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane - Marvel at views of the Georgia Straight and Vancouver's Gulf Islands during your flight from the mainland to Victoria Island. As one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria is brimming with historic ambiance and has an abundance of ways for you to fill your time before returning to Vancouver by seaplane.
● Grand Tour of Vancouver by Bike - Get acquainted with Vancouver's diverse neighborhoods and alluring attractions from a bicycle, venturing through the city at a leisurely pace that is perfect for all fitness levels. Enjoy frequent stops for photos and further explorations in places like Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, and more.

Following your chosen tour, you are free to continue exploring Vancouver on your own for the evening. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 3 - VIA Rail Canadian to Jasper

After a leisurely morning in the city, make your way to Vancouver's train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian. Settle into your Sleeper Plus accommodations, then feel free to explore the seating available in the train's domed-glass sightseer lounges. As the train departs from the station, watch the city scenery break into suburbs and small towns. Views of dense forests and the Coast Mountains eventually overtake the vistas and create picture-perfect views for your overnight journey. Overnight train. 

Day 4 - Jasper

Wake this morning to views of sheer Rocky Mountain majesty as the train approaches Jasper. Beguiling panoramas of imposing peaks and evergreen forests paint your final miles with beauty. As the train arrives in Jasper, transfer to your hotel independently, and enjoy a day exploring this mountain resort town at leisure. Perhaps ride on the Jasper SkyTram to get a bird's eye perspective on your new surroundings or set out on one of the local hiking trails. Overnight Jasper. 

Day 5 - Exploring Jasper

On a guided park tour, experience Jasper National Park's immense terrain and grand scenery. The excursion begins along the mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley's ecosystem. The tour then ventures above Maligne Canyon and allows you to look down on its narrow gorge and limestone walls, created by 10,000 years of flowing water. Some of Jasper's beautiful lakes are also featured on this tour, including Medicine Lake, which sometimes mysteriously disappears, and Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. On arrival at Maligne Lake, head down to the shore to join a cruise across its serene waters. * Brilliant mountain scenery, wide-open skies, and wildlife sightings come standard. Overnight Jasper.

Note: The Maligne Lake cruise is not included for off-season departures.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 6 - Scenic Transfer from Jasper to Banff

Another of the Canadian Rockies' spectacular parks lies ahead as you depart Jasper by motorcoach bound for Banff National Park. Our trip takes us along Icefields Parkway, providing views of impressive mountain peaks, wind-swept valleys, glaciers, and vibrant lakes as the route unfolds. The journey pauses at Columbia Icefields, home to Athabasca Glacier. Take in the beautiful scenery from the Glacier Skywalk and enjoy a chance to head out onto Athabasca Glacier aboard an Ice Explorer. A route of wonders continues to unfold from here, eventually taking us into Banff National Park. Our first stop here is Lake Louise, where the coach stops for a photo opportunity - and what an opportunity it is. The lake's turquoise water and enveloping glaciers and mountain peaks make it one of the most scenic in the Rockies. Upon arrival, you are welcome to explore the townsite's fantastic amenities, ranging from fantastic restaurants to art galleries and boutique shops, with the remainder of your day. Overnight Banff.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 7 - Banff Sightseeing Tour

Today brings an opportunity to explore Banff and its scenic and historical points of interest on a sightseeing tour. Admire the natural scenery while driving through the park to places like Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Surprise Corner, and Two Jack Viewpoint. Your guide illustrates the history and geology of the Canadian Rockies through storytelling and interesting facts in each destination. Highlights of the tour include climbing to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola and cruising Lake Minnewanka*, where picture-perfect vistas and native legends culminate on the gentle body of water. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments are included on your excursion. Return to Banff following the tour with the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, add admission to Banff Upper Hot Springs or seek out the wildlife throughout Banff National Park with a tour. Overnight Banff.

Note: The Lake Minnewanka boat cruise is not available for off-season departures.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 8 - Banff at Leisure

All the wonders of Banff National Park are at your fingertips during your day at leisure. Revisit your favorite sites from yesterday's tour or forge your own path of adventure. You may wish to set out on one of the local hiking trails or visit some of the park's beautiful glacier-fed lakes, like Lake Moraine or Peyto Lake. For a more structured day, join an optional excursion. Choose from:

  • A guided tour of Banff & Yoho National Parks - Venture deep into the wilderness to places where mountain peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and waterfalls dominate the landscape. This full-day adventure includes points of interest throughout both parks, including Lake Louise, Valley of the Ten Peaks, the Spiral Tunnels, and many other sites based on seasonal availability. A barbecue lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge is included.
  • A Mount Assiniboine Helicopter tour - Independently make your way to the transfer point for a helicopter tour to View the "Matterhorn of the Rockies" on this heart-pounding excursion. Your helicopter will ascend into the sky, flying over Gloria Glacier, lakes, and impressive Rocky Mountain peaks, including the 11,800-foot Mount Assiniboine.
  • A signature hiking experience - Available to summer departures beginning June 1, this guided hiking experience explores a variety of trails five to eight miles in length. The trail options include Lake Agnes, Larch Valley, Stanley Glacier, or the Plain of 6 Glaciers. Lunch is provided, and a hiking pole and binoculars are included for your use.

*Please note: This tour doesn't begin operating until June 1st.*

Overnight Banff.

Day 9 - Calgary

Say goodbye to the powerful beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains as you transfer to Calgary's airport, where your tour concludes. Transfers accommodate flights after 1:00 p.m. Should you wish to extend your vacation, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay in Banff or Calgary.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate Accommodations
Hotels include the Delta Hotel Vancouver Downtown, Whistler's Inn, Lake Louise Inn, and Banff Ptarmigan Inn. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus Class in a semi-private berth. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to the Park Car with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views.

Superior Accommodations
Hotels include Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, The Crimson, Post Hotel, and Rimrock Resort Banff. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to the Park Car with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views.

Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to the Park Car with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views.

Please note

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change.
Private transfers are available at an additional cost if flights do not fit with the schedule listed.
Cabins purchased on VIA rail for a single traveler are Cabins for 1. For upgrade options, ask your rail specialist for details.

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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VIA Rail's Canadian

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 20 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (12)
  2. 4 stars
    (8)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

MARY E ROEHR

5 stars

Submitted 11 Sep 2023

Well cordinated unescorted trip. Like some meals on our own. Particularly like just on night on train

Collected by Trustpilot

customer

5 stars

Submitted 25 Jul 2023

Fantastic beautiful trip. The itinerary was very confusing but the trip was well set up. Brewster tour bus excursions were top notch.

from Vacations By Rail
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, we are so glad you had a good time. This photo is beautiful and we'd like to share it on our social media with your permission!
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

LeDonna

4 stars

Submitted 13 Jul 2023

The train trip was wonderful, the tour guides and staff were friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Most accommodations were superior, although the hotel in Lake Louise was a huge disappointment.

Collected by Trustpilot

TERRY SEAT

4 stars

Submitted 01 Sep 2022

Need a website or app that gives ALL the details of the trip for more clarity and communication. For our particular trip, everything went as planned. If you continue to use Forest Park Hotel in Jasper, Alberta you should provide a transfer from the train station to the hotel. You might also consider adding the Sky Tram to the afternoon of the arrival in Jasper. The tours and hotels were very nice.

Collected by Trustpilot

MS C BENNETT

5 stars

Submitted 04 Oct 2019

I had a marvelous time on my first Vacations by Rail! I had never taken an overnight train trip before and found the experience very relaxing. The food was exceptional as was the kind, knowledgeable and friendly staff. The bus portion of the trip was also exceptional. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. The bus drivers were above excellent,especially going up into the mountains on curved roads! It was a great experience overall and I look forward to booking another trip in the near future!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Sue Ann M., Bullard, TX

5 stars

Submitted 17 Dec 2018

Accommodations and service were excellent. Excursions were informative and interesting. Rim Rock Hotel in Bannf was excellent.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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