Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive

Your rail and drive adventure through the Canadian Rockies commences as you arrive in Calgary. This big small town is set in Canada's western prairies, and despite its skyscrapers and amenities, it retains its "Cowtown" essence at its core. Pick up your rental car, and then watch as Calgary's contrasts come to life as you set out into Alberta. Your drive today takes you west through the city, ranching lands, Kananaskis Country, prairies, and mountains. Stunning glacier-fed lakes and impressive peaks guide the final miles as you through Banff and finally arrive in Lake Louise. Overnight Lake Louise.

Wake up surrounded by the beauty of the crown jewel of Banff National Park, Lake Louise. Spend some time admiring the lake and the surrounding sights before taking to the road to drive toward Banff. You may wish to begin your journey by heading the opposite way, toward Jasper, along Icefields Parkway, rated as one of the top scenic byways in North America. Pause your route at Columbia Icefield to ride an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier or look out over the amazing views from the Glacier Skywalk. Alternatively, explore Yoho National Park, where beloved sites include the Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake. Heading deeper into Banff National Park toward the town site, marvel at the beauty of the Bow River and notable peaks, including Mount Temple, Castle Mountain, and Cascade Mountain. Stop off at any point to explore the majestic scenery. The rest of the day is yours to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight Banff.

Today you have the freedom to explore Banff at your own pace. You may wish to hang out in Banff's townsite, filled with shops and restaurants, or ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Alternatively, you could cruise Banff's largest lake, Lake Minnewanka, or drive between the other bodies of water throughout the park, including iconic Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake. Banff Hot Springs is also a must-visit site, with its relaxing environment with panoramic mountain views. Adventure seekers can book a helicopter ride from Canmore to get a bird's eye view of the Canadian Rockies. However you choose to spend your day, return your rental car before enjoying your last evening at leisure in Banff. Overnight Banff.

A complimentary transfer takes you to the station, where your journey aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer begins. Settle into your domed-glass carriage and relax in your plush reclining seat as breathtaking panoramas unfold en route to Kamloops. Look over the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and pine forests. Enjoy views of the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Canyon. The train climbs over Rogers Pass, continues past Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, and winds through remarkable mountain tunnels. Enjoy fantastic meals prepared by the onboard chef while rocky lakeshores transform into ranchlands and the arid surroundings of Kamloops, where we disembark the train for the evening. Overnight Kamloops.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, skirt the shores of Kamloops Lake as the journey sets underway once more. The day starts in the desert-like interior, venturing alongside the Thompson River, passing its rock sheds, and climbing its steep slopes. Other highlights include Fraser's Canyon and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate. The terrain gets decidedly more lush as the Rocky Mountaineer traverses winding river canyons and through forests. Marvel at inspiring views of the Cascade and Coast Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. British Columbia is rife with natural beauty, all of which is yours to behold while nearing Vancouver. You have the rest of the day to settle into this dynamic destination on arrival. The eclectic neighborhoods, fantastic culinary scene, and excellent oceanside positioning give you much to discover while in the city. Overnight Vancouver.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Your expedition through the Canadian Rockies concludes this morning. You can opt to extend your vacation with another night in Vancouver or make your way to Vancouver's airport for your return flight home.