Best of the Rockies

Arrive in the coastal city of Vancouver today. Your hotel is ideally located in the heart of Vancouver, close to many popular attractions, shops, and restaurants. Make the most of your day in the city. You may wish to shop along Robson Street, visit Stanley Park or the Vancouver Aquarium. For those looking for adventure, get an aerial view of the city from Grouse Mountain or swing from the trees at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Get a taste of the city's vibrant culinary scene and ferry over to Granville Island, or dine in Gastown. Overnight Vancouver.

Board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning for your 7:30 am departure. Admire the breathtaking scenery as you're whisked east through the Coastal Mountains to the Fraser River, which will be your path to tonight's destination. Your onboard attendants will be able to share detailed commentary on the region through which you're traveling. Enjoy delicious meals as you're awed by the beauty of British Columbia. Scenic highlights of today's journey include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate deep in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes leading into the Thompson River. Arrive in Kamloops this evening and stroll the quaint town at leisure. Overnight Kamloops. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Rise and shine! The Rocky Mountaineer departs Kamloops early this morning to continue its journey through the Canadian Rockies. Highlights of today's trip include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels. Just when you think the scenery can't be any more stunning, it is. Cross the Continental Divide and arrive in Banff this evening. Overnight Banff. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, embark on a sightseeing tour of Banff to discover the town's natural surroundings and see where it all began. Your tour will take you to the hoodoos, Tunnel Mountain Drive, and the Cave & Basin, a National Historic Site that commemorates the birthplace of Canada's National Park System, which started in Banff in 1885. This afternoon is yours to explore Banff on your own. Go for a hike, visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs, explore Banff National Park, or take advantage of the many activities available through your hotel. Overnight Banff.

Today travel from Banff to Jasper by way of the Icefields Parkway, a scenic two-lane road that travels through Banff and Jasper National Parks. Stop at the Columbia Icefield where you will venture by Ice Explorer onto the massive Athabasca Glacier. Make a brief stop in Lake Louise to photograph the glistening blue waters before arriving in Jasper this evening. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Jasper. 

• Lunch

After breakfast on your own, transfer to the train station to board VIA Rail's Canadian. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your overnight journey west to Vancouver. Overnight train. 

• Lunch, Dinner

Arrive this morning in Vancouver and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day enjoying all this beautiful city has to offer. Included is admission to the Vancouver Lookout, offering panoramic views of the city. Overnight Vancouver.

• Breakfast

Your tour comes to a close this morning. You may wish to extend your stay for additional time in Vancouver or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.