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Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer

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4.2 stars(17 reviews)
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The excitement of the city and the serenity of nature collide on this unforgettable journey through Western Canada.

You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
202320242025
8 days From $4,995 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2024 Tour code: PR-CRRA-24

About the tour

All aboard the storied rails of the Rocky Mountaineer for a journey into Canada's picturesque Rocky Mountains. Our journey begins in Vancouver, a coastal metropolis that boasts a thriving art scene, stunning views of both the mountains and the ocean, and sightseeing opportunities that pique the interest of nearly every traveler. We have a full day to enjoy the city before boarding our daylight-only chariot into the Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer. The train makes an overnight stop in Kamloops, then continues through forests, canyons, mountain passes and canyons en route to Jasper. In Jasper, excursions to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island answer the call of the wild. Moving further into the Canadian Rockies, we make a stop at Columbia Icefield to explore Athabasca Glacier before arriving in Banff. This destination is a year-round hub of adventure, with all the amenities of a resort town and the beauty of one of Canada's most beloved national parks at your fingertips. Eight days have never been so memorable.

Highlights

Activity level Natural Explorer

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You don’t mind spending the day on your feet. You enjoy sightseeing that includes walking, standing or stair climbing. You’re okay with longer days that are more active, such as multiple sightseeing stops, longer motorcoach journeys and getting on and off ships and trains.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver, and make your way to your centrally located hotel for check-in. Meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers in the lobby for a quick briefing of the excitement to come. Following, enjoy a welcome dinner that gives you the first taste of the city's excellent cuisine. Overnight Vancouver.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Vancouver City Tour

Vancouver is chock-full of history and culture, and we get a hefty dose of both on this morning's city tour. As we travel between popular locales, such as Stanley Park, historic Gastown, Granville Island and Chinatown, our guide offers interesting commentary and little-known stories to enhance the experience. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the city on your own terms. Soak in the beauty of nature from high above the treetops with a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge, marvel at the Pacific from the scenic seawall or one of the beaches at Stanley Park or browse the great variety of shops, galleries, museums and restaurants throughout the city. Overnight Vancouver. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 – Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

Get ready for an exciting day of travel; today we board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. We will be transferred to Vancouver's train station from our hotel, and it is here that our train awaits. You will have ample space to spread out in your seat for this full-day journey, and you will be treated to some of the best railway cuisine in Canada with breakfast and lunch aboard the train. As you savor the delicious offerings, watch as the city and the coastline fade into the distance and the deep emerald hues of the Fraser Valley appear. Today's train ride takes us along the Thompson River, past Hell's Gate and through the dramatic peaks and valleys of the region before arriving in Kamloops. Overnight Kamloops, BC.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Rocky Mountaineer/Jasper

It is back on the rails for another grand day of pampering by your railcar attendant, impressive sightseeing and little-seen glimpses at the Canadian Rockies today. We will reboard the Rocky Mountaineer this morning in Kamloops and set out through the vast landscape, following the banks of the North Thompson River en route to Jasper. Highlights of today's journey include Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls and the climb over Yellowhead Pass. Upon arriving in Jasper this evening, we will check into our hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Overnight Jasper, AB.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

Get your fill at breakfast this morning; today's adventures are grand! Jasper is surrounded by natural beauty, thanks to Jasper National Park, and we get a taste of it with our visit to Maligne Lake. This glacier-fed lake features clear turquoise waters and an amazing backdrop, with soaring mountain peaks, glaciers, and lush forests encircling it. We set out onto the lake by boat*, allowing us to take in all the glory and learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. Our cruise ventures out to one of the most photographed locations in Canada, Spirit Island. This land mass is only a true island for a few days each year, but its cluster of trees set against the surrounding scenery makes it a breathtaking sight to behold. Overnight Jasper, AB.

*The first departure of the season will not feature the cruise to Spirit Island and will instead visit Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park's deepest and most interesting canyon, and the shores of Maligne Lake by deluxe motorcoach.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 – Banff/Columbia Icefield

Our journey into the heart of the Canadian Rockies continues today as we make our way to Banff. Also surrounded by protected National Park land, Banff has appeal as both a resort town and a destination for nature lovers. Before arriving in the quaint town, we will make a stop at the Columbia Icefield for in-depth look at it and Athabasca Glacier. Besides ice you will see waterfalls, beautiful mountain scenery and wildlife in its natural habitat. The Ice Explorer vehicle makes for an easy, and unique, ride across the icefield. Following the tour, we reboard our motorcoach and make our way to the world-famous Lake Louise for a picture-perfect photo opportunity. After checking into our Banff hotel, you have the rest of the evening to get acquainted with this charming town. Overnight Banff, AB. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – Banff

Gain a different perspective of the Canadian Rockies today with a ride aboard the Banff Gondola. Located just 5 minutes outside of town, the Banff Gondola is situated on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain and takes us nearly 7,500 feet above sea level to the summit. Each gondola car offers space for four passengers and is completely enclosed in glass, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, Bow Valley, and Banff town. At the top is a short self-guided walkway and an observation deck from which to take in all the surrounding mountain majesty. Following our mountain descent, we will return to Banff, and you will have the afternoon and evening to hike, explore the local shops and art galleries, or even take a dip in the hot springs. The group will reconvene tonight for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Banff, AB.

*The first departure of the season will embark on an interpretive cruise of Lake Minnewanka following the Banff Gondola ride. These travelers will learn about the park's natural history and look upon breathtaking sights as they cruise the crystalline water.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Tour Conclusion

As you savor your breakfast this morning and take one final look around Banff, your time in Western Canada comes to a close. A group transfer to Calgary International Airport will accommodate planes departing after 1:30 pm.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

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.

Hotels

Elk and Avenue Hotel, Banff

Elk and Avenue Hotel, Banff

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Forest Park Hotel

Forest Park Hotel , Jasper

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Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, Vancouver

Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, Vancouver

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Rocky Mountaineer

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Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 17 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (9)
  2. 4 stars
    (6)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

DEVILLO BOLL

5 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2022

Great Service and Commentary along the way Alex and crew were great!

Collected by Trustpilot

SUSAN GAETH

4 stars

Submitted 20 Sep 2022

food was wonderful. Train was comfortable.The scenery was not spectacular

Collected by Trustpilot

VELMA HONER

5 stars

Submitted 19 Sep 2022

The train attendants worked VERY HARD keeping all the passengers fed & pampered. They need a raise. I don't know that they had any time at all to just sit down.

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BETH ANN KASSALEN

1 stars

Submitted 15 Sep 2022

Extremely disappointed in the Rocky Mountaineer part of the trip. Trapped on a train for 12 hrs one day then 14 hrs the next day, only to endure another 2 hr bus ride after 10p being diverted all the way to Calgary to sleep due to wildfires in Jasper. Rooms were available in Banff. Bus travel after 15 hrs on the train and no meal after Noon was pretty horrendous and exhausting. Poor communication and service was not customer-focused in my opinion. Worst two days of an otherwise excellent vacation. Vacations by Rail recovered nicely after the detour to Calgary and our guide, Cory Greenlees, made our vacation very enjoyable.

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BRIAN SAUER

5 stars

Submitted 01 Aug 2022

Food & service terrific, very comfortable and accommodating

Collected by Trustpilot

JANE OBERMEYER

5 stars

Submitted 31 Jul 2022

This was so much fun. We definitely felt like we were treated first class. The food was good and the service impeccable. I appreciated that they kept us informed when the train had to stop and more importantly that they slowed down for pictures and explained the view.

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