Discover Western Canada
Jul 22, 2020 · By Vacations By Rail
Western Canada’s important trains and most popular destinations, including its vibrant cities, coastal towns, and of, course, Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
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Sometimes you just need to get away, even if only for a few days. This 5-day retreat into the Canadian Rockies is the perfect getaway, combining both sightseeing and relaxation, and of course spectacular scenery. Start your trip in Vancouver, where you'll have time to explore on your own. The next day, your train journey starts with a trip to Kamloops on the Rocky Mountaineer. You'll pass through the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon, and ride along the winding path of the Thompson River on your way into the heart of British Columbia. Continue to the Canadian Rockies, traveling through tunnels and emerging into grand vistas as you make your way to Banff, one of the world's most famous resort towns. Here, you'll have time to enjoy the stunning views while on a tour of Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, and more. Your getaway ends with a transfer to Calgary.
This itinerary is also available from Calgary to Vancouver based on your travel preference.
Unforgettable Experiences
See Inside Rocky Mountaineer
What’s included on the tour?
Itinerary
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.
Additional information
Get an unfiltered look at the immense beauty of the Canadian Rockies aboard Rocky Mountaineer. For over 30 years, this luxury rail line has been the premier choice for train travel through the vast Canadian wilderness. It now offers three spectacular routes between Vancouver and the Rockies in Canada and a brand-new line navigating the Colorado Rockies in the United States. Passengers enjoy unmatched service during these daylight-only expeditions, as well as vistas that cannot be seen by any other mode of transportation.
Enhance your holiday
Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel and sightseeing arrangements for you.
Reviews
4.2 / 5 · 23 reviews
DENISE EILEEN BALDWIN
Submitted 22/May
It was a wonderful trip. The hosts went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. The level of organization was outstanding! We enjoyed relaxing and looking at the beautiful scenery.
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CHANELLE S.
Submitted 11 Oct 2024
The Excursion to the Canadian Rockies package was a wonderful experience that everyone should add to their bucket list. You travel through areas that are inaccessible by car; the only means of transportation through some of these beautiful valleys or twisting tunnels is by rail. Our hosts in Car 13 were Tianna, Deirdre, Gillian, and Althea. All four were personable, helpful, knowledgeable and interesting. They made our trip so much better by telling us historical and geological stories about the areas we were passing and by serving us delicious meals and drinks. We highly recommend spending the extra money and going for the Gold Leaf service. You're up higher and can see above the treeline, plus you have the domed ceiling to really experience the outdoors from inside the car. I'm not a person who can sit for hours, either, and being able to walk down to the dining part of the car or out onto the platform in the open air was important for me. A spiral staircase between the two floors was somewhat challenging for some guests, but they managed with the two sturdy handrails to help them out. We loved the two day length and the order of our days, too. We thought Vancouver to Kamloops was lovely on Day 1, but then Day 2 was absolutely stunning in comparison! If we'd journeyed in the other direction, Kamloops to Vancouver might have seemed a let down. Bring a hat and sunglasses as the morning sun is strong, if you're fortunate enough to have a nice sunny day! The Fairmont Banff Springs is amazing, too, as part of the Gold Leaf service. Swim outdoors! The pool is 90ºF! Wonderful, even in 50ºF October weather. Vacations By Rail did a great job of adding a great day of touring Banff to the rail trip, too. We enjoyed our tour by Mike and Kieran who took us great places for photos and short walks, if we wanted to take them, and they gave us time in each place to spend as we wished. The lunch was delicious, too, and we felt like the two men really loved their community and enjoyed their jobs. Finally, Albert, our driver in Kamloops, was so friendly and welcoming as he drove us to our hotel. Nice folks all around, and a great vacation.
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RICHARD CHASE JR
Submitted 23 Sep 2024
Outstanding trip. Great service and exceptional food. Beautiful scenery.
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Paul Williams
Submitted 21 Jun 2024
The Rocky Mountaineer people were exceptionally helpful and kind. We had lost a suitcase between Chicago and Vancouver and they kept track of it. Christina even gave me a set of clothes to have while waiting for the suitcase which we knew would still be another day.
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RN
Submitted 16 Oct 2023
We had a great time! We were one of the youngest couples on the train in our car but the crew made us feel very welcomed. It was nice to sit back and relax and take in the scenery and not have to rush! Our parents loved our pictures and stories from our trip they are planning theirs! Maneli, Ema and Marina were amazing hosts!!!
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Melissa
Submitted 08 Oct 2023
Loved the whole trip. Excellent time!! Didn’t fully understand what was included with the tour, but that was my fault. Really enjoyed the experience!!
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