Journey Through the Clouds Grand Adventure

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia and the beginning point for your journey through the clouds, which explores the vast western Canadian wilderness. On arrival today, transfer to your hotel for check-in, then take the day to get acquainted with your new surroundings. This city is filled with lively neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, historic Gastown, and Granville Island, and is a mecca for fantastic art, cuisine, and culture. Overnight Vancouver.

Spend the day delving into Vancouver's diverse offerings at your own pace. Stanley Park is a must-visit locale in the city, with its lush grounds and incredible Seawall walking path. Taste your way through the Granville Island Market, or join a Hop-on/Hop-off tour to experience an assortment of the city's landmark sites. For an adventure outside the city, you could ferry to Victoria, book a seaplane over the Strait of Georgia, or head out to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park just north of the city in the towering coastal rainforest. Overnight Vancouver.

This morning, your journey toward the Canadian Rockies begins as you transfer to the train station from your hotel to board the Rocky Mountaineer. This impressive train promises an excellent perspective on the passing landscape from its domed-glass carriages and exclusive route through British Columbia and Alberta. Settle into your comfortable reclining seat, and watch the show unfold.

Vancouver's sky-scraping buildings fade into the backdrop as the train heads into the wilderness. The scenery changes from mile to mile, transforming from the urban atmosphere of Vancouver to the lush Fraser Valley and forested Coast and Cascade Mountains. As the train reaches British Columbia's interior, the arid, desert-like vistas are like none other you have seen today. Route highlights you can look forward to between Vancouver and Kamloops include Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds surrounding the Thompson River. After a day of travel, the train stops in Kamloops, and you have the evening to enjoy its unique surroundings at leisure. Overnight Kamloops.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Back on the rails, your journey toward Jasper continues today aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy delicious onboard meals and included snacks and drinks as the route unfolds, all the while surrounded by panoramic views. The train begins alongside the North Thompson River, with the landscape becoming increasingly lush and forested as the day unfolds. Climb through the Monashee and Caribou Mountains, gaining elevation and, eventually, crossing the Continental Divide into Alberta. Marvel at the coniferous forests and dramatic mountain peaks as the train nears Jasper, with views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and Yellowhead Pass making your final miles on the train picture perfect. The Rocky Mountaineer stations in Jasper National Park this evening. If you are up to it after your long day of travel, wait for the sun to sink behind the mountains and the stars to fill the sky. Jasper National Park is the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve and, thus, provides memorable stargazing experiences. Overnight Jasper. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the day enjoying the sheer majesty of Jasper National Park. Its protected lands span over 2.775 million acres; within them, there is no shortage of mesmerizing sights to behold. During your free day, you may wish to look upon the town from above on the Jasper SkyTram or set out on the park's extensive hiking trail network to get an up-close look. Opt to add a half day tour exploring the highlights of Jasper National Park including a cruise on Maligne Lake, home to Spirit Island. Together, this lake and its famous island are one of the most photographed sights in Canada! Many excursion options are available through the park, as well, including wildlife-spotting expeditions that set out in search of moose, bears, and the other magnificent animals that call this park home. Overnight Jasper.

Today sees you along one of the most scenic highways in the world: Icefields Parkway. This 144-mile byway stretches Jasper and Banff National Parks and showcases towering mountains, expansive glaciers, and some of the most incredible bodies of water you could imagine. Keep your camera ready during the scenic drive; awe-inspiring sights abound. Shortly after leaving Jasper, look over Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. Continue through the mountain scenery to the Columbia Icefield, where the journey pauses. This icefield is one of the largest ice accumulations south of the Arctic Circle, and you have the chance to explore one of its "toes," the Athabasca Glacier, aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle. The ride takes you atop the glacier and presents facts about the region's geology. After, the vehicle returns to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Center, where lunch is provided, and you may walk out over Sunwapta Valley on the Glacier Skywalk.

Reboard your motorcoach with even more points of interest ahead, including a stop at Bow Lake before your excursion ends in Lake Louise. Arriving this afternoon, you have the remainder of the day to hike, kayak, or soak in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's unmatched ambiance. Overnight Lake Louise.

• Lunch

Enjoy a full day relaxing lakeside in Lake Louise. This region is profoundly scenic and is a dream to photograph or soak into your memory. Mounts Victoria, Lefroy, and Temple are just a few of the peaks you can see from the lake, and you also have a remarkable view of Victoria Glacier. Perhaps set out on foot on the Fairview Lookout Trail, a short and sweet hike that leads to a lookout over the lake and chateau, or take to one of the more challenging trails, such as the Plain of Six Glaciers, for a full-day hiking expedition. Consider riding aboard the Lake Louise Gondola for a different vantage point on all the scenery. Of course, you could always rent a kayak or canoe to experience the region's beauty from the water. Overnight Lake Louise.

Begin your day with a leisurely morning to continue experiencing the best of Lake Louise. Because checkout at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is at noon, the hotel will store your baggage until your 2:00 p.m. departure to Banff National Park. But your transfer from Lake Louise does not take you directly to Banff; instead, you are treated to a half-day sightseeing tour in nearby Yoho National Park. This park is filled with wonders and is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the highlights you can anticipate during the excursion include the famous Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake, the largest lake in Yoho National Park, and a true stunner, with its Presidential Range backdrop. During your time here, you will also see the natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. After sightseeing, the route continues to Banff, where you have the rest of the day to settle into this vibrant resort town in the heart of the Rockies. Banff has a great selection of eateries, and shopping opportunities abound on Banff Avenue. Overnight Banff.

Canada's first national park offers much during your free day there. You could continue exploring downtown Banff's amenities, including its museums and art galleries. If you seek relaxation, look no further than the Banff Upper Hot Springs. An endless supply of gorgeous hiking trails and lakes to explore are found within the surrounding park, and there are many ways to experience their wonders. Join a hiking excursion, book a horseback riding expedition, or rent a mountain bike. You could also join a cruising tour of Lake Minnewanka. Overnight Banff.

A full day of adventure lies ahead as you depart Banff National Park bound for Calgary. Your route is brimming with spectacular sights, as the transfer includes a memorable sightseeing tour throughout Banff National Park. Spend time exploring many of Banff's points of interest, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and the Banff Hoodoos. Your tour also includes a look at the scenery from above as you ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy last glimpses at the towering Rocky Mountain peaks, waterfalls, and crystalline lakes as your coach departs Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway. Eventually, the mountains fade into foothills, and not long after, urban elements begin creeping into the vistas once more. Arrive in Calgary this evening with the remainder of the day to explore this cosmopolitan city's booming culinary scene or relax at your hotel. Overnight Calgary.

After experiencing two of western Canada's great cities and spending time immersed in the otherworldly beauty of the Canadian Rockies, your journey concludes this morning. Check out of your hotel, and make an independent transfer to the train station or airport for your return home.