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Lakes, Mountains & The Rockies

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4.6 stars(17 reviews)
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The best of the Canadian Rockies! Explore mountains, canyons and rivers between Vancouver and Jasper onboard the pampered comfort of VIA Rail's Canadian.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
8 days From $2,376 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2023 Tour code: PP-LMRE-23

About the tour

Begin your 8-day adventure with an overnight in Vancouver. Explore the sights before you depart for your two-day rail journey through the gorgeous passing Canadian landscape. The train is the perfect place to relax before your exploration begins as you can sit back and drink in the awe-inspiring scenery of the vibrant evergreen forests and dazzling lakes. Upon your arrival in Jasper, you will have time at leisure to explore the quaint town before venturing into Jasper National Park to see the unspoiled wonders of the iconic park.

From the Athabasca Canadian Heritage River to Maligne Lake, the world's largest natural lake, Jasper National Park is home to an array of spectacular natural beauties and wildlife. You will then travel along the legendary Icefields Parkway toward the iconic Lake Louise, but not before you have the chance to walk on a 300-year-old glacier at the Columbia Icefield. After your overnight stay at Lake Louise, you will continue on to experience the Yoho Valley. Visit attractions like Spiral Tunnels and Takakkaw Falls before continuing to Banff National Park.

Banff is truly a visual masterpiece with emerald green lakes, ideal scenery of the Rockies, and diverse wildlife. You will have an opportunity to witness it all as you embark on a gondola ride to the top of an alpine mountain, followed by a unique boat cruise of Lake Minnewanka. You will also have time at leisure to explore the town on your own before your vacation comes to a close as you depart for Calgary for your journey home. The scenery throughout this tour is truly spectacular - and it's waiting for you!

This itinerary is also available from Calgary to Vancouver based on your travel preference.

Highlights

View Dates & Pricing

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver

Arrive in the coastal city of Vancouver today and check-in to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you're central to many of Vancouver's attractions, shops, and restaurants. Take the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. Overnight Vancouver.

Day 2 - Depart Vancouver aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

Today you will depart from Vancouver on VIA Rail's Canadian in Sleeper Plus class, bound for Jasper. (Transfer to the train station is on your own). Overnight Train.

Day 3 - Jasper

Today you will arrive in Jasper to begin a two-night stay. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the sights and shops of this stunning alpine resort town. Overnight Jasper.

Day 4 - Exploring Jasper

Experience Jasper National Park through the travels of the early explorers and view the unspoiled grandeur! This morning's excursion will begin along the mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Travel above Maligne Canyon, with its narrow gorge and limestone walls created by 10,000 years of water flow. Visit a place of mystery and Indian legend en-route to Medicine Lake, where sometimes it actually disappears! On the adventure to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most photographed sites in the world, you are sure to see a variety of mountain wildlife. Overnight Jasper.

Day 5 - Jasper to Lake Louise Sightseeing

Journey along the incredible Icefields Parkway, bound for Lake Louise. En route you'll stop at the Columbia Icefield and enjoy an Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Overnight Lake Louise.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 6 - Travel to Banff

This morning's tour begins with a visit to Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, one of the great photo opportunities in the Canadian Rockies. Cross the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via Kicking Horse Pass, a National Historic Site of Canada. The pass is of historical significance because the mainline of the Canadian Pacific Railway was constructed between Lake Louise, Alberta and Field, British Columbia using this route in the 1880s. Takakkaw Falls in the Yoho Valley will be the final stop before arriving in Banff, where you will enjoy a two-night stay. Overnight Banff.

Day 7 - Discovering Banff

A morning excursion of Banff townsite will provide you with many opportunities to view the scenic and historic highlights of the area, including a ride on the Banff Gondola for spectacular views from a one-kilometer boardwalk or 360-degree observation deck. Later, enjoy an interpretive boat cruise of Lake Minnewanka*. Learn about the natural history and native legends that make this lake a landmark. Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka offers some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Return to the heart of town and spend the remainder of the day taking advantage of the assortment of outdoor activities Banff offers. Overnight Banff.

*Lake Minnewanka boat cruise is offered June 1 - October 7

Day 8 - Calgary

Your vacation comes to an end today. Transfer to the Calgary Airport is included for flights scheduled after 1:00 pm.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Moderate Accommodations
Hotels include the Delta Hotel Vancouver Downtown, Whistler's Inn, Lake Louise Inn, and Banff Ptarmigan Inn. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus Class in a semi-private berth. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to the Park Car with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views.

Superior Accommodations
Hotels include Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Sawridge Inn & Conference Center Jasper, Post Hotel, and Rimrock Resort Banff. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to the Park Car with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views.

Deluxe Accommodations
Hotels include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs. VIA Rail accommodations are Sleeper Plus Class in a private cabin. Meals are included onboard the train along with access to the Park Car with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views.

Please note

Taxes are not included on rail portions and are subject to change.
Private transfers are available at an additional cost if flights do not fit with the schedule listed.
Cabins purchased on VIA rail for a single traveler are Cabins for 1. For upgrade options, ask your rail specialist for details.

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.

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VIA Rail's Canadian

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 17 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (10)
  2. 4 stars
    (7)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
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  5. 1 star
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TERRY SEAT

4 stars

Submitted 01 Sep 2022

Need a website or app that gives ALL the details of the trip for more clarity and communication. For our particular trip, everything went as planned. If you continue to use Forest Park Hotel in Jasper, Alberta you should provide a transfer from the train station to the hotel. You might also consider adding the Sky Tram to the afternoon of the arrival in Jasper. The tours and hotels were very nice.

Collected by Trustpilot

MS C BENNETT

5 stars

Submitted 04 Oct 2019

I had a marvelous time on my first Vacations by Rail! I had never taken an overnight train trip before and found the experience very relaxing. The food was exceptional as was the kind, knowledgeable and friendly staff. The bus portion of the trip was also exceptional. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. The bus drivers were above excellent,especially going up into the mountains on curved roads! It was a great experience overall and I look forward to booking another trip in the near future!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Sue Ann M., Bullard, TX

5 stars

Submitted 17 Dec 2018

Accommodations and service were excellent. Excursions were informative and interesting. Rim Rock Hotel in Bannf was excellent.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Gail C, Rocklin, CA

4 stars

Submitted 12 Dec 2018

Wonderful vacation

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Peggy B, Shoreview, MN

5 stars

Submitted 08 Dec 2018

We saw so many amazing sights. The excursions were well planned out. It was nice having someone else navigate all of the sightseeing activities.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Kay H, Tracy, CA

4 stars

Submitted 06 Dec 2018

Bus drivers were friendly, helpful and gave us good information about our trips with them. The hotel rooms you booked for us were lovely and staff everywhere was most helpful. Our trip went like clockwork. Keep up the good work.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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