Speak to our Travel Experts
Overview
Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this memorable Western Canada by Rail tour. You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest national park, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, hike, explore on your own, or take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
You’ll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and beautiful Hell’s Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Itinerary: Canadian Rockies & Rail Adventure
Day 1 – Arrival in Calgary
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director will be available later this afternoon to answer any questions and help you get settled.
Day 2 – Calgary to Banff National Park
Tour Calgary with highlights including Downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Then, travel west through the Rocky Mountain foothills to Banff National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the park and the town of Banff.
Day 3 – Banff National Park (Day at Leisure)
Enjoy a free day to explore:
- Optional golf, horseback riding, or wilderness hikes
- Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife including deer and bighorn sheep
Day 4 – Banff to Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield & Jasper National Park
- Visit iconic Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise water
- Cross three scenic mountain passes en route to Jasper
- Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a ride aboard the Ice Explorer
- Optional float trip on the Athabasca River
- Orientation tour upon arrival in Jasper National Park
Day 5 – Jasper National Park (Day at Leisure)
- Optional cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
- Visit the breathtaking Maligne Canyon
- Free time to explore or hike
- Wildlife watching opportunities include grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves
Day 6 – Jasper to Kamloops aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
Board the Rocky Mountaineer for the first leg of your scenic 2-day rail journey:
- Travel past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies
- Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy views of the Monashee Mountains
- Arrive in Kamloops for an overnight stay
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Kamloops to Vancouver via Rocky Mountaineer
Continue your journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer:
- Pass through Thompson River Ranchlands, Fraser Canyon, and Hell’s Gate
- Arrive in Vancouver by early evening and transfer to your hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Vancouver to Victoria (via Ferry)
Morning sightseeing in Vancouver includes:
- Chinatown, Gastown, and Stanley Park
Board a ferry through the Gulf Islands to Victoria. Afternoon highlights include: - Butchart Gardens
- Bastion Square
- Thunderbird Park and its historic totem poles
Day 9 – Victoria to Vancouver (Tour Ends)
Morning departure and return ferry to Vancouver.
Tour concludes at Vancouver International Airport.
Please schedule flights after 1:30 PM.
