Itinerary

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival

Upon your arrival in Vancouver, independently enjoy the day exploring any of Vancouver’s excellent attractions: such as Stanley Park, or the Vancouver Art Gallery.  Enjoy strolling along the downtown beaches which overlook the harbour and Coast Mountains, or take the opportunity to do some unique shopping on Granville Island.  Accommodation in Vancouver is included with your tour package. 

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops

Depart Vancouver onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train and travel from the coast to central British Columbia.  En route, enjoy passing through British Columbia’s agricultural heartland, the Fraser Valley.  This historic valley is covered by lush green mountainsides, with the salmon rich Fraser River winding through.  The train travels through scenic river canyons carved into the Coast and Cascade Mountains, passing unique geographical attractions, such as the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate.  The environment will gradually change, as the train rises onto the arid environment of the interior plateau, stopping for the night in the city of Kamloops.  Breakfast and lunch are included aboard the train. 

Day 3 Kamloops to Banff

The train gradually leaves the ranchlands of south-central British Columbia and approaches the phenomenal snow topped Rocky Mountains.  Pass through three Canadian National Parks along route: Glacier, Yoho, and Banff.  Travel through the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse canyon, over Rogers Pass, and past Craigellachie, the historic site where the final spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was placed.  Observe as the rivers change their direction of flow as the train passes over the Continental Divide.  Spend the night in the unique town of Banff, where modern amenities and wildlife co-exist within this National Park.  Breakfast and lunch are provided aboard the train.

Day 4 Banff Sightseeing

Take a three-hour guided bus tour (with pickup at 8:00am) through the towering mountains of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay and learn about the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos and the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Be aware of the Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive! Experience a gentle ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain taking 8 minutes in a four-person fully enclosed gondola. A spectacular view and picture taking opportunity wait at the top of this 360 degree panorama of the Bow Valley. Learn all about how these majestic mountains have shaped this unique community. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Banff on your own. You may enjoy walking on the local trails, playing golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs, or having extra leisure time in your hotel. 

Day 5 Banff to Lake Louise, Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls Tour

Discover the beauty of Banff and Yoho National Parks and other landmarks. Enjoy hiking or simply appreciate spectacular mountain scenery. Your first stop is at Johnston Canyon where you have sufficient time to take a short nature walk to the lower falls. Continue to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, often known as the “Jewel of the Rockies”. Cross the Great Divide, enter Yoho National Park and visit Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River. Check in to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the night.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Calgary

Your vacation concludes after a scenic transfer from Lake Louise to the Calgary airport or downtown (3 hrs).   Thank you for travelling with CanadaRail.ca.

This itinerary is also available in reverse Sundays & Thursdays

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