Canada Rails Vacation: Canada by rail, your way

Day 1 Victoria arrival

Upon your arrival Victoria International Airport, independently enjoy the remainder of the day exploring this picturesque city. Go for a stroll from your downtown hotel and you'll notice Vancouver Island’s pleasing atmosphere, and Victoria’s quaint charm.  Overnight in Victoria.

Day 2 Victoria city tour and Butchart Gardens

Discover fascinating historical and cultural information on a motorcoach tour of Victoria. See Craigdarroch Castle, the Parliament Building on the Inner Harbour and learn all about this city's history. In the afternoon transfer to the world famous Butchart Gardens where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and examine the fine examples of local and exotic botany.

Day 3 Victoria to Vancouver

In the morning, leave from Victoria harbour to journey on a three-hour whale watching excursion.  This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a 14 metre ocean cruiser or a custom-built Zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whale watching experience. Comments by a certified marine biologist and naturalist are provided. Full-length cruiser suits are provided on the zodiac boats. Guests who prefer, may opt for a larger, covered boat. Please let us know at time of booking. After that, return to Vancouver on the ferry.  Overnight in Vancouver in a downtown hotel for two nights.

Day 4 Vancouver city tour

Spend the day exploring Vancouver’s excellent attractions at your own pace with our Hop-on Hop-off city tour pass. Hightlights include areas 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.  

Day 5 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 6 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 7 Banff Sightseeing

Take a 4.5 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. 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 8 Banff to Lake Louise

A full day tour to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. By early May, the snow melts allowing a scenic tour of Yoho National Park on the way there. Cross the Great Divide, enter Yoho and visit Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River. The rest of the afternoon is to enjoy at Lake Louise.

Day 9 Lake Louise to Calgary

After a morning of leisure in Lake Louise enjoy a scenic four hour transfer from Lake Louise to Calgary in the afternoon.

Day 10 Calgary Departure

Your vacation concludes upon check-out from your Calgary hotel.  Thank you for travelling with CanadaRail.ca.