12-Day Rockies Rail Circle with Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise & Banff

Vancouver Return Trip

This 12-day circle tour includes 5 luxurious days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Beginning your adventure in Vancouver you will travel from the west coast inward to Whistler on our northern train route through luscious forests and awe-inspiring scenery to the town of Quesnel. Then you will journey deep into the Rocky Mountains with stays at lovely hotels and exhilarating excursions in rustic Jasper, stunning Lake Louise, and iconic Banff along the way. Once more, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver you will experience gorgeous mountains, lakes, valleys, and rainforests giving you the full experience!

Travel Dates in 2025 & 2026

2025 Start Dates

Starting Tuesdays.

April 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26
September 2, 9, 16
October

2026 Start Dates

Start dates for 2026 are coming soon! If you would like to start planning your 2026 tour, please request a quote.

Travel Summary

  • Day 1: Vancouver Arrival - overnight in Vancouver
  • Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Whistler - overnight in Whistler
  • Day 3: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Whistler to Quesnel - overnight in Quesnel
  • Day 4: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Quesnel to Jasper - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 5: Jasper Sightseeing Tour - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 6: Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefields Excursion - overnight in Lake Louise
  • Day 7: Free Day in Lake Louise - overnight in Lake Louise
  • Day 8: Lake Louise to Banff: Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls Tour - overnight in Banff
  • Day 9: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola - overnight in Banff
  • Day 10: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
  • Day 11: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
  • Day 12: Vancouver Departure

Route Map

What's Included

  • 5-day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service (Banff to Vancouver route only) or GoldLeaf Service (both routes)
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 light meal
  • 11 nights hotel accommodation
  • Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
  • Jasper Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake walk
  • *Complimentary Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour of Vancouver provided when an additional night in Vancouver is added to your vacation package (pre or post-tour)
  • Yoho National Park Tour from Lake Louise to Banff
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Banff and Kamloops
  • Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff
  • Independent Tour

Not Included

  • Transportation from Vancouver airport
  • Meals, other than onboard trains
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver Arrival

This diverse and metropolitan sea port is the perfect starting point for your journey through Western Canada. Stroll along the downtown beaches that overlook the coastal mountain ranges or go shopping on Granville Island. If your schedule permits, purchasing Hop-On, Hop-Off bus passes is a great way to see the city at your leisure. You may also add a night in Vancouver to your vacation package pre or post-tour and receive complimentary Hop-On, Hop-Off passes through Canada Rail Vacations!

Overnight in your hotel room in downtown Vancouver.

Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Whistler

Today you’ll begin your journey to Jasper. Travel along the Sea to Sky corridor, with the Coast Mountains on your right and the sparkling waters of an ocean inlet to your left. Enjoy a locally-sourced, gourmet breakfast aboard the train as you relax and take in your surroundings.

Later you’ll arrive in Whistler and be transferred to your hotel room. This bustling resort town is known for its fine dining, nightlife, and outdoor activities.

Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Whistler to Quesnel

Today is another day spent aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Mount Currie looms over the rich Pemberton Valley and you’ll be tempted to touch the crystal-clear waters of the passing lakes. Ginseng orchards grace the hilltops above tiny farming communities and you’ll pass over one of the highest railway bridges in the world.

Your choice of beverages flow as this region of untouched natural beauty unfolds before you. Overnight in your hotel room in the rural town of Quesnel.

Day 4 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Quesnel to Jasper

The rolling hills leading up to the city of Prince George are accented by the salmon-rich waters of the Fraser River. Keep an eye out for wildlife through the Valley of a Thousand Peaks and view the dramatic Mount Terry Fox.

Mount Robson— the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies— will greet you as you approach the town of Jasper. You will spend the next two nights in your Jasper hotel room.

Day 5 - Jasper Sightseeing Tour

Spend the first half of the day getting to know Jasper! First stop, Maligne Canyon, where 10,000 years of erosion have created the deepest canyon in the Rockies. Start off with a short and easy walk, admiring the Maligne River and its many waterfalls. After that, it’s over to the disappearing Medicine Lake, followed by the fairy tale-like Maligne Lake.

The afternoon and evening in Jasper will be free time to enjoy the town at your leisure.

Day 6 - Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefield Excursion

Today you’re riding along the most beautiful highway in Canada—the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include stops at the powerful Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. Pose for your new profile picture at one of these breathtaking locations.

Arrive at the Athabasca Glacier and climb aboard the Ice Explorer—a specialized bus that travels directly on to the glacier. Relax and listen as your guide explains all about its natural wonders. For the next two nights, you’ll be sleeping in style in your room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 7 - Free Day in Lake Louise

Choose how you want to spend the day! Spend the day canoeing or hiking a scenic mountain trail or hang back, relax and take some pictures. Your vacation planner can give recommendations and help you arrange whatever kind of activity you choose.

Day 8 - Lake Louise to Banff: Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls Tour

Your motorcoach leaves in the morning and offers you a guided tour of the area between Lake Louise and Banff. Cross the Continental Divide, and pass through Yoho National Park, with sights such as Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake, and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River. You will spend the next two nights in your hotel in the famously friendly Town of Banff.

Day 9 - Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola

Today you’ll be on a 4.5-hour guided tour through the towering Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains. Learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos and experience Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive.

Take a gentle gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views, interpretive boardwalks and photo opportunities. The rest of the afternoon in Banff is yours to spend walking some local trails, playing golf or relaxing as you choose.

Day 10 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops

You’re back on the Rocky Mountaineer! Toast to another breathtaking trip through the Rockies with your hosts and enjoy an uncompromised view of the untouched landscapes our country is famous for.

Learning about landmarks like the Spiral Tunnels and Glacier National Park as you view them from your dome car will add a sense of awe to your ride. Spend the night in your Kamloops hotel room.

Day 11 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

The mountains return and combine with thick fir forests and the Fraser River to create a spectacular setting for your last day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Today, one of the highlights will be passing by Hell’s Gate, a narrow canyon that transforms the Fraser River into a powerful surge of water rapids.

Arrive in Vancouver in the late afternoon. Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

Day 12 - Vancouver Departure

Your tour ends once you’ve checked out of your hotel. Thank you for traveling with us!

12-Day Tour Pricing 2025 & 2026

2025 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

Starting on Tuesdays.

Base Price Superior
Hotel Upgrade
Deluxe
Hotel Upgrade
GoldLeaf Train Service Upgrade
April $12,704 +$805 +$1795 Included
May $12,821 +$1039 +$2590 Included
June/July/August $13,826 +$1196 +$3007 Included
September $14,055 +$1196 +$3007 Included
  • Base prices include Popular Hotels (3-Stars) and GoldLeaf Train Service.
  • Upgrade to Fairmont Hotels in the Rockies for an additional $600 per person in the Superior or Deluxe Hotel Category.
  • Upgrades to Premium Hotels (5-Stars) and Private Tours/Transfers are also available by request. Please request a quote for these rates.

2026 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

Pricing for 2026 is coming soon! If you would like to start planning your 2026 tour, please request a quote.

Pricing Details:
  • Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars and are subject to an additional 5% Canadian sales tax.
  • Prices are based on double occupancy. For single and triple sharing, please request a quote.
  • Prices are approximate and subject to change at any time.
  • To qualify for any current Specials, please request a quote.

Approximate Exchange Rates:

$1.00 CAD =

$0.72 USD

€0.67 EUR

£0.56 GBP

$1.08 AUD