13 Day Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour with Victoria, Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise & Banff

from Victoria to Calgary

From Vancouver Island’s lush floral gardens to the remote glaciers of the Canadian Rockies, this tour is our most comprehensive vacation package for Western Canada. Soaking up the scenery with daylight-only travel and sleeping in hotels at night, you’ll love travelling through the mountains aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. On the West Coast, you’ll explore the fascinating Butchart Gardens and historic downtown Victoria. In the Rockies, you’ll stay in all of the popular mountain towns: Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff.

Travel Dates in 2024 & 2025

2024 Start Dates - Eastbound

Starting Tuesdays

April 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1

2025 Start Dates - Eastbound

Starting Tuesdays

April 22, 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, 23, 30

Travel Summary

  • Day 1: Victoria Arrival - overnight in Victoria
  • Day 2: Victoria City Tour including the Beautiful Butchart Gardens - overnight in Victoria
  • Day 3: Victoria Whale Watching Tour and Ferry to Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
  • Day 4: Vancouver Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour - overnight in Vancouver
  • Day 5: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Whistler - overnight in Whistler
  • Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Whistler to Quesnel - overnight in Quesnel
  • Day 7: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Quesnel to Jasper - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 8: Jasper Sightseeing Tour - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 9: Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefields Excursion - overnight in Lake Louise
  • Day 10: Free Day at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - overnight in Lake Louise
  • Day 11: Lake Louise to Banff: Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls Tour - overnight in Banff
  • Day 12: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola - overnight in Banff
  • Day 13: Scenic transfer from Banff to Calgary

Route Map

What's Included

  • 3 day Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
  • 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches onboard the train
  • 12 nights hotel accommodation
  • Hop On Hop Off Victoria city tour including Butchart Gardens
  • Whale watching tour in Victoria
  • Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour of Vancouver
  • Jasper Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake tour with gentle guided walk
  • Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Yoho National Park Tour from Lake Louise to Banff
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff
  • Scenic transfer to Calgary
  • Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff
  • Independent Tour

Not Included

  • Transportation from Victoria airport to Victoria hotel (available, please ask for details)
  • Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Victoria Arrival

Arrive at the Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island and spend some time independently exploring the city! Go for a stroll from your downtown hotel and take in the calm and quaint atmosphere typical of Vancouver Island.

The streets here are charming, full of color and home to the freshest seafood in Western Canada. You might like to visit Fisherman’s Wharf, which is a short walk from downtown and gives you the chance to spot wildlife and take some pictures of adorable floating homes that line the waters. Spend the next two nights in your Victoria hotel room.

Day 2 - Victoria City Tour including the Butchart Gardens

In the morning you have the opportunity to explore the city using your “Hop On, Hop Off” bus pass. This open-top, double decker bus will take you to a number of stops, including the Historical Craigdarroch Castle, the Parliament Building and the pedestrian-friendly Cook Street Village— known for its café patios and boutiques.

In the afternoon you will transfer to the Butchart Gardens. These famous gardens are one of the most spectacular floral displays in the world and home to hundreds of thousands of flowers. There are many different gardens to stroll through including; the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Mediterranean Garden to name a few. This is one of the most beloved tourist attractions in Canada and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. With shuttle transfers leaving every half hour you can spend as much time strolling these gardens as you please.

Day 3 - Victoria Whale Watching Tour and Ferry to Vancouver

Embark on a 3.5-hour whale watching tour where you’ll search for orcas, minke whales, grey whales and other marine wildlife. You’ll be aboard the custom, sturdy catamaran boat which will be a safe, yet exhilarating experience. A certified marine biologist will guide this tour.

In the afternoon you’ll board a ferry and relax to the gentle sway and sound of the ocean as you take a journey from Victoria to Vancouver. You’ll be able to see the Gulf Islands, mountain vistas and sea life all from the outdoor deck. Spend the next two nights in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

Day 4 - Vancouver City Tour

Today you get some time to explore the city of Vancouver your way, with your “Hop On, Hop Off” bus pass. Commentary will be provided on route, and you will pass by a number of points of interest with the option to get off wherever you choose.

Choose from stops like the urban jungle of Stanley Park, home to gorgeous gardens, famous landmarks like the Lost Lagoon and totem poles that tell the stories of Canada’s First Nations people. Head down to Granville Island to shop among local artisans and sample a variety of fresh seasonal foods or explore important historical landmarks. You might also want to pack your binoculars and visit the Van Dusen Botanical Garden, home to 7,500 plant species from around the world as well as local wildlife including hummingbirds, owls, butterflies and turtles.

Day 5 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Whistler

Today you’ll begin your spectacular train journey from Vancouver 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. Dine on a locally-sourced, gourmet breakfast as you relax and take in your surroundings.

Later you’ll arrive in Whistler and be transferred to your hotel room where you will be spending the night. You have the afternoon free to enjoy and explore Whistler. This unique resort town is known for its fine dining, nightlife and outdoor activities.

Day 6 - 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.

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

Day 7 - 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. Stay the next two nights in your hotel room in the largest of the mountain national parks in Jasper.

Day 8 - 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 9 - Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefields Excursion

Today you’re touring 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.

At the Athabasca Glacier, 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. You’ll be sleeping in style in your room at the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the next two nights.

Day 10 - Free Day at the Fairmont Chateau 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 11 - Lake Louise to Banff: Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls Tour

Kick off the day with a guided tour through Banff and Yoho National Parks which were officially declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. Visit surrounding sights like Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and the Kicking Horse River’s natural stone bridge. Arrive in the beautiful town of Banff, where you will be spending the next two nights.

Day 12 - 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.

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

Day 13 - Scenic transfer from Banff to Calgary

Today you will be on a two hour scenic transfer from Banff to Calgary. Your vacation concludes upon drop off at either the Calgary Airport or downtown. With spectacular experiences behind you, we hope you enjoyed traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!

13 Day Tour Pricing 2024 & 2025

2024 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

Date Range

Popular Hotels
SilverLeaf Train Service

Superior Hotel
Upgrade

Deluxe Hotel
Upgrade

GoldLeaf Train Service
Upgrade

Apr 23:

$7832

+$968

+$2324

Included

Apr 30 - May 21:

$9653

+$1174

+$3095

Included

May 22 - Jul 23:

$10163

+$1354

+$3547

Included

Jul 23 - Sep 24:

$10253

+$1354

+$3547

Included

Sep 25 - Oct 01:

$9173

+$1174

+$3095

Included

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Upgrade:

N/A

Additional +$300

Included

N/A

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel Upgrade:

Included

Included

Included

N/A

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Hotel Upgrade:

N/A

Additional +$300

Included

N/A

2025 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

*Book your 2025 Canada Rail Vacation now and receive 2024 pricing for 2025 travel
**You’ll also receive complimentary hotel room upgrades where available

Please contact us for additional details

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.
  • To qualify for any current Specials, please request a quote.
  • Upgrades to Premium hotel rooms (5 stars) and Private Tours/Transfers are available. Please request a quote.

Approximate Exchange Rates:

$1.00 CAD =

$0.75 USD

€0.68 EUR

£0.59 GBP

$1.11 AUD