Vancouver Return Trip
A train enthusiast’s dream! Combine the nostalgic feel of VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” train with the luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer and you’ll experience the best of both worlds throughout the Canadian Rockies. On these historic Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National routes, you will see the very best of Canada’s landscapes: mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
VIA Rail is Canada’s classic overnight rail passenger service. Aboard “The Canadian” train, you’ll step into a golden past and relive Canada’s history. A truly nostalgic experience, VIA Rail includes made to order meals in mid-century rail dining cars, glass domed observation cars, and private sleeper cabins to enjoy Canada’s scenery.
The world-famous Rocky Mountaineer is truly the trip of a lifetime. This luxury sightseeing train travels exclusively through the Canadian Rockies by daylight, slowing to highlight natural marvels. While indulging in hand-crafted, local cuisine, top-shelf beverages, and endless snacks and treats, you will listen to professional guides who will narrate Western Canada’s storied history and highlight unforgettable natural beauty. The Rocky Mountaineer stops overnight in the lake town of Kamloops so guests can sleep in a comfortable hotel and get ready for the rest of their adventure.
2023 Start Dates
April | 13 20 27 |
May | 4 11 18 25 |
June | 1 8 15 22 29 |
July | 6 13 20 27 |
August | 3 10 17 24 31 |
September | 7 14 21 28 |
October | 5 |
Starting on Thursdays
Travel Summary
- Day 1: Vancouver Arrival - overnight in Vancouver
- Day 2: Vancouver Sightseeing and VIA Rail The Canadian Train Departure - overnight aboard the train
- Day 3: VIA Rail The Canadian Train to Jasper - overnight in Jasper
- Day 4: Jasper Sightseeing Tour including Maligne Lake - overnight in Jasper
- Day 5: Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff including Columbia Icefield Excursion - overnight in Banff
- Day 6: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola - overnight in Banff
- Day 7: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
- Day 8: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
- Day 9: Vancouver Departure
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 - Vancouver Arrival
Coastal mountains and urban beaches greet you as you arrive in Canada’s third-largest city. 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 second night pre or post-tour in Vancouver to your vacation package and receive complimentary Hop On Hop Off passes through Canada Rail Vacations! Vancouver is a lively and diverse city with no shortage of attractions to explore including; Stanley Park, Granville Island or the Vancouver Art Gallery. Spend tonight in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.
Day 2 - Vancouver Sightseeing and VIA Rail The Canadian Train Departure
Depart Vancouver aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian train in the afternoon.
Travel through the lush Fraser Valley and along the salmon-rich waters of the Fraser River. Meals will be included on board and you are free to roam about the train as you wish. During the day you’ll pass beside river canyons and natural wonders like Hell’s Gate. By nightfall you’ve reached the interior of British Columbia and the sound of the train is rocking you to sleep. Spend tonight onboard the train in your private cabin.
Day 3 - VIA Rail The Canadian Train to Jasper
You’ll wake up to a Rocky Mountain sunrise and head to the dining car for breakfast. Mount Robson—the highest point in the Canadian Rockies— greets you on your approach to Jasper.
The charming little mountain resort town of Jasper is home for the next couple of days. We’ve included admissions to the Jasper Skytram for you to use at your leisure either today or tomorrow afternoon. Spend the next two nights in your Jasper hotel room.
Day 4 - Jasper Sightseeing Tour including Maligne Lake
Today you’ll embark on a 5-hour tour of one of the most beautiful areas in Jasper. First stop, Maligne Canyon, where 10,000 years of erosion have created the deepest canyon in the Rockies. You’ll 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 rest of the day in Jasper is yours to use as you wish, hiking, exploring or simply relaxing and taking in the sights.
Day 5 - Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff 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. You’ll be spending the next two nights in your Banff hotel room.
Day 6 - Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola
Today you’ll be on a 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 7 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops
Toast to your first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! You’ll pass by the snow-peaked mountains and crystal-clear waters that our country is famous for. Highlights include; the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon and Rodgers Pass.
A dramatic change of scenery will take place as you approach the ranchlands of the interior plateau. You’ll spend tonight in your Kamloops hotel room.
Day 8 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver
You’re on your way back to the coast today. Dine on locally-sourced, gourmet meals as you wind through the changing scenery and step out on the open air vestibule to take in that fresh mountain air. Arrive in Vancouver and spend the night in your downtown hotel.
Day 9 - Vancouver Departure
Your vacation with us is complete upon checking out of your hotel room. With four days aboard two different trains, we really hope it was a train lover’s dream. Thank you for travelling with Canada Rail Vacations!
What's Included
- 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service
- 1 night sleeping car accommodation onboard VIA Rail train, Sleeper Plus Class
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner on the trains
- 8 nights hotel accommodation
- Jasper sightseeing tour to Maligne Lake
- Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
- Banff tour including Banff Gondola
- *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)
- Rail station transfers Vancouver, Kamloops & Banff
- Gratuities/tip for Rocky Mountaineer train staff
- Independent Tour
Not Included
- Transportation to/from Vancouver airport (available, please ask for details)
- Rail station transfers between Jasper VIA Rail station and Jasper hotel
- Rail station transfers between Vancouver VIA Rail station and Vancouver hotel
- Meals, other than onboard trains
- Gratuities/tip for hotel, VIA Rail and transfer staff
- Canadian 5% sales tax
2023 Pricing - Canadian Dollars
Date Range | Popular Hotels | Superior Hotel | Deluxe Hotel | GoldLeaf Train Service |
Apr 13 - Apr 20: | $4524 | +$404 | +$946 | +$660 |
Apr 21 - May 25: | $5913 | +$440 | +$1452 | +$810 |
May 26 - Jul 20: | $6139 | +$518 | +$1706 | +$810 |
Jul 21 - Sep 21: | $6206 | +$518 | +$1706 | +$830 |
Sep 22 - Oct 05: | $5583 | +$440 | +$1452 | +$660 |
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Hotel Upgrade: | N/A | Additional +$300 | Included | N/A |
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Upgrade: | N/A | Additional +$300 | Additional +$300 | N/A |
VIA Canadian Train Service: | Sleeper Cabin | N/A | N/A | Sleeper Cabin |
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 = |
$0.73 USD |
€0.69 EUR |
£0.61 GBP |
$1.09 AUD |