13 Day Rockies Rail Circle with Vancouver Island, Banff, Jasper, Skeena Train, & Rocky Mountaineer

Vancouver Return Trip

On this 13-day circle tour you will immerse yourself in Canada’s West Coast as you tour the entire length of Vancouver Island, ride the Inside Passage ferry to Northern British Columbia, and take the nostalgic “Skeena” train to Jasper. Conclude with excursions in our mountain national parks of Jasper and Banff before boarding the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer back to Vancouver. This route is not for the faint of heart, but it will create memories your heart will never forget.

Travel Dates in 2024 & 2025

2024 Start Dates

Starting every other Thursday

May 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8, 22
September 5, 19

2025 Start Dates

Starting every other Thursday

May 29
June 12, 26
July 10, 24
August 7, 21
September 4, 18

Travel Summary

  • Day 1: Vancouver Arrival - overnight in Vancouver
  • Day 2: Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, City Tour and Butchart Gardens - overnight in Victoria
  • Day 3: Victoria Whale Watching Tour - overnight in Victoria
  • Day 4: Scenic Transfer from Victoria to Port Hardy - overnight in Port Hardy
  • Day 5: Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert - overnight in Prince Rupert
  • Day 6: Free Day in Prince Rupert - overnight in Prince Rupert
  • Day 7: VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Prince George - overnight in Prince George
  • Day 8: VIA Rail from Prince George to Jasper - overnight in Jasper
  • Day 9: Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff including Columbia Icefields Excursion - overnight in Banff
  • Day 10: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola - overnight in Banff
  • Day 11: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops - overnight in Kamloops
  • Day 12: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver - overnight in Vancouver
  • Day 13: Vancouver Departure

Route Map

What's Included

  • 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches
  • 12 nights hotel accommodation
  • *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)
  • Tour of Victoria including Butchart Gardens
  • Victoria whale watching (Optional - price reduction if not desired)
  • Small bus tour Port Hardy to Victoria
  • Inside Passage Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert with outboard day cabin
  • VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Jasper
  • Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
  • Banff tour including gondola
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver and Banff
  • Gratuities/tip for Rocky Mountaineer train staff
  • Independent Tour

Not Included

  • Transportation to/from Vancouver airport (available, please ask for details)
  • Meals, other than onboard trains
  • Luggage handling and transfers in Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Prince George and Jasper
  • Rail station transfer in Jasper, Prince George, Prince Rupert
  • Ferry terminal transfer in Prince Rupert and Port Hardy
  • Gratuities/tip for VIA Rail, hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Vancouver Arrival

Coastal mountains and urban beaches greet you as you arrive in Canada’s third-largest city. Vancouver is a lively and diverse city with no shortage of attractions to explore including; Stanley Park, Granville Island or the Vancouver Art Gallery. 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 in Vancouver to your vacation package pre or post-tour and receive complimentary Hop On Hop Off passes through Canada Rail Vacations!

Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

Day 2 - Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, Butchart Gardens and City Tour

Enjoy a 1.5 hour ferry ride in the morning and relax to the gentle sway and sound of the ocean as you journey from Vancouver to Victoria.

En route to Victoria, you’ll visit 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.
Then you’re off to Victoria, you will have a short city tour showing some of the highlights of the city. You’ll have time to explore the city on your own this afternoon including the historic Craigdarroch Castle, the Parliament Building and the pedestrian-friendly Cook Street Village— known for its cafe patios and boutiques. You’ll spend the next two nights in your downtown Victoria hotel room.

Day 3 - Victoria Whale Watching Tour

This morning you are on a 3.5 hour whale watching tour guided by a certified marine biologist. This exhilarating round trip will have you searching for Orcas, Grey Whales, Porpoises, Seals and other marine life.

You have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful city. 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 the colorful floating homes that line the waters.

Day 4 - Scenic Transfer from Victoria to Port Hardy

Today you’re on a mini bus going from the southern capital of Victoria to the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the rustic town of Port Hardy. Peaceful walking trails, potential wildlife sightings and fresh-caught seafood are just a few of the highlights of this stop. Spend the night in your Port Hardy hotel.

Day 5 - Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert

A trip along the awe-inspiring Inside Passage awaits! You will pass evergreen covered islands and coastal mountains on this 15-hour ferry journey. Because of the length of this journey, we have you booked in a private day cabin with a bed, so that you have the opportunity to rest and have some privacy. When you are not in your cabin, you will be able to enjoy this scenic route from the deck. Spend tonight in your Prince Rupert hotel room.

Day 6 - Free Day in Prince Rupert

Spend a relaxing day in the rustic port city of Prince Rupert. Combining thickly wooded areas with the smells and sights of the ocean, this is a great place to relax and independently explore some walking trails. You can also talk to your vacation planner about booking a variety of other activities including a float plane tour or fishing charter. Overnight in your Prince Rupert hotel room.

Day 7 - VIA Rail from Prince Rupert to Prince George

Board VIA Rail’s Skeena train towards Jasper. Pass through communities rich in indigenous history and culture and enjoy the fantastic views of the lakes and forests. Overnight in your Prince George hotel room.

Day 8 - VIA Rail from Prince George to Jasper

Board VIA Rail’s Skeena train towards Prince Rupert. One of the highlights of today’s journey will be passing by Mount Robson— the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. The salmon-rich waters of the Fraser River will accompany you once again as you keep an eye out for wildlife in the lush expanse of forest. Overnight in your Jasper hotel room.

Day 9 - Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff including Columbia Icefields 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 will spend the next two nights in your Banff hotel room.

Day 10 - 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 11 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

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. Spend tonight in your Kamloops hotel room.

Day 12 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

You’re on your way back to the coast today. Get a different view of British Columbia’s agricultural heartland—the Fraser Valley. Dine on locally-sourced, gourmet meals as you wind through the changing scenery and step out on the outside deck to take in that fresh mountain air.

Arrive in Vancouver and spend the night in your downtown hotel.

Day 13 - Vancouver Departure

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

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

May 30 - Jun 13:

$8015

+$833

+$2430

+$880

Jun 27 - Sep 19:

$8095

+$833

+$2430

+$910

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Hotel Upgrade:

N/A

Additional +$200

Included

N/A

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Upgrade:

N/A

Additional +$400

Included

N/A

Skeena Train Service:

Economy

N/A

N/A

Economy

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) are available. Please request a quote.

Approximate Exchange Rates:

$1.00 CAD =

$0.75 USD

€0.68 EUR

£0.59 GBP

$1.11 AUD