rocky mountain train tours from calgary

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Canadian Rockies Tours & Trips from Calgary

An adventure starting in Calgary is a great way to see Canadian Rockies. We have 57 tours that range from 4 days up to 15 days. The most popular time for tours from Calgary is July, which has the most tour departures.

57 Canadian Rockies tours from Calgary with 2,061 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Excellent trip, definitely recommend it!

Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound

Loved the tour and our guide was awesome very well organised and fun, adaptive and flexible. Great trip overall with lots of activities. Would be great to have a night in Victoria in a hostel rather than campground as it was too far from the city. Personally for me I would prefer more freedom on what to eat as I am quite picky and would love to have more opportunity to eat out rather than being restricted by tight food budget of a campground, also I thought I would rather spend more time doing things than cooking/washing and just pick up my own lunch on the go but thats a personal preference. Would also be great to see similar tours running for people looking for more challenging hiking. My suggestion would be to run a group once a month with the same program but substituting most hikes with moderate/difficult ones rather than super relaxed walking and put fitness level as a requirement for the trip. It seems there is a gap on the market between hardcore expiditions with heavy backpacks and chilled tours requiring below average level of fitness.

12 Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour

This was an excellent trip. The hikes were fantastic each day in wonderful scenery. The 2 guides Kevin and Jafar were outstanding throughout. The food was great too. Lots of variety and very tasty. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone that enjoys hiking and an outdoor adventure. The Rockies are amazing.

• €130 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

9 Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour

Couldn't recommend the tour more, exceeded all expectations. Had fantastic group and guides. Guides did everything to make it a memorable and comfortable trip for all. Miss it already and hope to do another tour in the future

Canada's Rockies (7 Days, Calgary Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

The Best of Banff and Jasper, Hoteltour

An excellent tour. The Canadian Rockies were amazing as was our guide, Rebecca Roman. She was fantastic in keeping the group at the right level of activity and seemed to know everything - even where the best stones were to use as seats when we stopped for lunch. As the two oldest members of the group we were concerned about holding up others on some hikes. She managed to encourage us to the point where we felt comfortable. A truly wonderful young woman. One complaint - the tour had us staying in Jasper two nights but we ended up an hour away in Hinton. This increased our driving time considerably and Hinton is not Jasper. A few dollars of compensation would be welcome.

• In-depth Cultural

Canadian Rockies Express

Itinerary was great, scenery was beautiful, and our guide was fun. I was the only male in the group with my wife and 11 other females and it worked out fine. Everyone was very congenial, and the diversity of the group added to the experience. Only thing I would change would be the accommodations in Vancouver. While the hotel was fine it was very far from the downtown and sights, so we spent most of our time the last day in the van in traffic. Overall, it was a fantastic trip.

• Coach / Bus

Heart of the Canadian Rockies

Well organize &experience

Canada's Rockies (Base, 8 Days)

We enjoyed watching the Rocky Mountains from Calgary with the snow. They looked beautiful.

The Best of Banff and Jasper, Campingtour

I had a wonderful time! I only wish the tour had been longer. Our guide Rebecca was super great and funny. We ate well and saw some amazing views. I was worried I wouldn’t be fit enough however it was fine. I normally walk/run three kilometres a day so while this trip was a workout I was fine keeping up.

• Mountain Hikes

Walking in the Canadian Rockies

Fantastic guide, great group of people to travel with.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Wonders of the Canadian Rockies (10 Days) (7 destinations)

Amazing scenery and a wonderful CEO: I had the best time!

5-Day Rockies Unique Tour (Banff & Jasper & Yoho National Park)

Well organised tour. Worthwhile optional excursions. Good hotels, transportation, drivers and guides.

Great Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

Our tour guide was Jennifer - and she was superb! Her love for the area, the history and the beauty of this country was always on display. Her enthusiasm was infectious, still she was able to accommodate a diverse collection of needs from our group of 42. Jennifer was a delight. Your survey has a glitch - citing the guide, even with a name, does not provide any means of submitting that information. Very frustrating as the tour guide is the most critical feature of the trip.

7-Day Rockies 5 National Parks Special Tour

We saw so many beautiful places! The price value was good; We were very pleased with the comfort and appearance off the hotels. Our biggest difficulty was in understanding what the tour guides were saying. They had very strong Chinese accents, so we missed much of what they told us. If you had a recording of each trip spoken by a native American speaker, that eould make a tremenfous fifference.

What people love about Canadian Rockies Tours from Calgary

Great week..great people especially the two guides Jordan and Mikeala

This trip was the best experience of my life so far! My CEO Melanie was so amazing, I felt so at ease and happy throughout every step of the tour. This is the perfect trip to see some of Canada. 100000/10 would recommend to everyone!

To whom it may concern, Last year at this time, I went with friend Susan Tan to Banff National Park for the 12-day hiking, it has been a wonderful life experience for me. The quality of your service is very high. Our Guide Kevin and Morgan have been so helpful. The 5-star evaluation is not enough to express my gratitude. I wish both of them, and your business, all the very best at my anniversary of Banff National Bank Hiking Trip. Best regards, Katherine Wang

Tours starting from Calgary

• Calgary to Calgary tours (31)
• Calgary to Vancouver tours (18)
• Calgary to Edmonton tours (5)
• Explorer from Calgary (46)
• Family from Calgary (35)
• Hiking & Trekking from Calgary (14)
• Active from Calgary (10)
• Custom from Calgary (6)
• In-depth Cultural from Calgary (5)
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The Man in Seat 61

Canada's Rockies by train

The rocky mountaineer.

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Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, a guide to the rocky mountaineer.

In 1990, Canada's national rail operator VIA Rail sold off it's Rockies by daylight scenic train to a private company called Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, who renamed it The Rocky Mountaineer .  It's developed into a world-class travel experience operating on 3 different routes through the spectacular Canadian Rockies, with excellent on-board service.  In 1990 the trains carried 10,000 guests, they now carry over 100,000 each year.  Rocky Mountaineer offers regular departures April-October and you can buy one-way tickets.  This page is an insider's guide to the Rocky Mountaineer .

Routes, dates, times & tickets

What are the trains like?

What's the journey like, other trains in canada, which route to choose.

Rocky Mountaineer runs on 3 different routes.  Independent travellers can buy one-way or return tickets between Vancouver and either Banff or Jasper.  You can go eastbound or westbound as each route runs in both directions.  There's no real 'better' direction, as all the trains are designed to do all scenic sections in daylight.

Vancouver - Kamloops - Banff

Branded First Passage to the West, this is the route I'd recommend.  Formerly called the Kicking Horse route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies, this is by far the most historically-significant of the 3 routes as it travels over Canada's first trans-continental line opened in 1885, the famous Canadian Pacific Railway .  It's Rocky Mountaineer's original route which they started running in 1990 when the last regular passenger trains on this line were discontinued.  Rocky Mountaineer is now the only passenger train over this famous & historic Canadian Pacific line. 

It's also arguably the most scenic route to choose, as the Canadian Pacific route between Vancouver & Banff has always been considered more scenic than the later Canadian National route between Vancouver & Jasper, although the two routes share the same tracks between Vancouver & Kamloops.  You'll run along the wonderfully-scenic Fraser & Thompson rivers,  pass the site of the 1885 Last Spike and the Continental Divide, cross the much-photographed Stoney Creek bridge, and pass the pretty station at Lake Louise, Morant's Curve (where countless Canadian Pacific publicity photos were taken) and Castle Mountain.  You're likely to see bald eagles, ospreys, and maybe black bears or even grizzly bears .

The Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West route runs 3 times a week in each direction from mid-April to mid-October, the journey takes 2 full days with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops included in the fare.  The train used to run to/from Calgary, but currently only runs to/from Banff.

Vancouver - Kamloops - Jasper

Branded Journey through the Clouds, it was formerly called the Yellowhead route after the mountain pass it takes through the Rockies.  This route uses the second and later of Canada's two great trans-continental railways, the Canadian Northern line opened in 1917, nationalised in 1921 as part of Canadian National Railways.  Between Vancouver & Kamloops the Journey Through the Clouds & First Passage to the West routes are exactly the same - indeed, the two trains sometimes run coupled together.  Also note that this route and the Rainforest to Goldrush route share the few miles of line past Mount Robson and through the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper.  So if you want to make a circular tour, the best combination avoiding duplication is probably the First Passage to the West route Vancouver-Banff, then by bus between Jasper & Banff calling at the Columbia Icefields, then the Rainforest to Goldrush route between Jasper & Vancouver (you can go in either direction).  

The Rocky Mountaineer Journey Through the Clouds route runs twice a week from mid-April to mid-October, the journey takes 2 full days with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops included in the fare.

Incidentally, Rocky Mountaineer's Journey through the Clouds train takes exactly the same route as VIA Rail's Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver Canadian which runs several times per week all year round .  If you're on a budget, an economy class seat on the Canadian between Vancouver & Jasper starts at around $164 versus over $1,000 on the Rocky Mountaineer , making it a much cheaper way to travel through the Rockies by train between Vancouver & Jasper.  However, the Canadian runs day & night (sleeping-cars are available) so it passes half the scenery in daylight, the rest in darkness.  The Rocky Mountaineer runs the whole route in daylight with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops so you don't miss any scenery, and of course on-board food & drink is included.

Vancouver - Whistler - Quesnel - Jasper

Branded Rainforest to Goldrush , formerly the Fraser Discovery route , this journey is all about getting off the beaten track into gold-rush and timber country, rather than taking a famous trans-continental rail line.  It takes you along the mighty Fraser River over the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE), started in 1885 and only fully completed in 1952 - no wonder it was nicknamed the Prince George Eventually!  The scenery is truly wonderful, especially the Fraser River canyon, and you may see bald eagles, ospreys and black bears or even grizzly bears .  It runs roughly once a week from mid-April to mid-October, and the journey takes 3 full days with 2 overnight hotel stops at Whistler & Quesnel included in the fare.  Until 2015 this train used to start from Whistler, with passengers using the 5-days-a-week Whistler Mountaineer between North Vancouver & Whistler, but the latter train was sadly discontinued in 2016.  On the plus side, the main Rainforest to Goldrush train now runs direct to and from North Vancouver station and you still get half a day at leisure to explore Whistler, a ski resort and sort of Canadian Zermatt.

Red = Rocky Mountaineer.   Dark Blue = VIA Rail

Light blue = Amtrak .   K = Kamloops

Departures, timetable & fares

First passage to the west.

* The day of the week varies, so always check departures with www.rockymountaineer.com for your dates of travel.  The train no longer serves Calgary.

Silver Leaf starts at $1,247 inc tax, Gold Leaf starts at $1,705 inc tax.

Journey through the Clouds

* The day of the week varies, so check departures with www.rockymountaineer.com for your dates of travel.

Rainforest to Goldrush

You can check departure dates, times & fares at www.rockymountaineer.com .

Silver Leaf starts at $1,721 inc tax, Gold Leaf starts at $2,337 inc tax.

Back to top

How to buy tickets

Book it with Railbookers :  Train travel specialist Railbookers can sometimes get special rates for the Rocky Mountaineer when added to hotels at one or both ends, they can also arrange VIA Rail & Amtrak tickets.  In my opinion their package combining VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto to Jasper with the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver is the ultimate trans-Canada experience.

  US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .

  canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   uk call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ..

You can also book with Rocky Mountaineer at www.rockymountaineer.com .

Escorted tours

If you'd prefer to see Canada by train on an escorted tour with a convivial group of travellers rather than travelling solo or independently, there are the two UK companies which arrange escorted tours across Canada by VIA Rail's Canadian and the Rocky Mountaineer on various dates through the year.  Both companies are part of the same group.

What's the train like?

The Rocky Mountaineer offers two classes of service on each of its routes, Silver Leaf & Gold Leaf .

Which class to choose? 

The Man in Seat 61 says, "The Silver Leaf panorama cars are excellent, food & wine is included, and the scenery is exactly the same as you'd see in Gold Leaf.  The cost alone may decide for you, and you'll be very happy with your choice if you go Silver Leaf.  That said, there are three reasons to consider paying more for Gold Leaf:  First, you sit up high in the double-deck Gold Leaf cars, which can give you a better view over trees and so on.  Second, the food is more extensive, served in a restaurant rather than at your seat.  Third, there's an open air viewing platform, meaning reflection-free photos - for me the incident with the bear proved the value of that viewing platform, nothing between me and a grizzly..."  Take a virtual tour inside the Rocky Mountaineer .

Silver Leaf

Silver Leaf service was introduced in 2011, and replaced the cheaper Red Leaf service on all routes from 2016.  Silver Leaf passengers travel in a single-deck dome car with huge panoramic windows.  The fare includes breakfast and lunch with complimentary beer or wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

This is the premium option.  It's not cheap, and the scenery is the same as you'll see in Silver Leaf, but the onboard experience is excellent and more than meets expectations.  Is it worth the extra over Silver Leaf?  If you can afford it, yes, because of the food, wine, service, and not least, those upper level glass domes give the best all-round view of the Canadian Rockies you can get.

Gold Leaf passengers travel in modern purpose-built double-deck dome cars.  Upstairs under the glass roof there are 72 reclining seats with loads of legroom an drop-down tables.  Downstairs, reached by spiral staircase or wheelchair lift there are toilets, kitchens, a 36-seat restaurant for breakfast & lunch, and a small open-air viewing platform for fresh air and reflection-free photography.

A pair of attendants in each coach provide live commentary and keep the snacks and complimentary alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks flowing.  Rocky Mountaineer's excellent own-label Sumoc Ridge merlot is very easy to drink - all too easy, really.

Breakfast & lunch are served downstairs in the restaurant in two sittings, included in the fare.  There's a choice of excellent main courses freshly prepared in the kitchen and served on real china.  Lunch comes complete with Rocky Mountaineer's own-label British Columbian red or white wine.

All passengers get a copy of the 'Rocky Mountaineer newspaper', which features a route guide listing points of interest along the way (referenced by mile post), a map, and information about the train, the history of the route, and the wildlife you might see.

The fare includes a hotel room for the overnight stop, and transfers by motor coach to and from the hotel.

Virtual tour

This excellent virtual tour by Willy Kaemena shows the train in its latest form, with its latest blue and gold colour scheme.

Boarding in Vancouver

If you travel from Vancouver towards Kamloops, Jasper or Banff, see location map of the Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver station .  It is located in a former goods yard a little way behind the main Vancouver Pacific Central station used by VIA & Amtrak.  When you arrive you'll find complimentary tea & coffee available, and a row of check-in desks for Silver and Gold Leaf.  Note that the Rainforest to Goldrush route via Qesnel leaves from North Vancouver station .

This section gives you a flavour of what there is to see on each route.  The route guide in your Rocky Mountaineer newspaper on board the train lists these and other highlights, quoting the nearest milepost - the mileposts are black numbers on small white signs placed next to the track every mile.  The miles reset to zero at every railway divisional point.  Approximate times are used here to give you a better idea of the journey.

First Passage to the West :  Banff to Vancouver

This is the most historic and arguably most scenic route operated by the Rocky Mountaineer, previously known as the Kicking Horse route.  It takes the original Canadian Pacific Railway through the Rockies, opened in 1885, indeed it is now the only passenger train operating over the original Canadian Pacific trans-continental line.  You can make the journey in either direction, between Vancouver and Banff, a resort town in the Rockies.  It no longer extends to or from the big city of Calgary.  This account shows a westbound journey, note that the departure times have changed slightly since I made this trip, with an earlier departure from Banff, and that the train is shown here in its earlier colour scheme, with red leaf cars ahead of the gold leaf domes, rather than (as now) silver leave cars.

08:40  Banff station:   Originally known simply as 'siding 29' on the Canadian Pacific Railway, Lord Strathcona named it 'Banff' after his home town in Scotland in 1880.  Banff station is just a few minutes walk from the town centre and 30 minutes walk from the best place to stay in Banff, the famous Banff Springs Hotel .  The station building dates from 1910, a replacement for the original 1886 log cabin.  If you're joining the train here, you check in at the Rocky Mountaineer desk placed just outside the station waiting room, you're given your seat allocation and your luggage is taken from you - it goes by the truck seen in the photo above and will arrive at your overnight hotel in Kamloops before you do. Tea and coffee are available inside the waiting room until the train arrives.  The train left around 09:00 (current departure time is a couple of hours earlier, see the timetable above ).

09:30  Castle Mountain (above right):  On leaving Banff, the train winds through the pine trees along the Bow River, with snow-capped mountains on either side of the broad valley.  Look out for the impressive and imposing Castle Mountain to your right, around milepost 99.  It's an appropriate name!

10:10  Morant's Curve:   At milepost 113, 3 miles east of Lake Louise, the train snakes through what has become known as 'Morant's Curve', although strangely it isn't mentioned anywhere in the Rocky Mountaineer route guide or on any map.  Nicholas Morant was a photographer with the publicity department of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and this was one of his favourite spots for taking PR shots of CPR trains.  If you've ever had a 'railway encyclopaedia' or 'boys book of trains', the chances are that it has an illustration of a Canadian passenger or freight train on 'Morant's Curve', and even today, many of Rocky Mountaineer's brochure photos are taken here.  The other classic location for PR shots of Canadian trains in the Rockies is the Stoney Creek bridge, which we'll come to later.

10:15  Lake Louise:   The Rocky Mountaineer passes the beautiful 'log cabin' style station at Lake Louse, on the left on a track slightly lower than the one that westbound trains now use.  Lake Louise station was used for the station scenes in the film 'Dr Zhivago'.  The lake itself is up in the mountains, out of sight.  The train now crosses and briefly runs alongside Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway.

10:25  Continental Divide (above left):  A small monument and wooden sign on the left mark the Continental Divide, and the boundary between Alberta & British Columbia.  Rainwater falling east of the divide flows to the Atlantic, rainwater falling to the west makes its way to the Pacific.  It's the highest point on the trip, 5,332 feet above sea level.  Travelling west, you now put your watch back an hour, as BC is an hour behind Alberta.

09:40 (BC time)  Spiral Tunnels:   The train passes Wapta Lake and enters the first of the two famous 'Spiral Tunnels'.  Inside the Upper Spiral Tunnel, the train describes a complete spiral and emerges further down the mountainside, facing the opposite way.  The train then crosses the deep wooded valley and plunges into the Lower Spiral Tunnel to descend even further.  Long freight trains can even cross over themselves here!  There's a cut-away diagram of the spiral tunnels in your route guide, and the commentary from your carriage attendant will explain it, but it's still disorientating.  The spiral tunnels were built in 1907, replacing a dangerously steep section of line known as the 'Big Hill', where many CPR trains and staff came to grief.

10:15  Kicking Horse Canyon:   The train calls at Field, an important operating centre for the Canadian Pacific Railway, then heads through the Kicking Horse canyon, crossing and re-crossing the Kicking Horse river several times.  The river is narrow, fast running, and blue with meltwater sediment.  The train follows the Kicking Horse river for 30 scenic miles, with many bridges and tunnels.

11:40  Rocky Mountain Trench:   The train now runs through a wide flat valley full of pines - the Rocky Mountain Trench.  The Columbia River is on the left.

13:00  Stoney Creek bridge:   This is the other classic location for illustrations of trains crossing Canada.  It's a beautiful arched steel girder bridge at milepost 76.2, 484 feet long and 325 feet above the creek bed below, built in 1929.  It's the latest of three bridges built on this spot.  The approach to the bridge is dead straight, so there's little opportunity to see or photograph the bridge, and although the line curves sharply to the left immediately afterwards there are so many trees in the way that it's still difficult to get a clear view of the bridge.  A new tunnel (the 9-mile long MacDonald Tunnel) was built in 1988 to increase capacity by by-passing both the Stoney Creek Bridge and the shorter 1916-built Connaught Tunnel, but the Rocky Mountaineer deliberately takes the original route.

15:55  The Last Spike:   The train passes Craigellachie, where on 7 November 1885 the last ceremonial rail spike was driven in, completing the Canadian Pacific Railway and linking Montreal to Vancouver by rail.  Here there's a monument and small museum by the tracks, on the right hand side.

16:20  Lake Shuswap & Osprey Alley:   The train passes Sicamous, 'The houseboat capital of the world' and for some miles runs along the shore of the huge and beautiful Lake Shuswap.  It passes 'Osprey alley', a long line of osprey nests in the tops of telegraph poles and trees by the lake.  Watch out for bald eagles, too.  After Lake Shuswap comes Lake Mara.

18:50.  The mountain give way to gentle hills along the South Thompson River.  The hills are volcanic, but at their feet lie sandstone mounds or 'hoodoos', which are the moraines left by ancient glaciers.  The country is more arid here, rocky and sandy with fewer trees, very different from the morning's scenery.

19:55 Kamloops:   The train pulls into Kamloops for its overnight stop.  Motor coaches meet the train and transfer passengers to their hotels.  There is a choice of two evening entertainment shows (with food) whilst in Kamloops, both bookable through Rocky Mountaineer, but don't overestimate how sprightly you'll feel on arrival at your hotel at 8pm after a day travelling with so much to take in.  Banff to Kamloops is 309 miles.

----- day 2 -----

07:20  Kamloops: Motor coaches pick you up from the hotel and transfer passengers to the station.  You may find a longer train than the one you left last night, as the Journey through the Clouds train from Jasper is usually coupled up to the First Passage to the West train between Kamloops & Vancouver.  This is the main Kamloops station, VIA Rail's Toronto-Kamloops-Vancouver Canadian uses the smaller Kamloops North.  263 miles to Vancouver, says the station sign.

07:55  The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Kamloops, combined with the Jasper-Vancouver train.  It veers right and crosses the Thompson River onto Indian ('first nation') territory, passing a small wooden church on the left that was allegedly used in the film 'Unforgiven' with Clint Eastwood.

Canadian National or Canadian Pacific?   Between Kamloops & Vancouver, the 1885 Canadian Pacific (CP) and the later 1917 Canadian National (CN) trans-continental routes run parallel, usually on opposite sides of the river.  For the first 58 miles west of Kamloops, the Rocky Mountaineer uses CN tracks in both directions, but between Basque and Vancouver there is 'directional running' where CN & CP co-operate, sending all westbound trains including the westbound Rocky Mountaineer down CN tracks on one side of the river, and all eastbound trains including the eastbound Rocky Mountaineer down the CP tracks on the other side.  You see the same scenery, of course, from a slightly different angle, but if you really want to travel on the original 1885 CP tracks (almost) all the way between Vancouver and Banff, you'll need to take an eastbound Rocky Mountaineer.

08:40 Kamloops Lake:   The train runs along the shore of Kamloops Lake - watch out for more bald eagles, and for the coloured rocks at 'Painted Bluff' on the right.

09:25  The train reaches the end of the lake and runs alongside the Thompson River.  The countryside here is even more arid than before - indeed, it passes Ashcroft, the driest town in Canada.

10:35  Black Canyon:   The train passes 'Black Canyon', a section of black lava cliff on the right, with the Thompson river on the left.  After Black Canyon Tunnel, the Rocky Mountaineer crosses the Thompson on a steel girder bridge.

11:30  The scenery now changes again, from dry & sandy back to rocky with pine trees.  The train enters the Thompson River canyon, with CP tracks one side of the river, CN tracks on the other side.

11:55  Avalanche alley (above right) :  The Rocky Mountaineer travels at the very edge of the river under a sheer cliff wall with avalanche protection sheds in several places.  One section of the rock wall is attractively coloured, known as 'rainbow canyon'.

12:05  Confluence of Thompson & Fraser Rivers:   Just after Lytton the train curves to the left over a bridge across the Fraser River.  The confluence of Thompson & Fraser rivers is now on the right.

12:15 Cisco crossing:   At Cisco, CP and CN tracks swap sides of the river.  The CN line crosses first on an distinctive orange-painted girder bridge (above right), the CP tracks then crossing in the opposite direction on a squared-off black steel bridge lower down (above left, lower picture).  Being the first, the CP engineers built their line down whichever was the easier side of the canyon, the later CN engineers had to made do with the opposite, trickier side.

13:35 Hell's Gate:   This is the narrowest and fastest-flowing point of the Fraser River.  On the right on the far bank is the Hell's Gate cafe, with a suspension footbridge across the river below the train and a cable car over the river and up the mountain.

15:15:  We're no longer right next to the Fraser River, which has become very broad.  The train is in a wide flat valley, with farms and greenhouses starting to appear.  The historic site of Fort Langley is just visible through the trees on the left.

16:50  Approaching Vancouver:   The train slows through the freight cars in Thornton Yard, finally curving right over a very long, low steel bridge across the Fraser River with a much higher arched road bridge on the left, which also carries the Vancouver 'Skytrain' metro.  Once across the river the Rocky Mountaineer curves sharply right again, weaving its way through the Vancouver suburbs.

17:40  Arrival at Vancouver:   We've travelled 594 miles from Banff.  Pictured above, the Rocky Mountaineer rolls past the Rocky Mountaineer terminal (on the right, with the buses parked outside).  It then slowly reverses back into it.  The Rocky Mountaineer terminal is a block away from the Pacific Central station where VIA Rail's Canadian arrives.  Rocky Mountaineer's impressive and spacious terminal building was once a diesel locomotive maintenance shed.

Journey through the Clouds :  Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops

This train travels over the second trans-continental line built across Canada, the Canadian National route between Jasper (in Jasper National Park) and Vancouver, opened in 1917.    Originally known as the Yellowhead route , it's been marketed as the Journey through the Clouds since 2010.

The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Jasper station around 8am, and heads up through the Yellowhead Pass.  This is the easiest pass through the Rockies (in other words the lowest, at 3,718 feet above sea level).  The Canadian Pacific chose a more difficult route through the Kicking Horse pass to the south because of political tensions between Canada and the USA at the time, and a desire to safeguard Canadian territory.

Look out for the highlight of the trip, views of snow-capped Mount Robson to the right of the train.  At 12,972 feet it's the highest mountain in the Rockies.

After running alongside Moose Lake, the train crosses the Fraser River.

For almost 20 miles, the train passes some of Canada's most magnificent mountains in the Premier range, named after early Canadian prime ministers.

The train passes the site marked by a small cairn, where 12 members of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery were killed when two CN trains collided.

The train passes Pyramid Falls (see photo above), where water cascades 300 feet beside the tracks.

The train arrives at Kamloops and passengers stay overnight in a hotel, included in the fare.

Between Jasper & Kamloops the Journey through the Clouds takes exactly the same route as VIA Rail's Canadian , which also (if it's on time, of course...) does this section in daylight, before continuing through the night to Vancouver.  So see the Jasper-Kamloops photos on the Toronto-Vancouver Canadian page .

On day 2 the Journey through the Clouds travels from Kamloops to Vancouver coupled to the First Passage West , see the Kamloops-Vancouver photos above .

Rainforest to Goldrush:   North Vancouver - Whistler -Quesnel - Jasper

This is a less well-known but remarkable route, through the gold rush & timber country of the Cariboo.  Until 2010 this route was marketed as the Fraser Discovery route and until 2015 it started at Whistler and you had to take Rocky Mountaineer's Sea to Sky Climb train between North Vancouver & Whistler, which was also useful for local journeys as it ran 5 times a week and could be used by people just going to Whistler.  Unfortunately, Rocky Mountaineer have discontinued their Vancouver-Whistler train, instead from 2016 the main Rainforest to Goldrush train will start from North Vancouver.

06:15 - 07:15:  Passengers are collected by motor coach from central Vancouver hotels, and driven through Stanley Park and across the Lion's Gate Bridge to the North Vancouver station, a simple siding a block or two away from the original BC Rail passenger station.  BC Rail stopped normal passenger service on his route in 1999.

07:30 Leaving Vancouver:   After leaving North Vancouver, the train passes right under the Lion's Gate Bridge and over a girder bridge across the Capilano River (Vancouver's famous Capilano footbridge, www.capbridge.com , is out of sight further up the valley).  Breakfast is served.

The train runs alongside the sea (on left hand side) until it heads off into the mountains.  It passes through the mile-long Horseshoe Bay Tunnel, built to eliminate a difficult section of line around the headland, emerging onto the banks of Howe Sound.  For some miles the train run along the banks of this beautiful sound (also on left hand side) past the BC Ferries terminal serving the islands.  The trains passes waterfalls and an old copper mine, once the largest copper mine in the British Empire and now a museum.

09:50 Cheakamus Canyon:   The train starts to climb, away from Howe Sound up into the hills.  This is the most scenic part of the journey, as the train passes over several high trestle bridges along the Cheakamus canyon (pictured, above) with the narrow fast-flowing river way down below. 

The train passes over the top of 195-feet-high Brandywine Falls.

11:30 Whistler:   The train arrives at Whistler station.  This is in the Creekside area of Whistler, near Nita Lake.  A fleet of buses meets the train and transfers passengers to their hotels in Whistler Village a mile or two away.  You now have the afternoon and evening free to explore Whistler, and you stay there in a hotel overnight.  Whistler is one of Canada's biggest ski resorts, a sort of North American Zermatt.  Cable cars run up the mountains, seaplanes run scenic flights, and there are many outdoor activities in both summer and winter.  The centre of Whistler village is pedestrianised, with many bars and restaurants.

07:30 Leaving Whistler:   The Rocky Mountaineer train leaves Whistler at 07:30 on day 1.  Whistler station is in the Creekside area of Whistler between Alta and Nita lakes, a few minutes' taxi or motor coach transfer from Whistler village itself.  Check-in opens at 06:30, you hand over your luggage (which travels by road) and you are given a boarding card with seat allocation.

08:10 Green River, Birkenhead River:   Breakfast is served as you pass through snow-capped mountains and run alongside the Green River.  The scenery is beautiful, although there are still houses and occasional timber yards here, not to mention a few power pylons!  The Green River soon gives way to the Birkenhead River, also on the right, but flowing in the opposite direction.

08:35 Nairn Falls:   The train crosses a low bridge just above the top of a waterfall in the pine trees, Nairn Falls.

10:00 Anderson Lake:   The train skirts the blue waters of Anderson Lake right by the water along the cliffs.  The tracks follow the shore for 15 miles, with many photo opportunities.

10:30 Seton Lake:   The train passes the end of Anderson Lake and crosses the spit of land known as Seton Portage separating it from another lake, Lake Seton.  Originally one big lake, lakes Anderson and Seton were separated by a landslide over 1,000 years ago.  Lake Seton is a luminous turquoise colour, an effect caused by the sediment washed down by meltwater from the mountains.  The train passes the BC Hydro Bridge River hydro electric plant and a timber yard.

11:20 Lillooet:   Lillooet is a major railway town, and there's a 10-minute locomotive crew rest stop here in the freight yards.

11:35 Fraser River Canyon:   After leaving Lillooet, the train crosses the wide and brown Fraser River on a massive and dramatic girder bridge, 800 feet long and 190 feet above the river.  Immediately after the bridge the train snakes left onto the Fraser's left bank and starts climbing a steep 2.2% gradient for the next 30 miles.  It's one of the longest sustained 2.2% rail gradients in America.  This 30 mile stretch is the highlight of the trip:  The train follows the Fraser River canyon, high up on the mountainside with the river far below.  The sheer scale of the canyon is spectacular.  There are few trees, the landscape is arid an sandy here.

13:00 Cariboo Plateau:   The train finally leaves the Fraser River canyon.  It's now on the Cariboo plateau, and pine trees make a welcome reappearance.  These are the gentle rolling hills of cattle country.

16:00-17:00:  Still on the Cariboo plateau, this is also timber country.  You can smell the sawdust from the many lumber yards.  You pass Lac La Hache and Williams Lake.

18:00 Deep Creek Bridge:   1,194 feet long, 312 feet high, one of the highest rail bridges in North America (in fact, only the Stoney Creek bridge on the Banff-Vancouver route is higher).  You pass many cattle ranches, and can spot many deer in the wooded areas.

20:00 Quesnel:   The train passes lumber yards and the occasional osprey nesting in telegraph poles or tall trees, and arrives at Quesnel (pronounced 'kwanell') for the overnight hotel stop.  Quesnel is the local centre for the Cariboo, and if you've never seen small-town Canada it's well worth an evening wander.  This is easier to do if you're at a town centre hotel such as the Best Western, less easy if you're in a hotel a few miles out (Gold Leaf passengers are currently bussed a few miles out to the Sandman's hotel in an industrial/retail area).  Personally, I'd suggest requesting the town-centre Best Western even if you're in Gold Leaf.  In Quesnel you'll find the longest wooden truss footbridge in the world across the wide and fast-flowing Fraser River, pictured above right - check out the steak house & pub on the hill the other side!  There's also a Greek restaurant, a casino built to look like an old paddle steamer, and a gift shop by the river that's often open in the evenings when the train arrives.  There's a town museum (complete with allegedly haunted doll 'Mandy') which you may or may not find open when the train comes in.

----- day 3 -----

07:40 Leaving Quesnel:   Motor coaches transfer you from the hotel around 06:45, and the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Quesnel around 07:40 when everyone is on board.

08:00 Cottonwood Bridge:   The train crosses the dramatic Cottonwood bridge, 1,023 feet long and 236 feet high, over a valley full of pine trees with a river racing beneath.  The bridge was only completed in 1952, the last major link in the railway from Vancouver to Prince George and Prince Rupert.  The 'last spike' was driven in 8 miles further on, at the slightly smaller Abhau Creek bridge, on 31 October 1952.  Since they started building the line in 1912, it was no wonder the Pacific Great Eastern Railway became known locally as the 'Prince George Eventually'!

09:10:  The Fraser River is sighted again, on the left.  Endless pines and birch trees, and the odd sawmill including a fully automated one at Dunkly.

10:20  Prince George (almost!):   The Rocky Mountaineer makes slow progress through the yards approaching Prince George.  The train heads for a long low steel bridge across the Fraser into Prince George, which is the route passengers trains (when there were any) would normally take.  But immediately before the bridge the train turns right at a triangular junction onto the line leading out of Prince George towards Jasper.  The train is no longer on the Pacific Great Eastern but on the Grand Trunk Pacific.  The GTP is Canada's third trans-continental line, built from Jasper through Prince George to the pacific ocean at the port of Prince Rupert.  Although not in the same league as Vancouver, much freight is still shipped overseas via Prince Rupert.  The GTP was nationalised after its bankruptcy in 1921 and is now part of Canadian National Railways.

12:30:  Lunch is served as the train enters the Rocky Mountain trench, a wide valley between the mountains.  The train follows the meandering brown river through the pines and birches.

16:00:  The train passes McBride, with agriculture now in evidence across the valley.

17:50 Mount Robson:   Another highlight of the trip, the train passes Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Rockies at 12,972 feet.  The Rocky Mountaineer Journey through the Clouds route also passes this spot, so gets this same view of Mt Robson, as does VIA Rail's Toronto-Vancouver Canadian .

18:10:  The Fraser river is now narrower, cleaner and greener.  The valley narrows, with snow-capped mountains on each side. 

18:50 Yellowhead Pass:   The train joins the Jasper-Kamloops-Vancouver main line, and passes through the Yellowhead Pass.  This is the easiest and lowest pass through the Rockies at 3,718 feet above sea level.  The train crosses from British Columbia into Alberta, and the clocks go forward an hour.

20:30 (19:30 BC time) Jasper:   The train arrives at Jasper, at the heart of Jasper National Park.  The station is right at the front of this small town, which grew up around the railway.  Jasper station is used by two Rocky Mountaineer routes and VIA Rail's Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver Canadian .

Bear! bear! bear !

You may see ospreys, bald eagles and deer from the train, and if you're lucky maybe a bear or two.  There are two sorts of bear, black bears are more common, grizzly bears less so.  Keep your eyes peeled!  In Jasper, you'll see many elk just wandering about the outskirts of the town.  Below, the best bear sighting they've had for several years on the Rainforest to Goldrush route, approaching Jasper near Mt Robson.

G uidebooks

Buy Rough Guide from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Or buy direct from the Lonely Planet website , with shipping worldwide.

The Trans-Canada Rail Guide

Trailblazer's Trans-Canada Rail Guide is well worth buying if you're planning a trans-Canada train trip.  It will help you plan your journey, and best of all it includes mile-by-mile lineside route guides showing what to see from the train on all the main VIA Rail & Rocky Mountaineer services.  Buy in the UK from Amazon.co.uk .  Buy in the USA from Amazon.com

Recommended hotels

In vancouver:  fairmont vancouver hotel.

In the centre of downtown Vancouver, next to Christ Church Cathedral and only a few blocks from the Waterfront, the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is a former railway hotel.  It was started by Canadian National Railways but completed in partnership with rival Canadian Pacific, opened in 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.  It's another iconic Canadian chateau-style hotel, a true Vancouver landmark.  And if your budget will stretch, Fairmont won't disappoint.

If you want something cheaper, try the St Regis Hotel , also excellently located downtown and also a historic Vancouver landmark, opened in 1913.

In Jasper:  Fairmont Jasper Lodge

First established in 1915 in association with the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad, it became a Canadian National Railway hotel in the 1920s.  Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, and members of the British Royal family including King George IV and the Queen have stayed here.  It's on Lake Beauvert, a 9 minute drive from Jasper station.

In Banff:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Another famous classic hotel, originally built & owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and designed in the style of a Scottish castle.  If your budget will stretch, it's the most celebrated hotel in Banff and an experience in itself.

Flights to Canada

Overland travel around Canada by train & bus is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But a long-haul flight might be unavoidable to reach Canada in the first place.  To compare prices for flights to Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, check Skyscanner .

Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com .

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Spectacular Canadian Rockies

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9 Day Canada Tour from Vancouver to Calgary

9 days, 1 country and 8 cities

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8 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner

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Your Canada sightseeing will have you strolling historic Vancouver and Victoria, visiting UNESCO-listed Mount Robson, Jasper and Banff National Parks. 

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Travel through western Canada exploring iconic sights from cities to national parks.

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Extend your tour with a two-day return option on the Rocky Mountaineer train with Silverleaf service level.

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Extend your trip with a two-day return option upon the Rocky Mountaineer train with Goldleaf service level.

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Discover Vancouver, Victoria

Explore Columbia Icefield Adventure

Visit Mt Robson Visitor Center, Maligne Canyon during a guided walk, Butchart Gardens, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park

View Lake Louise, Stanley Park Totem Poles, Athabasca Falls, Mount Robson, Bow Falls & Surprise Corner

Scenic Drive along Icefields Parkway

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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

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Canadian Rockies Trains

Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountaineer

Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, is one of the most beautiful natural environments, and one of the most famous, in the world, and it would be a shame to visit the Canadian Rockies without adding Lake Louise to your itinerary.

If you’re thinking about a Rocky Mountaineer train tour, you might want to make Lake Louise your first destination because once you get to Lake Louise, you are already in Banff National Park and only 35 miles from the town of Banff, the biggest town in the Canadian Rockies.

At Lake Louise, it’s all about the lake and the world renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a hotel that matches the splendor of its surroundings. Once you arrive at  the lake and its beautiful turquoise color with its own Victoria Glacier in the distance, and the massive Chateau Lake Louise at its shore, you’ll know you’ve found a special place.

Here are some package suggestions that feature a visit to or stays at the Chateau Lake Louise. 

Two days on the rocky mountaineer.

The shortest Rocky Mountaineer trip is two days and one night.You can start your train trip in Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper.  See the map above for all Rocky Mountaineer routes. (Train travels in both directions.)

This is the perfect trip if you want to put together your own packages to the Canadian Rockies, include the Rocky Mountaineer and save money.  Call us to discuss your plans and we will make your train reservations and email your confirmation along with detailed recommendations for hotels, activities, tours and transportation options in the Rockies, Vancouver and Calgary. Two day tours are available from April 26 to October 6, 2022 depending on the route. See our  Schedule  for all departure dates.

2022 High Season Prices: Vancouver and Lake Louise: $1,999 SilverLeaf | $2,749 GoldLeaf

Call us at 604-900-8671 or 1-800-913-9207  or  Email  for more information and reservations.

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Rocky Mountaineer Classic Rail Vacation

2022 High Season Prices: Vancouver to/from Lake Louise: $2,767 SilverLeaf | $3,796 GoldLeaf | $3,829 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October Length:  3 Nights / 4 Days

2022 High Season Prices: Vancouver to/from Lake Louise: $2,749 SilverLeaf | $3,780 GoldLeaf | $3,793 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October Length:  3 Nights / 4 Days Call us at 604-900-8671 or 1-800-913-9207  or  Email  for more information and reservations.

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4 Nights / 5 Days Canadian Rockies Experience

This is one of our best short package. It offers so much in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable price.

The Canadian Rockies Experience includes 4 nights hotel accommodations, 2 days on the Rocky Mountaineer between Vancouver and Banff, one night in Vancouver, one night in Kamloops en route and two nights in Banff. 

This package also includes a day trip to Lake Louise and a transfer from Banff to the Calgary Airport.

2022 High Season Prices: $3,159 SilverLeaf | $4,059 GoldLeaf | $4,329 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October

2022 High Season Prices: $3,285 SilverLeaf | $4,400 GoldLeaf | $4,545 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October Length:  4 Nights / 5 Days Call us at 604-900-8671 or 1-800-913-9207  or  Email  for more information and reservations

4 Night Lovely Lake Louise

Lovely Lake Louise is our newest short trip features Lake Louise, arguably the most beautiful lake in the world. This package features a night at the Chateau Lake Louise in a lake view room and two days on the Rocky Mountaineer.

It also includes a night in Vancouver and a night in Banff National Park and a night in Kamloops a town in the British Columbia interior and the midpoint on the train journey.

Finally, this package includes a transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport or from  Calgary Airport  to Banff, depending on whether you begin your trip in Vancouver or in Calgary.

Available  from Vancouver each Sunday and Thursday (and select Mondays) from April 25 to October 3, 2022 and from April 24 to October 2, 2022.

2022 High Season Prices: $3,409 SilverLeaf | $4,319 GoldLeaf | $4,499 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October

2022 High Season Prices: $3,382 SilverLeaf | $4,455 GoldLeaf | $4,653 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October Length:  4 Nights / 5 Days Call  604-900-8671 or 1-800-913-9207 ,  Email  for more information and reservations.

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5 Night Rocky Mountaineer & Lake Louise

Our Rocky Mountaineer and Lake Louise package features 2days on the friendly, elegant Rocky Mountaineer, 2 nights at the world renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 1 night in Banff, 1 night in Vancouver and 1 night in Calgary where your trip ends. (You can also begin in Calgary and travel west.) All trips also include 1 night in Kamloops, the midpoint on the train journey.

Available  from Vancouver each Sunday and Thursday (and select Mondays) from April 25 to October 3, 2022 and April 24 to October 2, 2022.

2022 High Season Prices: $4,099 SilverLeaf | $4,877 GoldLeaf | $5,079 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October

2022 High Season Prices: $3,997 SilverLeaf | $5,032 GoldLeaf | $5,219 GoldLeaf Deluxe Prices are lower in April, May and October Length:  5 Nights / 6 Days Call  604-900-8671 or 1-800-913-9207 ,  Email  for more information and reservations.

Calgary Train Vacations

Known as "Stampede City," Calgary rises proudly from the Alberta prairie. It’s a vibrant city with an intriguing art and culture scene, superb dining and some of the region's best museums. In July it hosts the legendary Calgary Stampede, a celebration of the region's western heritage. Along with this urban centre, you’ll see mountains, dense pine forests, shimmering lakes and lots of nature during as a Calgary to Vancouver train vacation.

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Popular calgary to vancouver trips, things to do in calgary, places to visit on a calgary train vacation, calgary train experiences, frequently asked questions.

Although no trains depart directly from Calgary, the city acts as the starting and ending point for many Canadian rail vacations, known as Calgary to Vancouver train tours . Flights into Calgary give you an easy access point to Banff, a major stop for the Rocky Mountaineer. VIA Rail’s route goes through Jasper, a beautiful  drive from Calgary over the Icefields Parkway. Some travellers choose to fly into either Vancouver or Calgary, then fly out of the other city if they don’t want to do the return journey on the train or do a circle tour.  

The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations know all of Calgary's hidden gems. They can help you create your ideal trip itinerary. Check out the Calgary Stampede, explore Heritage Park and dine at one of the city's gourmet restaurants. We take care of all the details, finding the best excursions and accommodations for your Calgary to Vancouver train vacation. 

Speak to a Canadian Train Vacation Advisor to discuss all your options.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail  

One of the most popular Calgary train routes, the eight-day Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail itinerary begins in Vancouver, a coastal city filled with museums, restaurants and historical sites. Once you finish exploring the coast, you'll climb on board the Rocky Mountaineer for stops in Kamloops and Jasper. Explore Lake Louise and Banff before ending the trip of a lifetime in Calgary. Like most of our itineraries, this trip can also be done in reverse.  

Miles covered on train : 559 Miles  Days on train : 2  Nights on train : 0 

Essential Rockies by Train  

The six-day Essential Rockies by Train trip takes you through the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. It offers plenty of opportunities to see lakes, glaciers and local wildlife. After exploring Vancouver, you'll ride the Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops and Lake Louise. This itinerary also includes time in Banff, a stunning mountain town within the world-famous national park.  

Miles covered on train : 594 Miles  Days on train : 2  Nights on train : 0

Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train  

Traverse one of the most beautiful routes in the world—Icefields Parkway—on a trip that starts in Calgary and ends in Vancouver. You'll see the prairies of Alberta, enjoy the fresh air of Canada's most popular mountain towns and have a chance to explore coastal Vancouver. Like other train trips from Calgary, this itinerary includes several excursion options to suit your unique needs. 

Miles covered on train : 332 Miles  Days on train : 1  Nights on train : 1 

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Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

Calgary Stampede 

Many of our train-vacation itineraries begin or end in Calgary, giving you a chance to see the Calgary Stampede. This celebration of Calgary's western heritage takes place every July. Take in a rodeo competition, listen to live country music or watch the dog show, an annual event featuring pooches playing frisbee, dancing and diving off docks. 

#1 Travel tip: Calgary Stampede

Add some extra time in Calgary if you want to attend the Calgary Stampede! This famous event is full of fun activities and is best enjoyed over a few days.

Downtown Walking Tour 

A walking tour is the perfect way to discover Calgary's past and find out how it transformed into a bustling city. Led by a local guide, each tour takes you past some of Calgary's most important landmarks, from modern skyscrapers to a sawmill used in the late 1800s. Don't worry if it's cold or rainy—Downtown Calgary has a network of skywalks to keep you warm while you explore. 

Calgary Tower 

Before you leave on a tourist train to Vancouver, climb to the top of Calgary Tower for stunning views of Eighth Avenue Place, The Edison, Bankers Hall and other local landmarks. The freestanding observation tower is home to Sky 360 Restaurant and Lounge, which revolves once per hour to give diners the most stunning panoramic views imaginable. 

Heritage Tour 

If you're a history buff, no visit to Calgary is complete without a heritage tour, which helps you understand how Calgary's past connects to its present. While on board a comfortable motor coach, you'll hear an expert guide provide background information on some of the exhibits at Heritage Park Historical Village, a complex featuring 180 attractions. Enjoy historical artifacts, amusement rides, restaurants and more before returning to Downtown Calgary. 

Segway Tour 

Feeling adventurous? Hop on a Segway and explore Calgary in style. Beginner tours include instruction in how to operate a Segway safely, ensuring you can focus on taking in the sights and sounds of Calgary's river valley once you get moving. 

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Banff  .

Banff is one of the most popular destinations for anyone interested in train travel from Calgary to Vancouver. After transferring to Banff from Calgary, tourists can take the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver. Located in Alberta, the resort town of Banff has a little something for everyone, from boutiques and restaurants to spas and outdoor activities. Its crown jewel is Banff National Park, home to black bears, grizzlies, cougars, wolves, moose and elk. Bighorn sheep have even been known to hide among the park's rocky outcroppings. 

If you love the outdoors, consider a visit to nearby Lake Minnewanka, which has lake cruises, SCUBA excursions and a scenic drive that leads you back toward Banff and its soaring mountain peaks. Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you'll find some of the best views of the town below. Finish off your visit with a trip to Banff's natural mineral water springs, which offer pristine views of the valley below. 

#2 Travel tip: Travel to the Rockies

Travel to the Rockies Calgary is a great starting point for many Canadian Rockies trips. You can head straight to Banff National Park from Calgary Airport — the drive takes less than two hours.

Jasper 

Many Calgary to Vancouver tours include a stop in Jasper, the perfect place for wilderness enthusiasts. The alpine town has shimmering lakes, natural hot springs, hiking trails and more, providing almost limitless opportunities to stay active on your vacation. While you're in town, don't miss Jasper National Park, home to ancient glaciers, tranquil forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. 

As you explore the park, don't be surprised if you encounter elk, moose, wolves and other wildlife. Jasper National Park is also a popular place for birdwatching, so keep an eye out for ravens, eagles, geese, ducks, owls and other winged friends. After exploring the outdoors, head into town for a bite to eat. Jasper has everything from hole-in-the-wall cafés to Michelin-rated restaurants. 

Lake Louise 

A highlight of Banff National Park is world-renown Lake Louise. This glacier-fed lake is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. During the summer, popular activities include fishing and canoeing. Lake Louise is also known for its extensive trail system, which includes Lake Agnes Trail, Plain of Six Glaciers Trail and the Big Beehive. 

When colder temperatures set in, Lake Louise transforms into a popular ski resort. Due to its location, Lake Louise has a longer ski season than any other place in Canada. It’s the ideal destination for anyone who loves whooshing down the slopes on a mound of fresh powder. If you're interested in something a little more low-key, check out Samson Mall or the upscale shops at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. 

Emerald Lake 

Nestled in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake stands as one of the most popular destinations in the Canadian Rockies. The lake doesn't thaw out until around June, so July and August are the most popular times to visit. If you visit during the summer, you can expect to see turquoise waters dotted with boats, kayaks and canoes. As the summer season comes to a close, the water becomes less colourful due to the addition of sediment from the melting glacier. 

During the winter, Emerald Lake has excellent skiing and snowshoeing, but many travellers prefer to relax inside a comfortable lodge while the snow falls around them. The area is home to several restaurants, including a bistro and two casual cafés, ensuring everyone in your group can find something they enjoy. While you're in town, don't forget to visit nearby Lake Louise.

These are some suggested train experiences for your Canadian adventure

Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. The train runs from mid-April until mid-October. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.

The VIA Rail trains connect Canada from Vancouver to Halifax, with four different train routes. Major city stops include Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. The trains run year round. Depending on the route, they offer daylight or overnight sleeper train experiences.

Alaska Cruise

The rail portion of your trip can come before or after your Alaska cruise. There are two types of cruise ships to choose from: a larger, more luxurious vessel or a smaller ship that allows you to visit more coves and inlets. Each type of ship has its advantages and it depends on your style of travel and what you want to get out of your Alaska cruise adventure.

What Our Customers Say

Everyone should go to calgary stampede.

Thank you for making our Canadian trip so absolutely terrific. We adored The Rocky Mountaineer, every single second, from the bagpipe send-off to the delicious food, gourmet actual...   read more

Helene and Nancy

The service was great

We LOVED the train! The service was great! Our morning tour was fantastic. The evening safari was good too, and the Calgary tour was excellent. My cousin, who has traveled the worl...   read more

Marilyn, Ken, Delia and Kay

The scenery was gorgeous

We couldn't have done this trip without Fresh Tracks Canada, they provided great service, we highly recommend. The scenery was gorgeous.

Michelle and Leon

Why book with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

How much is a train ticket from Calgary to Vancouver?

Your Calgary to Vancouver train ticket price depends on which rail line you use, how many stops are on your itinerary and what time of year you travel. You will also have to take the train to Banff, Jasper or Edmonton and take a coach or private transfer to Calgary. To travel from Vancouver to Banff via the Rocky Mountaineer,itineraries start at $3,076 USD per person, and include hotels, meals on the train, and some excursions. You also have the option of travelling to Jasper or Edmonton on VIA Rail and transferring to Calgary. VIA Rail offers several levels of service. An itinerary including this train route starts at $2,690 USD per person with standard accommodations.

How long is the train ride from Calgary to Vancouver?

There is no tourist train from Calgary to Vancouver, but many train-vacation itineraries start or end in Calgary. If your trip starts in Calgary and ends in Vancouver, you'll need to transfer from Calgary to Banff or Jasper before boarding a train. On this type of trip, the train ride from Banff or Jasper to Vancouver takes an average of 20 hours, but you won't be on the train the whole time.

How long is the train ride from Calgary to Lake Louise?

There's no train from Calgary to Lake Louise. For trips beginning in Vancouver, you'll spend a total of 13.5 to 20 hours on the train, depending on the route, but you'll have to travel to Calgary by bus or private transfer.

Can you take a train from Calgary to Banff?

You can't take a train directly from Calgary to Banff. If your trip begins in Vancouver, however, you can take a train from Vancouver to Banff. It is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Calgary to Banff.

Is there a passenger train from Calgary to Vancouver?

There's no passenger train from Calgary to Vancouver. Some itineraries begin in Calgary, but you'll have to use some other type of transportation to get from Calgary to the first train station on your tour.

When are trains from Calgary most crowded?

VIA Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer don't serve Calgary, but Canadian train routes are typically most crowded during the summer, which is when many tourists flock to Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and other local highlights.

About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the...   Read more

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Rockies Essentials: Eastbound

6 day rocky mountaineer train tour with lake louise & banff.

from Vancouver to Calgary

This 6-day tour will show you all the essential locations you need to see in the Canadian Rockies and takes you aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer for two full days along the historic Canadian Pacific Railway route from Vancouver to Banff National Park. See mountains, lakes, and waterfalls; from Vancouver on the West Coast to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The climax of this journey is a night at the exquisite Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, followed by two nights in Banff where you will have a chance to explore the surrounding National Parks.

Travel Dates in 2024 & 2025

2024 start dates - eastbound.

Starting on Sundays and Thursdays with occasional Mondays

2025 Start Dates - Eastbound

Travel summary.

• Day 1: Vancouver Arrival - overnight in Vancouver
• Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Kamloops- overnight in Kamloops
• Day 3 : Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Lake Louise - overnight in Lake Louise
• Day 4 : Lake Louise to Banff - Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls Tour - overnight in Banff
• Day 5: Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola - overnight in Banff
• Day 6 : Banff to Calgary Scenic Transfer

What's Included

• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches onboard the train
• 5 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
• Yoho National Park Tour and Transfer to Banff
• Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
• Transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport or downtown
• Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Kamloops
• Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff
• Independent Tour

Not Included

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

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - vancouver arrival.

Start your trip by arriving in Vancouver—Canada’s third-largest city. Due to its cultural diversity and bustling arts scene, this west coast gem is home to a number of unique attractions. 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 and receive complimentary Hop On Hop Off passes through Canada Rail Vacations!

After a day of exploring popular destinations like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown, you’ll soon realize why Vancouver is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train in the morning and say goodbye to the coast! Your journey begins through the lush mountainsides of Fraser Valley where you will travel alongside the salmon-filled waters of the Fraser River.

Enjoy fresh, gourmet meals served aboard the train as you travel through river canyons carved into some of Canada’s most glorious mountain ranges. Passing by geographic attractions like Hell’s Gate and through distinct ecological environments, you’ll eventually reach the drier habitat of the interior plateau. Spend the night in your Kamloops hotel room.

Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Banff

Leave the ranchlands behind and approach the world-famous snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Along the way to Lake Louise, you’ll be passing through three national parks; Glacier, Yoho, and Banff. Complimentary drinks flow as you take in a natural beauty.

You’ll arrive at Lake Louise in the late afternoon, sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the Rockies” and spend the night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - Banff to Calgary Scenic Transfer

Your vacation is complete after a scenic transfer from Banff to the Calgary airport or downtown. Thank you for travelling with us!

6 Day Tour Pricing 2024 & 2025

• 2024 Prices
• 2025 Prices

2024 Pricing - Canadian Dollars

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 .

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Calgary Stampede Train Trip through the Canadian Rockies

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INTRODUCTION

Experience the breathtaking scenery on our Calgary Stampede Train Trip through the Canadian Rockies.

Departing from either vancouver or calgary, you'll travel on the luxurious rocky mountaineer train to jasper, lake louise and banff, where you'll enjoy your choice of tours from wildlife viewing to a cowboy cookout on horseback., transferring from banff to calgary by coach, the annual calgary stampede festival awaits, complete with rodeo shows, unique midway foods and thrilling chuck wagon races. , this is the canadian west at its best. .

Itinerary at a Glance

DETAILED ITINERARY

The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.

Departing Vancouver | Departing

Day 1 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 2 Kamloops to Jasper | Rocky Mountaineer Back onboard the Rocky Mountaineer follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake. Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight. Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca River Experience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Athabasca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife throughout this gentle adventure. Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour Embark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Maligne Valley Sightseeing + Boat Cruise This Jasper tour starts with a brief town overview before crossing the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. Discover the majestic Maligne Canyon's waterfalls and the enigmatic "disappearing" Medicine Lake. The highlight is a trip to stunning Maligne Lake, including an interpretative boat cruise to Spirit Island. Experience firsthand the beauty that captured adventurer Mary Schaeffer's heart a century ago, and has since become world-renowned.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff | Coach This morning is at leisure to explore Lake Louise before a mid-day transfer to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley highway, arriving mid-afternoon.

Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Signature Guided Hike | Small Group Hike with Picnic Lunch Experience the best of Rocky Mountain National Parks' backcountry with our curated hiking tours. Revel in spring's wildflowers, summer's clear glacier views, and the golden hues of fall's larch trees. Our passionate local guides will lead you on classic hikes in the Banff and Lake Louise area, including Stanley Glacier, Larch Valley, Kootenay National Park Trails, and Plain of 6 Glaciers. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty across seasons in the Rockies.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary | Coach Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. Follow the Trans Canada Highway and leave the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Arrive Calgary mid afternoon

Day 8 Calgary Stampede | Rodeo Event The morning is yours to continue your explorations of Calgary. This afternoon, we make our way to the Stampede Grounds for the worldrenowned Stampede Rodeo. Take in the sights and sounds of the rodeo, shop at the many vendors, sample the food and experience the amazing events. Traditional rodeo events, such as bareback bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and tie-down roping, keep the excitement going all throughout the day and into the evening

Day 9 Calgary Stampede | Chuckwagon Races + Evening Grandstand Show Today is at leisure to enjoy the Calgary Stampede. Tonight we meet at Stampede Park for a special dinner in the Clubhouse, located on the fourth level of the Grandstand, before the main event, the Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show. The Chuckwagon Races are an event to remember, as 36 wagon drivers compete for over $1 million in prize money. Feel the excitement build over each of the nine heats, as sounds of horse hooves pounding the earth fill the air. When the winner crosses the finish line, the Grandstand Show begins. Acrobats, musicians, dancers and other talented performers entertain us all night before the evening concludes with a colorful fireworks display

Day 10 Calgary | Departure Upon check-out of your hotel your package ends.

Day 1 Calgary | Arrival Upon arrival in Calgary transfer (own cost) to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.

Day 2 Calgary Stampede | Rodeo Event The morning is yours to continue your explorations of Calgary. This afternoon, we make our way to the Stampede Grounds for the worldrenowned Stampede Rodeo. Take in the sights and sounds of the rodeo, shop at the many vendors, sample the food and experience the amazing events. Traditional rodeo events, such as bareback bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and tie-down roping, keep the excitement going all throughout the day and into the evening

Day 3 Calgary Stampede | Chuckwagon Race | Evening Grandstand Show Today is at leisure to enjoy the Calgary Stampede. Tonight we meet at Stampede Park for a special dinner in the Clubhouse, located on the fourth level of the Grandstand, before the main event, the Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show. The Chuckwagon Races are an event to remember, as 36 wagon drivers compete for over $1 million in prize money. Feel the excitement build over each of the nine heats, as sounds of horse hooves pounding the earth fill the air. When the winner crosses the finish line, the Grandstand Show begins. Acrobats, musicians, dancers and other talented performers entertain us all night before the evening concludes with a colorful fireworks display

Day 4 Calgary to Banff | Coach Leave the Stampede City of Calgary on the express service to Banff, where you’ll arrive to a picturesque resort town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is renown for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

Day 5 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Signature Guided Hike | Small Group Hike with Picnic Lunch Experience the best of Rocky Mountain National Parks' backcountry with our curated hiking tours. Revel in spring's wildflowers, summer's clear glacier views, and the golden hues of fall's larch trees. Our passionate local guides will lead you on classic hikes in the Banff and Lake Louise area, including Stanley Glacier, Larch Valley, Kootenay National Park Trails, and Plain of 6 Glaciers. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty across seasons in the Rockies.

Day 6 Banff to Lake Louise | Coach Depart Banff early afternoon for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Lake Louise.

Day 7 Lake Louise to Jasper | Sightseeing with picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 8 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake. Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight. Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca River Experience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Athabasca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife throughout this gentle adventure. Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour Embark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Maligne Valley Sightseeing + Boat Cruise This Jasper tour starts with a brief town overview before crossing the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. Discover the majestic Maligne Canyon's waterfalls and the enigmatic "disappearing" Medicine Lake. The highlight is a trip to stunning Maligne Lake, including an interpretative boat cruise to Spirit Island. Experience firsthand the beauty that captured adventurer Mary Schaeffer's heart a century ago, and has since become world-renowned.

Day 9 Jasper to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson ‘the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and follow the mighty Thompson River, the route of early fur traders, before arriving in Kamloops. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 10 Kamloops to Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer Leaving Kamloops, follow the Thompson River through Ashcroft, one of Canada’s driest towns, with an average rainfall of just 18 centimetres. Pass through Rainbow Canyon, named for its cliffs striped with pinks, greens and greys creating a stunning rainbow effect. Continue on to the Fraser Canyon, where at Hell’s Gate watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point. The last leg of the journey takes you through the fertile farming region of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Package Includes:

• Rocky Mountaineer Train between Vancouver and Jasper
• 1 night accommodation in Kamloops provided by Rocky Mountaineer
• 2 nights accommodation in Jasper
• 1 night accommodation in Lake Louise
• 2 nights accommodation in Banff
• 3 nights accommodation in Calgary
• Return transfers between rail depot and hotel in Kamloops
• Transfer between rail depot and hotel in Jasper
• Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour
• Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife
• Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca River
• Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour
• Upgrade Option: Maligne Valley Sightseeing + Boat Cruise
• Full day tour between Jasper and Lake Louise with picnic lunch included
• Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
• Scheduled transfer between Lake Louise and Banff
• Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola
• Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch
• Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch
• Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner
• Signature Guided Hike | Small Group Hike with Picnic Lunch
• Scheduled coach transfer between Banff hotel and Calgary
• Reserved seating for the Chuckwagon Races & Grandstand Show
• Reserved Seating for one afternoon’s Rodeo events
• Meals as per itinerary
• National Park fees

Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade

• Rocky Mountaineer Train | SilverLeaf Service
• Kamloops - Moderate Hotel | Provided by Rocky Mountaineer
• Jasper - Moderate Hotel | Standard Room
• Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn | Summit Deluxe Queen Room
• Banff - Elk+Avenue Hotel | Standard Room
• Calgary – Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre | Standard Room

Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade

• Jasper - Forest Park Hotel | Woodland Balcony or Alpine Room
• Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Room
• Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge | Superior Room
• Calgary – Delta Calgary Hotel | Guest Room

Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Grade

• Rocky Mountaineer Train | GoldLeaf Service
• Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Deluxe Room
• Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Lakeview Room
• Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Room
• Calgary – Fairmont Palliser Hotel | Fairmont Room

Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Plus Grade

• Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Premier Deluxe Room
• Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Deluxe Lake View Room
• Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Mountain View Room
• Calgary – Fairmont Palliser Hotel | Signature Room

Not Included

• Activities other than specified
• Meals other than specified
• Portage fees

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Arrange a call with a Canada Train Travel Designer and bring your vacation one step closer!

DATES & PRICING

Departs from Vancouver: Tuesday & Friday (Tour Code: TR166) Jul 2, 5 Departs from Calgary: Wednesday & Saturday (Tour Code: TR167) Jul 6, 10

STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS RAIL VACATION

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Days / Nights

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Palliser Hotel

Banff Caribou Lodge

Lake Louise Inn

Forest Park Hotel Jasper

Delta Calgary Hotel

Elk Avenue Hotel

Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre

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Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.

Paul Williams Canada

We had the most amazing vacation in Western Canada, I explained what we was wanting to see and Samantha she made it all happen plus more..

Stephan H Atlanta, GA

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Rockies Southern Rail Excursion

5 days, 4 nights rocky mountaineer rail & coach tour.

Vancouver → Kamloops  → Lake Louise →Banff →  Calgary

Embark on a rail journey from Vancouver to Calgary aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, traversing the Canadian Pacific Railway’s historic paths. Witness the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels, and the natural splendour of Rogers Pass. Once in the Rockies, a guided coach tour offers an immersive experience in the stunning landscapes of Banff and Lake Louise. Every moment aboard this trip from Vancouver to Calgary is a luxurious adventure you’ll never forget.

Book Early And Save Up to $500 Per Couple

• Tour Features
• Day 1 – 2: Rocky Mountaineer 2-day train trip from Vancouver to Lake Louise
• Day 3 – 4: Sightseeing in Banff and Jasper National Parks
• Day 5: Banff to Calgary by motorcoach
• Hotel:  4 nights of hotel accommodation
• Meals:  5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• Luggage handling: Kamloops
• Rail station transfers:  Lake Louise and Kamloops
• Excursions/Activities**:  Banff Gondola ride, Ice Explorer tour, Glacier Skywalk, Johnston Canyon (some departures)
• Other: Toll fee & Park Pass
• Rail Service: GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf
• Departure Year

2024                   2025

2024 SILVERLEAF SERVICE

2024 GOLDLEAF SERVICE

*All Prices are in Canadian Dollars

• Hotels included
• Banff (2 nights):  Aspen Lodge or similar
• Lake Louise:  Lake Louise Inn or Post Hotel (upgrade to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise available for an additional cost – subject to availability)
• Kamloops : Hotels are assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
• Banff (2 nights):  The Rimrock Resort Hotel (Deluxe View Room)
• Lake Louise:  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Fairmont Lakeview Room)
• Tour Schedule

2025 SILVERLEAF SERVICE

2025 GOLDLEAF SERVICE

• Tour Itinerary

Departure : 7:30  am Arrival : 6:30 – 7:30 p m

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.  [B] [L]

Departure : 6:25  am Arrival : 6:00 – 7:30  pm

Your journey continues eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again, you will experience ever-changing scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in Lake Louise. Overnight in Lake Louise. [B] [L]

Today, you have two options to choose from. You can join our guided Icefield Parkway excursion, which includes an exciting interpretive Ice Explorer tour on Athabasca Glacier and a visit to the breathtaking Glacier Skywalk. Alternatively, you can spend the day at your leisure, exploring the charming town of Lake Louise. Overnight in Banff [B]

Departure : 8:30  a m Arrival : 6:00 – 7:00  p m

Get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing and activities in Banff National Park. We will start the day with a hike (optional) to the beautiful waterfalls of Johnston Canyon. At Lake Louise, you’ll have fantastic opportunities to capture stunning photos of Victoria Glacier and the lake as you stroll along the shores. In the afternoon, we will explore other highlights of the Rockies, including Moraine Lake, Banff Springs Hotel, and Bow Falls. Don’t forget to take advantage of the gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view of Banff town and its surrounding beauty Overnight in Banff. [B]

Departure :  Starting from 6:30 am (many departures)  Arrival : Approximately 2 and a half hours

Leaving Banff, you’ll head east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), bidding farewell to the majestic peaks and alpine scenery. Calgary showcases the transition from the mountainous terrain to the rolling foothills and eventually the open prairies. The landscape becomes more expansive, with wide-open spaces and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. [B]

Enjoy free time in the heart of downtown Calgary.

Tour Variations for Day 5: 1. Extend your stay in Lake Louise/Banff. Extra accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost. Flexible departure to Calgary.

2. Fly to your  next destination from Calgary. 

*  Optional activities

★★ Included in the tour package for bookings made after July 1st, 2023 ★ Departure and arrival times may vary [B]  = Breakfast [L]  = Lunch [D]  = Dinner 

Premium Accommodation

• Banff (2 nights): The Rimrock Resort Hotel (Deluxe View Room)
• Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Fairmont Lakeview Room)
• Kamloops : Hotels are assigned by Rocky Mountaineer

Standard Accommodation

• Banff (2 nights): Aspen Lodge or similar
• Lake Louise: Lake Louise Inn (upgrade to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise available for an additional cost – subject to availability)

While you are on the tour, you have the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Although optional, our mountain tour guides recommend following activities to enhance your Canadian Rockies experience:

– Columbia Ice Explorer Tour – Glacier Skywalk – Sulphur Mountain (Banff) Gondola Ride – Canoeing on Lake Louise – Upper Hot Springs

For more information on above activities (and their costs), click  HERE .

Relax and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views from a custom-designed, two level, glass-domed GoldLeaf coach. Included is an outdoor viewing area and premium dining options prepared by on-board chefs.

Take in the awe-inspiring scenery through the windows of a custom-designed, single-level dome coach. Dinner will be served at your seat and complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided to you throughout the journey.

FAQ’S

Pent-up demand for 2023 Canadian vacations has been extremely high, and we highly recommend that you book your seats as early as possible

Hotel pick-up is available from select downtown hotels to the Rocky Mountaineer train station.

Standard hotels are mountain lodge-style while deluxe hotels are resort-style. The majority of our guests choose standard accommodation as these hotels are very clean and comfortable, and travellers will get their own private room and washroom. Travellers who book deluxe accommodation often do so because they want to stay at Chateau Lake Louise. If you want to book deluxe accommodation, be sure to book early as these hotels sell out quickly – availability is limited within 6 months of departure!

Gratuities are not included in the prices, except for onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. It is customary to tip for excellent service in Canada.

This depends on the day. If you are travelling from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff, it will be a minimum of 10 hours. However, every 2-3 hours, you get out of the bus for mini breaks. During the sightseeing days, you will spend little time on the bus as you will be walking/sightseeing/hiking & etc.

“Excellent tour and saw amazing places and experienced lovely things. It met our needs of visiting the Rockies and was well priced for what it had offered. Well worth the money. Brad was very well spoken and knowledgeable with all the information he provided. He knew his information/history and provided us with all necessary information. Len was very friendly and professional one of the best drivers from a tour company we have experienced .”

 Ronald & Amanda Mallia Swansea,  NSW, Australia