tour from vancouver to jasper

15 BEST Stops On a Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip (Including Icefields Parkway)

If you have ever wanted to experience the ocean views and Rocky Mountains of western Canada, the drive from Vancouver to Jasper has both!

A drive from Vancouver to Jasper, from the ocean to the Rocky Mountains, will take you through the very scenic Canadian province of British Columbia (they don’t call it beautiful BC for nothing!) and into neighboring Alberta. Read on to learn about travel options for this trip, as well as some stops to make along the way!

How to Travel Between Vancouver and Jasper

• By Car: The easiest way to travel between Vancouver and Jasper is by car. This will allow you the flexibility to choose which stops to make along the way and you can take as many days as you’d like to complete the trip. You can rent a car in Vancouver and drop it off in Jasper (or vice versa), often for an additional fee. Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National Car Rental are the car rental companies operating in Jasper. However if you are flying out of Edmonton or Calgary, it’s best to drop off in those locations.
• By Train: The Rocky Mountaineer offers scenic train journeys between Vancouver and Jasper (among other destinations in the Rockies). The trip directly between Vancouver and Jasper can be made in 2 days, with a one-night stop in Kamloops. Via Rail is another option, with two trains running between Vancouver and Jasper per week.
• By Air: In order to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by air, you must fly from Vancouver into either Calgary or Edmonton and drive to Jasper from there. Both Air Canada and WestJet offer frequent flights between Vancouver and these two cities, and the driving time from either Calgary or Edmonton to Jasper will take around 4 hours.

The Best Routes Between Vancouver and Jasper

• Fastest Route (9 hours) : The fastest route from Vancouver to Jasper is along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) from Vancouver to Hope, onto Highway 5 (also known as the Coquihalla Highway) through Kamloops and beyond before turning onto Highway 16 near Valemount and Mount Robson Provincial Park . However, this is the quickest route, though we don’t think it’s the most scenic, and you may find that you miss many of the must-see stops between Vancouver and Jasper (particularly the Icefields Parkway ).
• Scenic Route (13 hours – Highway 99 Route, including Icefields Parkway) : This scenic route from Vancouver travels through Whistler and on to Pemberton and Cache Creek along Highway 99. This will take you along Duffy Lake Road, a scenic but sometimes tricky road to drive in adverse conditions. You will then connect with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and follow it through Revelstoke, Glacier National Park, and Golden. Past Golden you will get on Highway 93N in Lake Louise and travel north towards Jasper. This route is quite long – but the most scenic.
• Alternate Scenic Route ( 11.5 hours – Highway 5 Route, including Icefields Parkway) : From Vancouver, follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) from Vancouver to Hope, onto Highway 5 (also known as the Coquihalla Highway) through Kamloops and then back onto Highway 1 through Revelstoke, Glacier National Park, and Golden and hop on the Icefields Parkway in Lake Louise.
• Okanagan Detour (12 hours): From the Highway 5 Route, it is also possible to take Highway 97 detour to visit the Okanagan Region of British Columbia. This will take you towards Lake Okanagan and through the cities of Kelowna and Vernon.

Ultimately, there are a number of routes that will take you from Vancouver to Jasper, though it depends on if you want the long and extremely scenic route, or the quickest but less dramatic route.

We recommend studying a map and determining which stops you’d like to make in order to help you decide on your desired route.

This article will focus on the two scenic routes , along with details about the Okanagan (Highway 97) Detour.

Can You Do the Vancouver to Jasper Drive in One Day?

Yes – the Vancouver to Jasper drive can be done in one day. However, you will not have all the time that you may like to make stops and do any sightseeing along the way. It would be a long day of driving and require an early start with just a few stops.

Allowing for at least two days might be a better option. This will allow you to enjoy many of the stops along the way and break up the driving, though you really will benefit from taking three days to drive the scenic route between Vancouver and Jasper.

You could plan your overnight stays depending on which route you select and where you’d like to spend your time. We always recommend Revelstoke as a great half way base for Vancouver to Banff road trips .

Driving from Vancouver to Jasper in Winter

Winter driving in Western Canada, especially through the mountains, can be treacherous. If you are planning to drive in the winter, it is important to take your time and have the flexibility in your schedule to stop if needed due to poor weather and driving conditions.

Many roads in BC and some routes in Alberta require winter tires or chains from October 1st to April 30th. Also note that some areas along the route will not have cell service, so it is important to be prepared with all of your travel essentials in case of emergency.

Important Things to Note

• If you plan to stop for any sightseeing in a national park such as Banff National Park or Jasper National Park, you will need a Parks Canada Pass. Read more on how to get one here .
• It is important to watch for wildlife on the route from Vancouver to Jasper, especially during the summer months.
• Do not rely on having cell service for the entirety of the drive between Vancouver and Jasper, especially along the Icefields Parkway, from Pemberton to Cache Creek, and from Revelstoke to Golden. Plan accordingly and ensure you have access to an offline map.
• Stay up-to-date on road conditions on DriveBC and 511 Alberta .

Best Stops to Make on the Vancouver to Jasper Drive

With its waterfront location and views of the surrounding mountains, Vancouver is arguably the most beautiful metropolitan city in Canada. There is a wide range of things to see and do in Vancouver , and you could easily spend two days exploring the city before heading to Jasper.

Some of the best outdoor activities in Vancouver include:

• Stanley Park Seawall: This beautiful path is frequented by walkers, runners, and cyclists, and is easily accessed by those staying in the downtown area. Enjoy gorgeous ocean views along the paved path, and if you have the time, explore the 400-hectare Stanley Park itself.
• Climb Grouse Mountain: Located in North Vancouver, this hike is often referred to as ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’. If you can make it up the steep 2.5km climb with 800m of elevation gain, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Note that downhill hiking is not permitted – you must ride the gondola on your descent.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: This family-friendly attraction in North Vancouver offers a 450 ft suspension bridge, along with a treetop walk within the surroundings of an old-growth rainforest. If you are staying in Downtown Vancouver, you can catch a free shuttle to the park at Canada Place.

There are, of course, a wide variety of activities and attractions in Vancouver. Why not visit the Vancouver Aquarium (located in Stanley Park), take in a game or concert at BC Place, or check out Granville Island? If you have never visited the city before (or even if you have!), exploring Vancouver is well worth your time.

Vancouver to Jasper – Highway 99 Route

Shannon falls.

Located just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway approximately 58 kilometers north of Vancouver, Shannon Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in BC. A view of Shannon Falls can be reached following a short and easy hike. The Shannon Falls viewpoint is a great way to kick off your road trip!

A popular location with climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, the town of Squamish is located along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The Sea-to-Sky Highway route refers to the 163km journey between Vancouver and Pemberton (north of Whistler). You could easily spend a few days here hiking, biking, climbing, and taking in the scenery.

About 4 kilometers south of the town of Squamish you can ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for stunning views of Howe Sound and surrounding mountains. The area is surrounded by provincial parks, and the impressive Stawamus Chief granite dome is a notable landmark of the town.

Less than two hours from Vancouver, Whistler is a must-see stop with a variety of activities for any outdoor adventure lover. In the winter, visit the world-class ski resort at Whistler Blackcomb; in the summer, enjoy the numerous mountain biking and hiking trails and check out Nita Lake, Green Lake, or Alpha Lake!

If you have extra time as you make your way from Vancouver to Jasper, staying in Whistler for a night or two is a great option.

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

Popular among hikers and located along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a great stop for those looking to check out the scenic glacial blue water of three mountain lakes.

Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes can be accessed via day hike, or you can book a backcountry camping reservation and spend more time in the area.

Vancouver to Jasper – Okanagan Detour (Highway 5 & 97 route)

If you are choosing to take Highway 1 and then Highway 5 out of Vancouver towards Kamloops, taking a brief detour to the Okanagan region of British Columbia is a great option. Here you will find numerous wineries, the beautiful Lake Okanagan, and many other outdoor activities.

Kelowna is located in the Okanagan Valley along the shores of Lake Okanagan The area is filled with picturesque orchards, vineyards, and it is known for its beaches and lake life.

The popular Myra Canyon Trestles is a series of 18 trestle bridges high above the canyon, converted from a railway route into a trail that is used for hiking or biking. This is just one of the many things to do in Kelowna; you could easily spend a day enjoying the sunshine, wineries, amazing Kelowna restaurants , and outdoor activities!

The town of Vernon is located at the north end of Lake Okanagan as you make your way back to the Trans-Canada highway past Kelowna.

Here you can check out the beaches (try Kal Beach at Lake Kalamalka), the family-friendly Davison Orchards (do not leave without buying some delicious BC peaches!), or hit the links at Predator Ridge golf course.

Vancouver to Jasper – Highway 1 from Kamloops

The stops listed below can be found along both scenic routes (via Highway 99 or Highway 5), as these locations are found after you pass through Kamloops and back onto Highway 1.

A popular winter destination known for its skiing and snowboarding, Revelstoke offers a variety of things to do year-round . Located along the Trans-Canada Highway, this small town is a great place to stop for a bite to eat, to stretch your legs, or you could even choose to stay longer and explore the area.

Glacier National Park

Located in Rogers Pass in the Selkirk Range, Glacier National Park is home to beautiful mountain views and is often overlooked for the more popular locations of Banff and Jasper National Park .

In the summer, you can enjoy hikes with varying levels of difficulty, from family-friendly to more challenging backcountry trips. In the winter, backcountry skiing is a popular activity.

The town of Golden is a popular stop for visitors driving along the Trans-Canada Highway. Here you will find a variety of things to do including the Golden Skybridge , whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River, or ATV tours.

Because Golden is located outside of the nearby national parks, there are less limitations on activities that tourists can access here. You can find our list of epic things to do in Golden here.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, and as its name states, the lake is a stunning emerald color. Access to the BC lake can be found just a few kilometers off the Trans-Canada highway near the BC/Alberta border.

In the summer, you can stretch your legs along the easy lakeshore trail or rent a canoe to paddle on the lake. You will likely find that Emerald Lake is significantly less crowded than the nearby Lake Louise and nice reprieve from the crowds of Moraine and Lake Louise in the summer, though it is far from quiet.

Takakkaw Falls

An easy 30 minute hike will get you an up-close view of Takakkaw Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in Canada. Located near Emerald Lake and the town of Field, this is a worthwhile stop as you make your way to Jasper.

While you can technically view the falls from the parking area, the short 1.4km roundtrip hike is worth the effort for getting a better view.

Lake Louise

Any visit to the Canadian Rockies should include a visit to Lake Louise. Because of its (rightful!) popularity, parking at the lake can be a challenge in the summer months; it’s best to plan ahead if you know when you’d like to visit so that you can take advantage of the Park and Ride shuttle .

There are numerous hikes in the area surrounding Lake Louise , or you can spend time strolling the lakeshore or canoeing on the lake itself. In the winter, you can ice skate on the frozen lake or enjoy a hot chocolate at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another must-see destination in Banff National Park. Views of the stunning turquoise waters of this Banff lake take my breath away no matter how many times I visit. You can rent a canoe to paddle along the lake or enjoy one of the many surrounding hikes ( Larch Valley is an immensely popular hike in the fall!)

However, personal vehicles are no longer permitted along the road to Moraine Lake. Visiting this location takes a little effort and planning, but it is well worth it. It is very close to Lake Louise, so you could visit both spots in the same day.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is a must-see route on the way to (or from!) Jasper. There are numerous stops to make along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and you could (and should) take an entire day to enjoy the drive. A few of my favorites include:

• Peyto Lake: The view of Peyto Lake is one of the best in the Canadian Rockies. You can reach the viewpoint after a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
• Parker Ridge Hike: This moderate hike will give you views of the impressive Saskatchewan Glacier and may take around 2-3 hours to complete. The elevation gain is steady but nothing too challenging – a great way to break up the driving and stretch your legs!
• Athabasca Falls: One of the many impressive waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Falls is located close to the town of Jasper, and may be one of the last stops on your journey.

You’ve made it to Jasper! Jasper National Park is one of the loveliest locations in the Canadian Rockies and it has its own unique character that makes it distinct from nearby Banff National Park. You will find lots of things to do in Jasper , but here are a few things to do to get you started!

• Maligne Lake / Spirit Island : Book a boat ride along Maligne Lake to view Spirit Island. This location is sacred to Indigenous Peoples so you will not be able to set foot on Spirit Island; however, the lakeshore platform offers great opportunities for photography and viewing.
• Edith Cavell Meadows trail: A moderate trail rewards hikers with views of alpine meadows, Mount Edith Cavell, and Angel Glacier. Note that Cavell Road is only open in late June until early October each year.
• Valley of the Five Lakes : An easy family-friendly Jasper hike , this trail will get you up close to five serene lakes in varying shades of jade and blue.

Where to Stay in Jasper

• Fairmont Jasper Par k Lodge: One of the best places to stay in Jasper, this accommodation is located along Lac Beauvert, where you can enjoy lakeshore views and even rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board.
• Pyramid Lake Resort: Located just outside of the Jasper townsite, this resort offers chalet-style accommodation along the popular Pyramid Lake.
• Jasper Inn and Suites: If you’re looking for accommodation in the heart of Jasper town, Jasper Inn and Suites is a great option. The hotel is within close proximity to Jasper shops and restaurants .

Where to Stay in Vancouver

• Fairmont Pacific Rim : A luxurious option, this hotel is near the waterfront and has one of the best locations in downtown Vancouver. Enjoy the view from the rooftop pool or relax at the hotel spa. You can find a number of world-class restaurants in the area, as well as easy access to Canada Place.
• St. Regis Hotel : Located near Gastown and the Vancouver Art Gallery, this accommodation is within walking distance from many of the attractions in downtown Vancouver.
• EXchange Hotel Vancouver : This boutique hotel is located in the former Vancouver Stock Exchange building and offers stylish and elegant rooms in the heart of Vancouver.

Hopefully this route guide helped you to plan your trip between Vancouver and Jasper! Enjoy your travels!

About Rachel Dale

Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a travel and outdoor enthusiast, and I love exploring my home province of Alberta. My favorite activities include hiking, running, and searching for my next best cup of coffee or new favorite restaurant. You can find me spending much of my free time outdoors, and I love visiting the Canadian Rockies as often as I can. I am excited to document my travels here and hope that you can find inspiration for your next trip to beautiful Banff!

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Vancouver to Jasper Train Tours

One of Western Canada's most popular destinations, Jasper offers amazing views, plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and a wide range of amenities.  Jasper is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a place of breathtaking natural beauty with rugged mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Table of contents

Best vancouver to jasper train trips.

• Train Route
• Rocky Mountaineer
• Train Schedule

Top Tourist Attractions in Jasper

Frequently asked questions.

Taking a Vancouver to Jasper train trip makes it easy to see the sights while relaxing in a comfortable train car. You can ride the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, a daylight-only train that offers unparalleled views of wildflower meadows, alpine passes and deep valleys. Or you can take VIA Rail’s The Canadian train between Vancouver and Jasper.  The train journey between Vancouver and Jasper is not just a mode of transportation, it’s a unique way to experience the scenery of western Canada. 

If you want to take the train from Vancouver to Jasper, you can count on the travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations to help you plan the best journey. Our travel experts know about all the best Jasper train tours, including where to stay and what to do while you're on your trip. 

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.

Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train  

The Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train itinerary runs from May through September and includes 12 days of travel. Spend the first day in Vancouver, a vibrant city filled with restaurants, shops and historic sites. Along with time to explore Jasper, the rest of the tour features stops in Whistler, Quesnel, Lake Louise and Banff.

Across Canada by Train  

Discover some of the best destinations in Canada with the Across Canada by Train tour. This train journey begins in Toronto and ends in Vancouver, allowing you to visit two major cities and some of Canada's most popular outdoor attractions. The 13-day itinerary includes Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise, making it the perfect choice for adventurous travellers.

Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland  

In the Canadian Rockies, winter offers many attractions. Climb on board The Canadian, VIA Rail's famed "snow train," to take in the beauty of ice-covered fields, snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees adorned with icicles that sparkle in the sunlight. This Jasper vacation includes nine days of travel, giving you plenty of time to reveal in the beauty of a Canadian winter.

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

Vancouver to Jasper Train Route

Rocky Mountaineer Train Vancouver to Jasper

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, ensuring you get the best views of the Canadian countryside. It connects British Columbia with Alberta, with three different sight-seeing routes. Stops include Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Banff, Kamloops and Quesnel. In operation from mid-April through mid-October, the Rocky Mountaineer is one of the best ways to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train.

When travelling between Vancouver and Jasper on Rocky Mountaineer, you can choose to go either eastward from Vancouver to Jasper, or reverse the route and begin in Jasper.

The driving distance from Vancouver to Jasper is approximately 795 kilometres (493 miles). Depending on the Rocky Mountaineer train route you choose, you’ll cover between 900 and 1200 kilometres (559 and 745 miles). There are two train routes between Vancouver and Jasper.

The first option takes two full days and includes a hotel overnight stop in Kamloops, British Columbia. You’ll see dramatic changes in scenery as you roll through the Fraser Valley, past the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like landscape of BC’s interior. On the second day, you travel from Kamloops to Jasper. The train takes you across the Continental Divide and climbs over Yellowhead Pass.  

The second Rocky Mountaineer route takes three days and includes two hotel nights along the way. The first day is from Vancouver to Whistler. This is a half day on the train, and then you’ll get to spend the afternoon exploring Whistler village. The second day of this train journey is from Whistler to Quesnel, where you travel past canyons, farmland, lakes, and rolling hills. The train crosses Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. After an overnight stay in Quesnel, the final day of this route takes you through the forests of northern British Columbia, before arriving in Jasper National Park.

There are several Canadian train vacations that include the Rocky Mountaineer routes between Vancouver and Jasper, such as the  Complete Canadian Rockies by Rai l or the Circle the Canadian Rockies by Rail . Either lets you add various experiences such as additional nights in the Rockies combined with sightseeing tours. 

Your journey takes you past the spectacular Pyramid Falls before continuing on until you are enveloped by the mountain views. Listen to the history of the railway and the area as you savor your gourmet lunch. On the way to Jasper National Park is Mount Robson. This stunning sight is the highest mountain peak in all the Canadian Rockies. The journey ends at the town of Jasper, where you are free to explore. 

Choose between Silverleaf service and Goldleaf service for your train journey. Silverleaf service involves travel in a single-level glass dome coach. The oversized windows give you spectacular views of the scenery. Goldleaf service includes a bi-level dome coach. The addition of an upper level is a truly spectacular way to experience the panoramic views. Both levels of service include gourmet meals and exquisite storytelling from your host during the train journey. Silverleaf guests are served at their seats while those opting for Goldleaf Service eat their meals in a window-lined dining car.

Hotel options for your stopovers, along with other optional add-ons, are assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. You can view the details of your accommodations on your boarding pass. All hotels are clean, comfortable, and provide high-quality service for your needs.

#1 Travel tip: Don't miss the mountain views

As you approach Jasper by train, look out the window and catch a glimpse of Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak.

VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper

VIA Rail runs across Canada and is the primary passenger service connecting Vancouver to Halifax. It has four main routes, with major stops including Winnipeg, Jasper, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Ottawa, and Montreal. VIA Rail trains operate during all 12 months of the year. Some routes also offer sleeper train experiences.

The VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper route takes about 19 hours and includes one night onboard the train. On this sleeper-train journey, you’ll leave the West Coast and travel to the Rocky Mountains. You’ll be able to watch the ever-changing scenery from your private cabin or the train’s viewing cars. In the morning, you’ll see the peaks of the Canadian Rockies and disembark shortly after breakfast.

#2 Travel tip: Try a shorter train ride

From Jasper, there’s also the option to take VIA Rail’s Skeena train on a half-day sightseeing tour to Dunster or McBride. This is a scenic journey through British Columbia’s Robson Valley.

Sleeper Train 

Make your train adventure even more exciting by choosing an itinerary that includes time on a sleeper train. In Canada, two train routes have sleeper cars: The Ocean Train and The Canadian. The Ocean Train travels along the East Coast of Canada, connecting Montreal with Halifax. The Canadian connects Vancouver and Toronto, with stops in Winnipeg and Jasper. Some cars even have glass domes, providing panoramic views of Canada's most beautiful sights.

The sleeper train service between Vancouver and Jasper takes around 20 hours and is a beautiful way to experience the Canadian Rockies. There are two weekly departures for this route.

Private sleeper cabins on this route can accommodate up to four people, depending on the size of your party, requirements, and availability. Semi-private accommodations are available with upper and lower berths. Berths give you access to facilities shared by the car while private cabins include your own washroom. Booking Sleeper Plus or Prestige class gives you access to service attendants and domed viewing cars, depending upon the season.

Train service from Vancouver to Jasper provides snacks and full, gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sleeper Plus Class meals are chef-prepared gourmet meals and have three courses to please your palate. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. If you have special dietary restrictions or preferences, a special meal option is available that meets your needs. 

This route is part of our  Canadian Rockies Voyage by Train  package. 

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Winter train travel.

During the winter is a special time to ride the train between Vancouver and Jasper, and it's possible as VIA Rail Canada runs all year long. Train travel is actually one of the best ways to experience the awesome views of the Canadian Rockies in the winter while avoiding potentially hazardous conditions other travel methods encounter. Choose a sleeper car for the overnight journey to get the best of both worlds as far as scenery and comfort. Book this experience with our  Rockies Rail Winter Wonderland package . 

Vancouver to Jasper Train Schedule

Rocky mountaineer  .

The 2-day Vancouver to Jasper train (via Kamloops) leaves Vancouver at 8am on select Tuesdays and Fridays between April and September. The train is scheduled to arrive in Kamloops between 6pm and 7.30pm on Day 1. On Day 2, the train departs Kamloops at 8.30am (pacific time) and arrives in Jasper between 7.30pm and 9pm (mountain time).  

The 3-day Vancouver to Jasper train (via Whistler and Quesnel) leaves Vancouver at 8am on select Saturdays between April and October. The train is scheduled to arrive in Whistler between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Day 1. On Day 2, the train departs Whistler at 7.45am and arrives in Quesnel between 7pm and 8pm. On Day 3, the train leaves Quesnel at 7.30am (pacific time) and arrives in Jasper between 8.30pm and 9.30pm (mountain time).  

VIA Rail  

VIA Rail’s The Canadian train departs Vancouver on Mondays and Fridays and arrives in Jasper on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The train is scheduled to leave Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 3pm (pacific time) and arrive in Jasper at 11am (mountain time). Sometimes the train can be delayed due to freight train traffic. 

What makes Jasper train vacations so appealing are th e variety of activities . These are some of the most popular attractions in Jasper.

1. Maligne Canyon 

Maligne Canyon is Jasper National Park's deepest canyon, making it popular destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon has six bridges, making it possible for even inexperienced hikers to see Maligne Canyon in all its glory. A popular activity is a boat cruise of Maligne Lake. Many people visit in the summer, but Maligne Canyon is especially beautiful in the winter, especially if you take the Third Bridge to see a frozen waterfall.

2. Jasper SkyTram 

Explore Jasper from a new point of view by taking a ride on the SkyTram, which takes you 2,263 metres into the air. Jasper SkyTram makes it easy to access trails in Jasper's alpine zone, making it a popular attraction for hikers. When the SkyTram is operating, a cabin departs from the lower and upper stations every 9 minutes. The upper station also has food and beverages available. 

3. Columbia Icefield 

Take Icefields Parkway — considered one of the most scenic drives in the world — to one of Canada's most dramatic attractions: the Columbia Icefield. The icefield has a Glacier Discovery Centre, where you’ll ride out to a glacier in a specially designed buggy. There’s also a Skywalk with incredible views of the valley below.

4. Wildlife Spotting 

Jasper is home to many wildlife species, making it the ideal destination for any traveller who loves animals. It's also a great place to visit if you enjoy photography and want to work with some new subjects. While you're in town, arrange for a private tour led by an experienced guide. Your guide will be able to point out some of the best spots for wildlife viewing and tell you more about the animals living in the region. Wolves, bears, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats and caribou all live in this area. 

5. Nature Hike 

Popular hiking spots in Jasper include The Bald Hills, the Sulphur Skyline, Tonquin Valley and the Skyline Trail. Although Jasper has many natural wonders, it also has plenty of restaurants and other activities. Take a long hike in the morning and then unwind in the afternoon with a cocktail, a gourmet meal or a trip to the spa. 

6. Dogsledding 

Jasper is home to several companies that offer dogsledding, usually with Alaskan Malamutes or Siberian Huskies. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be mushing like a pro. Some companies even offer family-friendly tours that are suitable for kids, making dogsledding a fun way to spend time with grandchildren or younger nieces and nephews. 

7. Downtown Foodie Tour 

Jasper offers everything from casual pizza joints to high-end restaurants with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. A foodie tour gives you a chance to taste some local favorites while learning some local stories.  

8. Motorcycle Sidecar Tour 

A motorcycle sidecar tour of Jasper is a unique way to take in the sights. You'll get to ride in a sidecar as an experienced motorcyclist navigates the roads, stopping at some of the park's most popular attractions. You'll have the opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the natural beauty of Jasper, which is known for its wildflowers and majestic animals. 

What Our Customers Say

We all loved taking the sleeper train from vancouver to jasper.

The day trip to Victoria was long, but memorable. Butchart Gardens is a world class treasure. We all loved taking the sleeper train from Vancouver to Jasper best. It was such a dif...   read more

Lisa, Michael and Family

The trip was amazing

It's difficult to know where to start. The trip was amazing! The hosts on the Rocky Mountaineer, both upstairs and downstairs in the dining room, were wonderful! Very attentive and...   read more

Milly and Tom

We felt like a king and queen and we were definitely spoiled

We would like to thank you again for the surprise champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. That really started off our trip. We would like to thank you for our wonderful vacat...   read more

Lloyd and Susan

The trip along the Columbia Icefield was superb

I want to tell you about some of the aspects of my trip that were outstanding. The drivers in Vancouver were terrific. The tour of Vancouver was terrific. Wonderful guide, and we m...   read more

We never had to worry about a thing

You did an amazing job with our trip. Everything ran like clockwork and we never had to worry about a thing. The train ride was spectacular and the service beyond excellent. Ken an...   read more

Jessica and Ken

Everyone was wonderful, helpful, and excellent

The overall experience of Canada was amazing! The people were friendly, the accommodations were top notch, the food was excellent, and the scenery was breathtaking. We had an excel...   read more

Steve, Val, Lindsay and Shannon

So enjoyable, the stay could have been longer

The train travel, the crews, the food and experience interacting with people from all over the world was illuminating. We loved Jasper, a charming town with the magnificence of the...   read more

Patricia and Nugent

Thank you for all you did for us

What a fantastic experience my grandson and I had in Canada! There was so much to do in Vancouver. We went to Stanley Park and the Aquarium, the Lookout Tower and dinner in the rev...   read more

Rondi and Jason

Your guidance was essential and appreciated

The train was a superb way to see the province (or two), especially for the first time. The train was a luxury and the drivers were friendly and informative. Being chauffeured arou...   read more

Matt and Heather

The Rockies were the highlight of the trip

The Rockies were the highlight of the trip. We loved it. We could have stayed in Jasper another day. The staff at Fresh Tracks were both very helpful. I felt they both cared about...   read more

Brenda and Damon

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What is the best month to go to Jasper?

September is considered the best month to visit Jasper. It is known as the "golden month" because it's cooler and less crowded than the summer months. When the leaves start to change, you'll also have endless opportunities to enjoy the foliage. That said, there's really no bad time to visit Jasper, and the best time to travel depends on your interests. If you want to try dogsledding or other cold-weather activities, visit during the winter.

How many days do I need in Jasper?

In general, two to three days gives you enough time to see the town's best sights before moving on to the next destination.

How much does it cost to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train?

The Vancouver to Jasper train price depends on the length of your itinerary, the accommodations you select and the excursions you want to experience on your journey. Prices for our trip itineraries range from $3,390 to $8,080 USD per person, and include train tickets, hotels, activities and excursions, and some meals.

How long is the train journey from Vancouver to Jasper?

It takes about 19 hours to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train. Itineraries with stops in both Vancouver and Jasper typically last for at least one week depending on how many other cities you're scheduled to visit. For example, a train trip across Canada should last for at least 12 or 13 days to ensure you have plenty of time to see amazing sights and participate in your favorite activities.

What are the classes of travel on VIA Rail trains from Vancouver to Jasper?

VIA Rail offers three classes of service, between Jasper and Vancouver. Economy offers basic transportation for an affordable price. Sleeper Plus includes access to the train's business lounge, two large checked bags, carry-on baggage, priority boarding, shower access and meal service. Prestige Class is the luxury service and includes all of the amenities included in Sleeper Plus, as well as access to a premium cabin, a personal concierge, a flatscreen TV, a private washroom and gourmet meals.

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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Canadian Rockies Tours & Trips from Vancouver

An adventure starting in Vancouver is a great way to see Canadian Rockies. We have 38 tours that range from 3 days up to 17 days. The most popular time for tours from Vancouver is July, which has the most tour departures.

38 Canadian Rockies tours from Vancouver with 535 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Canadian Rockies

The trip was fantastic!

• Coach / Bus

Rockies Classic Summer Tour

I have a great time! Ben is our tour guide, he’s such a great fun, knowledgeable, friendly person. He made sure everyone comfortable, safe, and ready to answer any questions we have during the tour. I did group tour before, I can tell Ben is one of the best.

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

Best time of my life!

Appreciate that there was a lot of ground to cover and things to see but felt it was a bit rushed. The last day was a bit disappointing as we did not have much time in Jasper and the hotel that we stayed in was in the middle of nowhere. The breakfast was not up to standard, paper plates and plastic knives and forks was unacceptable. The two previous hotels were in good locations.

Rockies Premium Tour from Vancouver (34 Seats)

This was an excellent trip and an amazing experience. The tour was incredibly well organized and our guides Will and Simon did a fantastic job throughout the week. Over the five days we got to see some truly beautiful sites throughout the Rockies and learn a lot about the stories and the history behind them. Even during the times where we were only driving, our tour guide Will provided us with many insights on the views around us. We got to learn about the mountains and lakes we passed by, as well as the ones we visited. Our accommodations were all very nice and conformable and the drives from place to place were beautiful sights on every road. Not only was our guide Will and excellent driver, he also would make sure to stop and slow down when someone spotted wildlife so everyone can see. Simon was a great co-pilot and always made sure to go through the bus to make sure everyone was comfortable during the long drives. Each hotel we stayed at was cozy and safe, with great locations. Both Will and Simon were very personable and kind men who were always interested in getting to know every person on this trip and ensuring they were having a good time. They both made it very easy to loosen up and get to know the other people around us, making new friends and having great experiences. Overall I had the best time on this trip, would definitely recommend and hope to go on another in the future.

I would highly recommend this tour to everyone who's looking for a real Canadian adventure. It is well organized and it offers the opportunity to see stunning landscapes and wildlife, while enjoying scenic hikes.

• In-depth Cultural

Real Canada

Trip leader Michelle Tepel was incredible, with an amazing sense of humour and patience personified! The participatory camping was an awesome way to explore this region with a food kitty enabling your budget to go a long way! The hikes, lakes, glaciers, snow-tipped mountains and amazing wildlife on this trip blow you away on a daily basis. Nothing like the Rockies! This is a must do trip!

• Train & Rail

Via Railway Experience｜5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure

We enjoyed our tour very much, the sights were beautiful, staff we well informed. A highlight for us was the optional evening photographic tour. The only thing stopping me from giving five stars was the last day felt very rushed, especially at the Banff gondola as the queue to get on took half an hour and not enough time allocated to our lunch at the Lake Louise Chateau, we had to ask the waitress to bring out the dessert while we were eating the main as we only had 15 minutes until the bus left. Allocate a bit more time for those things and you will get five stars.

• Mountain Hikes

Mountains of Western Canada on Foot

Excellent guide. Good accommodation. Trails sometimes tough especially going down. Unfortunately couple of days of bad smoke from forest fires.

Spectacular Canadian Rockies (9 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.

Canada and the Rockies (11 Days)

Absolutely amazing tour seeing some beautiful places! Sofia was so knowledgeable on fhe best places to see and do in our spare time as well as on the tour. She created a fun filled atmosphere and enabled the group to bond well together. Such an unforgettable experience!

Spectacular Canadian Rockies (Base, 10 Days)

Get Social: Canadian Rockies

Jude was an awesome tour guide, she was really accommodating and has so much knowledge about the places we visited. She’s also super passionate about what she does, and she always shared the best stories. Couldn’t recommend her more!

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

7-Day West Canada Tour: Vancouver & Rockies with VIA Railway | Departure from Vancouver

Canadian Rockies Eastbound Express

Good hotels. Wish for a longer stay in Banff, AB.

What people love about Canadian Rockies Tours from Vancouver

I have great time. Dusty is the best tour manager. I have very good first camping trip.

Great tour with amazing sights and wildlife; however, be aware of a lot of driving the first two days on the way to banff and on the last two days back to Vancouver. Furthermore the itinerary should be updated as there where some changes as to the description.

Tours starting from Vancouver

• Vancouver to Vancouver tours (24)
• Vancouver to Calgary tours (12)
• Explorer from Vancouver (33)
• Family from Vancouver (28)
• Active from Vancouver (8)
• Coach / Bus from Vancouver (5)
• Private from Vancouver (5)

Discover Jasper

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2023 Visitor's Guide

From vancouver.

Go from sea to summits for the ultimate Canadian tour through two western provinces and across the spine of the Rocky Mountains.

A Drive From Vancouver

The journey to Jasper is as exceptional as the destination

This bustling and diverse coastal city is a popular filming location with thriving music, theatre and art scenes, including many First Nations collections.

Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities in this area. The summer months are full of hiking, climbing, horseback riding, and fishing while the winter months bring in great snowpack for backcountry skiing, splitboarding, and snowshoeing.

It is here where the South and North Thompson Rivers meet. You can expect a drastic change in scenery as you drive through a desert-like climate. Stop here to grab a meal and fuel up before continuing on!

Wells Gray Park

This park has 39 waterfalls to discover and holds the world's largest non-motorized lake, Murtle Lake. Hike through lush fields of wildflowers and up mountain summits. Experience tranquillity while canoeing over the clearest waters in the world or allow your heart to race as you cruise down the river on a whitewater raft.

Three Ranges Brewing

This small-batch craft brewery was the first of its kind in Valemount. Villagers and tourists flock to the patio after enjoying Valemount's mountains which are popular for hiking, backpacking, and white water rafting. Their taproom experiences the same popularity during the winter months with snowmobiling, skiing, and dogsled opportunities all around them. Don't forget to try their award-winning Tail Slap IPA.

The highest point in the Canadian Rockies, this mountain is an image of raw beauty and power amongst the valley and surrounding peaks. The peak stands at an elevation of 3954 meters or 12972 feet. Surround yourself with wildlife, glacier water creeks, and wildflowers.

Located in Mount Robson Provincial Park, this roadside lake is a popular spot to see a great Canadian moose!

PURCHASE A NATIONAL PARK PASS

Get your ticket to adventure. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies is waiting.

GET TO JASPER BY AIR

Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver have international airports that are serviced by major national and international carriers:

Edmonton International Airport Calgary Airport Authority Vancouver International Airport

GET TO JASPER BY BUS

If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, try a bus service!

Sundog Tours can pick you up at the Calgary airport and bring you to Jasper via Banff and the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Or, they can pick you up at the Edmonton airport and bring you to Jasper via Highway 16. Here are Sundog Tours schedules and reservations .

GET TO JASPER BY TRAIN

For a chance to sit back, relax and see scenery that you can’t see from any highway, take the train! There are two rail services that can bring you to Jasper:

VIA Rail Canada Rocky Mountaineer

GET TO JASPER BY CAR

Trans-Canada Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead, runs through the park and is the main east-west route to and from Jasper.

The Icefields Parkway, widely considered one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the world, runs north-south, connecting Jasper with Trans-Canada Highway 1 near Lake Louise and Banff.

If you don’t have your own car to drive to Jasper, try these car rental agencies. They have offices both in Jasper and throughout Canada and the U.S.

Avis Budget Hertz Car Rental National Car Rental

Road Conditions

All major roads in Jasper are paved, and all major highways have shoulders. The maximum speed limit inside Jasper National Park is 90km/hour, with several areas having slower limits for wildlife safety. Make sure to factor in plenty of time for breaks, slow traffic and inclement weather conditions. Here’s where you can see current road conditions:

AMA Road Report Parks Canada Road Report

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Vancouver to Jasper by train: The Canadian Rockies on a budget with VIA Rail

Posted on Last updated: August 14, 2023

Travelling from Vancouver to Jasper by train – a trip thorough the Canadian Rockies on board VIA Rail’s The Canadian, the overnight rail journey that’s a budget alternative to the Rocky Mountaineer.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Travelling from Vancouver to Jasper by train past mountain peaks, forests and crystal clear lakes, the Rocky Mountaineer is quite rightly ranked as one of the most epic – and luxurious – rail journeys in the world. It’s been top of my train travel wishlist for years.

But this is a bucket list tick that will cost you. With prices from $1247 CAD (£730/US$985) for a two-day/one-night rail trip from Vancouver to Jasper it’s out of reach for many.

But the Rocky Mountaineer isn’t the only way to see the Canadian Rockies by rail – you can also experience the same scenery for under $150 CAD on an overnight trip from Vancouver to Jasper by train on board VIA Rail’s The Canadian. But how does it compare?

Vancouver to Jasper on the VIA Rail overnight train

How long does it take to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train?

The Canadian train service runs right across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto , and takes five days to do the whole journey. The stretch from Vancouver to Jasper is around 19 hours, and you gain an hour along the way as the clocks go forward when you cross into Alberta.

The train normally leaves Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 3pm and arrives into Jasper at 11am the next day, though the timetable can change depending on the season.

That’s the theory, but in reality the route is prone to delays. The Canadian shares the line with freight trains, and they take priority so it often has to wait – they can be up to a whopping three miles long so one train can take 20 to 40 minutes to pass.

VIA Rail advise you not to book onward travel or activities the day your train arrives in case there are any delays. Though having prepared ourselves to be late we actually arrived into Jasper almost an hour ahead of schedule, so you never know.

What’s the difference between the Rocky Mountaineer and the VIA Rail train?

Both The Canadian and the Rocky Mountaineer’s ‘Journey through the Clouds’ route take one night to travel from Vancouver to Jasper, but the Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t travel during the night so the trip takes longer – instead guests stay the night in a hotel.

The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver at 7.30am and arrives into Kamloops around 6.30pm where you disembark for the night. Then the next morning the train leaves Kamloops at 7.30am and arrives into Jasper around 8pm. So although you don’t sleep on board the Rocky Mountaineer, it does mean you get to see all the scenery in daylight.

The Rocky Mountaineer has two different classes – Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf – but both are pretty luxurious. Breakfast and lunch are served on board the train with snacks and drinks also included. There are guest hosts to tell you about the history and scenery along the way, a glass dome observation lounge and an outdoor viewing area.

There is a premium cost though, with a standard Vancouver to Jasper overnight package from $1247 CAD (£730/US$985) in Silver Leaf and $1705 CAD (£1000/US$1345) in Gold Leaf per person for two travelling together. The Rocky Mountaineer is popular with international visitors whereas The Canadian has a mix of Canadian and overseas travellers.

What are the classes of travel on VIA Rail trains from Vancouver to Jasper?

There are three main classes of travel on board The Canadian. The most basic is economy where you just get a reclining seat to sleep in. There are toilets at the end of the carriages but no showers, and you can buy meals and drinks from the dining car.

A step up is Sleeper Plus class, with meals included. This is most popular and makes up the bulk of the train. There are three different sleeper options – cheapest are upper/ lower berths (aka sections). Pairs of seats face each other by day and turn into bunks at night.

The sections aren’t closed off so people can walk past but there’s a thick curtain which gives some privacy, and you pay less for the upper bunk because they don’t have a window. There are toilets and showers at the end of the carriage, with towels, soap and shampoo provided, but no plug sockets so you need to go to the lounge to top up.

The other two options are more secure, lockable compartments. Cabins for one have an armchair with a toilet hidden under the leg rest and a washbasin. The bed folds down on top of the toilet though so you’ll probably want to use the bathrooms at the end of the carriage at night. Cabins for two have two armchairs which fold down so bunks can be set up, a sink and small en-suite toilet. Families can also book connecting cabins.

The most luxurious option on board The Canadian is Prestige Class . These cabins have soundproofed bedrooms with a double bed, en-suite toilet and shower, flat-screen TV and mini-bar. Meals are included for Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class passengers, with a restaurant car and skyline dome car where there are talks and wine tastings.

Sleeper Plus passengers also get limited access to the Park car at the back of the train with views back along the tracks from the bullet lounge, dome seating area and bar – though in peak season it’s available to Prestige Class passengers only from 6am to 4pm.

How much does it cost to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train?

Prices vary slightly depending on the season – June to October is peak season so tickets are more expensive. A basic economy seat on The Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper starts at $148 CAD (£87/US$117) – we paid $160 CAD (£94/US$126) per person in August.

Then it’s a big jump in price to Sleeper Plus class, where meals are included. Cheapest are the sections, where an upper bunk starts from $497 CAD (£291/US$391) or a lower bunk $585 CAD (£343/US$460). Cabins are more expensive, with a cabin for one starting at $799 CAD (£468/US$629) and a cabin for two from $1598 CAD (£936/US$1258).

Then the luxurious Prestige Class cabins are well into Rocky Mountaineer price territory, starting from $3776 CAD (£2211/US$2973) for two people. The cost clearly doesn’t put people off though as the Prestige Class cabins book up way in advance, and I was only able to find availability for them on a handful of dates.

What are VIA Rail economy sleeper seats like?

With three of us travelling to the Canadian Rockies by rail in peak season, it was a choice between spending £925 on the cheapest beds or roughing it on a seat for £282. As it was just one night we went for the budget option – but I probably would’ve chosen differently if I was doing the whole five-day trip from Vancouver to Toronto by train.

Economy carriages are at the front of the train, and have seats which recline to around 40 degrees, plenty of legroom and a fold-out footrest. Each seat has a fold-down table and power socket, and you don’t get pillows or blankets provided but can buy them in the on-board shop. Most seats are in pairs with a few sets of four seats facing each other.

Groups of three or more were invited to board the train first and we were encouraged to sit in the four seats, and although they’d be good for families with kids, there’s much more limited leg room for adults so we went for two pairs of seats instead.

The economy section has a dining car with tables at one end and a lounge the other and a skyline dome set up above the kitchen. So even the budget seats get an observation dome where you can soak up the views, and it wasn’t too hard to get a seat up there.

But how easy was it to sleep on board the Canadian? Well the lights don’t go off in the carriage totally so it’s a good idea to pack a sleep mask and ear plugs to cut out the train noise, and seats are a bit solid so it was more a case of dozing than a full night’s sleep.

What do you do with your luggage?

Economy passengers can take a carry on bag (max size 43cm x 15cm x 33cm) and either one large suitcase or two small ones on board with them, and there are luggage racks in the carriages. Sleeper Plus/Prestige passengers are more limited because of the size of the cabins, with one carry on bag per person and up to two small bags (max size 54.5cm x 39.5cm x 23cm) per cabin. Passengers can also check in up to two bags per person.

Our bags were taken off us at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station, tagged to Jasper and unloaded the other end. We kept our hand luggage with any valuables on us as well as basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes and deodorant), books, snacks and water.

There’s no wifi on board but you do get mobile signal some of the way. And it’s not easy to get changed in the economy bathrooms so we wore something comfy to sleep in.

Can you get food on board VIA Rail trains?

For guests in Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class cabins, all your food is included on board. Breakfast is served on a first come, first served basis but you choose a time slot for dinner in advance when you check in (either early, normal or late). You often have to share a table so it’s a good way to get to know your fellow passengers.

Meals are cooked in the on board kitchen with a soup or salad starter, choice of main course and dessert. Alcohol isn’t included except in Prestige Class. Down in economy the food is a bit less gourmet, though there’s a choice of snacks and meals you can buy. I’m gluten-free which cut my options down, but my salmon with rice and vegetables was pretty tasty.

You can also buy mini bottles of local red and white wine and beer from the dining car, though it’s not like European trains where you can bring your own, and you’re only supposed to drink them in the lounge and not at your seat (though they let us off.)

What’s the scenery like on the Canadian Rockies train?

I loaded up my Kindle with books and my laptop with films for the journey but ended up spending most of my time staring out of the window instead. Travelling from Vancouver to Jasper by train is a procession of stunning views, especially on the last morning in the Rockies, so it’s worth waking up early to make the most of it.

Look out for the cascading Pyramid Falls, the Rockies’ tallest peak Mount Robson, and the Yellowhead Pass, a Continental Divide where the rivers change direction. You might see some wildlife along the way too – I saw a deer alongside the tracks at sunrise. The best views are from the observation carriage as it’s up a bit higher with a curved glass roof.

Though all that glass does mean a lot of reflections so taking photos is a bit of a challenge. There are tons of trees too, so if you’re serious about your photos it’s probably best to travel in winter when there are less leaves – with the bonus of it being cheaper too.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Vancouver or Jasper ?*

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Sunday 17th of December 2023

I see the article was updated in August 2023, but when was the price for the Rocky Mountaineer last updated for Vancouver to Jasper? It says $1247 CAD (silver) but the cheapest I could locate was approx $2600 CAD? Am I missing something!! I'd love to go but over $2000 is out of my budget for sure

Lucy Dodsworth

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Hi, that was the Rocky Mountaineer's advertised lowest price for 2023 so may be a bit higher in 2024 – afraid you would need to contact them about what dates the cheapest prices are available though.

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

Hi!! Is it guarantee that you can travel with your partner in the same pair-row of seats in Economy class? :) Thanks!!

Thursday 26th of October 2023

Hi, as we didn't have numbered seats it wasn't guaranteed but we had no problem seating together – you might want to board the train as early as possible though if you're travelling in peak season when it's busiest.

Saturday 8th of April 2023

What are the train stops / stations between Vancouver and Jasper? Nobody writes about this.

Sunday 9th of April 2023

There's only one scheduled stop at Kamloops (around midnight) but there are some smaller stops you can request to stop off at/be picked up at – you can see the full timetable here: https://www.viarail.ca/en/plan/train-schedules/vancouver-jasper-winnipeg-toronto

Sunday 10th of July 2022

Thanks for sharing! Sounds amazing. Do you know how far in advance you would need to book if travelling May/June. Thank you.

Wednesday 20th of July 2022

Hi, I would book at least a couple of months in advance if you can, particularly if you're looking to reserve a cabin.

Mike Trotter

Saturday 1st of May 2021

My wife and I rode the rails in comfort on Prestige Class. Truly wonderful experience. The rail cars are beautifully restored and very comfortable. Food was great, service was superb. Do it now before these wonderful old trainsets are retired. Its like going back in time. These railcars have been in service since they were new in the 1050s. Now restored and improved to modern standards. Go ahead- spend your kids inheritance.

Monday 10th of May 2021

Definitely one for my next trip!

Road Trip from Vancouver to Jasper

There are a few road trips in the world that are as scenic as the drive from Vancouver to Jasper, where you will experience beautiful towns and pristine Canadian wilderness in one go. This road trip is dotted with vistas of towering mountain peaks, and turquoise lakes as you make your way to Jasper National Park.

The 790 km road trip from Vancouver to Jasper will take 8 hours and 20 minutes to drive. On the way you can visit Bridal Veil Falls, Kamloops, Clearwater, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Revelstoke, Golden, as well as Kootenay, Glacier and Banff National Parks.

This is the ultimate Western Canada road trip for anyone who wants to explore the best sights in the Canadian Rockies. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, top highlights, best places to stop, and the best seasons to travel.

How to drive from Vancouver to Jasper

The map below shows two great route options for your road trip from Vancouver to Jasper. Click on the star icons for headline details, and scroll down for much more information below.

* Always remember that drive times can be impacted by traffic, closures, weather and other conditions. It's best to double-check while planning and before starting out on your trip.

How far is Jasper from Vancouver, and how long will the road trip take?

The Kamloops Route is the direct route option, taking around 8 hours and 20 minutes to complete and covering a distance of 790 km without accounting for any detours.

The Banff Route is longer, spanning 1,260 km with a driving time of approximately 14 hours and 20 minutes. The stunning scenery on this route will more than make up for the extra mileage.

While it's possible to complete each route in about two days, the wealth of sights and experiences along the way will make you want to travel slowly. We suggest taking 4 to 5 days for this beautiful drive from Vancouver to Jasper.

Best road trip route from Vancouver to Jasper

While both the Kamloops and Banff Routes offer spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies, they are quite different from each other. Which route you choose will depend on what destinations interest you the most and how much time you have to spare.

The Kamloops Route is the direct option for travelling from Vancouver to Jasper, taking you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies in the fastest way possible.

This route not only offers plenty of scenic photo opportunities and overlooks but also leads you to the renowned vineyards of Kamloops. It's the perfect choice if you want a shorter drive without compromising on picturesque mountain views.

The Banff Route, though longer, takes you deeper into the stunning views of the mountains, and will take you to world-famous sights like Banff National Park and Glacier National Park. You will also get to visit Kootenay National Park. This route is a dream if you love nature and adventure.

You can relax in Kelowna and then enjoy skiing in Revelstoke or Golden. One of the highlights, Banff National Park, is an unmissable destination on this journey, offering diverse activities like hiking, skiing, biking, or simply relaxing.

Kamloops Route

Start the Kamloops Route by heading east towards Abbotsford. Next, you'll reach the natural beauty of Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, ideal for a scenic hike.

Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) towards Silver Creek and Hope past Harrison Hot Springs. Here, you'll take BC-3 and then BC-5 through the towering snow-capped mountains.

As you journey further, the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area offer breathtaking mountainous landscapes, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts before you reach Merritt.

Entering the city of Kamloops, take time to explore its cultural charm, including a visit to the Kamloops Museum and Archives.

From Kamloops, head north on BC-5 towards Clearwater, where you can marvel at Spahats Creek Falls. Driving north, you will soon reach Pyramid Creek Falls Provincial Park.

Soon, you'll merge onto BC-16, passing through Jackman Flats Provincial Park, Tete Jaune Cache, and Rearguard Falls Provincial Park, before ending your scenic journey in Jasper.

Banff Route

You will follow the same route as above until you reach Merritt, which is where the routes diverge.

Travelling further through the mountains, your next major destination is Kelowna, a city famous for its stunning lakeside setting and vineyards. As you head north-eastward, you'll pass by the Sicamous Lookout by Shuswap Lake.

The journey then takes you to The Last Spike in Malakwa, a historic site marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Approaching Revelstoke, explore the Enchanted Forest and visit Mount Revelstoke National Park, known for its stunning vistas and hiking trails.

Further along, you'll pass through the awe-inspiring Glacier National Park, where rugged mountains and ancient glaciers dominate the landscape.

The route then leads to Golden, where you can enjoy outdoor activities at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Continuing on, you'll soon reach Radium Hot Springs. Head northeast on BC-93 and enter Kootenay National Park, home to the magnificent Stanley Glacier.

As you proceed and merge back onto Trans-Canada Highway, the iconic Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park provides an excellent hiking opportunity, leading to mesmerising waterfalls.

After your visit, head to the town of Banff, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. From Banff, it's a short drive to the world-famous Lake Louise. Your journey concludes as you reach Jasper after driving through the scenic Icefields Parkway.

Best places to stop between Vancouver and Jasper

This region of Canada is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the world. To make sure you don't miss out on any of the amazing places to explore on this road trip from Vancouver to Jasper and to recharge, we suggest staying in one of the incredible destinations below.

A relaxing stay in Clearwater

Clearwater is an ideal overnight stop on the Kamloops Route, approximately 5 hours from Vancouver. Situated directly on the highway, it's a perfect midpoint between Vancouver and the majestic Canadian Rockies.

One of the main attractions of Clearwater is its proximity to Wells Gray Provincial Park, a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can explore the dense forests and rushing waterfalls, including the mesmerising Spahats Creek Falls.

For your stay, we highly recommend the highly-rated Hummingbird Bed and Breakfast . This cosy B&B, located just outside Clearwater, offers a home-like atmosphere with a beautiful fireplace to relax by in the lounge.

The rooms are not only comfortable but also feature small seating areas, perfect place to unwind and enjoy your favorite book after a long day of driving or hiking in one of the nearby parks.

Before you set off the following day, make sure to sample the delicious home-cooked breakfast on offer. When you are ready to explore around the hotel, Wells Gray Provincial Park is just a 10-minute walk away, offering easy access to breathtaking natural beauty.

Views to last a lifetime in Banff

Banff is an amazing stopover option on the Banff Route, located about 11 hours into the drive. This must-see Canadian landmark, nestled by Banff National Park in Alberta, offers stunning mountain vistas and opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

Key attractions in Banff include the Banff Gondola, providing panoramic views of the Rockies, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, known for its hot springs.

For your stay, consider the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs . This historic hotel, reminiscent of a castle, offers a luxurious experience with its amenities and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Its location is ideal, not only for the breathtaking views from every window but also for its proximity to the town of Banff and exceptional local skiing. There's shuttle service to nearby ski resorts, including Mount Norquay Ski Village, Sunshine Village Ski Resort, and Lake Louise Ski Resort.

The hotel features a great lap pool and a fabulous outdoor pool, along with an on-site spa boasting several treatment areas for various massages and beauty treatments - we highly recommend treating yourself to a well-deserved pampering session!

Near the hotel, you can explore Bow Falls, just a 5-minute walk away. Also, the Banff Gondola is an 10-minute drive from the hotel, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.

Where to stay when you reach Jasper

Jasper is a great gateway to the breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures of the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. Known for its low-key and outdoorsy vibe, Jasper offers year-round outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to wildlife watching.

At the heart of Jasper's attractions is Jasper National Park of Canada, a vast wilderness area boasting incredible mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and wildlife.

For a unique perspective of the park, the Jasper SkyTram will whisk you up to high altitudes, for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

When visiting Jasper, consider staying at the homey Jasper East Cabins for a unique experience. Tucked away in the rolling hills near Jasper National Park, these cabins offer an escape from the crowds, allowing you to relax in the natural beauty of the Rockies.

Each cabin has a river stone gas fireplace. You'll also enjoy the convenience of a private kitchenette and the comfort of queen-sized beds. The cabins are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, making you feel like you're glamping.

For dining, you will find Folding Mountain Brewery nearby, offering an extensive drink menu complemented by breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Things to see on a road trip from Vancouver to Jasper

With so much to see and do on this Vancouver to Jasper road trip, you're going to want to start planning your ultimate road trip. To help you out, we've included our top highlights below.

• Abbotsford Castle Fun Park - A family-friendly amusement park offering a variety of attractions including mini-golf, go-karts, and an arcade, making it a perfect stop for fun and entertainment.
• Cultus Lake - This popular recreational destination features a large, warm freshwater lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery.
• Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park - A picturesque park known for its spectacular waterfall that cascades down over smooth rock faces, creating a veil-like effect, surrounded by lush forested areas ideal for picnicking and hiking.
• Harrison Hot Springs - A resort community famous for its natural hot springs, offering visitors a chance to relax in therapeutic waters amidst stunning mountain views.
• Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park - Features the impressive Othello Tunnels, a series of old train tunnels and bridges through a rugged canyon, offering scenic views and a glimpse into the area's railway history.
• Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area - A popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and snowshoeing, with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and diverse wildlife.
• Kamloops - A vibrant city known for its unique landscape of hills, valleys, lakes, and grasslands, offering a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
• Kamloops Museum and Archives - This museum offers insights into the rich history and culture of Kamloops, with exhibits ranging from natural history to indigenous heritage and local art.
• Clearwater - A gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, this town is known for its stunning natural beauty, offering opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking and canoeing.
• Spahats Creek Falls - A striking waterfall within Wells Gray Provincial Park, where Spahats Creek dramatically plunges into a deep canyon, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
• Pyramid Creek Falls Provincial Park - Features a magnificent waterfall where Pyramid Creek falls over a series of lava layers, creating a stunning visual display in a forested setting.
• Jackman Flats Provincial Park - Offers a unique landscape of sand dunes and pine forests, providing a serene environment for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.
• Tete Jaune Cache - A small historic community offering a glimpse into the early days of railway and fur trading, set in a scenic location at the junction of the Fraser and Robson rivers.
• Rearguard Falls Provincial Park - Known for the Rearguard Falls, where the Fraser River narrows and rushes over a rock ledge, offering a spectacular view and a chance to spot salmon during spawning season.
• Mount Robson Provincial Park - Home to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, this park offers stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails including the famous Berg Lake Trail.

• Fort Langley National Historic Site - A historical site that brings to life the era of the Hudson's Bay Company and the fur trade, offering interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, and heritage buildings.
• Abbotsford - Known for its rich agricultural land, Abbotsford offers a blend of urban and rural charm, with attractions like farm tours, wineries, and cultural festivals.
• Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park - A stunning natural site featuring a cascading waterfall that creates a veil-like effect, surrounded by forested areas ideal for picnics and walks.
• Kelowna - A vibrant city on Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is famous for its wineries, orchards, and cultural events, along with outdoor activities like boating and golfing.
• Sicamous Lookout - Offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
• The Last Spike, Malakwa - A historic site commemorating the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, featuring a monument and interpretive displays.
• Enchanted Forest, Revelstoke - A unique attraction featuring a magical forest with handcrafted fairy-tale figures and structures, ideal for families and children.
• Mount Revelstoke National Park - Known for its meadows full of wildflowers, scenic drives, and hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the Columbia Mountains.
• Glacier National Park - Features rugged mountains, ancient glaciers, and dense forests, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic sites.
• Kicking Horse Mountain Resort - A premier mountain resort offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, along with stunning alpine views.
• Columbia Wetlands Adventures - Provides unique opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing in one of North America's largest wetlands.
• Kootenay National Park - Offers diverse landscapes including dramatic mountain ranges, hot springs, and a variety of hiking trails, showcasing the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
• Banff - A picturesque town set in the heart of Banff National Park, known for its mountainous surroundings, wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities.
• Lake Louise - A world-renowned lake known for its turquoise waters and stunning backdrop of glacier-clad peaks, offering activities like canoeing and hiking.
• Banff National Park - Canada's first national park, known for its unparalleled mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.

Best time to go on a road trip from Vancouver to Jasper

Jasper, a stunning destination in the Canadian Rockies, offers a wonderful experience with each changing season. When planning a road trip from Vancouver to Jasper, it's important to consider the seasons to fully enjoy what Jasper and the journey have to offer.

Spring in Jasper sees temperatures ranging from 0 to 13 degrees Celsius. The melting snow reveals wildlife and blooming valleys, making it the perfect time for nature enthusiasts.

While driving through the Canadian Rockies, roads are generally open but may have occasional closures due to late snow showers. Visitor facilities in national parks may have limited availability, so checking in advance is recommended.

Summer in Jasper boasts warm temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees, perfect for exploring Jasper National Park's vast wilderness. This season offers excellent driving conditions along both routes. On the Kamloops Route, the Kamloops Wine Festival in June shouldn't be missed.

Autumn in Jasper is crisp, with temperatures from 0 to 17 degrees Celsius. Roads generally remain open, but always be prepared for early snowfall and check before traveling in case there are closures.

Late summer to early autumn, the town becomes a hub of activity, with the Jasper Folk Music Festival in September being a highlight.

The Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October/November is an extraordinary event celebrating the night sky's beauty. On top of this, both routes provide a scenic drive through the fall foliage, adding a touch of magic to your trip.

Winter turns Jasper into a snowy wonderland, with temperatures ranging from -15 to -1 degrees. This season requires cautious driving, as roads may be affected by winter storms.

However, the effort is rewarded by winter festivals like the Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise in January/February on the Banff Route and the Golden Sound Festival in February.

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A Peek Into The Ultra-Luxurious Vancouver to Jasper Train Journey with Rocky Mountaineer

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Rocky Mountaineer is high on many Canadians’ bucket lists, including ours. Last month, Cat had the pleasure to join her friends on an epic Rocky Mountaineer train journey and could triumphantly cross it off her great Canadian list. 

Wondering what it is like to travel on a Rocky Mountaineer train? Today, we will spill the beans, tell you all about Rocky Mountaineer, and share Cat’s experience on the Vancouver to Jasper train journey!

Why take Rocky Mountaineer?

Rocky Mountaineer is not an ordinary train. It offers ultra-luxurious train journeys in Western Canada and the American Southwest for travelers to experience some of the most spectacular scenery North America has to offer. It is a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure for nature lovers.

Its three Canadian rail routes take you through world-famous Canadian Rockies towns including Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise. Some of the regions are only accessible by rail so you will not get to see the same scenery as you would on a Vancouver to Jasper road trip! 

How luxurious is the train? Well, read on to find out more!

What to expect on a Vancouver to Jasper Train Ride with Rocky Mountaineer

Many people have driven between Vancouver and Jasper and thought they’ve seen all the picturesque regions have to offer. Did they really, though? This Fall, I embarked on a 5-day one way Rocky Mountaineer train journey with my friends. On the Journey through the Clouds route, GoldLeaf Service coach , not only did we witness the unparalleled vistas in Western Canada as we travelled from Vancouver to Jasper, we also experienced first-hand how Rocky Mountaineer orchestrates a world-class, life-changing rail journey.

Our first-hand experience on the Journey through the Clouds route

Our Rocky Mountaineer rail journey was a memorable one from start to finish. But I am not gonna deny, before the ‘big day,’ I had many questions and worries about train travel. 

First off, how safe is it? Afterall, we would be sitting in an enclosed space with people we don’t know for a prolonged time. Are all the passengers vaccinated? How are we sure they are COVID-free?

Secondly, what do we do with our luggage? How are we going to be transported from the train station to the hotel and vice versa?

Third, are we going to be hungry on this trip? 

Pre-Trip: Testing and Check-In Procedure

About a week before our trip, an email rolled into my inbox and had my concern about safety resolved. It was about COVID-19 rapid screening, along with other pre-trip logistics.

I was made aware that in addition to receiving double vaccinations, all guests and Rocky Mountaineer team members must undergo rapid screening for COVID prior to the start of the journey. Face masks are also required when moving around the rail car. Knowing that there are strict health and safety protocols Rocky Mountaineer adheres to eased my mind.

On the day prior to the trip, we arrived at the testing centre, conveniently located inside our Vancouver hotel, and took the rapid screening test. While waiting for our result, we checked into the train, confirmed our itinerary with the staff, and received our boarding pass and luggage tags.

Just like boarding a flight, we had to attach tags to pieces of luggage we wanted to check in. The tags tell the handling staff which hotel to deliver the luggage. By the time we got into our rooms at the end of the day, our luggage was waiting for us.

Not long after check-in, I received an email notifying me of my test result. Thank goodness, it was negative! Now, all I need to worry about is what to wear for my big day. 

Day 1: First Impression Onboard

It’s D-Day and we started dark and early, at 6:55 am. We bid goodbye to our luggage and said hi to new friends. Excitement, awkwardness, and silence filled the air as we got transported by a motorcoach to the Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver train station. 

As we walked out the door of the station, the legendary, clean and shining Rocky Mountain train patiently waited for us. A fancy red carpet led to the train, with our friendly hosts standing on each side. Wow, I felt like a celebrity!

The interior of the train exuded luxury at every corner, from automatic doors, leather-lined seats (with heating and adjustable recline?!) to a glass-domed roof. My heart pounded hard as adrenaline rushed through my body. I couldn’t wait for our journey to unfold!

Before the train even moved, our hosts, Kelly and Travis, welcomed us with hot beverages, biscuits and cheese. What service!

Day 1: Scenery and Landmarks

It didn’t take long for the train to take on maximum speed at around 50 km/hr (30mph). As we travelled eastbound to interior British Columbia, the train followed the Canadian Pacific Rail tracks along the Fraser River , home to BC’s largest salmon run.

We winded through towering forests, deep canyons, picturesque valleys and numerous dark tunnels. Eventually rugged, desert landscape greeted us as we entered Kamloops. Along the ride, we enjoyed many photo opportunities. Highlights included Hell’s Gate (the narrowest part of Fraser River), Cisco Crossing (the longest single-span bridge on the Canadian National Railway line), Rainbow Canyon (rocks in rainbow colors!), and Jaws of Death Gorge (a favourite spot for whitewater rafters).

Day 1: Most Memorable Moments

The scenery was jaw droppingly gorgeous, but nothing beat the surprise spotting of wildlife. We saw a black bear running through the hills, mountain goats feeding on grass, and bald eagles soaring — thanks to the crew’s laser-sharp eyes! I couldn’t ask for a better day.

I also couldn’t believe how great the meals were! The selection of dishes for breakfast and lunch was as extensive as you would find in a restaurant. Want eggs benny for brekky? Not a problem. Or have a craving for buttermilk pancakes ? Right up! All freshly prepared in the kitchen by a dedicated culinary team!

Lunch was a full 3-course meal with 6 different options for your main. I couldn’t decide between Pacific Salmon and the Alberta Striploin Steak . Luckily, the menu was the same for the next day so I got to try both on this trip!

Oh, did I not mention we had unlimited access to wine and alcoholic beverages all day long? Plus snacks in between meals? 

Day 1: Overnight in Kamloops

It was 6:30 pm when the train pulled up in Kamloops. The sky had already darkened by the time we got into our hotel room at DoubleTree by Hilton. I was so grateful my luggage was already in the room when I opened the door — no lifting and rolling required!

Normally my tummy would be grumbling and begging for dinner to be served. But we were fed so well throughout the entire day that I felt like I could skip dinner for once! 

Well, maybe some deep fried pickles and a drink before calling it a night 😛

Day 2: Scenery and Landmarks

The landscape changed drastically as we crossed the Alberta border into the Canadian Rockies. Mile-high mountains and pristine lakes provided a sharp contrast to the regions we left behind.

Some photogenic sights worth noting include Pyramid Falls (cascading right beside the train tracks), Mounts Robson (the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies), and Moose Lake (for its blue-green, crystal clear water).

Day 2: Most Memorable Moment

Without doubt, it was the moment we received the Rocky Mountaineer pins from our hosts. It was not just a souvenir for this once-in-a-lifetime journey, but also a badge to show off our train adventure!

Day 2: Overnight in Jasper

It was another long and exciting day on the rail. I couldn’t wait to take a hot shower and roll into my bed at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, one of the best places to stay in Jasper National Park . 

The check-in process was seamless. The hotel staff shuttled us back to our cabin on a golf cart, and our luggage was waiting by the door.

I would wait until the next day to explore the property. A morning stroll by the lakeshore, meet and greet with the resident deer and elk, and a dip in the heated swimming pool sounded just wonderful!

Beyond Jasper: Icefield Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Now that the train journey has come to an end, what happens next?

Our Rocky Mountaineer package includes three additional days of exploring the towns of Jasper and Banff. Norm from the local tour operator, Sun Dog Tours, was our guide to help us further explore the mountain regions. 

In three days, we hit up some of the popular attractions in the Canadian Rockies , including Maligne Canyon , Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, and we even managed to squeeze in a boat cruise to Spirit Island! 

And of course, we did not miss the chance to see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, which is an absolute must when you visit Banff in Fall .

There are many different ways you can travel on Rocky Mountaineer trains. In addition to various routes, there are also different classes each with different amenities.

What are the different classes of travel on Rocky Mountaineer trains from Vancouver to Jasper?

Rocky Mountaineer is an all glass-dome fleet, featuring two levels of service coach: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf . They are different in several aspects, from coach layout and amenities, guest services, and culinary experiences.

Let’s start with the layout and amenities . 

• GoldLeaf Service coach has two levels: the upper level features a glass-domed roof where you can admire panoramic views of the passing scenery. It also has a dining area, outdoor viewing platform, and washrooms on the lower level. The seats are leathered, heated, and spacious with adjustable reclining features. They can even be turned 180 degrees for socialization among guests.
• SilverLeaf Service coach is single-level. Seats are similar to those on airplanes, with the ability to recline, just not as much as those in the GoldLeaf service coach. Additionally, the coach has oversized windows instead of a glass-domed roof.

When it comes to guest service , both service coaches are staffed with dedicated “hosts” who take care of the guests. They do an amazing job fulfilling your requests to ensure you are comfortable and enjoying the journey. From time to time, they would point out significant landmarks you are about to see (so you can get your camera ready), alert you when wildlife is spotted nearby, and offer storytelling that is relevant in the region. 

One important difference between classes is that the GoldLeaf Service coach comes with a dedicated culinary team. It also includes access to unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. So, if you want a glass of the classic Canadian caesar at wine o’clock, that’s no problem!

Lastly, we must discuss the food. All meals, regardless of the service level, are prepared using locally-sourced products inspired by the regions the train travels through. You also have a selection of local wines, beers and high-end spirits to complement the meal.

Because GoldLeaf guests have a dedicated culinary team onboard, their meals are freshly prepared and served to them in the lower level dining room. Meals for SilverLeaf guests are pre-packaged and warmed before being served at the seat. They also have a smaller menu selection than GoldLeaf guests.

How’s the food onboard the Rocky Mountaineer trains?

O.M.G. Honestly, my mind was blown by the food. It completely changed how I thought meals on rail would taste and be presented. Everything– from appetizers, to mains to desserts, was all freshly made in the kitchen car with ingredients locally sourced. This was really reflected in the wholesome flavour. On top of that, the presentation was top-notch as well. 

You do not need to worry about being hungry when traveling on Rocky Mountaineer trains, especially in the GoldLeaf Service coach. Food is served non-stop. Aside from breakfast and a 3-course lunch, they offer snacks from time to time. By the end of the day, you might need to give dinner a second thought.

What activities are there onboard the Rocky Mountaineer trains?

The highlight of the Rocky Mountain train journey across Canada is the ever-changing scenery unfolding outside the windows, complemented by the engaging stories shared by the Rocky Mountaineer hosts. You will need to pay close attention because you never know when wildlife will show up. On our trip, we saw a black bear, mountain goats, and bald eagles!

You won’t find entertainment like movies or karaoke on your train travel, but luckily you won’t need it. If you are desperate for the written word, you can find Rocky Mountaineer magazine and newspaper called “Mile Post” in which you can indulge and learn all about the history and the many jaw-dropping attractions in the regions the train passes through.

How long does it take to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train?

Rocky Mountaineer’s Journey through the Clouds from Vancouver to Jasper is a 3 days 2 night itinerary. By contrast, a Vancouver to Jasper drive would take approximately 9.5 hours and you wouldn’t see nearly as much beautiful scenery and wildlife.

On the first day, our train embarked from Vancouver at 7:30 am and arrived in Kamloops, BC at 6:30 pm, where we spent the night. Then, the next morning, the train took off from Kamloops at around 8 am, winding through forests and canyons and making its way to the Canadian Rockies, where we finished off in Jasper, AB at around 7:30 pm.

What do you do with your luggage?

When you check in to your train trip at the beginning of your journey, you will receive luggage tags. The idea is to attach them on the luggage that you want to transfer to the hotels. The luggage will be handled by the Rocky Mountaineer staff and delivered straight to your hotel, right inside your room. They will not be boarding the train with you so you will not have access to your checked luggage until you arrive at your hotel at the end of the day.

You are allowed to bring two pieces of luggage with you , with a maximum weight not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs) per piece and a total weight of combined luggage 30 kg (60 lbs) max. 

We advise bringing a day bag or backpack that is small enough to fit at your feet (there’s no overhead or under feet storage) onboard the train. Anything you need for the day like travel documents (ID and proof of vaccination), medications, valuables, and cameras should be packed into this bag.

Where do you spend nights on a Rocky Mountaineer train journey?

Rocky Mountaineer is not a sleeper train. It only travels during the day. So at the end of the day, we were transferred to our hotels in Kamloops and Jasper for an overnight stay. 

Rocky Mountaineer partners with the best hotel in each of the destinations so the hotels are pre-selected and determined by your service level (SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf) and availability at the time of booking. 

As GoldLeaf Service guests, we stayed at a premium hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge) that had restaurants and other amenities. There is an option to upgrade your room to get more space or exceptional views. 

For guests in the SilverLeaf Service tier, a standard room at a comfortable hotel is included in the package.

Note: The hotel options at our midpoint destination in Kamloops were limited and not as luxurious as those in other destinations. But Rocky Mountaineer ensures the hotel they partner with provides quality service and essential amenities for a comfortable overnight stay.

Is there WiFi on the Rocky Mountaineer trains?

Unfortunately, no. There is no WiFi on the train ride.

We are connected to cell service in Canada, so we caught some mobile signals as the train passed through some small towns, but generally, we were cut off from the virtual world. 

The idea is to enjoy the scenery and be present in the experience. You shouldn’t be thinking about working on this trip. Just sit back and take in the gorgeous vistas while onboard!

What’s the difference between the Rocky Mountaineer and the VIA Rail train?

The short answer is: one is more luxurious and enjoyable than the other. VIA Rail is more of a commuter train – it is more cost-effective and less comfortable. Rocky Mountaineer takes train travel to another level, allowing you to travel in high style!

Another difference is that Rocky Mountaineer travels only during daytime so you don’t miss a moment of the ever-changing landscapes. This means you will have to go off board at the midpoint destination to sleep overnight. VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper trains, on the contrary, have sleeper cabins (meals included).

If you want to get from Vancouver to Jasper without stopping, the VIA Rail overnight train can get you there in 19 hours. Because Rocky Mountaineer makes stops in Kamloops (for the Journey through the Clouds route), the trip from Vancouver to Jasper will take 2 full days.

Note: VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer leave from different stations in Vancouver. VIA Rail leaves from Pacific Central Station whereas Rocky Mountaineer has its own train station. Don’t be confused!

How much is the Rocky Mountaineer train ride from Vancouver to Jasper?

Prices vary slightly depending on the season, the type of train service, hotel choices, the length of trip, and if you have any add-on tours and hotel stays. 

As a reference, a 3-day train journey from Vancouver to Jasper price starts from CAD$2600 per person (SilverLeaf service) and CAD$3570 per person (GoldLeaf service). For an exact quote, please visit Rocky Mountaineer’s website . There, you can access more information on packages available and the Vancouver to Jasper train schedule for 2022!

When is the best time to go on the Rocky Mountaineer?

The trains run from mid-April to mid-October. You will see different scenery in different seasons so it depends on what you’d like to see. Mid-April is the borderline winter season in Canada so you might still see snow as you travel through the mountainous regions.

If you’d like to see spring-blooming flowers, you might want to consider traveling on Rocky Mountaineer around mid-May to June. If you’d like to see fall foliage, September to early October is a wonderful time to hop on a train ride!

What’s there to see beyond Jasper?

Rocky Mountaineer trains don’t travel beyond Jasper so you will need to transfer to car travel after this point. There are many easy hikes in Jasper to discover when you’re in the area. Maligne Canyon is one that you should not miss. After the hike, make sure to enjoy wood-fire cuisine in Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen . 

One of our favorite things to do in Jasper in fall is taking a boat cruise out to Spirit Island and just soak in the tranquility and wilderness. Then, wrap up the day with a visit to Pyramid Island, a perfect place to watch sunset and stargaze!

Too much work and planning? Don’t worry. Rocky Mountaineer works with local tour operators to curate vacation packages. You can add on tours, activities, and accommodations to extend your stay in the destinations. Honestly, they make it stress-free so that you can just enjoy the travel experience. 

What other Canadian train routes does Rocky Mountaineer have?

Rocky Mountaineer has three Canadian train routes . 

Aside from Journey through the Clouds (Vancouver to Jasper via Kamloops) and First Passage to the West (Vancouver to Lake Louise/Banff), Rocky Mountaineer also has a Rainforest to the Gold Rush rail route traveling from Vancouver to Jasper passing through Whistler,Quesnel and Prince George.

Important note: All Rocky Mountaineer itineraries can be reversed, meaning you can choose to do Vancouver first or last. For example, for the Journey through the Clouds route, you can travel westbound from Jasper to Vancouver instead of starting your trip from Vancouver. 

Which Rocky Mountaineer route is the best: Vancouver to Jasper OR Vancouver to Banff?

This is a hard question – like asking-your-mom-who’s-her-favourite-child-hard. There’s no right answer. Each Rocky Mountaineer route takes you through its own unique, one-of-a-kind landscape and offers stunning photo opportunities as you adventure through Western Canada. It depends on your priority.

Are you dead set on seeing Banff National Park because it is on your bucket list? Then, First Passage to the West traveling between Vancouver and Banff is the perfect train route for you. It is also Rocky Mountaineer’s flagship route and has been the most popular among the visitors from around the world. The train will travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels!

Personally, we would pick one of the two routes that begins/ends in Jasper National Park. It is less commercialized, less touristy, and easier to spot wildlife!

But no matter which one you pick, the Rocky Mountaineer train journey is sure to leave you speechless.

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2 comments leave a comment ».

How did you get back to the Vancouver area from Jasper? It looks like the closest town to fly out of is Edmonton, a 4 hr drive away. Thanks! Loved reading your article – so helpful!

Hi Connie, if you’re planning to fly back to Vancouver, the closest city from Jasper is Edmonton. Otherwise, some people drive from Jasper-Banff-Canmore, then leave from Calgary Airport 🙂

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7 Day road trip to Banff and Jasper from Vancouver

Since we moved to Vancouver last summer I’ve been desperate to take a road trip to Banff and Jasper in the Rocky Mountains. How could you not be when you see how beautiful they are?

We’ve been to Banff several times over the years and have always had fun!

If you live in Vancouver or are visiting Canada and are planning a road trip to Banff and Jasper starting and/or ending in Vancouver then here is an itinerary for a 7-day road trip to the Canadian Rockies.

This Vancouver to Banff and Jasper road trip itinerary is exactly what we did in a week, so you can trust it’s totally doable.

See my road trip packing list essentials! 

7 Day road trip to Banff & Jasper from Vancouver

This Banff and Jasper itinerary for a road trip from Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains can be done as a one-way trip or two ways. One of the more popular routes is to go from Vancouver to Banff to Jasper and then Jasper National Park to Vancouver, only we went from Vancouver to Jasper National Park and then on to Banff and Lake Louise.

Our trip from Vancouver to Banff, Jasper & Yoho and back in 8 days. However, if you’re just visiting Canada and are road-tripping from Vancouver to Calgary or Calgary to Vancouver.

This would also work as a 7-day road trip Calgary to Vancouver.

You can definitely make this road trip longer, but I wouldn’t recommend making it shorter. There are some suggestions towards the end of this post on ways to make the road trip longer to 2 or 3 weeks.

Canadian Rockies road trip map to Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Park from Vancouver

Below is a map with the places, hikes and attractions I recommend on this 7-day road trip from Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains. This is far from everything there is to do, but it’s what we did on our road trip to Banff, Jasper and Yoho from Vancouver.

You can skip Jasper and just make it a Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary instead, but I loved Jasper so I recommend trying to make time for it!

Jasper vs Banff

The great thing about this Canada Rockies road trip itinerary is that you don’t have to make the choice between Banff or Jasper. But, if you’re wondering which one I’d pick then it’d be Jasper hands down.

To be fair to Banff I didn’t get to see it at its best since the whole town was shrouded in forest fire smoke. I mean, I’m sure there are  mountains around Banff I just couldn’t see them.

But even without the smoke, Jasper wins as it felt a lot wild and remote and there were fewer people there.

We didn’t have to wake up at 5 am to find a parking spot as we did in Banff and we saw more bears, elk and mountain goats too.

But explore both and decide for yourself!

Best time to visit Canadian Rockies?

This mostly depends on your interests and reasons for visiting the Canadian Rockies in the first place. If you’re there to ski then you’ll want to visit between December – March.

However, if you’re there for hiking and seeing the gorgeous colours of the lakes in the area then you’ll want to plan your Canadian Rockies trip for the summer months (June-August) when the snow is pretty much all gone.

However, summer is often very, very busy. During our trip in August Banff and Lake Louise were pretty much swarming with people.

This makes parking difficult and can take away from the beauty of the top attractions in the Rockies when you’re sharing it with hundreds of people at the same time.

Whilst September is a bit quieter, it snows early in the Rockies sometimes. Some of our friends experienced a lot of snow during their trip in the middle of September so that’s something to bear in mind. Your driving conditions might be more tricky and the weather a lot colder.

Best way to see the Canadian Rockies

The easiest way to travel the Canadian Rockies is by camper van. Not only does this mean you can save a tonne of your accommodation (since you can camp in this and not have to stay in hotels), but it’s just a fun way to travel. I love being able to pull up anywhere in our van, Elvis, and make a cup of tea or enjoy lunch with a view.

If you’re looking to rent a campervan for your Canadian Rockies itinerary then take a look at Escape Campervans . People list their campervans on here and you can rent them for your trip. You can find everything from self-converted homes like our Elvis, to much bigger RVs too!

If you’d prefer to go from Vancouver to Banff by car and stay in hotels or are happy to tent camp then you can hire a smaller car.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

You can usually pick up and drop off your rental car in different cities. So, if you’re only doing this Canadian Rockies vacation in one direction then make sure to look for that option.

Alternatively, you can get the Via Rail Vancouver to Jasper . This scenic train ride takes you past beautiful scenery and into the Rocky Mountains.

The train from Vancouver to Jasper is not the cheapest and doesn’t always run on time, but it’s a great option if you don’t want to drive.

You can also get the Jasper to Vancouver train if you’ve flown to Calgary and then travelled on to Jasper.

National Park entrance fee

You need to pay for every day you spend in a National Park. You’ll pass a booth upon entering Jasper if you follow this itinerary. If you enter from a different way you can purchase a pass at a visitors’ centre. You must display this on your dashboard at all times.

If you’re spending 7 days in the National Parks and there are 2 or more of you then the best deal is to get the Group Parks Pass for $136.40.

Where to stay in Banff and Jasper

Hotels in Banff and Jasper are EXPENSIVE. Especially during the summer months when let’s face it, is probably when you’re going to want to go since the beautiful aqua lakes are covered under snow in winter and it’s bloody freezing.

I’ve listed a few suggestions for each stage of the journey below for camping, budget, mid-range and luxury options.

Hotels & Hostels in Banff & Jasper

Hostels are your best bet if you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies on a budget.

Even then they’re not the cheapest and I don’t know about you but I don’t really fancy staying in a 28-person dormitory… I guess you’re not going to be spending too much time inside though!

If you do want to stay in hotels while you’re road-tripping through Banff and Jasper then check out Booking.com . They’re my go-to site whenever I’m beginning my hotel search for an upcoming trip.

To find cheaper hostels or hotels in Jasper and Banff, I’d recommend widening your search to include towns outside of the National Parks. This will mean you’re driving more in the morning and evenings but it might help you cut costs a little!

Some suggestions are Golden in BC and Canmore just outside of Banff.

Read more: Banff vs Canmore? Should you stay in Banff or Canmore ?

Camping in Banff and Jasper

Campsites in Banff and Jasper fill up super, super quick. Canadians love to camp and so do many people visiting these National Parks.

If you’re visiting in the summer months (June – August) then make sure you plan your trip about 3 months in advance to secure a camping spot.

You may get lucky and find a camping place at some campsites but usually, everything will be booked already, especially over weekends.

• To book a campsite in BC use the BC Parks Reservation site
• For campsite bookings in National Parks use the  Parks Canada Reservation Website
• All bookings in Alberta (outside of national parks boundaries) can be made on the  Alberta Parks Reservation Website

Overflow camping in Banff and Jasper

Fortunately, there are other camping options in Banff and Jasper when the campsites are fully booked.

Banff, Jasper and the Ice Fields Parkway have overflow campsites.

They open only when the other campsites are full. At these, you are permitted to sleep inside your vehicle.

These are usually just car parks and so tents are not allowed with the exception of the Snaring Overflow in Jasper.

Take a look at this post for all the camping options in Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Please note: It is illegal to sleep overnight in your vehicle or camp outside of a designated camping spot. You will be asked to move and/or fined if found doing this.

This is for your own safety, the safety of the wildlife and the protection of the parks. You might be responsible and follow Leave No Trace Principles but that doesn’t mean everyone does. 

Itinerary for a 7-day road trip to Banff & Jasper from Vancouver

Use this itinerary for your Vancouver to Jasper, Banff to Vancouver road trip. It’s full of the best hikes and things to see so use it to put together your own Vancouver to Banff itinerary. There are posts about each place we visited which include more detail too.

This road trip from Vancouver to Banff and Jasper is a Canadian bucket list item and I’d highly recommend it!

Vancouver to Wells Gray Provincial Park

Whilst you could just go straight from Vancouver to Jasper (or Jasper to Vancouver if you’re coming from Calgary), it’s well worth making a stop at Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Wells Gray Provincial Park has been on my radar for quite a while. It’s known for its waterfalls or which there are 39 named (and plenty that aren’t!). It’s 5,250 square kilometres of alpine wilderness created by volcanoes and carved by glaciers.

We stopped by for just a few hours to check out two of the most well-known waterfalls; Helmecken and Spahats. These are both easy to drive to and require just a short walk from the parking lots.

Directions: From Vancouver take Hwy 1/Trans Canada to Hope and then switch to Route 5 North to Clearwater via Kamloops.

If you’re looking for a Vancouver and Banff itinerary scroll on down!

Where to stay in Wells Gray Provincial Park

• Mid-range;  Highly recommended B&B inside Wells Gray

Wells Gray to Jasper

It wouldn’t be a Vancouver to Jasper road trip without this next stop. It’s time to hit your first National Park of the trip: Jasper!

On the journey from Wells Gray to Jasper, you’ll pass the border BC and Alberta and you’ll also need to remember to put your clocks one hour forward.

On the way to Jasper, you’ll also pass through Mt Robson Provincial Park.

We ended up driving through here in the dark so missed out on seeing Mt Robson (BC’s highest peak) but if you’re spending a little longer doing your road trip you might want to spend a day or two here.

Jasper Highlights

There are plenty of hikes and things to see and do in Jasper. I have a full post about everything we did in Jasper National Park and a few more additional suggestions here.

However, these are my top three suggestions for things to do on a road trip to Jasper.

Read about more of the best things to do in Jasper National Park

Pyramid Lake

We loved Pyramid Lake and the backdrop of Pyramid Mountain. Go here early in the morning and take a stroll, hire a canoe or kayak if you plan to stay longer.

The Miette Hot Springs

The Miette Hot Springs are a little bit more like a swimming pool than these hot springs in BC but they’re a great place to relax after a busy day of exploring.

I’d recommend getting there mid-afternoon as by late afternoon/early evening there was a queue outside to get in.

There are two hot pools and then a couple of cold pools too. Towels and swimsuits can be rented there.

Canoeing/Kayaking on Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is pretty famous. There’s plenty of hiking to be done around the lake or you can hire a canoe or kayak and explore from the water.

If you’re really keen then plan a multi-day kayaking trip down to Spirit Island and back. Just bear in mind you’ll have to book this campsite about 3 months in advance.

Where to stay in Jasper

Check out my full guide to the best places to stay in Jasper.

• Best budget accommodation in Jasper: HI Hostel Downtown Jasper
• Best hotel in Jasper: Whistler’s Inn
• Best luxury accommodations in Jasper National Park: Pyramid Lake Resort
• Best place for camping in Jasper: Snaring Campground, Jasper
• Best cabins in Jasper: Miette Mountain Cabin

Jasper to Icefields Parkway

Getting from Jasper to Banff means driving the incredible Icefields Parkway. The Jasper to Banff drive along the Icefields Parkway has to be one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Honestly, it’s so, so beautiful. You’re flanked by mountains on either side, lakes, glaciers and forests. Take your time and don’t rush this drive.

The distance from Banff to Jasper is 288km. The Jasper to Banff driving time is around 3.5 hours if you do it in one go, but you’ll want to stop and take in the sights so I recommend taking at least two days to explore the Icefields Parkway.

It’s slightly shorter from Jasper to Lake Louise (232km)  which is the next town you’ll come to. Take your time and enjoy the stretch of road between Jasper and Lake Louise.

There are a lot of places to stop along the way but here are my three highlights for your Icefields Parkway road trip.

Top things to do on the Icefields Parkway

There’s more to do than you first realise along the Icefields Parkway. From hiking to beautiful sites and learning about the glaciers, below are a few highlights!

Get the low-down on the best places to stop on the Icefields Parkway

The Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is probably something you’ve heard about before your road trip to Banff and Jasper . This massive glacier is still easy to see although it’s receded a lot over the years. Thom visited around 10 years ago and says there’s a noticeable difference.

Book a trip to get up close with the glacier here.

Chances are you’ve seen plenty of photos of this lake. And yes, it really is that blue! The car park is always super busy here but you should be able to find a space somewhere.

From there is just a quick 10-minute walk on a gentle incline until you get to the viewing point for the lake.

Athabasca Falls

There are many waterfalls in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks but the Athabasca Falls are up there with the most impressive.

Where to stay along the Icefields Parkway

There isn’t a whole lot of accommodation choice along the Icefields Parkway which is why camping, or hiring a camper van is such a good idea. However, I’ve picked out some of the best hotels between Banff and Jasper below that should help if you’re looking for where to stay between Banff and Jasper.

• Camping: The overflow car park at the Icefields Centre. It’s just a car park but you’re allowed to overnight here in your vehicle and there are incredible views!
• Hotels: Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge  | Glacier View Inn | The Crossing Resort

Lake Louise

The Icefields Parkway finishes up in Lake Louise which was incredibly busy when we visited in early August. As the woman at the tourism office said it’s the place that’s on all the brochures for The Rockies and it’s a popular entrance point to Banff. It’s also an easy, though long, drive from both Vancouver to Lake Louise, and Calgary to Lake Louise.

If you’re visiting in the summer there are a few things you’ll need to know to make sure you have an enjoyable experience despite the insane amount of people and traffic. Take a look at this post to find out.

Despite how busy it is, the surrounding areas and the lake of Lake Louise can’t be missed.

Lake Louise to Banff then Yoho or Lake Louise and Yoho to Banff?

You’ll notice that Yoho National Park and Lake Louise are super close to each other (about 10-minute drive). Yoho National Park is in British Columbia and Lake Louise forms part of Banff in Alberta.

It’s up to you whether you decide to spend longer in Lake Louise and combine the below suggestions with those later on in this post with Yoho.

We crossed the border during our first day in Lake Louise to do a hike in Yoho. Then we spent a day exploring Yoho on our way back to Vancouver  after we’d been to Banff. The choice is yours!

Best things to do in Lake Louise

I’ve picked out the top few things you absolutely  can’t miss in Lake Louise.

For more things to do in Lake Louise & Banff take a look here. 

Visit Moraine Lake

Despite the fact we had to wake up at 5.30am in order to get a parking space at Moraine Lake (and before they close the road to all traffic other than the shuttle bus), Moraine Lake was totally worth it. These days, you’ll have to get there even earlier!

The light at sunrise catches the top of the mountains and reflects in the water which is very pretty.

But perhaps the best thing about this was watching some guy try and cross the log pile too fast and fall splat on his face several times. He was fine but it was funny.

Take your time and realise that the reason there is a queue to cross over is that there are definitely easier logs to cross than others!

As of 2023, you can no longer drive to Moraine Lake . The only way to get to Moraine Lake for sunrise is to either take an expensive taxi, cycle the 25km round trip OR ride with the Moraine Lake Bus Company .

The Moraine Lake Bus Company is the only company offering sunrise shuttles to Moraine Lake. Prices start at $35 per adult and $25 per child and the shuttles run from 4 am (arriving at Moraine Lake at 4.35 am) to 6.20 pm.

If you want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise, this is definitely the most affordable way!

Book your tickets to Moraine Lake here.

Parks Canada also offer shuttle buses to Moraine Lake, but these don’t start until 6.30 am and so miss the sunrise.

See Lake Louise

Lake Louise is another gorgeous Lake that is flanked by the Fairmont Hotel and mountains. You can take a canoe out on the lake or just admire it from the shorelines.

If you’re visiting in summer be aware that the parking lot is usually full by 8 am.

Do some hikes around Lake Louise

Personally, I think the best way to see Lake Louise is to get up high! There are many popular hikes in this area with the busiest being the hike to the Agnes Lake Tea House.

If you do this hike then do it early! Not only will you avoid all the crowds on the trail but you’re also more likely to get a seat at the Tea House.

From here there are ways to extend your hike. You could take the Plain of the 6 Glaciers, climb up to Little and Big Beehive, or do a scramble to the top of Devil’s Thumb which is what we opted for.

Here are 14 of the best hikes to do in and around Lake Louise

Where to stay in Lake Louise

• Camping: There’s an overflow car park where you can camp in your vehicle just outside of Lake Louise. It’s also the overflow car park for during the day when the lakes and town are full. If you’re organised, then book in advance here.

Lake Louise to Banff

Continue your Canadian Rockies tour from Vancouver by making the shortish drive from Lake Louise to Banff. There are two drives you can take down to Banff, there’s the TransCanada highway, or the more picturesque Bow Valley Parkway.

I’d recommend doing the Bow Valley Parkway at least one way. Even though it was super smokey in Banff when we visited and we pretty much couldn’t see anything, it’s just a nicer, calmer road to drive.

The Bow Valley Parkway is closed from March 1st to June 25th between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m . This is to ensure the area remains a safe and good environment for the wildlife there.

Top 3 for your Banff itinerary

Here are the top three things to do in Banff during your Banff and Vancouver trip. We didn’t end up doing the cable car ride due to the smoke, but the lakes and Johnston Canyon were beautiful despite the smoke and crowds!

You’ll see you’ll have a great holiday even if only doing the road trip from Vancouver to Banff and back.

Read this post for more things to do in Banff National Park! 

Visit Johnston Canyon

This canyon was absolutely packed when we visited. I’ve never had to queue up for 20 minutes to get a glimpse of a waterfall (and I hope I never have to again).

If you want to visit the canyon then be prepared for it to be super busy, or go early or late to get fewer crowds.

Having said that the canyon is a pretty area and the lower Banff falls , in particular, were a great colour.

Visit the lakes

There are plenty of lakes in Banff. They might not be the same aqua blue as Lake Louise or Peyto Lake, but they’re pretty nonetheless. We spent a relaxing few hours on the shores of Lake Minnewanka and took the kayaks out on Two Jack Lake.

Take the Banff Gondola

This is something we didn’t do on our first visit to Banff since the mountains were covered in smoke and there wouldn’t have been a view.

However, when we did return, we rode up the gondola and got to enjoy the beautiful views up on Sulphur Mountain. I highly recommend adding the gondola, and these Banff activities , to your list of things to do in Banff!

You can book Banff sightseeing tickets incl. the gondola here.

Where to stay in Banff

• Camping: Banff has some massive campsites. We got lucky and got a spot at Tunnel Mountain Village I just a week before our trip. I’m assuming this was because someone else had cancelled. The campsite is huge but your spot will still feel relatively private which is nice. Book all Banff campsites here .

Banff National Park to Yoho National Park

While you could go straight back from Banff to Vancouver, doing so means you miss out on the beautiful Yoho National Park.

For me, Yoho National Park was up there with Jasper for my favourite part of our week road trip in the Canadian Rockies. It’s definitely somewhere I’m planning to visit again.

It’s not a huge park but it’s full of peaks to tackle (we managed to tick off one!); 28 of them are over 3,000 metres in height!

Best things to do in Yoho National Park

Check out this longer list of the best things to do in Yoho National Park.

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is about 15km off the main road in Yoho National Park. Its highest point is 380 metres which makes it the 2nd tallest waterfall in Canada. You can follow the path near the base of the waterfall and enjoy a cooling spray too.

Climb Paget Peak

This was the hike we did after we arrived in Lake Louise and found out there wasn’t hope in hell of getting a parking spot for the rest of the day.

So off we drove to Yoho (about 15 minutes) and took on Paget Peak!

There’s a fire lookout about 1 hour into this hike but the real fun comes from when you tackle scramble to the peak. Don’t be fooled by the false peak, you’ll be climbing for at least 1.5 hours more from the fire outlook!

Emerald Lake

Another insta-famous spot in the Canadian Rockies is Emerald Lake. Again, this is a super busy spot but if you go for a walk around the lake then you’ll escape most of the crowds.

Where to stay in Yoho

Accommodation in Yoho is pretty scarce. Given that it’s so close to Lake Louise you might want to base yourself there or in Golden.

Yoho National Park to Vancouver

Upon leaving Yoho National Park it’s a pretty long drive back to Vancouver (about 8 hours). You just take the BC-5 S and Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 W all the way back!

If you’re looking for a way to break up the journey take a look below. This also works if you’re doing a Vancouver to Banff drive, or Banff to Vancouver and skipping Yoho (which I don’t think you should do!).

Where to stop between Yoho National Park and Vancouver

Golden is one of my favourite BC Mountain Towns . It’s got such a chilled-out vibe, great places to eat and it’s surrounded by such beautiful scenery.

It’s a great place to stay too if you’re looking for somewhere cheaper to stay near Banff or Yoho.

Glacier National Park

You’ll pass through Glacier National Park on the drive home. Again, we couldn’t see much on our first visit due to smoke but having returned, I can confirm it’s beautiful!

It has deep valleys, ancient forests and alpine meadows to explore.

Check out the Giant Cedars Boardwalk and Rogers Pass!

Mt. Revelstoke National Park

We’ve been through Revelstoke many a time now both in the winter and the summer. Nearby is Mt Revelstoke National Park which is incredible!

Mount Revelstoke is the only mountain in the national park system that you can summit just a short walk from your car! That’s an easy peak to bag!

Kamloops is great for outdoor lovers. There are trails for every level and the same goes for mountain biking.

If you fancy some lake time then head to one of the lakes nearby and enjoy swimming, kayaking, SUP boarding, waterskiing, or wakeboarding and some of the pretty Kamloops waterfalls.

For more details on the Vancouver to Kamloops drive, I’ve got a full road trip itinerary.

Hope, Chilliwack & The Fraser Valley

The Fraser Valley is a great place to stop either on the way to the Canadian Rockies or the way back. I’ve visited various places there over the year and a bit we’ve lived in Vancouver. I’d recommend checking out Chilliwack Lake and some of the breweries in Chilliwack, Jones Lake if you have a 4×4, and Bridal Veil Falls just east of Chilliwack.

Final thoughts on the drive from Vancouver to Banff

This Banff Vancouver road trip guide includes everything you need to know to plan a road trip Vancouver to Banff or the other way around.

This is one of the quintessential BC road trips with others being BC Hot Springs Circle Route in the east of the province, the Vancouver to Whistler drive on the Sea to Sky, and the Kamloops to Whistler stops via hwy 99.

Last Updated on June 21, 2023 by Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe , a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada , you’ll find posts on all of this.

Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.

Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Photos from the path of totality and elsewhere in the U.S.

Images show the Great American Eclipse, seen by tens of millions of people in parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada for the first time since 2017.

Millions gathered across North America on Monday to bask in the glory of the Great American Eclipse — the moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. 

The path of totality measures more than 100 miles wide and will first be visible on Mexico’s Pacific coast before moving northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and upward toward New York, New Hampshire and Maine, then on to Canada.

Total solar eclipse 2024 highlights: Live coverage, videos and more

During the cosmic spectacle, the moon’s movements will temporarily block the sun’s light, creating minutes of darkness, and will make the sun's outer atmosphere, or the corona, visible as a glowing halo.

Here are moments of the celestial activities across the country:

Breaking News Reporter

Elise Wrabetz is a Senior Photo Editor for NBC News digital

Chelsea Stahl is the art director for NBC News Digital

Updated 8m ago

Masters 2024 live updates: Tiger Woods, leaderboard, scores, tee times, odds, schedule

173 New Updates

Masters 2024 — leaderboard, tee times, how to watch

The sun is shining and the winds are gusting at Augusta National for the second round of the Masters on Friday.

Bryson DeChambeau was the 18-hole leader after shooting an opening-round 65. It was DeChambeau's lowest round at Augusta in his career.

But lurking close behind is Scottie Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion, who shot a bogey-free 66.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods shot an opening-round 73. The five-time Masters champion is trying to extend his Masters consecutive cuts-made streak to 24.

⛳ Follow The Athletic 's golf coverage

Leaderboard:

• DeChambeau -7 (7)

T2. Højgaard -6 (16)

T2. Homa -6 (12)

T2. Scheffler -6 (1)

5. Willett -4 (9)

T29. Woods +1 (12)

✉️ Message us: [email protected]

Find tickets to watch the Masters

• The Masters leader? It’s the ‘little bit smarter’ version of Bryson DeChambeau
• Masters analysis: 10 notes to know on Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau after Day 1
• Welcome back to the Masters, where we can all be together again
• Go Deeper: Why does the Masters stand out from golf's other tournaments?

Start to Masters 2024 round one delayed

The first round of the 2024 Masters has been delayed.

Augusta National have just said in a short statement: “We continue to monitor the weather closely. Gate openings and tee times have been delayed until further notice. The first round will not begin before 9am.”

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Min Woo Lee a player to keep an eye on at Augusta

(Photo: Getty Images)

Min Woo Lee , one of the more colorful personalities in professional golf, is definitely one to keep an eye on this weekend.

The 25-year-old is trying to become the second Australian golfer to win the Masters, joining Adam Scott (2013). Lee is playing in his third Masters. Last year, he missed the cut. During his inaugural Masters appearance in 2022, Lee finished T14. Lee’s last win came at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship last November. His best finish at a major was T5 at last year’s U.S. Open.

Fans hope that Lee will captivate the highlight reels, as he did at this year’s Players Championship when he converted a 60-foot birdie putt on the island green 17th hole.

Masters 2024 Big Board: How Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler and everyone else stack up

A busy day at Augusta for Greg Norman

And PGA Tour fans might want to look away now: here’s Greg Norman sharing a warm embrace with rising star (and fellow Aussie) Min Woo Lee .

Greg Norman in attendance at 2024 Masters

One patron was the focus of more attention than most yesterday: Greg Norman, the CEO of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour that launched in 2022 was in attendance as a ticketed fan.

It marks the first time that Norman, 69, has appeared at the Masters since 2021, when he worked as a radio analyst. Augusta chairman Fred Ridley memorably said that Norman “was not extended an invitation” to the 2023 Masters.

Norman told the New York Post yesterday: “I’m here because we have 13 players that won 10 Masters between them, so I'm here just to support them, do the best I can to show them, ‘Hey, you know, the boss is here rooting for you.’”

Get involved ahead of the Masters today

We’d love to hear from you ahead of the opening round today. You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] .

Masters 2024 contenders — Jon Rahm

The defending Masters champion usually has some latitude in their return performance — only three men in history and no one since Tiger Woods (2001-02) has repeated as Masters champ, after all. But there’s unique pressure on Jon Rahm this year, in his first major since he joined LIV. Suddenly the same question is being asked of him that was asked of the first generation of stars to break away to the rebel tour — can you win the big one when your prep is 54-hole, no-cut events? We’ll find out for Rahm, who lacks a win on LIV this year but has five top 10s in as many starts.

Masters 2024 contenders — Rory McIlroy

Nobody enters Masters week with more pressure — both internal and external — than Rory McIlroy. He thinks about it more than anyone and talks openly about his eager desire to finally complete the career grand slam. It’s been 10 years since McIlroy’s last major victory, but what makes it so frustrating is that he hasn’t fallen off in that 10 years. He’s a 34-year-old star coming off arguably the best two-year span of golf in his career. He just keeps falling agonizingly short in majors like the 2022 Open Championship and the 2023 U.S. Open, among others. From a pure golf perspective, McIlroy is one of the three or four favorites in the field. The question is whether he’s ready to close and grab another major when it’s there for him.

Masters 2024 contenders — Scottie Scheffler

The best player in the world right now and it might not be close, Scottie Scheffler’s game is reaching the kind of levels we haven’t seen in at least a decade. Now, he needs to solidify it with another major victory. He was one missed putt on 18 away from possibly winning a third-straight PGA Tour event at Houston, and while it’s naive to think his putting issues are completely solved, he’s been putting at an above-average level. With his historically incredible ball striking, many argue Scheffler just needs to be an average putter and he can go on Tiger Woods-esque runs of majors. He won here just two years ago, and he’s a 4-to-1 favorite to win this week. That’s the largest favorite since Tiger.

Who is in contention to win the 2024 Masters?

Scottie Scheffler is unsurprisingly the strongest favourite to win this weekend given his fine start to the 2024 season. Scheffler overcame injury to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational and followed that up by becoming the first player to win back-to-back Players Championship titles.

Defending champion Jon Rahm is meanwhile attempting to join Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo in winning back-to-back Masters titles. And there is also plenty of attention on Rory McIlroy , who last won a major in 2014 and has spent the last decade — and past 34 majors — attempting to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Nicklaus and Woods in completing a career slam.

Masters 2024 weather delay latest

The Masters begins later today under the considerable threat of thunderstorms, with delays already confirmed by the organizers of the tournament.

There is currently a 90 per cent chance of rain over the course today, with the very worst predicted shortly, from 6-11am ET (11am-4pm BST).

The latest update from Augusta late yesterday read: “Due to forecasted weather on Thursday, we have decided to delay all gate openings in the morning. All Masters free parking will be closed until further notice while gate openings are delayed.”

A further update is expected in around two hours.

Augusta National course information

Course: Augusta National Golf Club — Augusta, Ga.

Designed by: Alister MacKenzie

Yardage: 7,545 yards

Average green size: 6,486 square feet

Features: The tee boxes and fairways feature Bermuda grass that is overseeded with rye grass in the fall. The greens are very large and feature bent grass. The fairways are large with elevation changes as well as undulations throughout. The rough is kept short, which allows wayward tee shots to find the pine straw that sits beneath the trees that line many of the fairways. The back nine has water in play on five of the nine holes.

Past champions: Jon Rahm 2023, Scottie Scheffler 2022, Hideki Matsuyama 2021, Dustin Johnson 2020, Tiger Woods 2019, Patrick Reed 2018, Sergio Garcia 2017, Danny Willett 2016, Jordan Spieth 2015

Masters 2024 round one tee times

All times ET.

• 8am: Erik van Rooyen, Jake Knapp
• 8.12am: José María Olazábal, Taylor Moore, Santiago de la Fuente
• 8.24am: Danny Willett, Austin Eckroat, Stephan Jaeger
• 8.36am: Charl Schwartzel, Luke List, Christo Lamprecht
• 8.48am: Gary Woodland, Thorbjørn Olesen, Bryson DeChambeau
• 9am: Zach Johnson, Corey Conners, Jasper Stubbs
• 9:12am: Sergio Garcia, Chris Kirk, Ryan Fox
• 9.24am : Lucas Glover, Byeong Hun An, Harris English
• 9.36am: Phil Mickelson, Sepp Straka, Tony Finau
• 9.48am: Nick Taylor, Joaquin Niemann, Russell Henley
• 10.06am: Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, Rickie Fowler
• 10.18am: Hideki Matsuyama, Will Zalatoris, Justin Thomas
• 10.30am: Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap
• 10.42am: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele
• 10.54am: Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith
• 11.06am: Lee Hodges, Adrian Meronk, Grayson Murray
• 11.18am: C amillo Villegas, Denny McCarthy, Cameron Davis
• 11.30am: Mike Weir, Ryo Hisatsune, Neal Shipley
• 11.42am: Vijay Singh, Si Woo Kim, Emiliano Grillo
• 11.54am: Fred Couples, Adam Hadwin, Stewart Hagestad
• 12.12pm: Justin Rose, Eric Cole, Peter Malnati
• 12.24pm: Akshay Bhatia, J.T. Poston, Shane Lowry
• 12.36pm: Bubba Watson, Nicolai Højgaard, Adam Schenk
• 12.48pm: Patrick Reed, Sungjae Im, Kurt Kitayama
• 1pm: Keegan Bradley, Matthieu Pavon, Tyrrell Hatton
• 1.12 pm: Adam Scott, Sam Burns, Cameron Young
• 1.24pm: Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa
• 1.36pm: Brian Harman, Brooks Koepka, Tom Kim
• 1.48pm: Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Åberg, Sahith Theegala
• 2pm: Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood

How to watch the 2024 Masters

In the United States, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN and Golf Channel have coverage. Live From the Masters starts at 8am EDT on the Golf Channel, with featured holes, featured groups and Amen Corner shown from 9.15am to 7.30pm on the Masters.com/Masters app and Paramount+. Live coverage of the first round will be shown on ESPN from 3pm to 7.30pm.

In the United Kingdom, the Masters is broadcast on Sky Sports. Coverage starts from 2pm BST today, with the global broadcast window beginning at 8pm.

Live coverage of the 2024 Masters at Augusta National

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2024 Masters at Augusta National, as the best golfers in the world descend on the sport’s most famous course for the first of the four annual majors.

As ever with this tournament, there are plenty of fascinating subplots to keep an eye on as the drama unfolds over the next four days.

The 2022 champion Scottie Scheffler is the strongest favorite for victory at a major since Tiger Woods was in his prime following his commanding triumphs at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship, which he also won last year.

He tees off alongside fellow American Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy , who has of course won every major apart from this one. Full tee times to follow.

There will also be plenty of attention on five-time winner Woods, who will play alongside Jason Day and Max Homa .

And then there is the small matter of the ongoing cold war between the PGA Tour and LIV. Last year 18 LIV players were in the field but that number has reduced to 13 this time around. Jon Rahm , last year’s champion, is in attendance, along with fellow former winners Sergio Garcia , Dustin Johnson , Phil Mickelson , Patrick Reed , Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson .

The much-fancied Joaquin Niemann also received an invite, while Bryson DeChambeau , Tyrrell Hatton , Brooks Koepka , Adrian Meronk and Cameron Smith all fall into at least one of the exemption categories.

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Rocky Mountaineer Jasper to Vancouver (2 Days)

The journey though the clouds route.

The world-famous Rocky Mountaineer is truly the trip of a lifetime. This luxury sightseeing train travels exclusively through the Canadian Rockies by daylight, slowing to highlight natural marvels. While indulging in hand-crafted, local cuisine, top-shelf beverages, and endless snacks and treats, you will hear Rocky Mountaineer’s professional guides illuminate Western Canada’s storied history and highlight its unforgettable natural beauty. The Rocky Mountaineer stops overnight in the lake town of Kamloops so guests can sleep comfortably at their hotel and get ready for the rest of their adventure.

For more information on the service levels and inclusions onboard, visit:

Instructions:

The evening prior to your train departure, you may visit one of the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Centres listed below to check-in for your train journey. This process is not mandatory, but at these locations, you will receive your boarding pass, luggage tags, and the name of your Kamloops accommodation. This is also a good time to confirm the time and pick-up location for the morning transfer, as well as your drop-off location at the end of the two-day train journey. This process should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.

Rocky Mountaineer Guest Centre Locations in Jasper

The following locations in Jasper offer Rocky Mountaineer Check-in prior to your train departure day.

Jasper Train Station

Check-in is available in the main lobby.

Sunday: 9:00 – 12:00 PM Monday: 9:00 – 12:00 PM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 – 12:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 – 12:00 PM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 – 12:00 PM Friday: 9:00 – 12:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 – 12:00 PM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM

For more information on the Jasper Train Station, click below:

Chateau Jasper

Sunday: N/A Monday: 16:00 – 20:00 PM Tuesday: N/A Wednesday: 16:00 – 20:00 PM Thursday: N/A Friday: N/A Saturday: 16:00 – 20:00 PM

For more information on the Chateau Jasper, click below:

The Crimson

Check-in is available in the lower lobby.

For more information on The Crimson, click below:

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Check-in is available at the main lobby level, at the Spa & Shops entrance.

Sunday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Monday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Friday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 16:00 – 20:00 PM

For more information on the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, click below:

Forest Park Hotel

For more information on the Forest Park Hotel, click below:

If you are not staying at one of the above hotels, or are unable to visit one of the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Centres during the available time, you may also:

Check-in prior to the morning transfer. *See below for pick up times

Check-in online 72 hours prior to your train departure: CHECK IN

Call the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Experience Centre: 1 800 653 4105

You will need to provide your Rocky Mountaineer Booking Reference Number , which you will find on the travel itinerary provided to you by email. This number is typically three letters followed by seven numbers and is found at the top left of page one. Example:

BOOKING REF: WHS1234567

*If you are travelling on a Circle Journey, you will be on a different train for the second leg of the rail journey, and will therefore need to repeat this process again the night before that train departs.

Rocky Mountaineer Pick Up Locations in Jasper

The following locations in Jasper offer transfers to the Rocky Mountaineer on the morning of departure.

Bear Hill Lodge

Pick Up Time: 07:30 – 08:00 AM

For more information on the Bear Hill Lodge, click below:

Pick Up Time: 07:30 AM (Spa & Boutique Entrance)

Jasper Inn & Suites

For more information on the Jasper Inn & Suites, click below:

Lobstick Lodge

For more information on the Lobstick Lodge, click below:

Tonquin Inn

For more information on the Tonquin Inn, click below:

Whistler's Inn

Pick Up Time: Meet at the train station across the street from your hotel at 07:45 AM.

For more information on the Whistler’s Inn, click below:

Daily Itinerary:

Jasper Transfer to Rocky Mountaineer: 07:30 - 08:00 AM (MT)

Please make your way to the pick-up location with your luggage prior to the time shown. Please ensure your luggage is clearly labeled with your name and contact information. Check-in must be completed at least 5 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up window. Your transfer will depart within the 15-minute time frame noted.

Jasper Hotel Pick Up Times:

Bear Hill Lodge: 07:30 – 08:00 AM Chateau Jasper: 07:30 – 08:00 AM Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: 07:30 AM (Spa & Boutique Entrance) Jasper Inn & Suites: 07:30 – 08:00 AM Forest Park Hotel: 07:30 – 08:00 AM Lobstick Lodge: 07:30 – 08:00 AM The Crimson:  07:30 – 08:00 AM Tonquin Inn: 07:30 – 08:00 AM *Whistler’s Inn:  Make your way to the station across the street for 07:45 AM

Rocky Mountaineer departs Jasper: 08:30 AM (MT)

Following the transfer to the station, the train will depart Jasper at 08:30 AM MT. Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the Rocky Mountains to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. You will be served a gourmet breakfast and lunch onboard the train which are made to order. You will also receive complimentary snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the rail journey. In the event that the train is running behind schedule, an additional dinner service may be provided at your seat.

*You will gain an hour on this day due to the time change from Mountain Time (MT) to Pacific Time (PT).

Your checked luggage will travel separately from the train and will be waiting for you in your assigned room at your Kamloops accommodation. Please note there is no overhead or under-seat storage so any items that you carry onboard must fit at your feet.

The expected arrival time in Kamloops will be between 17:15 – 18:30 PM (PT).

Arrival in Kamloops: 17:15 - 18:30 PM (PT)

Upon arrival at the Kamloops train siding, you will be transferred by motorcoach to your overnight accommodation which is provided by Rocky Mountaineer. While onboard the motorcoach to your assigned hotel you will receive your room keys so that you may skip check-in and head straight to your room where your luggage will be waiting for you. You will also be given additional instructions for your luggage the next morning.

Your accommodation in Kamloops will be of a moderate standard but will include all the essential amenities to make your short overnight stay comfortable.

To see our restaurant recommendations in Kamloops, visit here: City of Kamloops

When passing through the hotel lobby, please take note of the pick-up time for tomorrow morning’s motorcoach transfer from your Kamloops hotel to the train station. The pick-up time is generally between 06:45 – 07:00 AM (PT) but you will need to reconfirm as it is subject to change.

Transfer to Rocky Mountaineer: 06:45 - 07:00 AM* (PT)

*Please confirm your pick up time the evening prior as it may vary from departure to departure.

Prior to meeting in the lobby for the transfer, your luggage will need to be picked up from your room. On the way to your Kamloops hotel the previous night, you will receive instructions for the time at which you should place your luggage in the hallway outside of your door.

If your luggage is not out by the specified time, a Rocky Mountaineer representative will come by and knock on your door to retrieve it. Your luggage will then be transported separately to your final destination for today’s journey – Vancouver.

Rocky Mountaineer departs Kamloops: 08:00 AM* (PT)

The train will depart Kamloops around 08:00 AM PT*.

Spend another full day travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver and complete the train portion of your journey.

You will once again be served a gourmet breakfast and lunch onboard the train which are made to order. You will also receive complimentary snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the rail journey. In the event that the train is running behind schedule, an additional dinner service may be provided at your seat.

The expected arrival time in Vancouver will be between 18:15 – 19:30 PM (PT)

Arrival in Vancouver: 18:15 - 19:30 PM (PT)

When you arrive at your final destination for today’s journey and disembark the train, your luggage will be waiting on the motorcoach going to your assigned drop-off location. Shortly prior to the arrival of the train in Vancouver, your onboard host will make an announcement with further instructions.

Should your assigned Drop-Off Location be different than your overnight accommodation, please ensure that you have collected your luggage from the motorcoach and are able to bring it with you as it may be a short walk or an additional taxi to your hotel. If time permits, your bus driver may be able to drop you off at your hotel.

Vancouver Drop Off Locations

Blue Horizon Hotel Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Georgian Court Hampton Inn & Suites Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Hyatt Regency Vancouver Pan Pacific Hotel Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront Rosewood Hotel Georgia Sheraton Wall Centre Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Westin Bayshore

*If you are not staying at one of the above hotel properties, please reconfirm with the Rocky Mountaineer representative where your drop-off location will be as alternative arrangements may have been made for you.

*If you have booked your Vancouver hotel independently, you may need to take a taxi from the Rocky Mountaineer Station to your hotel unless Canada Rail or Rocky Mountaineer have specifically told you otherwise.

Things to Consider:

• Rocky Mountaineer’s staff will look after all of your needs while onboard, however, some requests cannot be accommodated such as seats, train coach location or first/ second meal times. Don’t worry, you’ll be treated like royalty onboard.
• Rail travel in North America is occasionally subject to unforeseen delays. While Rocky Mountaineer is treated as a priority on the train tracks it uses, regular delays do occur.
• In North America, it is acceptable to recognize good service in a tangible manner. Onboard the train, you will be surrounded by a team of people dedicated to service excellence. Their gratuities are pre-paid as part of your package price so tipping is not required while onboard. Please note: gratuities have not been pre-paid for the rest of your trip ie. for driver guides, tour escorts, hotel porterage, or any VIA Rail Services.
• Alberta is on Mountain Standard Time (MT) and British Columbia is on Pacific Standard Time (PT).

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