10 Days • 9 Nights
Rocky Mountaineer Rail & the Rockies
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Two days aboard the glass-domed Rocky Mountaineer
- Cosmopolitan Vancouver and its harbour
- Iconic Lake Louise and Banff
- The scenic Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield
- Wild Jasper National Park
- Rail romance and mountain grandeur combined
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Met at Vancouver airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. Explore the seawall and Gastown, and enjoy a welcome dinner of fresh Pacific seafood.
A guided tour of Vancouver, Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown and the views from Grouse Mountain or Capilano's suspension bridge, one of Canada's most beautiful cities.
You board the Rocky Mountaineer for the first day of your rail journey, gliding through the Fraser Canyon and along dramatic rivers in a glass-domed carriage, with gourmet meals served at your seat, to an overnight in Kamloops.
The second, most spectacular day aboard the train climbs into the Rockies past snow-capped peaks, spiral tunnels and the Continental Divide to Banff, where you disembark for your mountain stay.
A day exploring Banff, the Sulphur Mountain gondola, Lake Minnewanka and the hot springs, with time to enjoy the charming town.
You travel to iconic Lake Louise, canoeing on its turquoise water beneath the glaciers and visiting the majestic Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
You drive the legendary Icefields Parkway past glaciers and waterfalls to the Columbia Icefield, riding onto the Athabasca Glacier, before reaching Jasper.
A day in wild Jasper, cruising Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, walking Maligne Canyon and watching for moose, elk and bears.
A free day to enjoy Jasper's tramway, rafting or wildlife drives, ending with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you transfer for your onward flight, having ridden the rails and roamed the Rockies.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, Rocky Mountaineer onboard meals and a welcome dinner
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf service, a Vancouver tour, gondola rides, a lake cruise and a glacier experience
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & eTA: Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the Canadian Dollar and cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Sales taxes are usually added at the register rather than shown on the shelf
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Canada; budget around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Vast distances: Canada is enormous, so itineraries combine domestic flights, scenic rail and self-drive; if driving, Canadians drive on the right, and roads are excellent though mountain passes can see snow outside summer
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September) is ideal for the Rockies, the coasts and the cities, autumn brings spectacular colour to the east, and winter offers skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights in the north
- Weather & layers: Weather varies hugely by region and season, from warm summers to very cold winters; bring layers, and for the Rockies and the north, warm and waterproof clothing even in summer evenings
- Wildlife: Canada is superb for wildlife, from bears, elk and moose in the Rockies to whales on the coasts; keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and follow your guide's advice, especially in bear country
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended as healthcare is costly for visitors. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rocky Mountaineer like?
It is a luxury daylight train with glass-domed carriages, gourmet meals and attentive service, travelling by day so you never miss the scenery, with an overnight hotel stop in Kamloops. We book SilverLeaf service, with GoldLeaf upgrades available.
Which direction does the train travel?
This itinerary travels eastbound from Vancouver into the Rockies, building to the mountain grand finale. We can also arrange westbound or other routes to suit your plans.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a rail-journey lunch. Canada's dining, from Pacific seafood to Quebecois cuisine, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free with our recommendations.
How do we cover Canada's vast distances?
We combine the best options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, iconic scenic rail such as the Rocky Mountaineer, and self-drive or private coach for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an eTA or visa for Canada?
Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an approved eTA before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June to September) is best for the Rockies, coasts and cities; autumn dazzles in the east with colour; and winter brings skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Canada is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the Rockies and whales on the coasts. Our guides know where to look, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, mix rail, flights and self-drive, add the Northern Lights or the Maritimes, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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