Rockies Rail Highlights - Itinerary
Begin in splendid Vancouver with a tour of Stanley Park, Chinatown, the waterfront area, and Gastown – a turn-of-the-century pedestrian mall featuring the world-famous steam-powered clock. Then board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a vibrant journey between Vancouver and Jasper. Marvel at coastal forests, roaring river canyons, lofty mountain peaks, and the shimmering waters of Kamloops Lake. Continue past the striking mountain peaks of the Monashee Mountains and see Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle.
Travel to scenic Maligne Lake in extraordinary Maligne Canyon. On the way to Lake Louise you’ll be impressed by the majestic waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped mountain ranges along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Weather permitting, you’ll take a special ride in a sno-coach across a mass of 1000-foot thick glacial ice at the Columbia Icefields. As you travel on to Lake Louise keep an eye out for bears, furry marmots, and stately elk. Stay in luxury at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Mountains,” and conclude your majestic Rockies adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Calgary.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Arrive Vancouver, British Columbia
Join us as we explore the beautiful Canadian Rockies by train. Your exciting tour begins in the beautiful city of Vancouver.
Day 2: Vancouver
Experience the splendor of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour that begins at Stanley Park. You will also visit Chinatown and the waterfront area. Your tour will end in Gastown, Vancouver’s turn-of-the-century pedestrian mall filled with pubs, restaurants, art galleries, specialty stores, and the world-famous steam-powered clock. A special dinner is in store at the popular Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. (B, D)
Day 3: Vancouver - Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops
Board your train for the scenic journey of a lifetime. The “Rocky Mountaineer” Train will give you a vibrant voyage between Vancouver and Jasper. Spend two days viewing coastal forests, roaring river canyons and lofty mountain peaks. Today, your route takes you along the fields of Fraser Valley and the historic Fraser River. You will also view the beauty of the Thompson River and the shimmering waters of Kamloops Lake before arriving in Kamloops for an overnight stay. (B, L)
Day 4: Kamloops - Jasper, Alberta
Continue east aboard your train, passing the striking mountain peaks of the Monashee Mountains and viewing Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. In addition, you will see the glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and view Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (weather permitting). Early this evening you arrive in Jasper, the northern gateway to the Icefields Parkway. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Jasper
Begin your day with a trip to the extraordinary Maligne Canyon, home to scenic Maligne Lake. The shimmering waters are both gorgeous and peaceful. An optional cruise along the lake, highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island, will be offered. Return to Jasper where the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this lovely town. (B)
Day 6: Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise
A wonderful day of sightseeing is in store for you while en route to Lake Louise. The highlight is a journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway: behold majestic waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped mountain ranges. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefields, where a special ride is planned in a snocoach (weather permitting) across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick. As you continue down the parkway, you will most likely see bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Stop at the serene Peyto Lake and arrive in Lake Louise, where you will enjoy a stay at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (B, D)
Day 7: Lake Louise - Banff
En route to Banff, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awesome Valley of the Ten Peaks. Arrive at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Mountains.” The afternoon is at leisure for exploring or strolling through the many well known shops of Banff. (B, D)
Day 8: Banff - Calgary
Begin the day discovering Banff on your own. Later, join the group and travel to lovely Bow Falls and the impressive Hoodoos, land of sleeping giants. Then it’s off to the cosmopolitan city of Calgary for your final stop on this wonderful adventure. Tonight, be sure not to miss a very special farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 9: Calgary - Depart for Home
Today you will depart for home with a lifetime of memories. (B)
