Canadian Rockies Road and Rail Retreat

Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Day 2 Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 208 km/129 mi Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies

Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff | 62 km/38 mi Today we suggest taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway route which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls.

Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions Option 1. Banff Gondola Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary. Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.

Day 7 Banff to Sun Peaks | 496 km/310 mi Your drive today is on the famed Trans Canada Highway, following a route charted by the railroad engineers and fur traders of the mid 1800s. Leaving Banff National Park, travel to Yoho National Park where you cross the continental divide. Then drive through Glacier National Park and ‘Rogers Pass’ with spectacular mountain vistas in every direction. Continue through the Monashee Mountain range and on to Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops.

Day 8 Sun Peaks to Vancouver | 478 km/297 mi Continue to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon. Leaving Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler where a stop is a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before continuing to Vancouver. Highlights today include breathtaking views of the Joffree Glacier, Shannon Falls & Stawamus Chief Rock. Your magical Canadian Rockies adventure comes to an end upon your arrival in Vancouver.