Circle Tour by Train through the Canadian Rockies | VIA Rail | Rocky Mountaineer

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. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original steel ‘streamliner’ railcars made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s. Each car has been lovingly restored with air conditioning, a dining car, lounge car, and dome car. 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 (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 to Lake Louise Tour | Glacier Adventure, Skywalk & picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 4 Lake Louise to Banff Transfer | Coach Start your day with a leisurely morning exploring the stunning beauty of Lake Louise. With either a mid or late afternoon transfer to Banff, you have the flexibility to canoe on the lake, hike to the Glacier Teahouse, or indulge in afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before departing for the 45-minute journey along the breathtaking Bow Valley Parkway. Whether you choose the scheduled transfer (included) or a private transfer, both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations.

Day 5 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Banff to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including guided hikes, evening wildlife e-bike tours, river explorer canoe tours, a foodie tour at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 6 Banff to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. As the train crosses over the continental divide you pass through the spiral tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement. Continue on through the Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park with endless views of snow capped mountains and stunning glaciers. Pass by Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway Trans Canada link in 1885. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 7 Kamloops to Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer Train and follow the Thompson River through Ashcroft - one of Canada’s driest towns (with an average rainfall of just 18 centimetres). Pass through Rainbow Canyon with its cliffs striped with pinks, greens and greys creating a stunning effect. Continue on to the Fraser Canyon where at Hell’s Gate you will observe a water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point. The last leg of the journey takes you through the lush farming region of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

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

Day 2 Kamloops to Banff | Rocky Mountaineer Departing Kamloops, follow the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. Pass Craigellachie where the ‘last spike’ was driven, completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Enter Rogers Pass with its tunnels, snow-sheds and glistening Glaciers. The Kicking Horse River leads you to Kicking Horse Pass, the Spiral Tunnels, then over the Continental Divide to Banff and Banff National Park. (breakfast & lunch is included today)

Day 3 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note. Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic Lunch Avoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion Talk with one of our local Canada specialists to tailor your day in Banff to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including guided hikes, evening wildlife e-bike tours, river explorer canoe tours, a foodie tour at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or upgrade to a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.

Day 4 Banff to Lake Louise Transfer | Coach Today offers the flexibility to spend more time in either Banff or Lake Louise. You have the choice of a mid or late-afternoon 45-minute scheduled transfer (included), or a private transfer. Both options allow you to customize your time between these two stunning destinations. At Lake Louise, you can enjoy activities like canoeing on the lake, hiking to the Glacier Teahouse, or savoring afternoon tea at the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 5 Lake Louise to Jasper Tour | Glacier Adventure, Skywalk & picnic lunch Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included today)

Day 6 Jasper to Vancouver | VIA Rail This morning, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the journey from Jasper to Vancouver. Using the original steel railcars from the 1950s, sit back and relax in the dome car to enjoy a dramatic change in scenery as you travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson. Watch the landscape transition from mountains to desert as you follow the Thompson River into central British Columbia. Brunch and dinner is included onboard VIA Rail, and your private quarters will once again be transformed into a bedroom for the overnight journey.

Day 7 Arrive Vancouver | VIA Rail Waking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival. (continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)