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Rail & Drive through the Canadian Rockies | VIA Rail | Self-drive
INTRODUCTION
Treat your loved ones to a family rail vacation in the Canadian Rockies! Share the magic of rail travel with your children on this journey from Canada’s West Coast to the Rocky Mountains.
Starting the adventure in Vancouver, you'll travel onboard VIA Rail’s “Canadian” train to arrive in the natural splendor of Jasper and Banff National Parks.
Enjoy carefully selected outdoor adventures combined with plenty of time to relax and spend time together.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Vancouver|Departing Calgary
Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA RailThis 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 RailRise 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 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursionsOption 1. Maligne Lake CruiseCruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.Option 2. Jasper River FloatEnjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.Option 3. Jasper Nature WalkA 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 + SkywalkToday, 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 BanffToday 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 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursionsOption 1. Banff GondolaMaximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.Option 2. Lake Minnewanka CruiseAdmire views of the Canadian Rockies as you cruise across the turquoisehued lake and over to Devil’s Gap during this boat tour.Option 3. River Explorer Canoe TourEnjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundingss. 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 AdventureSaddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Day 7 Banff to CalgaryIt is time to say goodbye to Banff and your Canada adventure. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home
Day 1 Calgary to BanffLeave the Stampede City of Calgary for the short drive to Banff, where you will arrive to a picturesque resort town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is renowned for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.
Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursionsOption 1. Banff GondolaMaximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.Option 2. Lake Minnewanka CruiseAdmire views of the Canadian Rockies as you cruise across the turquoise-hued lake and over to Devil’s Gap during this boat tour.Option 3. River Explorer Canoe TourEnjoy 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 AdventureSaddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Day 3 Banff to Lake LouiseToday 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 4 Lake Louise to Jasper | Ice Explorer + SkywalkToday, 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 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursionOption 1. Maligne Lake CruiseCruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.Option 2. Jasper River FloatEnjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.Option 3. Jasper Nature WalkA guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Day 6 Jasper to Vancouver | VIA RailThis 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 Vancouver | Arrival | VIA RailWaking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival. (continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Sleeping berth onboard VIA Rail Sleeper Touring Class for 1 night
- 2 nights accommodation in Jasper
- 1 night accommodation in Lake Louise
- 2 nights accommodation in Banff
- Transfer between Jasper hotel and rail station
- Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
- Maligne Lake Cruise
- Jasper River Float
- Jasper Nature Walk
- Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
- Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Banff Gondola
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise
- River Explorer Canoe Tour
- Bow River Horseback Adventure
- Meals as per itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade
- VIA Rail | Semi Private Sleeper Berth
- Jasper - Moderate Hotel | Standard Room
- Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn | Summit Deluxe Queen Room
- Banff - Elk+Avenue Hotel | Standard Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Forest Park Hotel | Woodland Balcony or Alpine Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Room
- Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge | Superior Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Grade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Deluxe Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Lakeview Room
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Deluxe Plus Grade
- VIA Rail | Private Cabin
- Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Premier Deluxe Room
- Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Deluxe Lakeview Room
- Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Mountain View Room
Not included:
- Rental Car
- Road Tolls
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with a Canada Travel Designer and bring your vacation one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Vancouver: Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays(Tour Code: Ex Vancouver SD12)Departs from Calgary: Sundays, Mondays & Fridays(Tour Code: Ex Calgary SD13)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade with Semi-Private Berth on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May 23 - 12 May 23 13 May 23 - 30 Sep 23 01 Oct 23 - 10 Oct 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade available to Private Cabin | $2,314 $3,384 $3,169
| $3,069 $4,879 $4,448
| $2,128 $2,952 $2,808
| $1,379 $1,710 $1,710
|
Superior Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May 23 - 12 May 23 13 May 23 - 30 Sep 23 01 Oct 23 - 10 Oct 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade available to Prestige Double Bedroom | $3,503 $4,872 $4,616
| $4,737 $6,905 $6,395
| $3,178 $4,279 $4,109
| $2,090 $2,658 $2,658
|
Deluxe Grade with Private Bedroom on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May 23 - 12 May 23 13 May 23 - 30 Sep 23 01 Oct 23 - 10 Oct 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade available to Prestige Double Bedroom | $4,704 $6,608 $6,432
| $7,137 $10,377 $10,201
| $4,056 $5,515 $5,339
| $2,090 $2,658 $2,658
|
Deluxe Plus Grade with Private Cabin on-board VIA Rail | ||||
01 May 23 - 12 May 23 13 May 23 - 30 Sep 23 01 Oct 23 - 10 Oct 23 VIA Rail | Upgrade available to Prestige Double Bedroom | $5,018 $6,921 $6,745
| $7,764 $11,004 $10,828
| $4,265 $5,724 $5,548
| $2,090 $2,658 $2,658
|
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REVIEWS
1 of 4
"We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact."
We have just come back from our tour Canada. We had a great time. Thanks Canada Rail Vacations, especially to Karen for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package to make our visit even more unforgettable. Every place we have been to have been carved very deeply in our memories. We fell in love with the Rockies, its wild life, ice fields, beautiful towns and the friendly people. We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact.
Lutfu Istanbul
2 of 4
"A Bucket List dream come true!"
We did the "Rail & Drive Across Canada" with you & it was wonderful. All accommodations were top notch, tours were above our expectations & the train ride was neat. We were so excited & privileged to see the Norther Lights in Jasper! A "Bucket List" dream come true!
Rita Illinois, United States
3 of 4
"Thanks for a great holiday."
Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies and Eastern Canada - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic. All the itinerary was excellent. Well done team!!
Mark Sydney, Australia
4 of 4
"This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada Rail Vacations for our next trip to Canada."
Paulina booked an amazing Canada for my family. This was so easy to arrange. I just told her what we wanted to do and the time frame we had. She got back to me within a day with an outline of what she had arranged and shortly after that, I had a finalized tour. The price was very reasonable for the tour. This was an A++ experience and I'll definitely use Canada Rail Vacations for our next trip to Canada.
Kathleen Texas, United States
Rail & Drive through the Canadian Rockies | VIA Rail | Self-drive
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