Whistler and the Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation

The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. We also offer tailored private excursions, allowing you to personalize the itinerary to match your custom preferences.

Day 1 Vancouver to Whistler | Rocky Mountaineer Train Today Rocky Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast included today)

Day 2 Whistler to Quesnel | Rocky Mountaineer Train Today re-board the Rocky Mountaineer train and travel to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley to the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon and the rolling hills and vast ranch lands of the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacier-fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the train follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel. (Breakfast & lunch included today)

Day 3 Quesnel to Jasper | Rocky Mountaineer Your journey continues Eastward today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel, the train travels north along the Fraser River to the town of Prince George, then east through the forests of northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench, you are surrounded by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains to the north and the Cariboo Mountains to the south. Continue climbing past Mount Robson – which at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies – through Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in Jasper. (Breakfast & lunch included today)

Day 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 Banff to Calgary Transfer | Coach Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.