Arrive in Vancouver from your home city and transfer on your own to your downtown hotel. Surrounded by the Coastal Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is often considered to be the most beautiful city in the world. Its sandy beaches, green spaces, and mountain backdrop provide a playground for all ages. With glorious summers and mild winters, the locals like to say that you can golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon. And, it just so happens, that it’s true.

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops. You will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. We will overnight in Kamloops.

Your journey continues east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels, and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff.

Sightseeing Tour of Banff National Park and a Lake Cruise

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Banff National Park. Among the highlights are visits to Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola (admission included), a lake cruise on Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Lunch is included. Overnight in Banff. Note: In the event the lake cruise is not operating, interpretive experiences will be offered on the history of the founding of Banff, sampling of authentic Canadian treats, and hands-on interpretation of local flora and fauna.

Yoho National Park

A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders, including the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The tour ends in Lake Louise where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Sightseeing Tour via the Icefields Parkway

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper National Parks via the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls. At the Columbia Icefield, ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier while your guide explains the history of this ancient glacier and points out interesting geological features. Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon and overnight.

Scenic Tour in Jasper

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies largest national park. Today you will enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the today’s natural attractions and rugged peaks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this region home. Highlights include breakfast at Maligne Canyon teahouse and a stroll to view the canyon itself. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently. Overnight in Jasper.

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops.

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey, you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Your vacation ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.

You may choose to add on extra days in Vancouver before or after your rail journey. Please ask us for the options to add in extra nights of accommodation and any optional tours you may wish to take.