Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Tailor-made rail vacation

Banff and the Canadian Rockies Explorer

8-day tailor-made Rocky Mountaineer trip from Vancouver to Banff

Banff and the Canadian Rockies Explorer, a rail journey with Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada)

Canadian Train Vacations, part of Fresh Tracks Canada, runs this 8-day, 7-night trip from Vancouver to Banff with no fixed group schedule. Local experts plan the days and you choose from a menu of guided activities. After a free day in Vancouver with options like a Whistler day tour or the Granville Island Market, two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer carry you through Kamloops to Banff. Three full days in Banff National Park follow, with choices ranging from a guided hike at Sunshine Meadows to a Lake Cruise and Gondola, before a day touring the Icefields Parkway. The trip suits travellers who want structure loosened into choices, some active like hiking or e-biking, others more relaxed like a sunset wildlife tour or afternoon tea, rather than a fixed sightseeing schedule. Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe tiers adjust hotel standard, train class, and airport transfer style.

What to know before you look closer

  • The lead price of 6,950 CAD (about 4,894 USD) is the Comfort Level tier, with 3 to 3.5 star hotels, Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf, and scheduled bus transfers. The Deluxe Level tier (9,990 CAD) uses 5 star hotels, GoldLeaf, and a private driver.
  • Some activities, such as the Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip and a helicopter add-on to the Icefields tour, are noted as extra cost, not part of the base price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Explore Vancouver

    Choose to explore the coastal city of Vancouver, go to Whistler or cruise to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Options: Whistler Day Tour, Vancouver City Tour and Flyover Canada, Granville Island Market Tasting Tour, Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip (extra cost).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

    This morning, begin your Canadian Rockies rail journey. Sit back and appreciate the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia as you travel to Kamloops. See dramatic changes in the scenery, from the lush fields of the Fraser Valley to the desert-like landscape of British Columbia's interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon, the steep slopes along the Thompson River, and the rocky bluffs around Kamloops Lake.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Banff

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff

    Another day of your train journey begins as you re-board the Rocky Mountaineer. Travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable Spiral Tunnels. Arrive in Banff this evening and get ready to explore the sparkling lakes and glaciers of the Canadian Rockies.

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Explore the Canadian Rockies

    Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out to discover what makes these National Parks so special. Options: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Tour, Guided Hike at Sunshine Meadows.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Discover Banff National Park

    Explore the beautiful town of Banff on your choice of tour. Options: Banff Sightseeing Tour, Lake Cruise and Gondola, Jeep Sightseeing and Wildlife Tour with Afternoon Tea, Sundance Canyon E-Bike and Hike.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff

    Explore the Icefields Parkway

    Take a stunning tour along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful highways in the world. See glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and sweeping valley views.

  8. Day 8

    Leave the Canadian Rockies

    Much too soon, leave the fresh air and mountain peaks of western Canada behind as you journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver, passing the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon on the way to Kamloops.
  • Day 4The train winds through the Spiral Tunnels and over high mountain passes on the way into Banff.
  • Day 5A guided hike at Sunshine Meadows or a sunset wildlife tour of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise is on offer.
  • Day 7A tour along the Icefields Parkway takes in glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and valley views.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
  • Choice of unique guided activities
  • Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
  • Electronic travel documentation package
  • Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, two days on the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train from Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops are included.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's independent travel with no fixed group schedule; local experts plan the trip and you choose from small-group or private guided activities each day.
Which train do I take?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in SilverLeaf class on the Comfort and Superior tiers, or GoldLeaf on the Deluxe tier.
What hotels are used?
Named hotels include the Azur Legacy Collection Hotel in Vancouver, the Banff Caribou Lodge, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, with the standard varying by tier.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
Optional activities include a guided hike at Sunshine Meadows and an e-bike-and-hike tour of Sundance Canyon, alongside gentler sightseeing choices.
What costs extra?
The Victoria and Butchart Gardens day trip, a helicopter add-on to the Icefields tour, and a Northern Lights extension are called out as extra cost.

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