Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Explorer

Independent VIA Rail vacation from Vancouver to Calgary via Jasper and Banff

Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Explorer, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation from Vancouver to Calgary through the Canadian Rockies. After two days exploring Vancouver, including a hop-on, hop-off tour and the Vancouver Lookout, the trip's centerpiece is an overnight journey on VIA Rail's Canadian train to Jasper, a town the itinerary places among Jasper National Park's waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and forests. From there, a tour along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise includes an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, followed by the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola. The final stop, Banff, adds a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and a cruise on Lake Minnewanka before the trip ends with a transfer to Calgary. With sightseeing and transfers largely pre-arranged but arrival and departure days left to travelers, this suits people who want an independent pace with the planning of stops between Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff already done.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 20 accommodation options span several tiers and cities, from the Hampton Inn & Suites to the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper; your actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • Only 2 meals, both lunches, are included across the 9-day trip; other meals are on your own.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Vancouver, BC

    Vancouver

    Your Canadian train journey begins in Vancouver! Delve into the diversity and beauty of British Columbia.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver, BC

    Vancouver

    Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to experience the top attractions within the city. Visit Stanley Park, historic Gastown, Granville Island and Downtown. Then, stop at the Vancouver Lookout for incredible views.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail (Canadian®)

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Board VIA Rail for your overnight adventure through the Canadian wilderness to breathtaking Jasper. During your train journey, you'll see the Rockies like never before.

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper, AB

    Jasper

    When you arrive in Jasper, you'll quickly realize why it is one of the most visited regions of Alberta, Canada. The picturesque town is nestled in the midst of Jasper National Park's waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and vast forests.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise, AB

    Jasper to Lake Louise

    Set out to explore the Icefields Parkway. Climb onboard a massive Ice Explorer vehicle and visit the stunning Athabasca Glacier, where you'll be able to walk on, touch and drink from the glacier. Afterward, step out onto the glass-floored platform of the Glacier Skywalk. Your tour ends at your hotel in Lake Louise.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Louise, AB

    Lake Louise

    Enjoy your included Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola ride for some of the greatest views and experiences.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff, AB

    Lake Louise to Banff

    Travel from Lake Louise to Banff, where you'll embark on another incredible tour of the region's awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.

  8. Day 8overnight: Banff, AB

    Banff

    Continue exploring Banff by taking a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Later, relax during your included cruise on Lake Minnewanka while you take in the Rocky Mountains from a totally new perspective.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Calgary

    Check out of your hotel and transfer from Banff to Calgary to continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3An overnight journey on VIA Rail's Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper through the Rockies wilderness.
  • Day 5An Icefields Parkway tour that includes an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk.
  • Day 6The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola.
  • Day 8A gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and a cruise on Lake Minnewanka in Banff.

Included

  • One-way overnight VIA Rail® from Vancouver to Jasper on the Canadian®
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation; 1 night onboard VIA Rail
  • Tour transfer from Jasper to Lake Louise and shuttle transfer from Banff to Calgary
  • 2 meals (2 lunches)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, a one-way overnight journey on VIA Rail's Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper is included in the package.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation; arrival in Vancouver and the final transfer to Calgary are made on your own, while sightseeing and transfers between Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff are pre-arranged.
Which train is used?
VIA Rail's Canadian, traveling overnight from Vancouver, BC to Jasper, AB.
What hotels are used?
20 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Hampton Inn & Suites and Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper.
What sightseeing is included?
A hop-on, hop-off Vancouver tour and the Vancouver Lookout, an Icefields Parkway tour with an Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer ride and the Glacier Skywalk, the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola, and in Banff a Sulphur Mountain gondola ride and a Lake Minnewanka cruise.
How many meals are included?
2 meals, both lunches, across the 9-day trip.

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