Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Winter Explorer

Winter rail vacation from Vancouver to Calgary via Jasper and Banff

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

Amtrak Vacations runs this 9-day, 8-night independent winter rail vacation from Vancouver to Calgary through the Canadian Rockies. After two days in 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, where the observation car shows the Rockies snow-covered and sparkling in the sun. Jasper gets a two-night stay built around a guided winter wildlife tour through the Athabasca Valley in search of elk, deer, wolves and moose. From there the trip continues to Lake Louise, with time for a self-tour of the Fairmont Chateau, before two nights in Banff for a winter sightseeing tour of the town and a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, a tour offered only from December through March. The trip ends with a transfer to Calgary. With sightseeing bundled in but Lake Louise and Banff left largely to explore on your own, this suits travelers who want a structured winter introduction to the Rockies without a fully guided schedule.

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.
  • The included list for this package does not mention any meals; confirm meal arrangements with Amtrak Vacations before booking.
  • Banff's winter sightseeing tour, one of the trip's named highlights, is described as seasonal, running only from December through March.

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 the 1,000-acre 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

    This afternoon, board VIA Rail for your overnight adventure through the Canadian wilderness to breathtaking Jasper. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious food onboard. During the journey, you'll see the Rockies like never before - snow-covered and sparkling in the sun.

  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. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin to discover the stunning sights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper, AB

    Jasper

    Take an interactive winter wildlife tour of Jasper National Park today and join your knowledgeable guide in search of elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves, moose and more! Travel through the Athabasca Valley to some of the park's most beautiful scenery.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Louise, AB

    Jasper to Lake Louise

    Take the scenic journey today from Jasper to Lake Louise. Check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and spend time getting to know the area on your own or doing a self-tour of the iconic Fairmont Chateau.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff, AB

    Lake Louise to Banff

    Take the short, scenic transfer from Lake Louise to Banff, and check in at your hotel in Banff for a two-night stay. Discover Banff on your own - the town boasts a charming downtown and ample winter activities and sights to please everyone.

  8. Day 8overnight: Banff, AB

    Banff

    Today you will embark on another incredible winter tour - this time of the town of Banff and the surrounding region's awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Continue exploring Banff's spectacular winter sights by taking a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

  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, with the Rockies described as snow-covered and sparkling in the sun from the observation car.
  • Day 5A guided winter wildlife tour through Jasper National Park's Athabasca Valley in search of elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves and moose.
  • Day 6A self-tour of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
  • Day 8A winter sightseeing tour of Banff and a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Included

  • One-way overnight VIA Rail® from Vancouver to Jasper on the Canadian®
  • 7 nights hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard VIA Rail
  • Transfer from Jasper to Lake Louise, Lake Louise to Banff, and shuttle transfer from Banff to Calgary

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. Transfers and tours such as the Jasper winter wildlife tour and the Banff winter sightseeing tour are pre-arranged, but Lake Louise and parts of Banff are left for you to explore on your own.
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.
When does the Banff winter sightseeing tour run?
The evidence describes it as seasonal, operating from December through March.
Are meals included?
The included list in the evidence does not mention any meals for this package.

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