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Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Winter Explorer

Winter rail journey from Vancouver to Banff through Jasper and Lake Louise

Illustration of Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Winter Explorer

Railbookers operates Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Winter Explorer, a 9-day, 8-night independent rail package through Western Canada in winter. The trip starts with two nights in Vancouver, taking in Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, and the Vancouver Lookout on a hop-on, hop-off tour. On day 3, travelers board VIA Rail's the Canadian for an overnight journey to Jasper, described as showing the Rockies snow-covered and sparkling in the sun. Two nights in Jasper include a winter wildlife tour through the Athabasca Valley in search of elk, wolves, and moose. From there the trip continues to Lake Louise, then Banff for two nights, with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain among the included sights. The trip ends with a transfer to Calgary. Because Banff and Lake Louise are explored independently rather than on a fully escorted tour, it suits travelers who want guided highlights in some places and free time in others.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list is 20 accommodation OPTIONS across tiers and cities rather than a fixed sequence of stays, so which hotels a traveler gets depends on the tier and city selected.
  • Only the Vancouver to Jasper leg is confirmed as a named VIA Rail journey; the Jasper to Lake Louise, Lake Louise to Banff, and Banff to Calgary connections are described as transfers and a shuttle, not named train journeys.
  • The evidence does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

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

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    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

    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

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

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    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

    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

    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

    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 3VIA Rail's the Canadian departs Vancouver in the afternoon for an overnight journey through the Rockies, described as snow-covered and sparkling in the sun.
  • Day 5A winter wildlife tour travels through Jasper National Park's Athabasca Valley in search of elk, deer, sheep, goats, coyotes, wolves and moose.
  • Day 6After the transfer to Lake Louise, travelers can take a self-tour of the Fairmont Chateau.
  • Day 8A gondola ride climbs to the top of Sulphur Mountain above Banff.

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 train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes one-way overnight VIA Rail travel from Vancouver to Jasper on the Canadian.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail package. Banff and Lake Louise are described as places to explore on your own, though select guided sightseeing and wildlife tours are included in Vancouver, Jasper, and Banff.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 20 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than one fixed list of hotels. The sample evidence includes properties such as the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Hilton Vancouver Downtown, The Crimson in Jasper, and the Jasper Forest Park Hotel.
What is included?
The price includes one-way overnight VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper on the Canadian, 7 nights of hotel accommodation plus 1 night onboard the train, and transfers from Jasper to Lake Louise, Lake Louise to Banff, and a shuttle transfer from Banff to Calgary.
When does this trip run?
The evidence describes it as a winter trip, with winter wildlife and sightseeing tours in Jasper and Banff, but does not list specific departure dates.
How much does it cost?
From 2,029 US dollars per person, about 225 US dollars per day, per the evidence.

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