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Scott Dunn · Rail & Sail cruise extension

Canadian Rockies by Rail: Pre Cruise Extension

Six-day rail extension from Vancouver through the Rockies to Banff

Illustration of Canadian Rockies by Rail: Pre Cruise Extension

Scott Dunn's Canadian Rockies by Rail is a six-day pre-cruise extension that bridges Vancouver's urban culture with the mountain grandeur of Banff. Beginning with a private guided day exploring Vancouver's neighbourhoods from Stanley Park to Yaletown, guests then board the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf service for two days of daylight travel through the Canadian Rockies. The train carries them eastward through river valleys and ranchlands to Kamloops, then ascends through Rogers Pass and Kicking Horse Pass to reach Banff, passing the legendary Spiral Tunnels and arriving at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a castle-like hotel set in the mountains. Two full days in Banff include a five-hour private guided tour of Banff National Park, visiting Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, and Cave and Basin National Historic Site. The package provides private transfers, a dedicated Travel Consultant, and English-speaking guides throughout. It is designed as a complement to a larger cruise itinerary, concluding with a transfer to Calgary Airport on day six.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a pre-cruise extension; you depart on day six to Calgary Airport; confirm onward flight timing with Scott Dunn when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver

    Vancouver, Canada's Premier Pacific City

    A private tour, just you and your expert guide, beginning at Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban wilderness with First Nations totem poles, then Granville Island, historic Gastown, Chinatown and Robson Street, the harbour and English Bay, concluding in the restaurants and bars of Yaletown.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Rocky Mountaineer (Kamloops)

    Vancouver to Banff aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

    A private transfer delivers you to the Rocky Mountaineer station for two days of rail travel in GoldLeaf service, travelling exclusively by daylight. Day one carries you through the BC interior to Kamloops, with sweeping views of river valleys and ranchlands.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Rocky Mountaineer

    Railway Through the Rockies

    The full drama of the Rockies: Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Pass and the legendary Spiral Tunnels, with freshly prepared breakfasts and lunches served daily and an exclusive outdoor observation deck, before arrival into Banff.

  4. Day 4overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff

    Banff, the Gem of the Rockies

    Transfer to the Fairmont Banff Springs, modelled on a 19th-century Scottish Baronial castle, with a Mountain View Room, eight restaurants, a world-class spa, a fitness centre and an 18-hole golf course.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff

    A Tour of Banff National Park

    A five-hour private guided exploration of Banff National Park: Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, the Hoodoos along Tunnel Mountain Drive, the panorama from Mt. Norquay, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

  6. Day 6

    Farewell to the Rockies

    After a leisurely breakfast, a private transfer takes you onwards to Calgary Airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Private guided tour of Vancouver: Stanley Park with First Nations totem poles, Granville Island, historic Gastown, Chinatown, English Bay, and Yaletown.
  • Day 2Board the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf service; daylight travel through BC interior river valleys and ranchlands to Kamloops.
  • Day 3Traverse Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Pass, and the legendary Spiral Tunnels with freshly prepared meals and exclusive outdoor observation deck.
  • Day 5Five-hour private guided tour of Banff National Park: Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, Mt. Norquay panorama, and Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Included

  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance

Questions travellers ask

Which train is used?
The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops, in GoldLeaf service, travelling exclusively by daylight.
Is the tour guided or independent?
Guided. Scott Dunn provides private, English-speaking local guides in each city and a dedicated Travel Consultant for all arrangements.
Which hotels are included?
One night at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, two nights aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, and two nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff.
What is included in the price?
Private airport transfers, private guided tours (Vancouver city tour and five-hour Banff National Park tour), rail travel in GoldLeaf service, hotel accommodation, entrance to local sites, meals aboard the train, and 24/7 in-country support.
How much walking is involved?
Day 1 includes city walking in Vancouver. Day 5 features a five-hour private guided exploration of Banff National Park with walks to multiple sites. Otherwise, transfers and hotel-based time.

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