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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rockies by Rail

Seven-day independent rail journey from Vancouver to Calgary through the Canadian Rockies

Illustration of Canadian Rockies by Rail

Vacations By Rail's Canadian Rockies by Rail is a 7-day independent rail vacation that begins in Vancouver and ends in Calgary, following a well-planned itinerary through two provinces and two national parks. The centrepiece is an overnight sleeper berth on VIA Rail's Canadian, the operator's premier train, which departs Vancouver on Day 2 and arrives in Jasper on Day 3, waking you to views of the Rockies from the Skyline Car observation dome. From there, the itinerary unfolds at a leisurely pace: a scenic coach drive along the Icefields Parkway on Day 4 includes a stop at the Athabasca Glacier, where you board an Ice Explorer to venture onto the glacier itself before reaching Lake Louise. Day 5 brings a transfer to Banff, where Day 6 includes a guided vintage vehicle tour of the town's sights or the option to upgrade to a longer tour with the Banff Gondola and lake cruise. You stay in hotels for five nights, with accommodation choices within your tier, and you have ample time to explore each destination on your own.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation is chosen for you within your selected tier; the evidence lists 11 hotel options across cities and tiers, so your final hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • Flights to and from Calgary and airport transfers are not included; you must arrange and pay for these separately.
  • Only one night is spent aboard the train; the remaining five nights are in hotels, making this a rail-plus-hotel package rather than an all-aboard experience.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Arrive and check in to a centrally located hotel, with time to explore the city or add optional excursions such as FlyOver Canada or the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian

    Depart for Jasper

    A day in Vancouver before transferring to Pacific Central station to board VIA Rail's Canadian in Sleeper Plus accommodations toward the Canadian Rockies.

    Meals: Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Jasper

    En Route to Jasper

    Wake to views of the Rockies from the Skyline Car observation dome, arriving in Jasper and transferring to the hotel, with the rest of the day free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    Jasper to Lake Louise

    A scenic coach transfer along the Icefields Parkway, with a stop at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier, continuing to Lake Louise.

    Meals: Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Lake Louise to Banff

    An included scenic transfer to Banff, with time to explore the town's shops and restaurants.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Banff

    A guided 90-minute vintage drop-top vehicle tour of Banff's sights (or upgrade to a 7-hour Explore Banff Tour with Banff Gondola and lake cruise), with the rest of the day free.

  7. Day 7

    Transfer to Calgary

    Transfer to Calgary Airport for the flight home (flights must be scheduled after 11:00 AM), or extend the stay in Banff or Calgary.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Depart Vancouver on VIA Rail's Canadian toward Jasper in Sleeper Plus accommodations, with dinner aboard.
  • Day 3Wake to views of the Rockies from the Skyline Car observation dome as the train arrives in Jasper.
  • Day 4Travel the Icefields Parkway by coach and ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier before continuing to Lake Louise.
  • Day 6Take a guided 90-minute vintage drop-top vehicle tour of Banff's sights, or upgrade to a 7-hour tour including the Banff Gondola and lake cruise.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
  • Rail travel on VIA Rail's Canadian in first-class accommodations (1 night on train)
  • Choice of train accommodations ranging from semi-private berths to private cabins
  • Select transfers
  • 3 meals

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

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 in the price?
Yes. The from-price of $2,595 USD includes one night aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in Sleeper Plus accommodations (Moderate tier) or higher cabin classes on upgraded tiers, plus select coach transfers.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Independent. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary. An included 90-minute guided tour of Banff is the main group activity; the rest of the days are free to explore at your own pace.
Which train am I on?
VIA Rail's Canadian, departing Vancouver for Jasper on the overnight leg. The berth is semi-private on the Moderate tier or private cabin on upgraded tiers. The itinerary also includes coach transfers on the Icefields Parkway and between Lake Louise and Banff.
What hotels are included?
Hotels vary by tier and city. The Moderate tier includes Coast Coal Harbour Hotel (Vancouver), Jasper Inn & Suites (Jasper), Post Hotel (Lake Louise), and Banff Ptarmigan Inn (Banff), or similar properties. Higher tiers offer options such as Fairmont properties.
What meals are included?
Three meals: dinner aboard the train on Day 2, breakfast on Day 3, and lunch on Day 4. Other meals are on your own.
What is not included?
Flights and airport transfers, cancellation and travel insurance, and optional excursions such as FlyOver Canada, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and the Jasper Skytram.

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