Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rockies Discovery Westbound

Independent 10-day rail vacation westbound from Calgary to Victoria

Canadian Rockies Discovery Westbound, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation westbound from Calgary to Victoria through the Canadian Rockies. After a transfer from Calgary to Banff, a day trip to Lake Louise includes a hot buffet lunch at the Fairmont Chateau and a stop at Johnston Canyon, before the trip moves on to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway with an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Two days in Jasper add a tour of Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and the shores of Maligne Lake, before an overnight VIA Rail journey in Economy class carries the trip on to Vancouver. Three nights in Vancouver include a ferry crossing to Victoria for the Inner Harbor and views of the Olympic Mountains, a hop-on, hop-off city tour, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The trip can also start from any of 500 or more Amtrak stations across the United States or run in reverse. This suits travelers who want a flexible, independent route through the Rockies finishing on Vancouver Island's doorstep.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 24 accommodation options span several tiers and cities, from the Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel to the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary and the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff; your actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The overnight VIA Rail leg from Jasper to Vancouver runs in Economy class; the optional extras list an upgrade to a sleeping accommodation onboard as an add-on, not the standard fare.
  • One included tour, listed as 'Sightseeing tour of the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park with Lake Maligne*,' carries an asterisk in the evidence with no visible footnote explaining it; confirm any conditions on this tour with Amtrak Vacations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Calgary

    Your Journey Begins in Calgary

    Welcome to Calgary, the largest city in Alberta! Travel on your own to your hotel and start exploring the city! Get a good night's rest before your trip to the Rockies begins tomorrow.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Calgary to Banff

    Today, a private transfer will take you from Calgary to your hotel in the quaint mountain town of Banff located in the Canadian Rockies. Upon your arrival, get settled and explore the town as you take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

  3. Day 3overnight: Banff

    Banff to Lake Louise

    Lake Louise is one of the most photographed scenes in the Canadian Rockies. Experience this remarkable destination first-hand with plenty of time to enjoy lunch and explore the lake at your leisure. Canoe, hike, search for wildlife or simply relax in the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This tour also highlights Johnston Canyon - another spectacular treasure of the Rockies. A hot buffet lunch is included at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise while you enjoy the scenery.

    Meals: L

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Banff to Jasper

    This morning, depart Banff for a scenic drive out to Jasper, with your sightseeing included! Enjoy the wildlife, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. Visit the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield - one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Step onboard an Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure onto the Athabasca Glacier. At the Glacier Skywalk, enjoy the unobstructed view on a glass-floored observation platform extending out over the Sunwapta Valley. Highlights will include: Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, admission to Glacier Adventure and Glacier Skywalk and a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. At the end of your tour, you will be in Jasper, one of the most scenic towns in the Canadian Rockies. Check into your hotel for the evening and enjoy everything the town has to offer.

    Meals: L

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Explore the spectacular natural treasures of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. During this 5.5-hour tour, stand above the massive walls of Maligne Canyon for stunning views of rushing waterfalls, discovery the mystery of the disappearing water at Medicine Lake and stroll the shores of Maligne Lake - all on this incredible sightseeing tour. Highlights will include Jasper town, Athabasca Viewpoint, Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Travel to the VIA Rail station and enjoy a relaxing Overnight on the train.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Arrive in Vancouver and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver to Victoria

    This morning, a stunning ferry voyage from the mainland will guide you to Victoria. Victoria has a dynamic blend of coastal beauty, historic charm and urban appeal. Set on the sparkling Strait of Juan de Fuca, at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, it offers breathtaking views of the water and Olympic Mountains. Stroll down the cobblestone streets, explore the Inner Harbor, and take in the many attractions. Afterwards, take the ferry back to Vancouver to settle in for the evening.

  9. Day 9overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Today's full day of sightseeing will start with a hop-on, hop-off city tour that takes you to Vancouver's most popular areas: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and more! The tour will feature live commentary so you'll have the opportunity to learn what makes this spectacular city so special. Take some time this afternoon to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, one of the most popular tourist attractions in British Columbia. The bridge crosses over towering evergreens with views more than 100 feet above the forest floor.

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in Vancouver

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A day trip to Lake Louise with a hot buffet lunch at the Fairmont Chateau and a stop at Johnston Canyon.
  • Day 4An Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield, along the Icefields Parkway.
  • Day 5A tour of Jasper National Park taking in Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and the shores of Maligne Lake.
  • Day 8A ferry crossing to Victoria for the Inner Harbor and views of the Olympic Mountains.
  • Day 9Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver.

Included

  • VIA Rail® in Economy accommodations from Jasper to Vancouver on The Canadian®
  • Round-trip ferry service from Vancouver to Victoria
  • 8 nights' accommodations, 1 night onboard VIA Rail
  • Transfer from Calgary to Banff
  • Mountain, Lakes and Waterfalls tour
  • Sightseeing tour of the Icefields Parkway from Banff
  • Sightseeing tour of the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park with Lake Maligne*
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Vancouver
  • Admission to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

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 VIA Rail journey on The Canadian, in Economy class, from Jasper to Vancouver.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation; Calgary arrival on day 1 is made on your own, and the trip can be customized to start from any of 500+ Amtrak stations or run in reverse.
Which train and class are used?
The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail, in Economy class, from Jasper to Vancouver.
Can you upgrade the train accommodation?
Yes, the optional extras list an upgrade to a sleeping accommodation onboard the train.
What hotels are used?
24 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Fairmont Palliser, and Fairmont Banff Springs.
What meals are included?
The day-by-day itinerary shows a lunch on day 3 at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and another on day 4; no other meals are mentioned in the evidence.

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