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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rockies Featuring Banff & Lake Louise

Seven-day Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Calgary

Illustration of Canadian Rockies Featuring Banff & Lake Louise

Vacations By Rail's Canadian Rockies vacation offers 7 days of independent rail travel combined with guided experiences in one of North America's most dramatic landscapes. The journey begins with two free days in Vancouver to explore the city on your own or book optional tours like whale watching or a Granville Island food tour. The highlight is two consecutive daytime journeys aboard Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service: the first carries you along the Fraser Valley and through Hell's Gate canyon to Kamloops, where breakfast and lunch are served at your seat; the second continues through the mountain pass at Craigellachie and Rogers Pass to Lake Louise. From there, a scenic transfer through Banff National Park brings you to a two-night stay in Banff, including a guided tour that visits Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Two Jack Viewpoint, and the Banff Gondola. The itinerary suits couples celebrating milestones, first-time rail travellers seeking comfort and structure, and independent explorers who want curated rail segments balanced with personal time.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 is unguided; you make your own way to the hotel, and the price includes the package and rail fare but not flights to Vancouver.
  • The from-price covers the Superior tier with SilverLeaf Service; a Deluxe tier with GoldLeaf Service is available at a higher cost.
  • Hotel options may be marked or similar; confirm your specific accommodation with Vacations By Rail when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arriving in Vancouver

    Make your own way to the hotel, with the rest of the day free; an optional 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off bus tour can be added.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Discovering Vancouver's many attractions

    A full free day in Vancouver, with optional add-ons such as a Vancouver City Tour, a Granville Island food tour, a Victoria/Butchart Gardens day trip or whale watching (departures after May 1st).

  3. Day 3overnight: Kamloops

    Aboard Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

    Board Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service for a scenic daylight journey along the Fraser Valley and Hell's Gate to Kamloops, with breakfast and lunch served at your seat.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    To Beautiful Lake Louise

    Rocky Mountaineer continues through Craigellachie and Rogers Pass to Lake Louise, with breakfast and lunch served onboard, then a transfer to the five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Another side of the Rockies in Banff

    A leisurely morning in Lake Louise, then an included scenic transfer through Banff National Park to a two-night stay in Banff.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    A day in Banff National Park

    A guided tour of Banff National Park including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and Two Jack Viewpoint, plus admission to the Banff Gondola (and a Lake Minnewanka cruise for departures after May 11).

  7. Day 7

    Tour conclusion

    An included transfer to Calgary Airport accommodates flights departing after 11:00 a.m., or extend your stay in Banff or Calgary.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Aboard Rocky Mountaineer, a scenic daylight journey along the Fraser Valley and through Hell's Gate to Kamloops, with breakfast and lunch served at your seat.
  • Day 4Rocky Mountaineer continues through Craigellachie and Rogers Pass to Lake Louise, followed by a transfer to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
  • Day 6A guided tour of Banff National Park visits Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and Two Jack Viewpoint, with admission to the Banff Gondola.

Included

  • 6 nights' hotel accommodation
  • Choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service onboard Rocky Mountaineer
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Transfer to Calgary airport
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes two daytime journeys aboard Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service (Superior tier) or GoldLeaf Service (Deluxe tier), plus all coach transfers and the airport transfer to Calgary.
Is this escorted or independent?
Independent. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary, with an included guided tour of Banff National Park. Days 1, 2, and most of day 5 are free; optional add-ons like Vancouver City Tours or whale watching can be booked separately.
Which hotels are included?
Superior tier includes the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre or Fairmont Hotel (2 nights), Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (1 night), and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel or Moose Hotel & Suites (2 nights). Lake Louise hotels may be marked or similar.
What meals are included?
Breakfasts and lunches on Rocky Mountaineer (Days 3 and 4). Other meals and dinners are not included, though the itinerary notes free time to explore dining options in Vancouver and Banff.
When does this trip run?
Vacations By Rail publishes seasonal departures. Some optional excursions (Victoria day trip, whale watching) begin after May 1; the full-day Grizzly Bear tour runs June 1 to September 27. Confirm current departure dates when booking.
What is not included?
Flights to and from Canada, most meals and dinners, and travel insurance (though it can be arranged). Optional add-ons like the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, wildlife safari, and Banff Gondola entry are charged separately.

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