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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer featuring Lake Louise

Eight-day Canadian Rockies rail journey from Vancouver to Banff on Rocky Mountaineer

Illustration of Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer featuring Lake Louise

Vacations By Rail's eight-day Canadian Rockies vacation combines the city appeal of Vancouver with the mountain grandeur of the Canadian Rockies, all from an independent perspective. You depart from your home and arrive in Vancouver for two nights to explore the City of Glass on your own, with optional tours of Granville Island, whale-watching excursions, and more available. On Day 3, you board Rocky Mountaineer, the luxurious train service, and ride through the Coastal Mountains and Fraser Canyon to Kamloops in a dome car offering floor-to-ceiling windows. The next day, the train continues into Banff National Park, crossing Rogers Pass and the Spiral Tunnels before reaching the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you spend two nights with access to hiking trails, canoe rentals, a spa, and optional gondola and heli-tour excursions. From Lake Louise, a coach takes you to Banff for two nights and a full-day guided tour of Banff National Park that includes Bow Falls, a Lake Minnewanka cruise, and a gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's summit. The trip suits repeat rail travellers drawn to high-end train service, luxury hotel stays, and leisurely pacing with built-in free time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package is independent, not escorted; you navigate cities and optional excursions on your own following Vacations By Rail's itinerary.
  • The from-price (USD 5,995) is for Superior tier with SilverLeaf Service; Deluxe tier with GoldLeaf Service starts at USD 6,295.
  • Day 2 (Vancouver) and Day 5 (Lake Louise) are unguided leisure days; optional city tours, gondola rides, and other excursions are available at additional cost.
  • Many hotel options listed are 'or similar'; your final accommodation depends on the tier and city selected.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arriving in Vancouver

    Western Canada is filled with contrasts, with cultural cities surrounded by unending nature, and it is yours to behold as your vacation begins today in Vancouver. As you arrive, make your way to your conveniently located hotel to check in for the first of two nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    A day to explore Vancouver

    The "City of Glass" is filled with incredible architecture, fascinating neighborhoods and sprawling ocean views. A full free day, with optional excursions available at a supplement (Granville Island Foodie Tour, Victoria Day Trip, Whale Watching Tour, City Sightseeing Tour).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Kamloops

    To Kamloops on Rocky Mountaineer

    An included transfer takes you to Vancouver's railway station to board Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service (GoldLeaf upgrade available at a supplement), traveling east through the Coastal Mountains and Fraser Canyon to Kamloops.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    Into the Canadian Rockies to Lake Louise

    Board Rocky Mountaineer and continue into Banff National Park to Lake Louise, passing Craigellachie, Rogers Pass and the Spiral Tunnels, arriving at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the first of two nights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise

    A day aside beautiful Lake Louise

    A full day at leisure in Lake Louise, with hiking trails, canoe rentals in summer, the Chateau spa, or optional excursions (Lake Louise Gondola, Afternoon Tea at Chateau Lake Louise, Heli Tour Above the Rockies).

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Beautiful views en route to Banff

    An included transfer takes you from Lake Louise to Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway, checking in for the next two nights. Optional Evening Wildlife Safari available.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff

    Exploring Banff National Park

    A full-day sightseeing tour of Banff National Park with lunch, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, and the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (or an optional half-day Banff discovery tour without lunch).

  8. Day 8

    Tour conclusion

    Your vacation comes to a close upon checking out of your hotel in Banff. An included transfer is available to Calgary and accommodates flights departing after 11:00 AM.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Board Rocky Mountaineer and travel through the Coastal Mountains and Fraser Canyon to Kamloops in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf dome-car service.
  • Day 4Day 4: Continue on Rocky Mountaineer past Craigellachie, Rogers Pass, and the Spiral Tunnels into Banff National Park, arriving at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
  • Day 7Day 7: Full-day guided tour of Banff National Park includes Bow Falls, a Lake Minnewanka cruise, and the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Included

  • 4-5* Accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • Choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service on Rocky Mountaineer
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches
  • All guided tours and excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Two days on Rocky Mountaineer (Days 3 and 4) in SilverLeaf Service are included; GoldLeaf Service is available as a paid upgrade. An included coach transfer connects Vancouver station and Lake Louise to Banff.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Vacations By Rail classifies this as an independent rail vacation. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary; there is no tour guide accompanying the group. Some days include guided excursions (the Day 7 Banff National Park tour), and others are leisure time with optional activities.
What meals are included?
The package includes two breakfasts and three lunches, plus all guided tour meals (Day 7 Banff tour includes lunch). Rocky Mountaineer meals are included as part of the train service.
Which hotels will I stay in?
Hotels vary by tier. Superior tier options include Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Moose Hotel & Suites. Deluxe tier includes Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Fairmont Banff Springs. All listed as 'or similar'.
When does this trip run?
The operator does not publish specific departure dates in the available information. Contact Vacations By Rail directly to confirm availability.
What is not included?
Flights, transfers outside the itinerary, optional excursions (Granville Island food tour, Victoria day trip, whale watching, Lake Louise gondola, heli tours, evening wildlife safari), GoldLeaf upgrade, and most dinners.

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