Search

First Class Holidays · Independent Tour

Canyons to Canada by Rail

15-day rail journey from Denver through Southwest canyons to Canadian Rockies

Illustration of Canyons to Canada by Rail

First Class Holidays' Canyons to Canada by Rail is a 15-day independent journey from Denver to Calgary across the United States and Canada. The trip opens with two days in Denver, then boards the Canyon Spirit for a three-day rail passage through red-rock country, crossing the Continental Divide and arriving in the desert landscapes around Moab and Salt Lake City. A connecting flight then carries you to Vancouver for three days of exploration, including a city tour and visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The second half of the journey unfolds aboard the Rocky Mountaineer's Journey Through the Clouds, climbing through the North Thompson River valley to Jasper, where you can explore Jasper National Park and Maligne Lake. A scenic coach transfer along the Icefields Parkway, with optional access to the Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk platform, delivers you to Banff for two final nights of mountain town exploration. International flights from UK airports and both train journeys are included, along with most hotel stays. Days without scheduled activities give independent travellers room to set their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent tour with no guide; you transfer to and from airports on your own, and some days (Denver, Salt Lake City, Vancouver) have no scheduled activities.
  • The package includes international flights from UK airports and a connecting flight to Vancouver, but meals beyond those on the trains and one city tour are not included.
  • The operator publishes no specific departure dates in this pack; confirm availability and any seasonal closures with First Class Holidays before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Denver (2 nights)

    UK - Denver

    Arrive in Denver and transfer independently to your hotel for a 2-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Denver

    Denver

    Explore the Mile High City today, the perfect blend of city energy and mountain charm.

  3. Day 3overnight: Glenwood Springs

    Canyon Spirit – Glenwood Springs

    Depart Denver onboard Canyon Spirit, where you'll indulge in breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of included snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Cross the Continental Divide, soaking in breathtaking views of rugged canyons and the winding Colorado River. Arrive in the charming resort town of Glenwood Springs.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4overnight: Moab

    Canyon Spirit – Moab

    Depart Glenwood Springs and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you'll start your day off with a hearty breakfast. You'll cross the Colorado-Utah border with stunning mountain views in the background and see red sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Salt Lake City

    Canyon Spirit – Salt Lake City

    Depart Moab by motorcoach to Thompson Springs in the afternoon where you will board the Canyon Spirit train. Onboard, you'll enjoy a late lunch and dinner and enjoy sweeping views of majestic rock formations as you wind your way through Castle Gate. You'll travel through the Price River Canyon ascending the historic Soldier Summit and travel through the historic Thistle Tunnels, continuing your journey past Provo before arriving in the vibrant heart of Salt Lake City.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City

    A day at leisure in Salt Lake City to explore world-class dining, shopping and rich pioneer history.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vancouver (3 nights)

    Vancouver

    Make your own way to Salt Lake City Airport in time for your flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, transfer independently to your downtown hotel for a 3-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Included today is a city tour of Vancouver and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Vancouver's fascinating past and present come together in this engaging tour that traverses through urban cityscapes, seaside parks, and ancient rainforests.

  9. Day 9overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    A free day for you to relax in this fascinating city that lies between the Pacific and the Coast Mountain Range. Indulge in shopping on Robson Street, visit the Artisans and food stalls of Granville Island, or get lost in Stanley Park.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

    Transfer by coach to the Rocky Mountaineer station in Vancouver this morning. Join the train where you'll enjoy both breakfast and lunch on board, as you follow the scenic Fraser River eastbound. Soon, you'll be outside the city and into the wilderness. Arrive in the desert-like landscape of Kamloops for the evening as you are transferred to your hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  11. Day 11railovernight: Jasper

    Rocky Mountaineer – Jasper

    Board the train this morning as you wind your way northeast through the Clearwater region following the North Thompson River. Breakfast and lunch are included, and you'll also get an exclusive view of Pyramid Falls from a vantage point only accessible by rail. Catch a glimpse of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies as you arrive into the quaint mountain town of Jasper.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  12. Day 12overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    Spend the day exploring Jasper. Located within Jasper National Park, this destination offers endless outdoor adventures from hiking and wildlife spotting to stargazing. Dip your toes in the biggest glacially-fed lake in the Rockies – Maligne Lake – or watch star systems across the world's second largest Dark Sky Preserve.

  13. Day 13overnight: Banff (2 nights)

    Banff

    Leave Jasper behind today as you join a sightseeing transfer along one of the world's most iconic drives – the Icefields Parkway. Stops are included where you can board an Ice Explorer to venture onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier and then walk onto a glass-floored observation platform at the Skywalk. Arrive in Banff this afternoon for a 2-night stay.

  14. Day 14overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Uncover the secrets of the historic mountain haven of Banff on today's tour. Learn about the history and most significant highlights of the town as you visit sites including the Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls, Hoodoos viewpoint and Lake Minnewanka.

  15. Day 15

    Calgary Departure

    A coach transfer is included taking you to Calgary Airport ahead of your departing flight.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Cross the Continental Divide onboard the Canyon Spirit, viewing the Colorado River winding through rugged canyons.
  • Day 4Day 4: Watch red sandstone landscapes emerge as the Canyon Spirit approaches Moab, gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
  • Day 11Day 11: The Rocky Mountaineer ascends the North Thompson River valley with an exclusive rail-only view of Pyramid Falls, then passes Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
  • Day 13Day 13: Travel the Icefields Parkway and board an Ice Explorer to walk onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier, then step onto the Skywalk glass platform.

Included

  • Return international flights in economy from London Heathrow
  • Flight from Salt Lake City to Vancouver in economy
  • 14 nights' accommodation
  • 3-day Canyon Spirit Rail Journey from Denver to Salt Lake City in Premier Upgrade Service, inclusive of select meals and beverages and overnight stays in Glenwood Springs and Moab
  • Vancouver City and Capilano Suspension Bridge tour in Vancouver
  • Rocky Mountaineer's Journey Through the Clouds from Vancouver to Jasper in Goldleaf Service, inclusive of select meals and beverages and an overnight stay in Kamloops
  • Icefields Parkway Discovery sightseeing transfer between Jasper and Banff
  • Banff Wildlife Tour
  • Coach Transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport

Not included

  • Meals and sightseeing not shown as included
  • Gratuities

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes the Canyon Spirit from Denver to Salt Lake City in Premier Upgrade Service and the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper in Goldleaf Service, with select meals and overnight stays on both trains.
Is this tour escorted?
No, it is an independent tour with no escort. You arrange your own transfers at airports and have several free days to explore on your own.
What flights are included?
Return international flights from most UK airports and a domestic flight from Salt Lake City to Vancouver are included in economy class.
How many nights do I stay in hotels?
14 nights across seven hotels: Denver (2 nights), Glenwood Springs (1 night), Moab (1 night), Salt Lake City (2 nights), Vancouver (3 nights), Kamloops (1 night), Jasper (1 night), and Banff (2 nights).
What meals are included?
Breakfasts and lunches are included on both train journeys, plus dinners on the Canyon Spirit. A Vancouver city tour is included. Other meals are not included.
How much walking is involved?
City tours in Vancouver and Banff involve walking. The Capilano Suspension Bridge includes stairs. At the glacier, an optional Ice Explorer and Skywalk platform are available.

Similar journeys