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Railbookers

Circle of the Canadian Rockies

Vancouver round trip via Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail through the Rockies

Illustration of Circle of the Canadian Rockies

Railbookers' Circle of the Canadian Rockies is a 9-day round trip rail tour that starts and ends in Vancouver, looping through Kamloops, Banff, and Jasper. After a self-guided first day exploring Vancouver, Days 2 and 3 aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf class carry you through the Fraser Canyon and into the snow-capped Canadian Rockies to Banff, where an included Banff Gondola ride climbs Sulphur Mountain. A tour transfer along the Icefields Parkway on Day 5 takes in the Columbia Icefield, the Ice Explorer, and the Glacier Skywalk on the way to Jasper, followed by an expert-led tour of Jasper National Park with Maligne Canyon and a Maligne Lake cruise. Day 7 boards VIA Rail's the Canadian for an overnight journey back to Vancouver, with observation car views of Mount Robson, before a final day exploring Vancouver by hop-on hop-off bus. The mix of named scenic trains and guided park touring suits first-time rail travelers and photographers drawn to mountain scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list offers 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, described as choices rather than consecutive stays, from the Hampton Inn & Suites to the Fairmont Pacific Rim; the final hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • Only 5 meals are included across the 9 days (2 breakfasts and 3 lunches); most dinners are not covered.
  • The operator publishes no departure dates in the available materials; confirm current departures with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Welcome to Vancouver! Travel on your own to your hotel and start exploring this beautiful city known for its harbor-side vistas and stunning mountain backdrop.

  2. Day 2overnight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops

    This morning, board the famous navy and gold carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer itself. Settle into SilverLeaf Class. Travel along the river canyons and pass by the rushing water at Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Banff

    Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Banff

    Re-board the train this morning and enjoy another day of stunning scenery as you travel into Alberta and the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Wind through the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies.

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Banff, AB

    Today you will explore the renowned mountain town of Banff and learn about the culture, geology and wildlife. With your included admission to the Banff Gondola, you'll journey to the top of Sulphur mountain.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Banff to Jasper

    This morning, depart Banff for a leisurely drive to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield, step onboard the Ice Explorer, and enjoy the Glacier Skywalk.

  6. Day 6overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Today you will be treated to an expert-lead tour of Jasper National Park, including a visit to Maligne Canyon and a cruise on the pristine waters of Maligne Lake!

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail

    Overnight Onboard VIA Rail

    Enjoy a relaxing morning in Jasper before heading to the VIA Rail Station to board the Canadian® westbound to Vancouver. Head to the observation car for breath-taking views including Mount Robson.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Arrive in Vancouver this morning and after you drop your luggage at the hotel you can begin exploring the city! Included is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Vancouver

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf class travels along river canyons, passing Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon.
  • Day 4The included Banff Gondola climbs to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
  • Day 5A visit to the Columbia Icefield, including the Ice Explorer and the Glacier Skywalk, on the way from Banff to Jasper.
  • Day 6An expert-led tour of Jasper National Park, including Maligne Canyon and a cruise on Maligne Lake.
  • Day 7Boarding VIA Rail's the Canadian westbound to Vancouver, with observation car views including Mount Robson.

Included

  • Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff in SilverLeaf class
  • One-way VIA Rail® from Jasper to Vancouver on the Canadian®
  • 7 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard VIA Rail
  • Tour transfer from Banff to Jasper
  • 5 meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff in SilverLeaf class (via Kamloops) and a one-way VIA Rail journey on the Canadian from Jasper back to Vancouver are both included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Sightseeing is guided at Banff, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper National Park, but Day 1 in Vancouver and the Day 8 return to Vancouver, via a hop-on hop-off tour, are self-guided.
What is included besides the trains and hotels?
A tour transfer from Banff to Jasper, admission to the Banff Gondola, the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk, a Jasper National Park tour with Maligne Canyon and a Maligne Lake cruise, a Vancouver hop-on hop-off tour, and 5 meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches).
Do you sleep on the train?
Yes, one night. The VIA Rail journey from Jasper to Vancouver on Day 7 is an overnight train.
Where do you stay?
Hotels in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, and Jasper, totaling 7 nights, plus 1 night onboard VIA Rail; 18 accommodation options are offered across tiers and cities.
When does this tour run?
The operator publishes no departure dates in the available materials. Confirm available dates directly with Railbookers before booking.

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