Is train travel included?

Yes, twice. The Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf service covers Vancouver to Whistler to Quesnel to Jasper outbound (days 2 to 4), then Banff to Kamloops to Vancouver on the return (days 10 to 11).

Which hotels are used?

The Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, each for two nights.

What are the price tiers?

Superior Level (4 to 4.5-star hotels, GoldLeaf service, from CAD 16,190) and Deluxe Level (5-star hotels, GoldLeaf service, from CAD 18,090).

How do I travel between Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff?

By road. The Icefields Parkway carries the trip from Jasper to Lake Louise, and a further road transfer covers Lake Louise to Banff; these legs are not part of the two Rocky Mountaineer journeys.

Hotel accommodation, the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journeys with meals onboard, a choice of guided activities, airport and train station transfers, a feature dining experience, and Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support.

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Independent tailor-made rail vacation

Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train

12-day round-trip Rocky Mountaineer circle from Vancouver through the Rockies

Canadian Train Vacations, operated through Fresh Tracks Canada, runs this 12-day, 11-night independent rail vacation that combines two separate Rocky Mountaineer journeys in GoldLeaf service. There is no fixed group schedule; local experts, described as Canadian Insiders, plan, coordinate and support the trip throughout. The outbound leg travels 'sea to sky' from Vancouver to Whistler, on through Quesnel, and into Jasper over three days, followed by two nights exploring Jasper National Park. The Icefields Parkway then carries the trip by road to two nights at Lake Louise and two more in Banff, passing waterfalls, peaks and wildlife along the way. A second Rocky Mountaineer journey returns the trip from Banff through Yoho National Park to Kamloops and on to Vancouver. It suits travellers who want the Rocky Mountaineer experience in both directions rather than a single one-way crossing, with time built in to explore Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff between the two rail legs.

What to know before you look closer

Only rail is listed as this trip's transport mode, but the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise (day 6) and the transfer from Lake Louise to Banff (day 8) are travelled by road, not by train.
Both price tiers, Superior (from CAD 16,190) and Deluxe (from CAD 18,090), use Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service; the stated difference is hotel star rating, 4 to 4.5-star versus 5-star.
The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this trip; confirm current scheduling with the operator before booking.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean.
Day 2railovernight: Whistler
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Whistler
Step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train for the start of a three-day train journey to the Canadian Rockies. Today you'll travel from 'sea to sky' on your way to Whistler.
Day 3railovernight: Quesnel
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Whistler to Quesnel
Another day of your train journey begins on board the Rocky Mountaineer. Travel into the sprawling wilderness of British Columbia; keep your eyes open for wildlife. Spend the night in the small town of Quesnel.
Day 4railovernight: Jasper
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Quesnel to Jasper
Return to your home on the rails, the Rocky Mountaineer train, and travel into the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the town of Jasper this evening.
Day 5overnight: Jasper
Explore Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, is one of our favourite destinations. Spend the day exploring Canada's most authentic mountain town.
Day 6overnight: Lake Louise
Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise
Travel along the spine of the Rockies on one of the most beautiful routes in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Watch for cascading waterfalls, dramatic peaks, mountain goats, elk, and bears.
Day 7overnight: Lake Louise
Explore Lake Louise
Spend your day in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, Lake Louise.
Day 8overnight: Banff
Lake Louise to Banff
Spend a relaxing morning in Lake Louise before travelling to Banff this afternoon. Browse the gift shops, dine at one of the excellent restaurants, or simply take in the magnificent views.
Day 9overnight: Banff
Explore Banff National Park
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out for a day of exploration in Banff National Park at your chosen pace.
Day 10railovernight: Kamloops
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Banff to Kamloops
Board the Rocky Mountaineer train for the second part of your rail adventure, passing Banff and Yoho National Parks.
Day 11railovernight: Vancouver
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Vancouver
Enjoy another day of great food, excellent service and incredible scenery. In the late afternoon, the train pulls into the station in coastal Vancouver.
Day 12
Depart from Vancouver
Say farewell to the mountain peaks and friendly faces of Canada as you depart from Vancouver.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The Rocky Mountaineer travels 'sea to sky' from Vancouver to Whistler on the first day of a three-day outbound rail journey.
Day 6The Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise passes cascading waterfalls, dramatic peaks, and wildlife including mountain goats, elk and bears.
Day 10The Rocky Mountaineer's return journey from Banff to Kamloops passes through Banff and Yoho National Parks.
Day 11The train completes its return journey, pulling into the station in coastal Vancouver in the late afternoon.

Included

Hotel accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
Meals onboard the train
Choice of unique guided activities
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Train station transfers
Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes, twice. The Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf service covers Vancouver to Whistler to Quesnel to Jasper outbound (days 2 to 4), then Banff to Kamloops to Vancouver on the return (days 10 to 11).
Is this trip guided or independent?: It is independent, with no fixed group schedule; local experts, described as Canadian Insiders, plan, coordinate and support the trip throughout.
Which hotels are used?: The Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, each for two nights.
What are the price tiers?: Superior Level (4 to 4.5-star hotels, GoldLeaf service, from CAD 16,190) and Deluxe Level (5-star hotels, GoldLeaf service, from CAD 18,090).
How do I travel between Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff?: By road. The Icefields Parkway carries the trip from Jasper to Lake Louise, and a further road transfer covers Lake Louise to Banff; these legs are not part of the two Rocky Mountaineer journeys.
What is included?: Hotel accommodation, the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journeys with meals onboard, a choice of guided activities, airport and train station transfers, a feature dining experience, and Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support.