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Complete Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver

Vancouver to Calgary Rocky Mountaineer journey through the Canadian Rockies

Illustration of Complete Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver

Railbookers runs Complete Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver, a 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation from Vancouver to Calgary. After two nights in Vancouver, including a guided city tour with admission to the Vancouver Lookout, the Rocky Mountaineer departs in SilverLeaf Class, passing Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, and Brandywine Falls on the way to Whistler. The train continues through Fraser Canyon to Quesnel, then past the Rocky Mountain Trench and Mount Robson to Jasper for a two-night stay, where the Jasper SkyTram climbs to 7,472 feet above Maligne Canyon. From Jasper, an included transfer follows the Icefields Parkway to Banff, stopping at the Athabasca Glacier via the Ice Explorer and the Glacier Skywalk. The final full day tours Banff's Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls, including Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, before a transfer to Calgary airport. With daily named excursions and Fairmont hotel options, the trip suits photographers and travelers seeking a guided, scenic introduction to the Canadian Rockies.

What to know before you look closer

  • There are 27 accommodation options listed across tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop; the specific property depends on the tier selected.
  • The Rocky Mountaineer only covers Vancouver to Jasper; the Jasper to Banff and Banff to Calgary legs are by included transfer, not train.
  • Only 5 meals are included across the 9 days, 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches; other meals are not covered.
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is listed as something to 'consider visiting' on day 2, not a confirmed included admission.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Your Journey Begins in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver! Transfer to your centrally-located hotel and check in for your two-night stay. Visit the Museum of Vancouver or Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Guided city tour with admission to the Vancouver Lookout. Consider visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

  3. Day 3overnight: Whistler

    Vancouver to Whistler

    Board the Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler, passing Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and Cheakamus Canyon. Take the Peak 2 Peak gondola or walk to Alta Lake.

  4. Day 4overnight: Quesnel

    Whistler to Quesnel

    Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic ride to Quesnel, passing Anderson Lake, Seton Lake, Fraser Canyon and the Deep Creek Bridge. Wander across the Fraser River Walking Bridge or Louis LeBourdais Park.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Quesnel to Jasper

    Scenic ride on the Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper, passing the Fraser River, the Rocky Mountain Trench, Yellowhead Pass and Mount Robson. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Explore Jasper National Park - a ride on the Jasper SkyTram to 7472 feet, Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Viewpoint and Medicine Lake.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff

    Jasper to Banff

    Relaxing ride to Banff along the Icefields Parkway, with a tour of the Athabasca Glacier via the Ice Explorer and a visit to the Glacier Skywalk.

  8. Day 8overnight: Banff

    Banff, AB

    Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls tour - Bow Valley Parkway, Valley of the Ten Peaks, Spiral Tunnels, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Lake Louise.

  9. Day 9

    Depart Calgary

    Check out of your hotel and take your included transfer from Banff to the Calgary airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Rocky Mountaineer departs Vancouver for Whistler, passing Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and Cheakamus Canyon.
  • Day 5A scenic Rocky Mountaineer ride from Quesnel to Jasper passes the Fraser River, the Rocky Mountain Trench, Yellowhead Pass, and Mount Robson.
  • Day 6The Jasper SkyTram climbs to 7,472 feet, with stops at Maligne Canyon, the Athabasca Viewpoint, and Medicine Lake.
  • Day 7The Icefields Parkway route to Banff includes a tour of the Athabasca Glacier via the Ice Explorer and a visit to the Glacier Skywalk.
  • Day 8A Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour visits the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the Spiral Tunnels, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Lake Louise.

Included

  • Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper in SilverLeaf Class
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 5 meals included (3 Breakfasts and 2 lunches)
  • Transfer from Jasper to Banff
  • Transfer from Banff to Calgary airport

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, for part of the route. The Rocky Mountaineer runs in SilverLeaf Class from Vancouver to Jasper, via Whistler and Quesnel. The Jasper to Banff and Banff to Calgary legs are by included transfer rather than train.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is billed as an independent rail vacation, though most days include a named guided tour or excursion, such as the day 2 Vancouver city tour, the day 7 Ice Explorer glacier tour, and the day 8 Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour.
What is included?
The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper in SilverLeaf Class, 8 nights' hotel accommodation, 5 meals (3 breakfasts and 2 lunches), and transfers from Jasper to Banff and from Banff to Calgary airport.
How much walking or altitude is involved?
Day 6 rides the Jasper SkyTram to 7,472 feet, and day 7 tours the Athabasca Glacier via the Ice Explorer and the Glacier Skywalk. No dedicated hiking is described, but the itinerary involves altitude and glacier terrain.
What hotels are used?
The package draws from 27 accommodation options, including Fairmont Pacific Rim, Fairmont Waterfront, and Hilton Vancouver Downtown in Vancouver, and Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa and Crystal Lodge in Whistler; the exact hotel depends on the tier chosen.

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