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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Exploring Western Canada with Rocky Mountaineer

Eight-day rail and coach loop through Canadian Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary

Illustration of Exploring Western Canada with Rocky Mountaineer

Vacations By Rail's 8-day independent journey showcases the Canadian Rockies, departing Vancouver and ending in Calgary. The trip blends two full days aboard Rocky Mountaineer with coach travel and hotel stays, passing through four national parks and major alpine destinations. Day 2 takes you by train through Hell's Gate canyon and along the Thompson River to Kamloops; Day 3 continues north past Mount Robson (at 12,972 feet the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies) into Jasper. You then spend two nights exploring Jasper National Park on your own, followed by a journey along the Icefields Parkway with an Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier, an overnight in Lake Louise, and two nights in Banff with optional excursions to the Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain, or a helicopter ride over the Continental Divide. This package suits independent travellers who prefer to explore at their own pace while enjoying the convenience of pre-arranged accommodations and key rail segments, as well as those seeking luxury hotel stays and dramatic mountain scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only two days are spent aboard Rocky Mountaineer; the remaining journey uses coach travel and independent exploration.
  • Hotels vary by availability and tier: final accommodation depends on which option within each destination you select (e.g., Fairmont Hotel or Sheraton in Vancouver).
  • Flights to and from the cities, plus airport transfers on arrival and departure, are not included and must be booked separately.
  • Day 8 requires an 11:00 AM or later flight departure from Calgary; the tour covers only the transfer to the airport.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Vancouver to Kamloops

    Included transfer to the Rocky Mountaineer station for a full-day rail journey into the Canadian Rockies, with highlights including the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Jasper

    Kamloops to Jasper

    Rail journey continues north and east into Alberta, passing Mount Robson (3,954m/12,972ft, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies), Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park.

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    A scenic tour of Jasper National Park's natural attractions and rugged peaks, with the remainder of the day free to explore Jasper independently.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise

    Jasper to Lake Louise

    Travel along the Icefields Parkway with a stop at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield to ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, then a brief stop at Bow Lake before arriving at Lake Louise.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Lake Louise to Banff

    Tour into Yoho National Park to view the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River, ending in Banff.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Full day to continue exploring Banff, with optional add-ons including a half-day excursion to Sulphur Mountain, Bow Falls, the Hoodoos and the Banff Gondola, a helicopter ride over the Continental Divide, or an evening Wildlife Safari.

  8. Day 8

    Banff to Calgary

    Scheduled transfer to Calgary Airport for the flight home. Flights must be scheduled for after 11:00 AM.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver through Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and along the Thompson River to Kamloops.
  • Day 3Rail passage past Mount Robson (12,972 feet), the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and over Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park.
  • Day 5Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier along the Icefields Parkway, with optional walk on the Glacier Skywalk glass platform above Sunwapta Valley.
  • Day 6Tour of Yoho National Park viewing the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and a natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
  • 2 days of scenic rail travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer
  • 7 meals

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, two full days of Rocky Mountaineer rail travel are included (Vancouver to Kamloops to Jasper). Flights and airport transfers are not included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is independent. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary, but you travel on your own. Included transfers connect you to the train and between some destinations.
Which Rocky Mountaineer class is included?
The package offers SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service; confirm your class preference when booking.
What hotels are included?
The itinerary includes one night in Vancouver, one in Kamloops, two in Jasper, one in Lake Louise, and two in Banff. Hotels vary by tier; examples include Fairmont properties and other 3-4 star options.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes walking tours of Jasper and Yoho national parks. Optional activities add further activity (Glacier Skywalk, Ice Explorer onto the glacier, Banff Gondola).
What meals are included?
Seven meals are included over the 8 days; specific meals are not detailed in the itinerary.

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