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First Class Holidays · Rail touring

Grand Rail Circle

13-day Canadian Rockies rail tour from Vancouver to Whistler on Rocky Mountaineer

Illustration of Grand Rail Circle

First Class Holidays operates the Grand Rail Circle, a 13-day guided and independent tour of western Canada that starts in Vancouver and ends in Whistler. The journey combines five days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a scenic rail service that climbs through the Canadian Rockies and descends through British Columbia's interior and coastal ranges, with hotel stays and guided sightseeing tours in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Quesnel, and Whistler. You will travel through mountain passes, past glaciers, and along river canyons, with time to explore at your own pace on several free days. Highlights include a ride on the Banff Gondola, a tour of the Icefields Parkway with an Ice Explorer journey onto the Athabasca Glacier, and a return trip through the Sea to Sky Corridor. This trip suits rail enthusiasts who want a structured itinerary with included activities, as well as couples and groups who value a balance of guided experiences and independent time.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from Canada are not included in the from-price; First Class Holidays can arrange these separately.
  • The itinerary includes hotels marked by city (Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Quesnel, Whistler) but the evidence does not name the specific properties, except a reference to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in highlights; confirm the exact hotel with the operator before booking.
  • Rail cancellations within 45 days of departure incur a charge of 100% of the rail cost in addition to standard cancellation penalties.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver Arrival

    Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Perhaps shop on chic Robson Street or explore the funky Granville Island with its market and artists enclave.

  2. Day 2overnight: Kamloops

    Vancouver - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

    On today's journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River.

  3. Day 3overnight: Banff

    Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Banff

    Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer today and travel to the Canadian Rockies, highlights include Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels. Arrive into Banff early evening.

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Banff Sightseeing

    Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour this afternoon. Visits Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and take a ride on the Banff Gondola (admission included).

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Free Day in Banff

    Today you are free to explore the Banff National Park on your own.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Louise

    Banff - Lake Louise

    A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels and the stunning Emerald Lake. The tour ends in Lake Louise where you can enjoy a free afternoon.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lake Louise

    Free Day in Lake Louise

    Enjoy a free day in Lake Louise.

  8. Day 8overnight: Jasper

    Lake Louise - Jasper

    Take a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Highlights include Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. Ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier, visit the Skywalk and enjoy lunch. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon.

  9. Day 9overnight: Jasper

    Jasper Highlights Tour

    Enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of Jasper National Park's natural attractions and rugged peaks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this region home. After an included lunch the remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently, or perhaps take an optional float ride down the Athabasca River or visit to Maligne Lake.

  10. Day 10overnight: Quesnel

    Jasper - Rocky Mountaineer - Quesnel

    Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to the charming rural town of Quesnel. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains either side, and on to the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Whistler

    Quesnel - Rocky Mountaineer - Whistler

    Your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer continues south today to the alpine resort of Whistler. Journey highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge and the shorelines of glacial fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Your rail journey ends today on arrival into Whistler.

  12. Day 12overnight: Vancouver

    Whistler - Vancouver

    The morning is free to explore Whistler Village at your leisure. This afternoon return to Vancouver onboard the Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor, including the Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Brandywine Falls, and breathtaking views of Howe Sound.

  13. Day 13

    Vancouver Departure

    Your holiday ends upon checkout from your hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Kamloops passes Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River.
  • Day 3Day 3: Train ascends the Canadian Rockies through Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels en route to Banff.
  • Day 8Day 8: Icefields Parkway tour includes a ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier and a visit to the Skywalk.
  • Day 11Day 11: Rocky Mountaineer journey to Whistler features views of the Fraser Canyon, Deep Creek Bridge, and glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake.
  • Day 12Day 12: Return journey to Vancouver aboard the Rocky Mountaineer traverses the Sea to Sky Corridor with views of Cheakamus Canyon, Mount Garibaldi, Brandywine Falls, and Howe Sound.

Included

  • 12 nights hotel accommodation
  • 5 day Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf (superior) or SilverLeaf (standard)
  • 4 breakfasts and 6 lunches
  • Vancouver Lookout
  • Banff Tour, including Banff Gondola
  • Yoho Park Tour, Banff to Lake Louise
  • Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Lake Louise to Jasper
  • Jasper Highlights Tour
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Jasper, Quesnel and Whistler

Not included

  • Flights to/from Canada. Please ask us, we can arrange these for you.
  • Meals, sightseeing and attractions not shown as included
  • Gratuities

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this package?
Yes. The package includes five days of travel on the Rocky Mountaineer in either GoldLeaf (superior) or SilverLeaf (standard) class, split across two rail journeys: Vancouver to Banff and Jasper to Vancouver.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is a mix of both. First Class Holidays includes guided half-day and full-day sightseeing tours in Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper National Park. Several days are free to explore independently.
What meals are included?
The package includes four breakfasts and six lunches. Other meals are at your own cost.
What happens on the free days?
Free days in Banff (Day 5), Lake Louise (Day 7), and Jasper (Day 9 afternoon) allow you to explore the parks on your own. Jasper offers optional paid activities such as a float ride down the Athabasca River and a visit to Maligne Lake.
How much walking and activity is involved?
The tour includes half-day sightseeing coach tours with included activities like the Banff Gondola and an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. Several free days allow independent exploration at your own pace.
Are flights included?
No. Flights to and from Canada are not included but First Class Holidays can arrange them for you.

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