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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Great Northern Circle of the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer

10-day Rocky Mountaineer rail loop around the Canadian Rockies

Illustration of Great Northern Circle of the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer

Railbookers operates this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation in a loop around the Canadian Rockies, starting and ending in Vancouver with the operator's Rail Expert support rather than a fixed escorted group. After two nights in Vancouver, including admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the Rocky Mountaineer carries travelers in SilverLeaf class to Whistler, past Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, and Cheakamus Canyon, then on to Quesnel and Jasper, passing Yellowhead Pass and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Three nights in Jasper include a sightseeing tour above Maligne Canyon with a cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake, and a ride on the Jasper SkyTram. The return leg on the Rocky Mountaineer's 'Journey Through the Clouds' route runs through Kamloops back to Vancouver. With 9 meals included and hotels chosen from a list of options at each stop, this trip suits independent travelers who want a scenic rail circuit through the Rockies without a fixed group itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists several hotel options for each stop, for example in Vancouver the Hampton Inn & Suites, Fairmont Pacific Rim, and Hilton Vancouver Downtown among others, without specifying which one is booked.
  • The Rocky Mountaineer is booked in SilverLeaf class; the evidence does not mention an upgraded car option.
  • Only 9 meals are included across the 9 nights, 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches; dinners are not listed as included.
  • The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Your Journey Begins in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver! Upon your arrival to this enchanting city, transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel and check in for your two-night stay. After getting settled, start exploring all Vancouver has to offer, perhaps starting with the iconic Vancouver Lookout. Towering over 533 feet above the city, this popular attraction offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city. Or, you can visit the world's top city garden, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This urban paradise is open year-round and offers stunning scenery. If you like to shop, head over to Granville Island, a popular shopping district.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver, BC

    Continue exploring Vancouver with your included admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. There is so much to do and see in this twenty-seven-acre park, including nature tours, the Living Forest Exhibit, and its signature attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Built in 1889, this bridge stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River and offers sweeping views of the rainforest.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Whistler

    Vancouver to Whistler

    Today, you will board the Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler. Watch the otherwise inaccessible Canadian terrain roll by as the train meanders alongside steep canyons and stunning waterfalls. Some of the striking views you'll see along the way include Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and Cheakamus Canyon. Upon your arrival in the mountain town of Whistler, check into your hotel and start exploring! Take the Peak 2 Peak gondola ride between Whistler and the Blackcomb mountains. Or, walk to the gorgeous Alta Lake. B

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Quesnel

    Whistler to Quesnel

    Today, you will board the Rocky Mountaineer once again for a scenic ride to Quesnel. Today's ride offers more majestic views, including Anderson Lake, Seton Lake, Fraser Canyon and the Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Upon your arrival to the historic gold-mining town of Quesnel, take some time to visit some of its main attractions. Wander across the Fraser River Walking Bridge, the world's longest wooden truss footbridge to watch the sun set. Or, take a stroll through Louis LeBourdais Park, where you'll also find the Quesnel Visitor Center, Quesnel Museum and the Heritage Rose Garden. B , L

  5. Day 5railovernight: Jasper

    Quesnal to Jasper

    Enjoy another picturesque ride on the Rocky Mountaineer as the train makes its way to Jasper. Along the way, you will be treated to views of the Fraser River, the Rocky Mountain Trench, Yellowhead Pass and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. After arrival in Jasper, check into your hotel for your three-night stay and start exploring this gorgeous mountain town. B , L

  6. Day 6overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Today, you will explore the spectacular natural treasures of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, on a sightseeing tour. Stand above the massive walls of Maligne Canyon for stunning views of rushing waterfalls. Discover the mystery of the disappearing water at Medicine Lake. Your tour also includes a scenic cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake, where you will glide past breathtaking jagged mountain peaks to Spirit Island, a world-famous destination only accessible by boat.

  7. Day 7overnight: Jasper

    Jasper, AB

    Continue exploring Jasper National Park with a ride on the Jasper SkyTram. Your adventure begins at the Lower Station, an elevation of 4,625 feet, where you will board a fully enclosed tram and lift off for the flight of a lifetime! During your seven-minute journey aboard the Jasper Skytram, you will be accompanied by a fully trained and knowledgeable flight attendant who will point out the many sights and answer any questions you may have. As the tram gently touches down at an elevation of 7472 feet, step out onto the Upper Station where magnificent views of the Canadian Rockies await.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Kamloops

    Jasper to Kamloops

    This morning, you will board the Rocky Mountaineer for a trip on the 'Journey Through the Clouds' route to Kamloops. This iconic rail line surrounds you with the stunning scenery of the Continental Divide along with the spectacular river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Other majestic views you won't want to miss include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls and the North Thompson River. B , L

  9. Day 9overnight: Vancouver

    Kamloops to Vancouver

    Today, your journey will take you back to the coastal city of Vancouver. Enjoy the dramatic changes in scenery as the winding river canyons and forests give way to the Cascade Mountains and eventually the Pacific Ocean. After arrival back in Vancouver, if you aren't too tired from your journey, take a trip over to Gastown. Located along Vancouver's harbor, Gastown is considered the oldest part of the city and full of beautiful late-Victorian architecture and great places to eat. B , L

  10. Day 10rail

    Depart Vancouver

    Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the airport for your flight back home. If you wish to extend your trip or add nights in any of these fantastic destinations, one of our Rail Specialists will be happy to help you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Rocky Mountaineer carries travelers from Vancouver to Whistler past Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and Cheakamus Canyon.
  • Day 5The Rocky Mountaineer continues to Jasper past the Rocky Mountain Trench, Yellowhead Pass, and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
  • Day 6A sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park stands above the walls of Maligne Canyon and includes a scenic cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake.
  • Day 7The Jasper SkyTram lifts off from an elevation of 4,625 feet for a seven-minute ride narrated by an onboard flight attendant.
  • Day 8The Rocky Mountaineer's 'Journey Through the Clouds' route to Kamloops passes the Continental Divide, the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, Mount Robson, and Pyramid Falls.

Included

  • Roundtrip Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper in SilverLeaf class 9 nights' hotel accommodation 9 meals included (5 Breakfasts, 4 lunches)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price of this trip?
Yes. A roundtrip journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf class between Vancouver and Jasper is included, covering 5 of the 10 days.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with Rail Expert support rather than a fixed escorted group.
Which trains are used on this trip?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in SilverLeaf class, for the Vancouver to Jasper and Jasper to Vancouver legs.
What is included besides the train and hotels?
Admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a Jasper National Park sightseeing tour with a Maligne Lake cruise, admission to the Jasper SkyTram, and 9 meals (5 breakfasts and 4 lunches).
How much does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $7,769 per person, in USD.

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