Search

First Class Holidays · Rail and coach touring

Iconic Rockies and Rail

Vancouver to Calgary via VIA Rail sleeper through Canadian Rockies.

Illustration of Iconic Rockies and Rail

First Class Holidays operates this 9-day tour across western Canada, starting in Vancouver and ending in Calgary. The journey spans from the urban attractions of Vancouver, through the mountain wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, and concludes in Alberta's prairie city. Day 3 marks the signature experience: a full overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian, a restored 1950s streamliner with dome car and dining car, traveling from Vancouver to Jasper. The itinerary balances guided sightseeing with leisure time: a full day in Vancouver, structured tours along the Icefields Parkway with glacier walks and the Glacier Skywalk, leisure exploration of Lake Louise, and a wildlife tour in Banff that includes a gondola ride to 7,700 feet and a chairlift into North America's largest protected grizzly bear habitat. The tour suits repeat rail travellers seeking a classic North American train experience, photographers drawn to mountain and glacier scenery, and families wanting a mix of active sightseeing and comfortable accommodation.

What to know before you look closer

  • Return flights from the UK are not included in the package price.
  • Meals are included only onboard VIA Rail and on certain tour days; other meals and drinks are at your own cost.
  • The itinerary departs Vancouver on the afternoon of Day 3 and does not include the rail fare separately; confirm the exact departure time with First Class Holidays.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver - Rosedale on Robson

    UK - Vancouver

    Depart with Air Canada from London Heathrow to Vancouver. At Vancouver, transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver - Rosedale on Robson

    Vancouver

    A full day to explore this beautiful city.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail's Canadian (private cabin)

    Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail

    This afternoon, board VIA Rail's 'Canadian' train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original steel 'streamliner' railcars made famous by the 'Canadian' in the 1950s, each restored with air conditioning, a dining car, lounge car, and dome car. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon, then follow the Thompson River. Enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters converted into a bedroom.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Sawridge Hotel

    Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail

    Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise Inn

    Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunch

    Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included).

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff Caribou Lodge

    Lake Louise to Banff

    This morning is at leisure to explore Lake Louise before a mid-day transfer to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley highway, arriving mid-afternoon.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff Caribou Lodge

    Banff Discover Grizzly Bears, Lakes & Waterfalls Tour

    Pursue the elusive Canadian Grizzly Bear on this day excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Head out for a gondola ride up to 7,700 feet for a mountaintop lunch at Canada's highest restaurant, and then take a chairlift ride up to the world's largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat to see Boo the resident bear rescued as a cub.

  8. Day 8

    Banff to Calgary

    Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to Calgary Airport to connect with your Air Canada overnight flight home.

  9. Day 9

    Departure

    Arrive back in the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Depart Vancouver aboard VIA Rail's Canadian, a restored streamliner with dome car, dining car, and lounge car, for the overnight journey to Jasper through the Canadian Rockies.
  • Day 5Travel the Icefields Parkway and walk on the Athabasca Glacier via Ice Explorer, then stand on the glass platform at the Glacier Skywalk nearly one thousand feet above the valley.
  • Day 7Ride a gondola to 7,700 feet for lunch at Canada's highest restaurant, then take a chairlift to the world's largest protected grizzly bear habitat to see Boo, a resident bear.

Included

  • 6 nights hotel accommodation (room only)
  • Sleeping berth onboard VIA Rail's Canadian - private Cabin for 1 night
  • All meals onboard VIA Rail
  • Full day tour between Jasper and Lake Louise with picnic lunch included
  • Ice Explorer ride on to Athabasca Glacier
  • Glacier Skywalk
  • Scheduled coach transfer between Lake Louise and Banff hotels
  • Banff - Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola
  • Scheduled coach transfer between Banff hotel and Calgary
  • National Park fees

Not included

  • Return flights from the UK
  • Meals and sightseeing not shown as included
  • Gratuities

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes one night aboard VIA Rail's Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper in a private sleeping cabin with all meals onboard. Return flights from the UK are not included.
Which trains are used?
VIA Rail's Canadian, a restored streamliner with original 1950s steel railcars, featuring a dining car, lounge car, and dome car, runs from Vancouver to Jasper.
Is the tour escorted?
First Class Holidays provides scheduled coach transfers and structured daily tours, including guided sightseeing in Jasper, on the Icefields Parkway, and in Banff. Some time is unguided, such as the full day to explore Vancouver on Day 2 and leisure time in Lake Louise on Day 6.
What hotels are included?
The package covers 6 nights: Rosedale on Robson in Vancouver (2 nights), Sawridge Hotel in Jasper (1 night), Lake Louise Inn (1 night), and Banff Caribou Lodge (2 nights). Accommodation is room only; meals are not included except on the train and during sightseeing tours.
What is not included?
Not included are return flights from the UK, meals and sightseeing outside the stated activities, gratuities, and any meals not listed as part of the tour or onboard the train.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes walking on the Athabasca Glacier, standing on the Glacier Skywalk, and leisure exploration of towns and Lake Louise. Gondola and chairlift rides are provided for elevated viewpoints. Most days involve moderate walking and access to attractions via vehicle.

Similar journeys