Canadian Rockies Trains · Independent rail vacation

Jasper and Banff Extended Getaway

8-day Rockies vacation, Calgary to Vancouver, ending on the Rocky Mountaineer

Jasper and Banff Extended Getaway, a rail journey with Canadian Rockies Trains

Canadian Rockies Trains runs this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation from Calgary to Vancouver. After a scenic transfer from Calgary to Banff, two nights in Banff include a choice of a Bow River horseback ride or an open-top vehicle sightseeing tour, followed by a full-day Icefields Parkway tour to Jasper and two nights there with a choice of sightseeing tours. On day six, the Rocky Mountaineer begins its two-day journey from Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops, crossing Yellowhead Pass and the Continental Divide, and passing Pyramid Falls, Mount Robson, and Hell's Gate before arriving on the coast. The Classic tier uses 3 to 3.5-star hotels with SilverLeaf Rocky Mountaineer service; the Premium tier upgrades to 4 to 4.5-star hotels, including the Fairmont Banff Springs, with GoldLeaf service. This suits independent travelers who want guided Rockies sightseeing bookended by a two-day scenic train finish rather than a fully escorted coach tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Classic tier uses 3 to 3.5-star hotels (including the Banff Ptarmigan Inn) with SilverLeaf Rocky Mountaineer service, while the Premium tier uses 4 to 4.5-star hotels (including the Fairmont Banff Springs) with GoldLeaf service, so the specific hotel depends on the tier booked.
  • The evidence pack does not list current departure dates or a full season; confirm scheduling directly with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Calgary

    Arrive Calgary

    Welcome to Calgary, Alberta's largest city. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, and surrounded by prairie landscapes, Calgary is a modern urban centre with western heritage, a thriving culinary scene, and more sunshine than any other city in Canada.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Calgary to Banff

    Depart Calgary and enjoy a scenic transfer to Banff. Watch as the landscape slowly changes from rolling hills to towering mountains.

  3. Day 3overnight: Banff

    Discover Banff

    Discover the spectacular highlights of Banff, Canada's oldest national park and part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site, on your choice of tour today. In the evening, stroll through the lively townsite, browse the small gift shops and dine at one of the excellent restaurants. You have 2 options to choose from today: Bow River Horseback Ride, Banff Open-Top Vehicle Sightseeing Tour.

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    The Icefields Parkway

    Today's full-day tour takes you along the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. Enjoy endless views of dramatic mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, pine forests, and more.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Explore Jasper

    Explore the untamed wilderness and wildlife of Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, on your choice of tour. You have 2 options to choose from today: Jasper Sightseeing Tour, Jasper Evening Discovery Tour.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Jasper to Kamloops

    Your Rocky Mountaineer journey begins today! Depart Jasper early this morning and travel through the mountains, climbing over Yellowhead Pass and crossing the Continental Divide. Highlights along the way include Pyramid Falls, a stunning three-tiered waterfall, and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and see how the landscape becomes more arid as you approach Kamloops.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Vancouver

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Vancouver

    Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning and continue your journey west. Travel through the semi-arid landscape of British Columbia's interior, see the powerful waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon, and pass by the beautiful Coast Mountains. There are dramatic changes in scenery today, ending with the lush farmland of the Fraser Valley and arrival in Vancouver.

  8. Day 8rail

    Depart from Vancouver

    Your Canadian Rockies train vacation ends today as you depart from Vancouver. Return home with amazing memories of your time in Canada.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4The Icefields Parkway tour from Banff to Jasper passes dramatic mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and pine forests.
  • Day 6The Rocky Mountaineer's first day from Jasper crosses Yellowhead Pass and the Continental Divide, passing Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson.
  • Day 7The Rocky Mountaineer's second day passes the powerful waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon before arriving in Vancouver.

Included

  • Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
  • Gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer
  • Meals onboard the train
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Sightseeing tours in the Rockies
  • Train station transfers
  • Electronic travel documentation package

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, for the final two days: the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops, in SilverLeaf (Classic tier) or GoldLeaf (Premium tier) service.
Is it escorted or independent?
Independent; Canadian Rockies Trains lists this as an "Independent rail vacation," with a choice of sightseeing tours in Banff and Jasper rather than a fixed group escort.
Which train is used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, from Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops, in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service depending on the tier booked.
What hotels are included?
The Classic tier uses 3 to 3.5-star hotels and the Premium tier uses 4 to 4.5-star hotels; named properties include the Banff Ptarmigan Inn, the Fairmont Banff Springs, and the Pan Pacific Vancouver.
When does it run?
The evidence pack does not list specific departure dates.

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