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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Majestic Rockies Adventure

13-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Calgary through Banff National Park

Illustration of Majestic Rockies Adventure

Marvellous Escapes operates this 13-day tailor-made rail holiday through the Canadian Rockies, departing from and returning to the UK via Calgary and concluding in Banff. You travel by the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, an all-daylight observation train, on two full-day segments: Lake Louise to Kamloops and Kamloops to Jasper. The itinerary balances guided excursions with free time, starting in Calgary (Days 1-2), then moving to Lake Louise for alpine sightseeing and a chairlift ride over glaciers and valleys (Days 3-4, 8-9). After your Rocky Mountaineer journeys, Day 7 includes a guided Wildlife Discovery Tour through Jasper National Park in search of bears, elk, and moose, and Day 8 takes you along the Icefields Parkway with the Athabasca Glacier and Glacier Skywalk experience. Final days in Banff feature the gondola and national park exploration (Days 10-11). This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking famous mountain train travel, photographers drawn to panoramic alpine scenery, and couples who value a mix of guided activities and independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • The trip begins with two full days in Calgary before rail travel starts; this allows acclimatization but uses one quarter of the itinerary in the gateway city.
  • Days 12 and 13 are return travel; the active holiday is 11 days.
  • The evidence does not specify which exact hotels or their star ratings; confirm accommodation details with Marvellous Escapes before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Calgary

    Calgary

    Fly from the UK to Calgary and arrive in the vibrant gateway to the Canadian Rockies. On arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from your journey. Take the evening at your leisure to explore Calgary's restaurants, city sights, or simply unwind before the start of your Rockies adventure.

  2. Day 2overnight: Calgary

    Calgary

    Enjoy a full day in Calgary to relax or explore at your own pace. Discover the city's vibrant neighbourhoods, enjoy shopping or local dining, or visit iconic attractions such as the Calgary Tower or Glenbow Museum. This day allows you to acclimatize, take in the city's culture, and prepare for the start of your Rockies adventure.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    Explore the most treasured spots in the Canadian Rockies on a scenic excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Discover iconic natural wonders, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Spiral Tunnels, and Takakkaw Falls (seasonal). Along the way, enjoy a hot lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies from an open chairlift or gondola, with panoramic views of glaciers, alpine valleys, and tranquil crystal lakes. Spot wildlife, including grizzly bears in their natural habitat, and discover vibrant wildflowers and plant life where two eco-regions meet.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops

    After a private transfer to the railway station, board the legendary Rocky Mountaineer and begin your scenic journey from Lake Louise to Kamloops. Relax in comfort as you travel through towering mountains, deep valleys, and pristine wilderness, enjoying spectacular views from your train carriage. Arrive in Kamloops in the evening and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Jasper

    Jasper

    Continue your breathtaking Rocky Mountaineer journey from Kamloops to Jasper, travelling through some of Canada's most spectacular mountain landscapes. Admire snow-capped peaks, deep river valleys, and lush forests as you relax in the comfort of your train carriage. Arrive in Jasper in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

  7. Day 7overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    Spend the day immersed in Jasper National Park on a guided Wildlife Discovery Tour, where the Rockies come alive with stunning flora and fauna. Journey through pristine valleys, alpine meadows, and along glacial rivers in search of bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and other iconic Canadian wildlife.

  8. Day 8overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    Travel along the legendary Icefields Parkway on a full-day guided tour from Jasper to Lake Louise, one of the world's most scenic highways. Marvel at towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and dramatic valleys, and experience the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer. Step out onto the thrilling Glacier Skywalk and enjoy an included lunch amid the breathtaking alpine scenery.

  9. Day 9overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    Enjoy a free day in Lake Louise to explore at your own pace. Take in the breathtaking alpine scenery, with opportunities to admire turquoise lakes, surrounding peaks and tranquil mountain landscapes. Optional activities include scenic walks, gondola rides or simply relaxing.

  10. Day 10overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Explore the most treasured spots in the Canadian Rockies on a scenic excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Discover iconic natural wonders, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Spiral Tunnels, and Takakkaw Falls (seasonal). Along the way, enjoy a hot lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge.

  11. Day 11overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Today ascend the Banff Gondola for spectacular panoramic views over Banff National Park, the surrounding mountains, and the Bow Valley. Spend approximately two hours taking in the alpine vistas, spotting wildlife, and enjoying photo opportunities from the summit.

  12. Day 12

    Return home

    After breakfast, enjoy a convenient Brewster shuttle transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport, where you'll board your overnight flight back to the UK.

  13. Day 13

    Return home

    After breakfast, enjoy a convenient Brewster shuttle transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport, where you'll board your overnight flight back to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5Board the Rocky Mountaineer at Lake Louise and travel through towering mountains and deep valleys to Kamloops, relaxing in panoramic carriages.
  • Day 6Continue on the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Jasper, passing snow-capped peaks and lush forests.
  • Day 8Travel the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise, ride the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, and step out on the Glacier Skywalk.
  • Day 11Ascend the Banff Gondola for panoramic views over Banff National Park, the surrounding mountains, and the Bow Valley.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Calgary, Jasper and Banff
  • 4-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Louise
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Kamloops
  • Return flights from UK to Calgary
  • Rocky Mountaineer Lake Louise to Jasper & Jasper to Vancouver
  • Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls excursion from Calgary to Lake Louise
  • Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift
  • Wildlife Discovery Tour
  • Icefields Parkway Discovery Tour
  • Banff gondola

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes return flights from the UK, both Rocky Mountaineer segments (Lake Louise to Kamloops and Kamloops to Jasper), and all guided excursions and sightseeing activities listed.
Which trains are used?
The Rocky Mountaineer operates both rail segments: Lake Louise to Kamloops and Kamloops to Jasper. This all-daylight train features panoramic observation carriages.
Is this an escorted tour?
It is a tailor-made package. You have private transfers between destinations, and guided tours (Wildlife Discovery Tour, Icefields Parkway tour, sightseeing lifts) are included, but some days, such as Day 2 in Calgary and Day 9 in Lake Louise, are free to explore at your own pace.
How many nights are in hotels?
You stay 12 nights across five locations: 2 nights in Calgary, 4 nights in Lake Louise, 1 night in Kamloops, 2 nights in Jasper, and 2 nights in Banff. You do not sleep on the train.
What is the price?
The tour starts at GBP 4,999 per person (approximately USD 6,676). This is a tailor-made package; confirm current availability and pricing with Marvellous Escapes.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes sightseeing lifts and gondolas to reach high vistas, guided national park tours, and approximately two hours at the Banff Gondola summit. Optional scenic walks are available; several days allow self-paced exploration.

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