Which trains are included?

Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver on day 3, and VIA Rail's The Canadian sleeper from Vancouver to Jasper on day 6. All other transport is by coach, ferry, or flight.

Is this an escorted or independent tour?

Marvellous Escapes calls it a tailor-made independent journey with guided tours in Vancouver, Victoria, Jasper, and along the Icefields Parkway. You have 24-hour on-trip support, but days in Seattle, Vancouver, and Banff are free to explore at your own pace.

What is included in the price?

Flights from the UK to Seattle and return from Calgary, rail travel on Amtrak and VIA Rail, 12 nights of hotel accommodation across five cities, overnight sleeper berth and meals aboard The Canadian, a Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass in Vancouver, and guided tours to Maligne Lake, along the Icefields Parkway, and to Victoria.

How many nights are spent on the train?

One night, on day 6, aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian between Vancouver and Jasper. You sleep in a sleeper cabin with meals included.

What is the physical demand?

The tour includes city walking, a guided tour to Maligne Lake, the Banff Gondola ride to a mountain summit, and a walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Most days involve moderate walking and some elevation change.

How much free time is there?

Days 1-2 in Seattle, days 3-4 in Vancouver (with a Hop-On Hop-Off pass), and day 10 in Banff are unscheduled. Day 5 includes a full-day guided trip to Victoria.

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Pacific Northwest & Canadian Rockies Adventure

Seattle to Calgary via Amtrak, VIA Rail sleeper, and guided Rockies tours

Marvellous Escapes operates this 13-day tailor-made journey from Seattle to Calgary, combining Pacific Northwest city exploration with an overnight sleeper crossing of the Canadian Rockies. The trip begins in Seattle with two days of independent sightseeing before Amtrak carries you north to Vancouver, where a Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass lets you explore at your own pace; a full day takes you by coach and ferry to Victoria to tour the Butchart Gardens. The centrepiece is an overnight berth aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian, a celebrated train that winds through the Rockies with mountains and forests visible from your cabin window. After arriving in Jasper, you enjoy a guided tour and cruise on Maligne Lake, then travel the legendary Icefields Parkway, stopping to walk on the Athabasca Glacier before reaching Banff. There you ride the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views, and a final day concludes the adventure in Calgary. The itinerary balances guided highlights with free time to wander cities and towns, supported by 24-hour on-trip assistance.

What to know before you look closer

The trip begins and ends with overnight flights from the UK; you arrive in Seattle on day 2 and depart Calgary overnight on day 12, reducing active days on the ground.
Days 1-2 and day 11 are primarily independent exploration; only days 3-10 include guided tours or group activities.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Seattle
Seattle
Fly from the UK to Seattle, where you'll transfer to your downtown hotel. Take time to settle in and enjoy an evening stroll through this vibrant waterfront city.
Day 2overnight: Seattle
Seattle
Spend the day exploring Seattle at your leisure. Visit the famous Pike Place Market, enjoy views from the Space Needle, or take a relaxing waterfront cruise on Elliott Bay.
Day 3overnight: Vancouver
Vancouver
Travel north aboard Amtrak through the scenic Pacific Northwest, arriving in Vancouver. On arrival, activate your 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass to begin exploring at your own pace.
Day 4overnight: Vancouver
Vancouver
Continue discovering Vancouver's highlights with your Hop-On Hop-Off pass, from Stanley Park and Granville Island to the historic Gastown district.
Day 5overnight: Vancouver
Vancouver
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Victoria, British Columbia's charming capital. Travel by coach and ferry, and visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, filled with vibrant floral displays and manicured landscapes.
Day 6railovernight: Onboard VIA Rail
The Canadian: Vancouver to Jasper
Board VIA Rail's The Canadian for an unforgettable overnight journey through the Canadian Rockies. Settle into your comfortable sleeper cabin and watch as the scenery transforms from coastal forests to towering mountain peaks.
Day 7overnight: Jasper
Jasper
Arrive in the alpine town of Jasper, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the charming town centre or stroll along tranquil lakeshores.
Day 8overnight: Jasper
Jasper
Embark on a guided tour to Maligne Lake, one of the most picturesque spots in the Rockies. Take a scenic cruise to Spirit Island, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and turquoise waters.
Day 9overnight: Banff
Banff
Travel along the legendary Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stop at the Columbia Icefield, where you can step onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Continue to Banff, your base in the heart of the Rockies.
Day 10overnight: Banff
Banff
Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views over the Rockies. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, explore Banff Avenue's boutique shops, or relax in the Upper Hot Springs.
Day 11overnight: Calgary
Calgary
Take a scenic coach transfer from Banff to Calgary, Alberta's lively cowboy city. Spend the evening discovering the city's restaurants or enjoy a final sunset over the skyline.
Day 12rail
Return home
Transfer to Calgary Airport for your return overnight flight to the UK, bringing your unforgettable Canadian rail adventure to an end.
Day 13rail
Return home
Transfer to Calgary Airport for your return overnight flight to the UK, bringing your unforgettable Canadian rail adventure to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 6Board VIA Rail's The Canadian for an overnight sleeper journey through the Canadian Rockies, watching the scenery transform from coastal forests to mountain peaks.
Day 8Take a guided tour and scenic cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and turquoise waters.
Day 9Travel the legendary Icefields Parkway, stopping at the Columbia Icefield to walk on the ancient Athabasca Glacier.
Day 10Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views over the Canadian Rockies.

Included

2-nights hotel accommodation in Seattle, Jasper and Banff
3-nights hotel accommodation in Vancouver
Overnight accommodation aboard VIA Rail with meals included
Overnight hotel accommodation in Calgary
Flights from UK to Seattle and return from Calgary
Seattle to Vancouver aboard Amtrak
VIA Rail The Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper
Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Vancouver
Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Cruise
Icefields Parkway and Rockies Discovery Tour from Jasper to Banff
Victoria day trip

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?: Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver on day 3, and VIA Rail's The Canadian sleeper from Vancouver to Jasper on day 6. All other transport is by coach, ferry, or flight.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?: Marvellous Escapes calls it a tailor-made independent journey with guided tours in Vancouver, Victoria, Jasper, and along the Icefields Parkway. You have 24-hour on-trip support, but days in Seattle, Vancouver, and Banff are free to explore at your own pace.
What is included in the price?: Flights from the UK to Seattle and return from Calgary, rail travel on Amtrak and VIA Rail, 12 nights of hotel accommodation across five cities, overnight sleeper berth and meals aboard The Canadian, a Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass in Vancouver, and guided tours to Maligne Lake, along the Icefields Parkway, and to Victoria.
How many nights are spent on the train?: One night, on day 6, aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian between Vancouver and Jasper. You sleep in a sleeper cabin with meals included.
What is the physical demand?: The tour includes city walking, a guided tour to Maligne Lake, the Banff Gondola ride to a mountain summit, and a walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Most days involve moderate walking and some elevation change.
How much free time is there?: Days 1-2 in Seattle, days 3-4 in Vancouver (with a Hop-On Hop-Off pass), and day 10 in Banff are unscheduled. Day 5 includes a full-day guided trip to Victoria.