Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Rockies & Lake Louise Grand Adventure

Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver to Calgary through the Canadian Rockies

Illustration of Rockies & Lake Louise Grand Adventure

The Rockies and Lake Louise Grand Adventure, operated by Marvellous Escapes, is a 9-day tailor-made rail holiday across Western Canada. It begins in Vancouver, where you explore the city's waterfront, parks, and neighbourhoods on a included hop-on, hop-off tour, then boards the renowned Rocky Mountaineer train in SilverLeaf Class for a two-day journey through mountain passes, river canyons, and forest to Lake Louise. From there, guided tours and included activities such as the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola ride and a Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls tour showcase turquoise alpine lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls. In Banff, you ride the Sulphur Mountain gondola for panoramic views and take a peaceful cruise on Lake Minnewanka. The journey concludes in Calgary with a day to explore the city's history and museums. Flights from the UK, all hotel accommodation, and private transfers are included. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking luxury train travel, couples drawn to scenic mountain settings, and photographers seeking dramatic landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel names and exact star ratings are not specified; confirm accommodation standards with Marvellous Escapes before booking
  • The itinerary does not name specific hotels in each city; your final choice depends on the tier selected and availability
  • Day 4 itinerary repeats Day 5's description (Lake Louise gondola ride); clarify with the operator whether both days include this activity or if the second day has different plans

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Your adventure begins with a flight from the UK to Vancouver, the vibrant gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening, unwinding or exploring the city's lively waterfront, cafes, and shops at your leisure.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    After breakfast, spend your day discovering Vancouver, a picturesque coastal city where modern skyscrapers meet scenic harbour views. With your included Vancouver Trolley hop-on, hop-off tour, explore highlights like Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, and Chinatown.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver to Kamloops

    This morning, step aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train, one of the most famous rail journeys in the world. Settle into the comfort of SilverLeaf Class as the train glides through the Fraser Valley, past lush forests and river canyons, taking in the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Enjoy delicious meals onboard before arriving for an overnight stay in Kamloops.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops to Lake Louise

    Today, take in the breathtaking views on your included Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola ride, where panoramic vistas of towering mountain peaks and stunning glaciers await.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    Today, take in the breathtaking views on your included Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola ride, where panoramic vistas of towering mountain peaks and stunning glaciers await.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Continue your exploration with a Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls Tour from Lake Louise to Banff. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters of Lake Louise, the majestic Victoria Glacier, and the breathtaking Moraine Lake. Witness the powerful Takkakaw Falls, then cross the Great Divide to discover Yoho National Park.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Keep exploring Banff with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, where you'll be captivated by panoramic, 360-degree views. Later, unwind on an included cruise across Lake Minnewanka, soaking in the majestic Rocky Mountains from a fresh perspective.

  8. Day 8overnight: Calgary

    Calgary

    Today, catch your shuttle transfer to Calgary. Known as 'Cowtown', visit Fort Calgary for a taste of the city's history, discover one of its many museums, or head up to the Calgary Tower for stunning 360-degree views of the skyline.

  9. Day 9

    Return home

    Check out of your hotel today and take a private transfer back to Calgary Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your stay to explore more of Canada, speak to your travel designer.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Vancouver hop-on, hop-off trolley tour explores Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, and Chinatown with included entry to Vancouver Lookout
  • Day 3Rocky Mountaineer departs Vancouver in SilverLeaf Class, passing through the Fraser Valley, lush forests, river canyons, and Coast and Cascade Mountain peaks with meals onboard
  • Day 4Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola ride offers panoramic vistas of towering peaks and glaciers
  • Day 6Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls Tour from Lake Louise to Banff includes Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, Moraine Lake, Takkakaw Falls, and Yoho National Park
  • Day 7Sulphur Mountain gondola ride delivers 360-degree views followed by a peaceful cruise across Lake Minnewanka

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Vancouver
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Kamloops
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Louise
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Banff
  • Overnight hotel accommodation Calgary
  • Flights from UK to Vancouver and return from Calgary
  • Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper in SilverLeaf Class & private airport transfers
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Vancouver
  • Entry to the Vancouver Lookout
  • Scenic gondola ride over Lake Louise
  • Banff gondola ride and a peaceful lake cruise

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes the Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Jasper in SilverLeaf Class, all flights from the UK to Vancouver and return from Calgary, and private airport transfers.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent tailor-made journey between destinations. You receive guided tours in Vancouver, Lake Louise, and Banff, plus 24-hour on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes, but you are not accompanied by a tour leader throughout.
Which train is used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, travelling from Vancouver to Jasper in SilverLeaf Class, with onboard meals included.
What meals are included?
The itinerary mentions delicious meals onboard the Rocky Mountaineer; other meal inclusions are not detailed in the available information.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
The trip includes city walking tours, gondola rides, a lake cruise, and a shuttle transfer. No challenging hikes or high-altitude activities are mentioned; it suits those comfortable with moderate urban and scenic walking.
What is not included?
Museum entry fees, Fort Calgary entry, Calgary Tower entry, and any extensions to explore more of Canada are not included.

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