Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent Tour

Rockies Essentials: Eastbound

6-day Rocky Mountaineer rail trip from Vancouver to Calgary, eastbound

Rockies Essentials: Eastbound, a rail journey with Canada Rail (canadarail.ca)

Canada Rail Vacations operates this 6-day independent tour, the eastbound version of its Essentials package, running from Vancouver to Calgary by way of Kamloops, Lake Louise and Banff. Two of the six days are spent aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service, first through the Fraser Valley and past river canyons carved into Canada's mountain ranges, then on to Lake Louise through Glacier, Yoho and Banff National Parks. A single night is spent at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before a coach tour through Yoho National Park, taking in Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass and Emerald Lake, on the way to two nights in Banff. The Banff stay includes a guided tour of the surrounding mountains and a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. It suits travelers who want the core Rockies rail-and-sightseeing route in under a week, without the longer stops or extra add-on cities found on this operator's longer circle packages.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one hotel is named in the evidence, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a single night; the hotels used in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff are not specified.
  • Gratuities for hotel and transfer staff and Canadian sales tax are listed as not included, on top of the advertised from-price.
  • The CAD 4,402 (about USD 3,100) from-price is the lowest of 142 listed departures; other dates run up to CAD 6,262.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Vancouver

    Vancouver Arrival

    Arrive in Vancouver, known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. This city is very lively and home to a bustling arts scene so you will find that there is no shortage of things to do and places to explore. When you add a second night in Vancouver to your vacation package you will receive a complimentary Vancouver city tour through Canada Rail Vacations! After a day of exploring popular destinations like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown, you’ll soon realize why Vancouver is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Kamloops

    Board the Rocky Mountaineer train in the morning and say goodbye to the coast! Your journey begins through the lush mountainsides of Fraser Valley where you will travel alongside the salmon-filled waters of the Fraser River. Enjoy fresh, gourmet meals served aboard the train as you travel through river canyons carved into some of Canada’s most glorious mountain ranges. Passing by geographic attractions like Hell’s Gate and through distinct ecological environments, you’ll eventually reach the drier habitat of the interior plateau. Spend the night in your Kamloops hotel room.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lake Louise

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Lake Louise

    Leave the ranchlands behind and approach the world-famous snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Along the way to Lake Louise, you’ll be passing through three national parks; Glacier, Yoho, and Banff. Complimentary drinks flow as you take in a natural beauty. You’ll arrive at Lake Louise in the late afternoon, sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the Rockies” and spend the night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Lake Louise to Banff Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls Tour

    Your motorcoach leaves in the morning and offers you a guided tour of the area between Lake Louise and Banff. Cross the Continental Divide, and pass through Yoho National Park, with sights such as Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans across the Kicking Horse River. You will spend the next two nights in your hotel in the famously friendly Town of Banff.

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola

    Today you’ll be on a 5-hour guided tour through the towering Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains. Learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos and experience Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive. Take a gentle gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views, interpretive boardwalks, and photo opportunities. The rest of the afternoon in Banff is yours to spend walking some local trails, playing golf, or relaxing as you choose.

  6. Day 6

    Banff to Calgary Scenic Transfer

    Your vacation is complete after a scenic transfer from Banff to the Calgary airport or downtown. Thank you for travelling with us!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Rocky Mountaineer runs through the Fraser Valley alongside the Fraser River, past river canyons carved into the mountain ranges.
  • Day 3The train passes through Glacier, Yoho and Banff National Parks on the way to Lake Louise, described as the 'Jewel of the Rockies.'
  • Day 4A Yoho National Park tour visits Takakkaw Falls, Kicking Horse Pass, Emerald Lake and the Natural Rock Bridge over the Kicking Horse River.
  • Day 5The Banff Gondola climbs Sulphur Mountain past wind-shaped hoodoos and Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive.

Included

  • 2-day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches onboard the train
  • 5 nights hotel accommodation
  • Complimentary Vancouver tour provided when an additional night in Vancouver is added to your vacation package
  • Yoho National Park Tour and Transfer to Banff (Scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport or downtown
  • Rail station transfers and luggage handling in Kamloops
  • Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff

Not included

  • Transportation from Vancouver airport (available, please ask for details)
  • Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian sales tax

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer are included, covering Vancouver to Kamloops and Kamloops to Lake Louise.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is listed as an Independent Tour, with guided touring days built in for Yoho National Park and Banff.
Which train is used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service.
What hotels are included?
The evidence names one hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, for one night; the Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff hotels are not specified.
When does it run?
142 departures are listed across April to October in both 2026 and 2027, priced from CAD 4,402 to CAD 6,262.
What is not included?
Transportation from the Vancouver airport, meals other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, gratuities for hotel and transfer staff, and Canadian sales tax.

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