Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent Tour

Rockies Glaciers & Gardens: Eastbound

13-day Victoria-to-Calgary tour combining Butchart Gardens and the Rocky Mountaineer

Rockies Glaciers & Gardens: Eastbound, a rail journey with Canada Rail (canadarail.ca)

Canada Rail Vacations runs this 13-day independent tour eastbound from Victoria to Calgary, opening with two nights on Vancouver Island before crossing into the Rockies. Day two tours Victoria's Craigdarroch Castle and Parliament Building on the way to Butchart Gardens, and day three adds a 3.5-hour whale-watching trip before the ferry to Vancouver. From Vancouver, three days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service run through Whistler and Quesnel to Jasper, where a guided walk covers Maligne Canyon, described as 10,000 years of erosion forming the deepest canyon in the Rockies. The Icefields Parkway day rides the Ice Explorer directly onto the Athabasca Glacier before two nights at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, including a free day to canoe or hike independently. The trip ends with a Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. It suits travelers who want both coastal sightseeing and a full mountain rail crossing in one booking, rather than choosing between them.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one hotel is named in the evidence, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for two nights; the hotels used in Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper and Banff are not specified.
  • Transportation from the Victoria airport to the Victoria hotel is listed as not included, along with gratuities for hotel and transfer staff and Canada's 5% sales tax.
  • The CAD 9,361 (about USD 6,591) from-price is the lowest of 24 listed departures, which run only April through September 2026; other dates cost up to CAD 12,234.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Victoria

    Victoria Arrival

    Arrive at the Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island and spend some time independently exploring the city! Go for a stroll from your downtown hotel and take in the calm and quaint atmosphere typical of Vancouver Island. The streets here are charming, full of color and home to the freshest seafood in Western Canada. You might like to visit Fisherman’s Wharf, which is a short walk from downtown and gives you the chance to spot wildlife and take some pictures of the adorable floating homes that line the waters. Spend the next two nights in your Victoria hotel room.

  2. Day 2overnight: Victoria

    Victoria City Tour including the Butchart Gardens

    In the morning, you have the opportunity to explore Victoria on the included city tour. This tour will take you to several locations, including the Historical Craigdarroch Castle, the Parliament Building, and the pedestrian-friendly Cook Street Village, known for its café patios and boutiques. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the Butchart Gardens. These famous gardens are one of the most spectacular floral displays in the world and home to hundreds of thousands of flowers. There are many different gardens to stroll through, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Mediterranean Garden, to name a few. This is one of the most beloved tourist attractions in Canada and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. With shuttle transfers leaving every half hour, you can spend as much time strolling these gardens as you please.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vancouver

    Victoria Whale Watching Tour and Ferry to Vancouver

    Embark on a 3.5-hour whale watching tour where you’ll search for orcas, minke whales, grey whales and other marine wildlife. You’ll be aboard the custom, sturdy catamaran boat, which will be a safe yet exhilarating experience. A certified marine biologist will guide this tour. In the afternoon, you’ll board a ferry and relax to the gentle sway and sound of the ocean as you take a journey from Victoria to Vancouver. You’ll be able to see the Gulf Islands, mountain vistas and sea life all from the outdoor deck. Spend the next two nights in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver City Tour

    Today you will have a tour of Vancouver and it’s highlights. Embark on a journey through Vancouver’s contemporary urban landscapes, and visit iconic landmarks in Gastown, Chinatown, Granville Island, and the majestic Stanley Park. After a day in Vancouver, you’ll soon realize why Vancouver is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Whistler

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Whistler

    Today you’ll begin your spectacular train journey from Vancouver to Jasper. Travel along the Sea to Sky corridor, with the Coast Mountains on your right and the sparkling waters of an ocean inlet to your left. Dine on a locally-sourced, gourmet breakfast as you relax and take in your surroundings. Later you’ll arrive in Whistler and be transferred to your hotel room where you will be spending the night. You have the afternoon free to enjoy and explore Whistler. This unique resort town is known for its fine dining, nightlife and outdoor activities.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Quesnel

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Whistler to Quesnel

    Today is another day spent aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Mount Currie looms over the rich Pemberton Valley and you’ll be tempted to touch the crystal-clear waters of the passing lakes. Ginseng orchards grace the hilltops above tiny farming communities and you’ll pass over one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Complimentary beverages flow as this region of untouched natural beauty unfolds before you. Overnight in your hotel room in the rural town of Quesnel.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Jasper

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Quesnel to Jasper

    The rolling hills leading up to the city of Prince George are accented by the salmon-rich waters of the Fraser River. Keep an eye out for wildlife through the Valley of a Thousand Peaks and view the dramatic Mount Terry Fox. Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, will greet you as you approach the town of Jasper. Stay the next two nights in your hotel room in the largest of the mountain national parks in Jasper.

  8. Day 8overnight: Jasper

    Jasper Sightseeing Tour

    Spend the first half of the day getting to know Jasper! First stop, Maligne Canyon, where 10,000 years of erosion have created the deepest canyon in the Rockies. Start off with a short and easy walk, admiring the Maligne River and its many waterfalls. After that, it’s over to the disappearing Medicine Lake, followed by the fairy tale-like Maligne Lake. The afternoon and evening in Jasper will be free time to enjoy the town at your leisure.

  9. Day 9overnight: Lake Louise

    Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including Columbia Icefields Excursion

    Today, you’re touring the most beautiful highway in Canada, the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include stops at the powerful Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. Pose for your new profile picture at one of these breathtaking locations. At the Athabasca Glacier, climb aboard the Ice Explorer, a specialized bus that travels directly on to the glacier. Relax and listen as your guide explains all about its natural wonders. You’ll be sleeping in style in your room at the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the next two nights.

  10. Day 10overnight: Lake Louise

    Free Day at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

    Choose how you want to spend the day! Spend the day canoeing or hiking a scenic mountain trail or hang back, relax and take some pictures. Your vacation planner can give recommendations and help you arrange whatever kind of activity you choose.

  11. Day 11overnight: Banff

    Lake Louise to Banff: Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls Tour

    Kick off the day with a guided tour through Banff and Yoho National Parks which were officially declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. Visit surrounding sights like Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and the Kicking Horse River’s natural stone bridge. Arrive in the beautiful town of Banff, where you will be spending the next two nights.

  12. Day 12overnight: Banff

    Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola

    Today you’ll be on a 4.5-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. Included in your day trip is a gentle gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views, offering interpretive boardwalks and photo opportunities. The rest of the afternoon in Banff is yours to spend walking some local trails, shopping, playing golf or relaxing as you choose.

  13. Day 13rail

    Scenic transfer from Banff to Calgary

    Today you will be on a two hour scenic transfer from Banff to Calgary. Your vacation concludes upon drop off at either the Calgary Airport or downtown. With spectacular experiences behind you, we hope you enjoyed traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Victoria city tour visits the historic Craigdarroch Castle and Parliament Building before an afternoon at Butchart Gardens, described as one of the most spectacular floral displays.
  • Day 3A 3.5-hour whale-watching tour aboard a custom catamaran, guided by a certified marine biologist, searching for orcas, minke and grey whales.
  • Day 8A guided walk through Maligne Canyon in Jasper, described as 10,000 years of erosion forming the deepest canyon in the Rockies, followed by Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake.
  • Day 9The Ice Explorer, a specialized bus, drives directly onto the Athabasca Glacier on the Icefields Parkway tour.
  • Day 12A gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, past wind-shaped hoodoos and Surprise Corner.

Included

  • 3-day Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service
  • 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches onboard the train
  • 12 nights hotel accommodation
  • Victoria City Tour including Butchart Gardens
  • Whale-watching tour in Victoria
  • Vancouver City Tour
  • Jasper Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake tour with a gentle guided walk
  • Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer (Scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Yoho National Park Tour from Lake Louise to Banff (Scenic transfer from late-October to early-May)
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff
  • Scenic transfer to Calgary
  • Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff

Not included

  • Transportation from Victoria airport to Victoria hotel (available, please ask for details)
  • Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian 5% sales tax

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 3 days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service, covering Vancouver to Whistler, Whistler to Quesnel and Quesnel to Jasper.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is listed as an Independent Tour, though most days include a scheduled guided tour (Victoria, Vancouver, Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, Banff), with one free day at Lake Louise.
Which train is used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in GoldLeaf Service.
What hotels are included?
The evidence names one hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, for two nights; the other city hotels are not specified.
When does it run?
24 departures are listed from April through September 2026, priced from CAD 9,361 to CAD 12,234.
What is not included?
Transportation from the Victoria airport to the hotel, meals other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, gratuities for hotel and transfer staff, and Canada's 5% sales tax.

Similar journeys, different answers