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Rocky Mountaineer · Rail vacation package (round trip / circle journey)

Rockies Highlights Circle Journey

Nine-day Canadian Rockies circle by Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver

Illustration of Rockies Highlights Circle Journey

Rocky Mountaineer's Rockies Highlights Circle Journey is a nine-day rail vacation beginning and ending in Vancouver, with two full days of travel aboard the company's scenic dome-car trains in GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service. The route follows two of Rocky Mountaineer's signature itineraries: the First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds. Travellers depart Vancouver early on Day 2, passing through the lush Fraser Valley and river canyons beneath the Coast and Cascade Mountains to reach Kamloops. On Day 3, the train climbs northeast toward the Continental Divide, following the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, with views of Mount Robson and passage through the Yellowhead Pass before arriving in Jasper. Days are split between rail journeys and time in mountain towns, including a half-day sightseeing tour in Jasper National Park using the Jasper SkyTram. Accommodation is in Fairmont hotels in Vancouver and Jasper, with additional nights in Lake Louise and Banff. The package suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking premium comfort, and photographers drawn to alpine scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary provided covers only the first four days; the full nine-day route and remaining hotel assignments are not detailed in the operator's published schedule
  • Hotel options vary by location: Jasper offers a choice between Forest Park Hotel and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge; final accommodation depends on the tier selected
  • Days 5 to 9 and the return journey to Vancouver are not itemized, so confirm the complete routing and activities with Rocky Mountaineer before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver at leisure

    Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic coastal city on your own. Vancouver has activities for all interests, including visiting historic Gastown, dining in lively Yaletown, or enjoying a walk on the Stanley Park Seawall. No matter what you choose to do, the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean surround you.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Rail: Vancouver to Kamloops

    Departing early in the morning, travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia's Interior. On today's journey, you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like landscapes of the B.C. Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day ends in the evening as the train travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into the town of Kamloops.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Jasper

    Rail: Kamloops to Jasper

    Early in the morning, your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again, you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today's highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, followed by Pyramid Falls and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends this evening on arrival in the resort town of Jasper.

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Jasper National Park sightseeing

    This morning you are free to explore Jasper on your own. In the afternoon, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Jasper National Park on a half-day sightseeing tour, where you'll explore stunning landscapes, look for wildlife, and visit iconic landmarks. Activities: Jasper SkyTram.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Travel aboard Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops, passing through the Fraser Valley and river canyons beneath the Coast and Cascade Mountains
  • Day 3Journey to Jasper alongside the North Thompson River and through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, with views of Mount Robson at 3,954 metres
  • Day 4Ride the Jasper SkyTram during a half-day national park sightseeing tour to explore Jasper National Park and watch for wildlife

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes two days of travel aboard Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service, from Vancouver to Kamloops to Jasper.
What trains are used?
Rocky Mountaineer operates the journey in either GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf class, following the First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds routes.
Which hotels are included?
Stays include Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, accommodation in Kamloops, and either Forest Park Hotel or Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper. Lake Louise and Banff accommodations are part of the nine-day package but are not specified in the published itinerary.
What is a typical day like?
Rail days begin early, with all-day scenic journeys ending in a new town each evening. Other days allow independent exploration of mountain towns, supplemented by a half-day Jasper National Park sightseeing tour with the Jasper SkyTram.
Is this an escorted tour?
The package is not fully guided. Day 1 is independent exploration in Vancouver, and Day 4 morning in Jasper is free time; the half-day afternoon tour is guided. Full details on escort services for the remaining days are not published.
What does the Jasper SkyTram experience include?
The SkyTram takes you above the town and into Jasper National Park, providing elevated views of the landscape for wildlife viewing and access to stunning vistas.

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