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First Class Holidays · Wildlife Tour

Rockies, Rail & Bears

Canadian Rockies, overnight VIA Rail sleeper, and bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge

Illustration of Rockies, Rail & Bears

First Class Holidays operates this 12-day Canadian adventure combining the Rockies, an overnight VIA Rail sleeper train, and bear viewing without the need to drive yourself. The journey begins in Banff with two nights to choose from four excursions, then moves to Lake Louise before a full day on the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, where you again select from five optional tours. Day 6 is the centrepiece: you board VIA Rail in the morning for an overnight sleeper journey to Vancouver, arriving Day 7 for exploration of the city. From Vancouver, Day 8 offers a choice between Victoria and Butchart Gardens or Whistler, each combining coach travel one way and floatplane return. Days 9 and 10 take you by flight to Campbell River and then by floatplane to Knight Inlet Lodge, where you spend two nights viewing bears in their natural environment before returning to Vancouver for your final night. This itinerary suits repeat rail travellers, wildlife photographers, and those who prefer guided comfort with daily choice rather than fixed sightseeing.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights to and from Canada are not included in the package price
  • Days 2, 5, and 8 offer choice excursions; your final hotel and activities depend on which options you select
  • Meals outside VIA Rail and Knight Inlet Lodge are not included and must be purchased separately

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Banff

    Banff

    Depart Calgary on an express coach service to Banff. Check in and explore Banff.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Today you can personalise your day by choosing 1 of 4 excursions: Banff Wildlife & Gondola tour, Moraine & Lake Louise Tour, Rockies Hidden Gems tour, Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or dinner, or Signature Guided Hike.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise

    An early afternoon transfer takes you to Lake Louise.

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    A sightseeing coach tour along the Icefields Parkway with a stop at the Columbia Icefield for a ride on to the glacier and Glacier Skywalk. Continue to Jasper.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    Today you can personalise your day by choosing 1 of 5 excursions: Maligne Valley Tour, Discover Jasper & Wildlife Tour, Jasper River Float, Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour, or Maligne Valley Tour & Boat cruise.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Aboard VIA Rail (overnight train)

    VIA Rail

    Board VIA Rail this morning for an overnight journey to Vancouver.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver. A day to explore the city.

  8. Day 8overnight: Vancouver

    Depart Vancouver

    A choice of two amazing tours by coach and floatplane. Choose to visit Victoria and Butchart Gardens or Whistler with Sea to Sky Gondola. Both include travel one way by coach and return by floatplane.

  9. Day 9overnight: Campbell River

    Campbell River

    An afternoon flight takes you to Campbell River.

  10. Day 10overnight: Knight Inlet Lodge

    Knight Inlet Lodge

    Join an early morning flight to Knight Inlet Lodge. Spend the day viewing bears.

  11. Day 11overnight: Vancouver

    Depart Vancouver

    An early morning allows for one last bear viewing, before departing the lodge for Campbell River. Then onwards to Vancouver for your final night.

  12. Day 12

    Vancouver

    Your adventure ends with the check out from your hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Coach sightseeing along the Icefields Parkway with a stop at the Columbia Icefield and a ride onto the glacier and Glacier Skywalk
  • Day 6Board VIA Rail in the morning for an overnight sleeper journey to Vancouver
  • Day 10Early morning flight to Knight Inlet Lodge followed by bear viewing in their natural habitat

Included

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • VIA Rail sleeper service
  • Banff, Jasper and Vancouver - choice of excursions
  • Coach transfers as described
  • Return flight from Vancouver to Campbell River
  • Return floatplane from Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge
  • Bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge
  • Meals on board VIA Rail and at Knight Inlet Lodge

Not included

  • Flights to/from Canada
  • Meals and sightseeing not shown as included
  • Gratuities

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. First Class Holidays includes the overnight VIA Rail sleeper service from Jasper to Vancouver and all coach transfers. International flights to and from Canada are not included.
Which train is used?
VIA Rail operates the overnight sleeper service on the Jasper to Vancouver route on Day 6.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
First Class Holidays provides coach transfers, accommodation, and guided sightseeing tours. Days in Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver include choice excursions you select yourself.
What is included in the price?
10 nights accommodation, VIA Rail sleeper service, choice of excursions in Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver, coach transfers, flights to and from Campbell River, floatplane journey to Knight Inlet Lodge, bear viewing, and meals on board VIA Rail and at Knight Inlet Lodge.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes coach sightseeing, exploration of towns, and stops at attractions. Some excursions, such as the Signature Guided Hike and Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour, involve hiking; others like the Cowboy Horseback Cookout and Jasper River Float are more active. Walking is manageable for most fitness levels.
When does this tour run?
First Class Holidays does not publish specific departure dates in the available information. Contact the operator directly to confirm departure schedules.

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