Search

First Class Holidays · Self Drive Touring

Rockies Rail & Drive

Self-drive Rocky Mountains, then Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

Illustration of Rockies Rail & Drive

First Class Holidays' Rockies Rail and Drive combines eight days of independent self-exploration with a two-night Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. You start in Calgary, collect a rental car, and drive through Banff and Lake Louise National Parks at your own pace, staying two nights in Banff, one in Lake Louise, and two in Jasper. Day 4 takes you along the Icefield Parkway, where you stop at Peyto Lake and ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. On Day 5, you explore Jasper village and attend an evening wildlife photography session at Jasper Wonderland. Days 6 and 7 shift to the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf service, a two-night rail journey from Jasper through Kamloops to Vancouver, tracing the Thompson and Fraser Rivers and passing Mount Robson. Accommodation, the rail journey, a gondola ride, hot springs admission, and the glacier ride are included; most meals are not. This tour suits independent explorers and couples who want scenic mountain driving combined with the comfort of a storied rail journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers accommodation and the rail journey, but international flights to Calgary and domestic car fuel, parking, and toll fees are not included and are your responsibility.
  • Most meals are not included; only two breakfasts and two lunches are provided across the eight days.
  • An additional deposit beyond the tour price is required specifically for the Rocky Mountaineer portion; check First Class Holidays' website for terms.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    Calgary - Banff (75 miles)

    Arriving in cosmopolitan Calgary, collect your rental car and drive to Banff.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Banff

    Today is free to explore. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Louise

    Banff - Lake Louise (38 miles)

    Travel along the lovely Bow Valley Parkway on a leisurely drive to Lake Louise, taking advantage of the many scenic lookouts along the way. Stop for a quick nature walk at Johnston Canyon. Continue to Lake Louise, the "Jewel of the Rockies".

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Lake Louise - Jasper (129 miles)

    Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefield Parkway. A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don't miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included) before continuing your journey to Jasper.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Jasper

    A free day to explore this charming mountain village, with over 4,000 acres of alpine forests, white-water rivers, hot springs, soaring mountain peaks and tranquil river valleys. This evening you'll experience an included visit to the Jasper Wonderland for close-up photo opportunities of wildlife.

  6. Day 6overnight: Kamloops

    Jasper - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

    Return your car this morning. Then it's aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service for a journey past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, following the mighty Thompson River, the route of early fur traders towards Kamloops.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vancouver

    Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver

    Leaving Kamloops follow the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon, where at Hells Gate watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point. The last leg of the journey takes you through the fertile farming region of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon.

  8. Day 8

    Depart Vancouver

    Your tour ends with the check out from your hotel. Why not extend your stay to see more of Vancouver, add on another tour, or join an Alaskan cruise.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the Bow Valley, then soak in the Upper Hot Springs mineral pools.
  • Day 4Day 4: Drive the Icefield Parkway through the spine of the Canadian Rockies; stop at Peyto Lake and ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier.
  • Day 5Day 5: Evening visit to Jasper Wonderland for close-up wildlife photography opportunities in the mountain village setting.
  • Day 6Day 6: Board the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf service for a two-day rail journey past Mount Robson, following the Thompson River toward Vancouver.

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 4 meals - 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches
  • Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf between Jasper & Vancouver
  • 5 days intermediate car hire with GPS and additional driver fee
  • Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs Jasper
  • Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
  • Sulphur Mountain Gondola
  • Taxi transfer between rail station and hotel in Vancouver & Jasper
  • Comprehensive document pack

Not included

  • Flights to/from Canada (First Class Holidays can arrange these)
  • Meals, sightseeing and attractions not shown as included
  • Gratuities
  • Toll fees
  • Parking fees
  • Fuel

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf service between Jasper and Vancouver (two nights, two days) is included. Days 1 to 5 use a rental car for self-drive exploration.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is independent self-drive touring. You rent a car for the first five days and drive at your own pace; the rail portion is unguided but includes SilverLeaf on-board service.
What accommodation is included?
Seven nights in hotels: two in Banff, one in Lake Louise, two in Jasper, and two in or near Vancouver. The operator provides a comprehensive document pack.
What activities and attractions are included?
The Banff Gondola, Upper Hot Springs (or Miette Hot Springs in Jasper), an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabaska Glacier, and an evening visit to Jasper Wonderland for wildlife photography.
When does the tour run?
First Class Holidays does not publish a departure calendar in the evidence provided; confirm availability and dates directly with the operator.
How much walking is involved?
Days feature scenic drives with self-guided nature walks at Johnston Canyon and Peyto Lake, plus the ability to explore towns and viewpoints at your own pace. An Ice Explorer vehicle takes you onto the glacier.

Similar journeys