Canadian Rockies Trains · Independent rail and self-drive vacation

Rockies Train Extended Getaway with Self-Drive

8-day Rockies self-drive plus two-day Rocky Mountaineer train to Vancouver

Rockies Train Extended Getaway with Self-Drive, a rail journey with Canadian Rockies Trains

Canadian Rockies Trains runs this 8-day, 7-night trip that combines a self-drive tour of the Rockies with two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. It begins in Calgary, where you collect a rental car, and ends in Vancouver. The first five days are unguided: you drive the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper and back, with stops built in for the Columbia Icefield, a cruise on Maligne Lake, and the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. On day 6, you board the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff, riding two consecutive days of daylight rail through Kamloops to Vancouver, passing Craigellachie and the Spiral Tunnels along the way. The trip suits travellers who want the freedom of driving through the mountains at their own pace, followed by a slower final two days by train, with hotels and train meals arranged by the operator throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The lead price of 4,760 CAD (about 3,352 USD) is the Classic tier, with 3 to 3.5 star hotels and Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf service; the Premium tier (7,250 CAD) upgrades to 4 to 4.5 star hotels and GoldLeaf service.
  • This is a self-drive trip: you pick up a rental car in Calgary and drive yourself to Banff and Jasper and back before boarding the train in Banff, so days 1 through 5 are not guided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    Calgary Airport to Banff

    Arrive in Calgary, Alberta's largest city, nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Once you've picked up your rental car, your self-drive adventure begins! Head to Banff, a lively mountain town and one of the region's most famous destinations. Vehicle Rental Pick Up - Avis Calgary International Airport.

  2. Day 2overnight: Jasper

    Icefields Parkway - Banff to Jasper

    Today you get to drive along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful highways in the world! Enjoy endless views of mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and forests. Columbia Icefield Adventure Admission.

  3. Day 3overnight: Jasper

    Discover Jasper

    Spend a day exploring the largest park in the Canadian Rockies! There is so much to see and do, from natural hot springs and scenic walking trails to canoeing on turquoise lakes, riding the skytram, wildlife viewing, whisky tastings, and more. Maligne Lake Cruise.

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Banff

    Make the journey back to Banff at your leisure. As this is your second drive along the Icefields Parkway, you could head straight to Banff for extra time there, or explore more of the highway's scenic viewpoints and picnic spots.

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Explore Banff

    Discover the spectacular highlights of Banff, Canada's oldest national park and part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, stroll through the lively townsite, browse the small gift shops and dine at one of the excellent restaurants. Banff Gondola Admission.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Banff to Kamloops

    Your Rocky Mountaineer journey begins today! Travel between the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies, past sparkling lakes and rushing rivers, as you head to the ranchlands of British Columbia's interior. Discover the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway, pass Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven, and go through the remarkable Spiral Tunnels, an engineering marvel.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Vancouver

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Vancouver

    Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning and continue your journey west. Travel through the semi-arid landscape of British Columbia's interior, see the powerful waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon, and pass by the beautiful Coast Mountains. There are dramatic changes in scenery today, ending with the lush farmland of the Fraser Valley and arrival in Vancouver.

  8. Day 8rail

    Depart Vancouver

    Your Canadian Rockies train vacation ends today as you depart from Vancouver. Return home with amazing memories of your time in Canada.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The self-drive climbs the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper, with a stop at the Columbia Icefield.
  • Day 3A cruise across Maligne Lake reaches Spirit Island, one of the trip's highlights in Jasper.
  • Day 5The Banff Gondola climbs Sulphur Mountain for views of six mountain ranges.
  • Day 6The Rocky Mountaineer departs Banff and passes Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, then winds through the Spiral Tunnels.
  • Day 7The train crosses Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon before arriving in Vancouver.

Included

  • Car rental from Calgary to Banff
  • Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
  • Gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer
  • Meals onboard the train
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Sightseeing tours in the Rockies
  • Train station transfers
  • Electronic travel documentation package

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, the trip includes a two-day Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey from Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops, plus meals onboard and gratuities.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It's independent travel: you pick up a rental car in Calgary and drive yourself to Banff and Jasper before the train, with hotels, sightseeing admissions, and train transfers arranged for you.
Which train do I take?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in SilverLeaf class on the Classic tier or GoldLeaf on the Premium tier, running from Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops.
What hotels are used?
Classic tier includes the Banff Ptarmigan Inn (3 star) in Banff; Premium tier upgrades to the Fairmont Banff Springs (4 star); Vancouver features the Pan Pacific Vancouver (5 star).
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes walking trails, a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, and a cruise on Maligne Lake; no hiking or high-altitude activity is described.

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