Canadian Rockies Trains · Independent rail vacation

Vancouver and Banff Extended Getaway

6-day Rocky Mountaineer trip from Vancouver to Banff and Calgary

Vancouver and Banff Extended Getaway, a rail journey with Canadian Rockies Trains

Canadian Rockies Trains runs this 6-day, 5-night independent trip from Vancouver to Calgary, with two days riding the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train to Banff. After leaving Vancouver on day 2, the train crosses the Fraser Valley and Coast Mountains before an overnight stop in Kamloops, then continues through the Spiral Tunnels to Banff on day 3. A 2-night stay in Banff follows, with day 4 free for a choice between an e-bike tour or an open-top vehicle sightseeing tour of the townsite. On day 5, a Moraine Lake and Lake Louise tour precedes the drive on to Calgary. There is no tour guide travelling with you throughout; hotels, sightseeing, and train meals are arranged, but you move through the days independently. The trip suits travellers who want more time in Banff's townsite than a shorter rail package allows.

What to know before you look closer

  • The lead price of 4,190 CAD (about 2,950 USD) is the Classic tier, with 3 to 3.5 star hotels and Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf service; the Premium tier (6,070 CAD) uses 4 to 4.5 star hotels and GoldLeaf service.
  • Day 4 in Banff is a choice between one option, the E-Bike Tour or the Open-Top Vehicle Sightseeing Tour, so only one is included, not both.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver! This west coast city on the mainland of British Columbia is surrounded by stunning scenery, towering mountains, temperate rainforest, and the Pacific Ocean.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

    Bright and early this morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver and begin your journey north. Travel through the lush Fraser Valley, then pass the Coast Mountains, and the powerful Fraser River. See how the landscape becomes more arid as you approach British Columbia's interior.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Banff

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff

    Your second day onboard Rocky Mountaineer begins! Depart the ranchlands of British Columbia and continue your journey towards the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Discover the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway and go through the Spiral Tunnels, an engineering marvel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Explore Banff

    Discover the spectacular highlights of Banff, Canada's oldest national park and part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site, on your choice of tour today. In the evening, stroll through the lively townsite, browse the gift shops, and dine at one of the excellent restaurants. You have 2 options to choose from today: Banff Townsite Explorer E-Bike Tour, Banff Open-Top Vehicle Sightseeing Tour.

  5. Day 5overnight: Calgary

    Banff to Calgary

    Start your day with a tour of Banff's most famous glacial lakes. After taking a final look at these awe-inspiring mountains landscapes, travel to Calgary this afternoon. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour.

  6. Day 6rail

    Depart from Calgary

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver, crossing the Fraser Valley and the Coast Mountains before reaching arid British Columbia's interior.
  • Day 3The train passes ranchlands and the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway on the way through the Spiral Tunnels to Banff.
  • Day 4A choice of a Banff Townsite Explorer E-Bike Tour or an open-top vehicle sightseeing tour fills a free day in Banff.
  • Day 5A Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour takes in Banff's famous glacial lakes before continuing to Calgary.

Included

  • 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, two days on the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train from Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops are included, with onboard meals and gratuities.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's independent travel: hotels, train travel, sightseeing, and transfers are arranged, but there is no tour guide accompanying you.
Which train do I take?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in SilverLeaf class on the Classic tier or GoldLeaf on the Premium tier.
What hotels are used?
Classic tier stays at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn (3 star); Premium tier upgrades to the Fairmont Banff Springs (4 star); Vancouver's hotel is the Pan Pacific Vancouver (5 star).
How much time is spent in Banff?
Two nights, with a free day for a choice of an e-bike tour or an open-top vehicle sightseeing tour before continuing to Calgary.

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