Canadian Rockies Trains · Independent rail vacation

Vancouver and Lake Louise Extended Getaway

6-day Rocky Mountaineer trip from Vancouver to Lake Louise and Calgary

Vancouver and Lake Louise 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 Lake Louise. 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 Lake Louise on day 3. You then spend two nights at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with day 4 free for either an Icefields Parkway tour or afternoon tea at the Chateau. On day 5, the trip continues to Calgary, passing mountain lakes and waterfalls in Banff and Yoho national parks. 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 drawn to a slower, scenic stay at one well-known lakeside hotel rather than a different city every night.

What to know before you look closer

  • The lead price of 5,170 CAD (about 3,640 USD) is the Classic tier, with 3 to 3.5 star hotels and Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf service; the Premium tier (6,650 CAD) uses 4 to 4.5 star hotels and GoldLeaf service.
  • Day 4 in Lake Louise is a choice between one option, the Columbia Icefield tour or afternoon tea at the Chateau, so only one is included.

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, the powerful Fraser River. See how the landscape becomes more arid as you approach British Columbia's interior.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lake Louise

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Lake Louise

    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 remarkable Spiral Tunnels, an engineering marvel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Louise

    Discover the Canadian Rockies

    Wake up in Lake Louise and admire your awe-inspiring surroundings, ancient glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. Relax with an elevated afternoon tea experience at the Chateau, or join a tour of the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. You have 2 options to choose from today: Columbia Icefield Sightseeing Tour, Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

  5. Day 5overnight: Calgary

    Lake Louise to Calgary

    Explore the spectacular mountain landscapes of Banff and Yoho national parks today as you make your way from Lake Louise to Calgary. Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls from Lake Louise to Calgary.

  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 the arid landscape near Kamloops.
  • Day 3The train winds through the Spiral Tunnels on the way to Lake Louise, tracing the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
  • Day 4A full day at Lake Louise offers a choice between a Columbia Icefield Sightseeing Tour or afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
  • Day 5The drive from Lake Louise to Calgary passes mountain lakes and waterfalls in Banff and Yoho national parks.

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, the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train from Vancouver to Lake Louise via Kamloops is included, with meals onboard and gratuities.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's independent travel with hotels, sightseeing, and transfers arranged, but no tour guide travelling with 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?
The trip includes a 2-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; the Vancouver hotel and overall standard depend on whether you choose the Classic (3 to 3.5 star) or Premium (4 to 4.5 star) tier.
What activities are included at Lake Louise?
Day 4 gives a choice between a Columbia Icefield sightseeing tour or afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

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