Canadian Rockies Trains · Independent rail vacation

West Coast and Rockies Getaway

6-day Rocky Mountaineer trip from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler

West Coast and Rockies Getaway, a rail journey with Canadian Rockies Trains

Canadian Rockies Trains runs this 6-day, 5-night independent trip from Vancouver to Jasper, built around three consecutive days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf class. After a night in Vancouver, day 2 crosses Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains through the Sea to Sky Corridor to Whistler. Day 3 continues through the Cariboo Plateau and crosses Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, to Quesnel. On day 4, the train passes Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and climbs Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park, where a full free day follows before departure. There is no guide travelling with you: hotels, train meals, and transfers are arranged, but you move through the days independently. This route covers more distinct landscapes, coastal fjords, farmland, near-desert terrain, and mountain forest, than the shorter Rockies Trains itineraries, suiting travellers who want more time on the train.

What to know before you look closer

  • The lead price of 5,050 CAD (about 3,556 USD) is the Classic tier with 3 to 3.5 star hotels; the Premium tier (5,570 CAD) uses 4 to 4.5 star hotels. Both tiers ride the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf class.
  • The evidence names hotels for Jasper and Vancouver but not for the overnight stops in Whistler or Quesnel.

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: Whistler

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Whistler

    Bright and early this morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver and begin your journey to the Canadian Rockies. Travel through the stunning Sea to Sky Corridor and enjoy spectacular views of Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, and Cheakamus Canyon. Arrive in the world-famous resort town of Whistler in the early afternoon. Optional: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Admission.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Quesnel

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Whistler to Quesnel

    Your second day onboard Rocky Mountaineer begins! See how diverse British Columbia's landscapes truly are as you make your way from Whistler to Quesnel. Pass river canyons, deep-blue lakes and lush farmland in the Pemberton Valley, admire the vast rolling hills of the Cariboo Plateau and the desert-like environment of the Fraser Canyon. One of today's highlights is the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Jasper

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Quesnel to Jasper

    Today is your final day onboard Rocky Mountaineer. As you journey through the forests of Northern British Columbia, look out for wildlife, including bears and moose. Later, enter the Rocky Mountain Trench, wind past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and climb over Yellowhead Pass to reach Jasper National Park.

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Explore Jasper National Park

    Choose how you spend your day in Jasper, 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.

  6. Day 6rail

    Depart Jasper

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train crosses Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains through the Sea to Sky Corridor before reaching Whistler.
  • Day 3The Rocky Mountaineer crosses Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, on the way to Quesnel.
  • Day 4The train passes Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and climbs over Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park.
  • Day 5Jasper options for the day include the SkyTram, canoeing on turquoise lakes, and wildlife viewing.

Included

  • Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
  • Gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer
  • Meals onboard the train
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Train station transfers
  • Electronic travel documentation package

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, three consecutive days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf train from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, with meals onboard and gratuities.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's independent travel: hotels, train travel, and transfers are arranged, but there is no tour guide with you.
Which train do I take?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in GoldLeaf class on both the Classic and Premium tiers.
What hotels are used?
Jasper accommodation is the Forest Park Hotel (3 star, Classic tier) or the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (4 star, Premium); Vancouver's hotel is the Pan Pacific Vancouver (5 star). Hotels for Whistler and Quesnel are not listed in the available details.
How much walking is involved?
Day 5 in Jasper offers optional walking trails, canoeing, and a skytram ride; no mandatory hikes are described.

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