Canadian Rockies by Train
9 Days Starting in Vancouver, Canada and ending in Calgary, Canada
Visiting: Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15938
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies by train, starting in the vibrant city of Vancouver. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Icefields Parkway, marvel at the power of Bow Falls in Banff, and explore the dramatic Maligne Canyon. Enjoy a scenic train ride on VIA Rail, offering spectacular views of the Monashee Mountains and Pyramid Falls. Discover the beauty of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, including a visit to the charming towns of Jasper and Banff, and concludes in the dynamic city of Calgary. Whether you're exploring the stunning landscapes or enjoying local delicacies, this tour promises an enriching adventure through Canada's majestic Rockies.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Vancouver, British Columbia
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Take a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes, charming towns and beautiful lakes of the Canadian Rockies. Your adventure opens in Vancouver.
Day 2 : Vancouver - Via Rail
Location: Vancouver
Accommodation Name: VIA Rail's The Canadian
Begin your Vancouver sightseeing tour at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest. Follow the park’s famous seawall and discover views of the mountains along trails, beaches, historical landmarks and colorful gardens. Make your way to picturesque Granville Island Public Market to stroll through its fascinating stalls of handmade crafts and artisan food producers. Later, board VIA Rail’s The Canadian to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your private accommodations.
Day 3 : Via Rail - Jasper, Alberta
Location: Jasper
Accommodation Name: Forest Park Hotel
Your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bears and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway.
Day 4 : Jasper
Location: Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy breakfast against the backdrop of the picture-perfect sparkling waters of the lake before choosing to embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Later, enjoy the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks. Return to your hotel with time to independently explore this lovely town.
Day 5 : Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise
Location: Lake Louise
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Chateau
Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing en route to Lake Louise. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas – so have your camera handy! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. Then, it’s your choice! Stop at the Athabasca Glacier and choose a fun ride across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle -OR- take a walk on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to experience the breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and witness the dramatic landscape from the glass-floored platform. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Bow Lake – a beautiful crystal-clear lake fed by Bow Glacier – before arriving in Lake Louise.
Day 6 : Lake Louise - Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs
Today, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks, distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Continue on a scenic drive through Banff and witness the powerful Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, known for its panoramic views. Arrive in the charming mountain town of Banff for a 2-night stay.
Day 7 : Banff
Location: Banff
Start your day at Cave and Basin National Historic Site where the first conservation efforts began to protect land that led to the birth of Canada’s first national park. Next, meet a local ammolite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. During leisure time, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown.
Day 8 : Banff - Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Calgary Marriott Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
Leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Visit a local ranch for a line dance lesson and enjoy a wagon ride in search of buffalo. Then, delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, enjoy the views of the prairies before you reach the vibrant city of Calgary. Tonight, join in a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.
Day 9 : Calgary - Tour Ends
Location: Calgary
Your tour ends today in Calgary.
What's Included
-
Vancouver Sightseeing Tour
Experience the beautiful city of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour.
-
VIA Rail Train Ride
Witness spectacular views on your VIA Rail train ride.
-
Icefields Parkway Drive
Drive the unforgettable Icefields Parkway.
-
Traditional Albertan Barbecue
Delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue.
-
Accommodation
Stay at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, VIA Rail's The Canadian, Forest Park Hotel, Fairmont Chateau, and Fairmont Banff Springs.
-
Meals
Enjoy meals as part of the tour, including a farewell dinner in Calgary.
-
Local Experiences
Visit a local ranch for a line dance lesson and enjoy a wagon ride in search of buffalo.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the Victoria Day Trip, Maligne Lake Cruises, Jasper Raft Tours, and helicopter tour to Mt.
Assiniboine are not included. -
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Experiences
See the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks.Behold spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Options
Vancouver, BC: Victoria Day Trip A scenic ferry crossing transports you to Vancouver Island to visit the incomparable and lovely Butchart Gardens. Set on over 55 acres, Butchart Gardens are among the world's most beautiful and are a veritable explosion of color and fragrances. Then, take a short sightseeing tour of the "City of Gardens," Victoria, and enjoy leisure time to explore this charming, seaside city. This evening you will journey back to the mainland via a short ferry ride. Duration approximately 12 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Please Note: This option is operated by a local representative and requires guests to have a pre-night hotel stay in Vancouver. This option is not available on the reverse itinerary ending in Vancouver.
Jasper, AB: Maligne Lake Cruises Discover Maligne Lake, the second largest glacially fed lake in the world, secretly tucked away in a ring of towering mountains. Cruise the deep blue waters of this lake on a 1½ hour, fully-narrated scenic cruise aboard a heated, enclosed vessel. Sail in comfort to captivating Spirit Island, learning about the lake’s history, geology, flora and fauna. See towering mountains white with glaciers and watch for wildlife while cruising through unforgettable scenery. Enjoy a stroll on Spirit Island and experience for yourself one of the most iconic, photographed scenes in all of the Rockies. It is a photographer's dream. Duration approximately 1.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
This option is not available between October and June due to the lake being frozen. Closing and opening dates are weather dependent and subject to change. Availability is limited — space is on a first come, first served basis.
Jasper, AB: Jasper Raft Tours Set off on the Athabasca River for the adventure of a lifetime! Climb aboard a specially-designed raft with a licensed National Parks guide and explore this great waterway as it flows through the Alberta wilderness. Float through many small sets of rapids and calm waters as you trace a route once used by early fur traders. This is a great excursion for travelers of all ages and a safe, gentle way to experience one of the world’s true wild rivers. Each raft is 25 feet (7 meters) long and seats 25 people. The fully-trained guides possess endless streams of knowledge of the local wildlife, history and folklore. Don’t miss an unforgettable chance to experience the fascinating Canadian wilderness. Watch as they row through six to eight short sets of mild rapids as well as calm stretches over 10 miles (16 kilometers) of river. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Canmore, AB: Soar to Mt. Assiniboine Experience the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies from a birds-eye perspective -- leave the ground behind and behold the incomparable beauty of the region with a helicopter tour. Nothing compares to the total exhilaration of soaring above some of the most incredible scenery the world offers. Soar to the “Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Assiniboine, which rises majestically 11,870 feet along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination. This is a photographer's dream come true! Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Actual flight time is 30 minutes.
Due to weight restrictions per aircraft, there is a group weigh-in prior to boarding. Passenger location in aircraft is based on weight & balance of the aircraft and is determined upon arrival at the heliport.
Culinaries
Delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue.
Must See
Drive the unforgettable Icefields Parkway.Experience the beautiful city of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour.Witness spectacular views on your VIA Rail train ride.Marvel at the power of Bow Falls in Banff.
Choice Highlights
British Columbia Canada's western-most province is the country's gateway to and from the Orient. It is the terminus of the trans-continental railroad and indeed the reason for the railroad's inception! The province is rich in resources ranging from lush hardwood forests to abundant waters teeming with fish. The picturesque ocean views and the majestic mountain scenery contrast beautifully with modern cityscapes and industrial vignettes. The population is multi-cultural, enriching the province with diverse cuisine, music, literature and other traditions. Big, beautiful, British Columbia!
Vancouver Located on the west coast of Canada is Vancouver, a city of just over 600,000. Comprised of various neighborhoods and areas such as Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown and Granville Island, Vancouver was a perfect choice for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Originally named Gastown after one of the lumber proprieters, Vancouver today is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada and a popular destination for cruise and rail travelers.
VIA Rail Listen to the peaceful sounds of a bygone era while natural beauty dances to life before your eyes in a scenic wonderland; it’s a veritable journey back in time as you travel from Vancouver to Jasper. Relax and discover the delight of overnight training aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian. Heralded in 1955 as “the first and only all-stainless steel ‘dome’ streamliner in Canada,” The Canadian has been exceeding passenger expectations ever since. Enjoy first-class meals and awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies vistas during the day. Spend the night in the comfort of your own bed inside a private sleeping room that includes a private washroom. From the moment you board VIA Rail’s The Canadian, you’ll embrace the nostalgia of a golden era; rail lines trace history while whisking travelers through scenery far removed from the highway.
Alberta
Jasper From the humble beginnings in 1813 of the Jasper Hawes Fur Trading Post in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper became the name of the current bustling town in 1914. Today Jasper is a global village comprised of descendents of the initial settlement; First Nation, European fur traders and Greek fishermen that made their way from the Eastern Atlantic Coast.
Maligne Lake
Athabasca Glacier Marvel at the raw beauty of the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park. Stretching for almost 4 miles, take in the glacier by either driving around the ice field or from a lookout point on the glass Glacier Skywalk.
Choice on Tour: Ice Explorer Glacier Tour or Columbia Icefield Skywalk Today in the Icefields, you have the choice between two activities. First, you may choose to ride onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier by Ice Explorer, a massive vehicle specially designed for glacial travel. An experienced driver-guide shares a wealth of fascinating information about glaciers, icefields and their impact on our environment. Your other option is to walk beyond nature's edge and enjoy the view from a fully-accessible, cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform 918 feet (280 meters) above the Sunwapta Valley.
Ice Explorer Glacier Tour
Activity Level: 1
Guests should be able to get on and off a coach and walk around on a glacier.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Activity Level: 2
Guests should be able to get on and off a coach and walk around for a 45-minute, self-guided tour.
Lake Louise Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies' Banff National Park, Lake Louise is a pristine alpine lake whose robin-egg-blue glacial waters and renowned Chateau-Style hotel have made it a Canadian travel icon. Mount Victoria and its twin glaciers are perfectly framed by the surrounding peaks and reflected in the lake's serene waters. Sunrise slowly waking up the montage is pure magic!
Banff A small mountain town nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is the second highest elevation community in Alberta, with a population just over 7500. As part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff provides visitors with activities such as hot springs, gondola rides to the mountain tops and wildlife sightings in abundance.
Calgary Calgary is Alberta's financial capital and hosts the headquarters of many leading oil and energy companies, as well as the Canadian Pacific Railroad. It is also a major cattle market and equestrian center. Home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede, Calgary continues to grow, attracting thousands of families with the availability of jobs and opportunities.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the Canadian Rockies by train on VIA Rail's The Canadian, offering a nostalgic journey with private accommodations. Enjoy scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway and explore the stunning landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia.
Accommodation
Stay at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in Vancouver, enjoy private accommodations on VIA Rail's The Canadian, relax at the Forest Park Hotel in Jasper, experience the luxury of Fairmont Chateau in Lake Louise, and unwind at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff. Conclude your journey at the Calgary Marriott Downtown.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect on the train journey?
During the train journey on VIA Rail's The Canadian, you will have private accommodations where you can be rocked to sleep, reliving the days of old train travel.
-
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, a raft tour on the Athabasca River, and a helicopter tour to Mt. Assiniboine.
-
What wildlife might I see during the tour?
You may see moose, mountain goats, bears, and caribou during the train journey through the Canadian Rockies.
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
Unique experiences include a line dance lesson and a wagon ride in search of buffalo at a local ranch, as well as a traditional Albertan barbecue.
-
What are some of the scenic highlights of the tour?
Scenic highlights include the Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Falls, Moraine Lake, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and Bow Falls in Banff.
-
Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
-
Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
-
What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
-
Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
-
Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
-
Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Monday
May 11, 2025 - May 19, 2025Sunday - Monday
May 18, 2025 - May 26, 2025Sunday - Monday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Sunday - Monday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Sunday - Monday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions