Circle the Rockies by Train
8 days
Enjoyable for all
Comfortable transport & accommodations. Any physical activities are optional. Temperate environment. Mostly guided. E.g. a train-bus tour
Trip Overview |
Map |
Itinerary |
Options |
Accommodation |
"I wanted to let you know once more how much Julia and I enjoyed the vacation you provided for us. I find myself 'daydreaming' every time I think of the absolutely terrific train ride through the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.”
John Min, Hawaii
Circle the Rockies by train as the crisp mountain air cleanses your spirit and the stress of everyday life melts away. Travel along the spine of the Rockies and see for yourself why the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic highways in the world. The convenience of a roundtrip package, including four days of pampering on the Rocky Mountaineer and the kind of scenery you’ve only seen on postcards, makes this an ideal introduction to the Canadian Rockies.
Outline
Arrive Vancouver *
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
1 night Jasper
1 night Lake Louise
1 night Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
*Trip can be done in reverse
Arrive Vancouver *
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
1 night Jasper
1 night Lake Louise
1 night Banff
1 night Kamloops
1 night Vancouver
Depart Vancouver
*Trip can be done in reverse
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Begin your Canadian Rockies Train Journey – Arrive in Vancouver
You can’t help but begin to unwind as soon as you arrive in the west coast city of Vancouver. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, the air is fresh, the ambiance cool, and the residents are friendly.
This is the city where Greenpeace was started, where bears occasionally wander into backyards, and where coyotes can be seen crossing Stanley Park golf course. Explore the city, pausing at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by.
Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
The whistle of the Rocky Mountain train sounds and the aroma of breakfast arouses your appetite. The Rocky Mountaineer rolls out of Vancouver and passes the fertile Fraser Valley farms. Sip a coffee and chat with old friends and new folk you have befriended on your Canadian train trip.
But mostly you can’t help gazing at spectacular scenery out of the Rocky mountain train window. Step onto the outdoor viewing platform to feel the breeze on your face.
Later the Rocky Mountain train ascends through the Fraser Canyon and passes the thundering water at Hell’s Gate, before reaching the high desert in the interior of British Columbia.
Early in the evening, after a day of delicious food, wonderful company, and breathtaking scenery, your Canadian train trip brings you to Kamloops where you enjoy a good night’s rest.
Day 3 – On the Rocky Mountain train – Kamloops to Jasper
This morning, return to your home on rails for the second full day of your Canadian Rockies train vacation aboard the Rocky Mountain train.
The Rocky Mountain train navigates through the mountains of the Cariboo and Monashee regions, climbing higher and higher toward the Rockies. From the onboard Rocky Mountain train guide, you will hear all about the history of the Canadian railroad.
Those with a keen eye will spot mountain residents including bears and elk. Stepping off the train in Jasper, you take a deep breath – the crisp mountain air is invigorating. You’re far from the stresses at work and appreciate the calmness of the Canadian Rockies and a Canadian Rockies train vacation.
Day 4 – The Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Lake Louise
Today you’re traveling along one of the most scenic highways in the world, so wipe the sleep from your eyes quickly! Picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine, and then frame this water with some of the most majestic mountains in the world – Lake Louise is like nothing else.
Day 5 – The Southern Canadian Rockies – Lake Louise to Banff
Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Rocky mountain train vacation. Quaint shops are interspersed with well-known stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops.
This evening you step onto a tour bus with one goal in mind – see as much wildlife as possible. Your guide will explain how the National Parks work to protect animals and their habitat.
With binoculars and a spotting scope on hand, 95% of visitors spot wildlife. Black bears, elk, bighorn sheep and osprey are all residents in the area, so keep your eyes peeled!
Day 6 - Banff to Kamloops – aboard the Rocky Mountain train
You wake up craving the hot coffee and savory breakfast that you became accustomed to on the way to Jasper and you can’t wait to get up and continue your Canadian Rockies train vacation.
The Rocky Mountaineer pulls out of Banff and begins the descent into British Columbia. Circle around and around through the famous spiral tunnels as the Rocky Mountain train descends.
Your onboard guides point out all new sights to marvel at while you keep an eye out the windows, looking for the mountain’s wild residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer returns to Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.
Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver
Back in your familiar seat on the Rocky Mountain train, you travel through the mighty Thompson Canyon before staring in awe at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through a narrow gorge.
The arid interior of British Columbia gives way to the coastal city of Vancouver. Marvel at the diversity of the scenery you’ve seen during your Canadian Rockies rail vacation.
The lush arable land of the Fraser Valley indicates that you are nearing Vancouver, your final stop on your Canada rail vacation. Vancouver’s laid-back personality is the perfect finale to a Canadian Rockies train journey.
Day 8 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Vancouver
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colourful sights of Canada behind as your rail vacation comes to an end.
Day 1 – Begin your Canadian Rockies Train Journey – Arrive in Vancouver
You can’t help but begin to unwind as soon as you arrive in the west coast city of Vancouver. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, the air is fresh, the ambiance cool, and the residents are friendly.
This is the city where Greenpeace was started, where bears occasionally wander into backyards, and where coyotes can be seen crossing Stanley Park golf course. Explore the city, pausing at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by.
Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
The whistle of the Rocky Mountain train sounds and the aroma of breakfast arouses your appetite. The Rocky Mountaineer rolls out of Vancouver and passes the fertile Fraser Valley farms. Sip a coffee and chat with old friends and new folk you have befriended on your Canadian train trip.
But mostly you can’t help gazing at spectacular scenery out of the Rocky mountain train window. Step onto the outdoor viewing platform to feel the breeze on your face.
Later the Rocky Mountain train ascends through the Fraser Canyon and passes the thundering water at Hell’s Gate, before reaching the high desert in the interior of British Columbia.
Early in the evening, after a day of delicious food, wonderful company, and breathtaking scenery, your Canadian train trip brings you to Kamloops where you enjoy a good night’s rest.
Day 3 – On the Rocky Mountain train – Kamloops to Jasper
This morning, return to your home on rails for the second full day of your Canadian Rockies train vacation aboard the Rocky Mountain train.
The Rocky Mountain train navigates through the mountains of the Cariboo and Monashee regions, climbing higher and higher toward the Rockies. From the onboard Rocky Mountain train guide, you will hear all about the history of the Canadian railroad.
Those with a keen eye will spot mountain residents including bears and elk. Stepping off the train in Jasper, you take a deep breath – the crisp mountain air is invigorating. You’re far from the stresses at work and appreciate the calmness of the Canadian Rockies and a Canadian Rockies train vacation.
Day 4 – The Icefields Parkway – Jasper to Lake Louise
Today you’re traveling along one of the most scenic highways in the world, so wipe the sleep from your eyes quickly! Picture the clearest glacier water you can imagine, and then frame this water with some of the most majestic mountains in the world – Lake Louise is like nothing else.
Day 5 – The Southern Canadian Rockies – Lake Louise to Banff
Banff is the liveliest of the mountain towns on your Rocky mountain train vacation. Quaint shops are interspersed with well-known stores, horse drawn carriages line the street waiting to show you around town, and the scent of homemade maple fudge wafts out of sweet shops.
This evening you step onto a tour bus with one goal in mind – see as much wildlife as possible. Your guide will explain how the National Parks work to protect animals and their habitat.
With binoculars and a spotting scope on hand, 95% of visitors spot wildlife. Black bears, elk, bighorn sheep and osprey are all residents in the area, so keep your eyes peeled!
Day 6 - Banff to Kamloops – aboard the Rocky Mountain train
You wake up craving the hot coffee and savory breakfast that you became accustomed to on the way to Jasper and you can’t wait to get up and continue your Canadian Rockies train vacation.
The Rocky Mountaineer pulls out of Banff and begins the descent into British Columbia. Circle around and around through the famous spiral tunnels as the Rocky Mountain train descends.
Your onboard guides point out all new sights to marvel at while you keep an eye out the windows, looking for the mountain’s wild residents. Early in the evening, the Rocky Mountaineer returns to Kamloops where you have a good night’s rest.
Day 7 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Kamloops to Vancouver
Back in your familiar seat on the Rocky Mountain train, you travel through the mighty Thompson Canyon before staring in awe at Hell’s Gate, where 200 million gallons of water push their way through a narrow gorge.
The arid interior of British Columbia gives way to the coastal city of Vancouver. Marvel at the diversity of the scenery you’ve seen during your Canadian Rockies rail vacation.
The lush arable land of the Fraser Valley indicates that you are nearing Vancouver, your final stop on your Canada rail vacation. Vancouver’s laid-back personality is the perfect finale to a Canadian Rockies train journey.
Day 8 - With Fond Memories Made – Depart Vancouver
Much too soon, you leave the clean air and colourful sights of Canada behind as your rail vacation comes to an end.
Options & Upgrades
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
- Upgrade to Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the scenery, freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform providing wonderful photographic opportunities make this option a must.
- Extra nights in Vancouver or the Rockies as well as day-trips and tours make great additions to this trip
- Add a few days in Victoria to check out Butchart Gardens, the parliament buildings and British Columbia’s famous Orcas
- Kamloops Entertainment
-Two River Junction Dinner & Musical Revue - a humourous take on Canadian Rail history
-The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show - see the amazing feats of talented woodsmen
Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Request A Booking |
Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- 4 days on the Rocky Mountaineer
- 2 different train routes - see the most spectacular scenery!
- Icefields Parkway Tour & Ice Explorer tour of the glaciers
- Great choice of hotels
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
-
Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
-
Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
2009 Package Start Dates
Starting in Vancouver on Saturdays
May 2,9,16,23,30
Jun 6,13,20,27
Jul 5,12,19,26
Aug 1,8,15,22,29
Sep 5,12,19,26
Oct 3,10
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• 4 days Rocky Mountaineer - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service whilst Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches
• 7 nights accommodation
• Icefields Parkway scenic transfer between Jasper and Lake Louise
• Transfer to Banff
• Banff Evening wildlife safari
• Rail station transfers in Kamloops
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $60 pp
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Airport and Rail Station transfers in Vancouver, Jasper, and Banff
• National Parks Pass
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
Starting in Vancouver on Saturdays
May 2,9,16,23,30
Jun 6,13,20,27
Jul 5,12,19,26
Aug 1,8,15,22,29
Sep 5,12,19,26
Oct 3,10
| Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD$ | CAD$ | |
| May 2 - May 28 2009 | 1,979 | 2,622 | 2,236 | 2,963 | 1,336 | 1,510 |
| May 30 - Sep 30 2009 | 2,680 | 3,576 | 3,028 | 4,041 | 1,336 | 1,510 |
| Oct 3 2009 | 2,185 | 2,986 | 2,469 | 3,374 | 1,336 | 1,510 |
| Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD$ | CAD$ | |
| May 2 - May 19 2009 | 2,399 | 3,406 | 2,711 | 3,849 | 1,336 | 1,510 |
| May 20 - Sep 30 2009 | 3,200 | 4,603 | 3,616 | 5,201 | 1,336 | 1,510 |
| Oct 3 2009 - Oct 10 2009 | 2,271 | 3,148 | 2,566 | 3,557 | 1,336 | 1,510 |
| Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| May 2 - May 19 2009 | 4,259 | 5,594 | 4,813 | 6,321 |
| May 20 - Sep 30 2009 | 5,013 | 6,769 | 5,664 | 7,649 |
| Oct 3 2009 - Oct 10 2009 | 4,023 | 5,120 | 4,546 | 5,786 |
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• 4 days Rocky Mountaineer - Standard and Superior include Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf service whilst Deluxe features Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches
• 7 nights accommodation
• Icefields Parkway scenic transfer between Jasper and Lake Louise
• Transfer to Banff
• Banff Evening wildlife safari
• Rail station transfers in Kamloops
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rocky Mountaineer fuel surcharge $60 pp
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Airport and Rail Station transfers in Vancouver, Jasper, and Banff
• National Parks Pass
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
