The Essential Rockies By Rail
6 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 |
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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
Experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains from the famous Rocky Mountaineer Train.A 6-day, panoramic adventure you'll never forget.
(Our Personal Trip Advisors can customize your trip
in any way you want.)
When you step onto the Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver or Calgary, and close the door behind you…you'll be entering a world that most people only get to dream about.
Free from the noise and congestion of cities and highways, you can sit back and watch as you weave through unspoiled forests, over pristine rivers and up into the Rocky Mountains themselves.
This is a trip most people get to experience only through coffee table books and TV travel shows.
Like you, they have seen photos of the high, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, and of the extraordinary turquoise waters of Lake Louise. They have seen film of Elk, Bears and Bald Eagles in their wilderness homes.
But photos and films can't even touch the real experience of this legendary, 6-day adventure.
Nothing compares to standing on the Rocky Mountaineer's outside viewing platform, feeling the wind in your hair and taking in the extraordinary grandeur of the Rocky Mountains first hand.
I have tried to relive every moment and still find new things to remember, realizing even more how breathtaking it was. I am very happy that we decided not to ‘not have any goals.’ This allowed us to see and cherish every single moment and properly file it in our memories." John Min
Imagine yourself on the famous Rocky Mountaineer train.
There is something uniquely liberating and romantic about a trip by train, especially when it takes you through some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscape in the world.
You're far from the bustle of daily life, but can still enjoy the luxuries of gourmet meals and white glove service.
"The Rocky Mountaineer was a once in a lifetime experience and first class all the way. I must have gained 10 pounds just in those two days. What a magnificent country you have and what wonderful people." Rosalie and Raymond Reynolds
While your days will be filled with the ever-changing scenery that unfolds between Vancouver and Calgary – from the desert of British Columbia's interior to the darkness of the Spiral Tunnels and the mighty peaks of the Rockies themselves – you will overnight in Kamloops, Banff and Lake Louise.
Each of these overnight destinations is steeped in history and offers its own unique scenic pleasures.
Customize your Essential Rockies adventure any way you want.
At Fresh Tracks we don't just sell you a package deal and send you on your way.
In addition to choosing your departure dates and choice of upgrades, you can also ask us to customize your dream vacation in any number of ways.
- Spend an extra day or more in Vancouver or Calgary before you board your train.
- Extend your time in Banff to go river rafting or play some golf.
- Kick back in Lake Louise for a few extra days and go hiking.
- Add a glacier helicopter tour to your itinerary.
The options are almost endless.
Best of all, when you call us and ask about your Essential Rockies by Rail vacation, we'll allocate you a Personal Trip Advisor.
He or she will then be the person you speak with from that day on. No telephone tag. No automated phone systems.
Your Personal Trip Advisor will be available to help you create exactly the trip you want.
"With our own experience with Katherine [One of our Personal Trip Advisors] I would just like to emphasise that even had we been related, she could not have been more helpful." J. E. Wheeler
Take the next step towards experiencing the trip of a lifetime…
The fastest and simplest way to get started is to call us today.
By speaking directly to us right now we'll be able to arrange exactly the trip you want, as simply and efficiently as possible.
Outline
Arrive Vancouver*
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
Arrive Vancouver*
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
ITINERARY
Eastbound itinerary shown. Westbound follows the same itinerary in reverse.
Day 1 – Arrival Vancouver
Surrounded by mountains & ocean, this is where Greenpeace started, where bears occasionally roam into backyards, and coyotes cross the golf course in Stanley Park...
Relax in a sidewalk café, or explore on foot or bicycle before starting your Canadian Rockies train trip.
Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the Canadian Rockies train whistle, and the smell of your breakfast wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, past the thundering water of Hell’s Gate, and onto the high desert of British Columbia’s interior. Relax, chat, read - or stretch your legs on an outdoor viewing platform.
In late afternoon the train arrives in Kamloops where you observe the lifestyle of locals in a small Rockies town.
Day 3 – On the Rocky Mountain train – into the Canadian Rockies
Over breakfast anticipation builds for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way you’ll learn about the history of the Canadian Rockies train and railroad, keep your eyes peeled for elk, bald eagles and bears.
Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff.
Day 4 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air! Today enjoy a change of pace on your Rocky Mountain train trip. Explore the sleepy mountain town of Banff on a guided tour and drink in the views of the surrounding national parks from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
The lofty peak is reached by a gondola swinging beneath the cable far above the valley floor and surrounded by jagged Canadian Rockies peaks, with the Bow River glistening in the distance. Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 – Deeper into the Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise
Today you’ll see perhaps the most famous view of your entire Canadian Rockies train trip and in all of the Rockies - the turquoise water of Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers tumbling down from the high peaks. This is a place to relax, stretch your legs on a stroll or a hike - or go for a paddle in a canoe. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 6 – Depart Calgary – your Canadian Rockies train vacation concludes
Filled with memories of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, today you transfer by coach to Calgary airport and home as your Rocky Mountain train vacation draws to a close.
Westbound Itinerary
The trip follows the above Rocky Mountain train trip itinerary in reverse. Begin with your Canada train trip in Calgary and transfer directly to Lake Louise on Day 1 - consider adding a pre-night if you arrive late in the day.
Eastbound itinerary shown. Westbound follows the same itinerary in reverse.
Day 1 – Arrival Vancouver
Surrounded by mountains & ocean, this is where Greenpeace started, where bears occasionally roam into backyards, and coyotes cross the golf course in Stanley Park...
Relax in a sidewalk café, or explore on foot or bicycle before starting your Canadian Rockies train trip.
Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
A lonesome wail sounds from the Canadian Rockies train whistle, and the smell of your breakfast wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, past the thundering water of Hell’s Gate, and onto the high desert of British Columbia’s interior. Relax, chat, read - or stretch your legs on an outdoor viewing platform.
In late afternoon the train arrives in Kamloops where you observe the lifestyle of locals in a small Rockies town.
Day 3 – On the Rocky Mountain train – into the Canadian Rockies
Over breakfast anticipation builds for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way you’ll learn about the history of the Canadian Rockies train and railroad, keep your eyes peeled for elk, bald eagles and bears.
Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff.
Day 4 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air! Today enjoy a change of pace on your Rocky Mountain train trip. Explore the sleepy mountain town of Banff on a guided tour and drink in the views of the surrounding national parks from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
The lofty peak is reached by a gondola swinging beneath the cable far above the valley floor and surrounded by jagged Canadian Rockies peaks, with the Bow River glistening in the distance. Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 – Deeper into the Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise
Today you’ll see perhaps the most famous view of your entire Canadian Rockies train trip and in all of the Rockies - the turquoise water of Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers tumbling down from the high peaks. This is a place to relax, stretch your legs on a stroll or a hike - or go for a paddle in a canoe. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day 6 – Depart Calgary – your Canadian Rockies train vacation concludes
Filled with memories of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, today you transfer by coach to Calgary airport and home as your Rocky Mountain train vacation draws to a close.
Westbound Itinerary
The trip follows the above Rocky Mountain train trip itinerary in reverse. Begin with your Canada train trip in Calgary and transfer directly to Lake Louise on Day 1 - consider adding a pre-night if you arrive late in the day.
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 great scenery,freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform provide wonderful photographic opportunities
- Extra nights/tours may be added in Vancouver or the Rockies
- Extend your time in Banff to go river rafting on the Kicking Horse River, explore Banff National Park, or experience the spectacular glaciers of the Columbia Icefields Parkway
- Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island
Accommodation
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels
Request A Booking |
Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rocky Mountaineer's famous 2-day rail tour of Canada
- The majestic Canadian Rockies & the town of Banff
- Glaciers, waterfalls & forests
- Beautiful Lake Louise
- Banff Sightseeing tour and Sulphur Mountain gondola
Testimonials
We had a great time on our trip to the Rockies... Fabulous scenery and excellent service.
The trip you organized for us was sensational and the Rocky Mountaineer was superb.
I just returned home from one of the best vacations in my life and it all went off without 1 problem.
Josh helped me customize a Canadian Rockies vacation for my family and we had nothing but the best experience. All the vouchers, transportation, events, etc. went together beautifully.
The trip was wonderful. The hotels were great. We really enjoyed everything about the trip. Dealing with Josh and Fresh Tracks was extremely easy. Thanks.
Just a quick note to Genevieve to say Claire and I really enjoyed our trip on the Rocky Mountaineer and the hotels we were accomodated in. The Banff Springs was the best hotel I have ever stayed in, so thank you for the upgrade. Chateau Lake Louise was also wonderful with the best view I have ever seen. All in all a wonderful last few days to our honeymoon.
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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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.
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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
Apr 15, 20, 25, 29
May 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
Jun 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
Jul 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
Aug 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31
Sep 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
Oct 3, 5, 7, 10, 12
Starting in Calgary
Apr 16, 20, 25, 30
May 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Jun 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
Jul 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
Aug 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Sep 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28
Oct 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12
Price Notes
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• Accommodation for 5 nights
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior includes RedLeaf service while Deluxe features GoldLeaf
• 3-hour Banff sightseeing tour (Including Gondola from May 1st, 07 only)
• Motorcoach transfer from Banff to Lake Louise
• Motorcoach transfer from Lake Louise to Calgary
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rail or Airport Transfers unless above
• National park entrance fees
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola Tour for departures up to April 30th 2009
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
Note : USD $1055 Per person price listed above applies to Standard category Apr 15 - Apr 25, 2009
Starting in Vancouver
Apr 15, 20, 25, 29
May 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
Jun 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
Jul 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
Aug 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31
Sep 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
Oct 3, 5, 7, 10, 12
Starting in Calgary
Apr 16, 20, 25, 30
May 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Jun 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
Jul 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
Aug 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Sep 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28
Oct 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12
| Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD$ | CAD$ | |
| Apr 15 - Apr 25 2009 | 1,064 | 1,469 | 1,203 | 1,660 | 549 | 620 |
| Apr 26 - May 25 2009 | 1,295 | 1,793 | 1,463 | 2,026 | 779 | 880 |
| May 27 - Sep 30 2009 | 1,646 | 2,314 | 1,860 | 2,614 | 779 | 880 |
| Oct 1 - Oct 12 2009 | 1,431 | 2,067 | 1,617 | 2,336 | 779 | 880 |
| Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | USD$ | CAD$ | |
| Apr 15 - Apr 25 2009 | 1,249 | 1,839 | 1,411 | 2,079 | 549 | 620 |
| Apr 26 - May 18 2009 | 1,626 | 2,435 | 1,837 | 2,751 | 779 | 880 |
| May 19 - Oct 2 2009 | 2,107 | 3,214 | 2,381 | 3,631 | 779 | 880 |
| Oct 3 - Oct 12 2009 | 1,674 | 2,531 | 1,891 | 2,860 | 779 | 880 |
| Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Apr 15 - Apr 25 2009 | 2,038 | 2,713 | 2,303 | 3,065 |
| Apr 26 - May 18 2009 | 2,736 | 3,786 | 3,091 | 4,279 |
| May 19 - Oct 2 2009 | 3,288 | 4,709 | 3,716 | 5,321 |
| Oct 3 - Oct 12 2009 | 2,662 | 3,561 | 3,009 | 4,024 |
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
• Accommodation for 5 nights
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior includes RedLeaf service while Deluxe features GoldLeaf
• 3-hour Banff sightseeing tour (Including Gondola from May 1st, 07 only)
• Motorcoach transfer from Banff to Lake Louise
• Motorcoach transfer from Lake Louise to Calgary
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Rail or Airport Transfers unless above
• National park entrance fees
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola Tour for departures up to April 30th 2009
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Luggage Handling and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)
Note : USD $1055 Per person price listed above applies to Standard category Apr 15 - Apr 25, 2009
