Canadian Rockies by Train

Day 1

Vancouver, British Columbia

Join us for a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes, charming towns and beautiful lakes of the Canadian Rockies. Your adventure opens in Vancouver.

Day 2

Vancouver - Victoria - Vancouver

This morning you depart for the ferry ride to Vancouver Island where you visit lovely Butchart Gardens, created on the site of an old quarry. The gardens are among the world's most beautiful and are a veritable explosion of colour and fragrances. Next, take a short sightseeing tour of the "City of Gardens", Victoria, and have some leisure time to explore this lovely seaside city. This evening you journey back to the mainland via a short ferry ride.

Day 3

Vancouver - VIA Rail

A city tour of Vancouver begins this morning at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada's renowned urban rainforest. Then, continue to Chinatown, the waterfront, and Gastown, a turn-of-the-century centre comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and the world-famous steam-powered clock, perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. Stroll picturesque Granville Island and its fascinating markets. This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the city skyline. 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 4

VIA Rail - Jasper, Alberta

Enjoy a lovely hot breakfast in the dining car as 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, bear 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 5

Jasper

This morning we travel to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, and enjoy breakfast against the backdrop of the picture-perfect sparkling waters of the lake. While at Maligne Lake you may choose 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 6

Icefields Parkway Glacier Experience/Glacier Skywalk Lake Louise

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 Columbia Icefield 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 Glacier 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 Peyto Lake - a turquoise glacier-fed lake that evokes pure serenity - before arriving in Lake Louise. Enjoy a stay at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This evening it's Diner's Choice... choose the perfect spot from a "menu" of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's great restaurants.

Day 7

Lake Louise - Banff

En route to Banff, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. The jagged Ten Peaks are distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Arrive at the grand Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the "Castle in the Rockies," for a luxurious 2-night stay. This evening experience another Diner's Choice...you'll choose the perfect spot from one of the Fairmont Banff Springs' great restaurants.

Day 8

Banff

Set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and Hoodoos - known as the "Land of the Sleeping Giants." Next, meet a local ammolite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. During an afternoon at leisure, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff's delightful downtown.

Day 9

Banff - Calgary

This morning we're off to the Calgary Stampede which has been entertaining people since 1912. You will travel to the Stampede grounds where you can visit the Midway, an authentic Native American village, various exhibits and entertainment. The rodeo is the heart of the Calgary Stampede and your seat is reserved to observe this festive show and root for one of your local favourites. This evening offers the opportunity of reserved seating for a great view of the various Stampede performances including the Chuckwagon races and musical entertainment.

Day 10

Calgary - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today in Calgary.