Essential Rockies by Train 6 days / 5 nights
Trip Overview
This is an enduring favorite - the perfect getaway to the Rockies. Fly into Vancouver and out of Calgary (or vice versa), and experience the best of the Canadian Rockies on the famous Rocky Mountaineer. Spend enough time to explore the resort towns of Banff and the picturesque Lake Louise.Trip Images
Begin your journey relaxing in beautiful Vancouver
Then take the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer to the Rockies...
With gourmet food & outstanding service along the way
Rocky Mountaineer's spectacular Goldleaf dome car.
And options for world-famous hotels like the Banff Springs...
Map
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
Detailed 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 (note that gondala only runs in peak season May-October). 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 private vehicle 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.
Need help making the most of your time?
Call one of our friendly local experts now.
| US & Canada | UK 0-800-917-5924 | AUS 1-800-992-872 |
Accommodations
Fairmont Banff Springs
Deluxe
Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy one of the many activities that the hotel has to offer from tennis, horseback riding, a round of golf, skiing, relaxing at the the Willow Stream Spa (charge), or enjoying a great meal at one of 12 restaurants, lounges or pubs.
Options & Upgrades
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
Dates & Prices
2010 Package Start DatesStarting in Vancouver Apr 22, 29
May 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
Jun 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
Jul 1, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29
Aug 5, 8, 12, 19, 22, 26, 29
Sep 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 30
Oct 4
Starting in Calgary
Apr 22, 29
May 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
Jun 2, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
Jul 1, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29
Aug 5, 8, 12, 19, 22, 26, 29
Sep 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 30
Oct 4
| Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | ||
| Double | Single | USD$ | ||
| Apr 22 - Apr 29 2010 | 1,727 | 2,722 | 633 | |
| May 2 - May 31 2010 | 2,117 | 3,354 | 898 | |
| Jun 1 - Sep 17 2010 | 2,443 | 3,849 | 898 | |
| Sep 30 - Oct 4 2010 | 2,233 | 3,499 | 898 | |
| Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service | USD$ | Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade | ||
| Double | Single | USD$ | ||
| Apr 22 - Apr 29 2010 | 1,907 | 3,131 | 633 | |
| May 2 - May 24 2010 | 2,425 | 3,970 | 898 | |
| May 27 - Sep 17 2010 | 2,931 | 4,797 | 898 | |
| Sep 30 - Oct 4 2010 | 2,626 | 4,349 | 898 | |
| Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| Apr 22 2010 | 2,722 | 4,080 |
| Apr 29 - May 24 2010 | 3,668 | 5,417 |
| May 27 - Sep 17 2010 | 4,353 | 6,573 |
| Sep 30 - Oct 4 2010 | 3,732 | 5,328 |
• 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 ride from May 1st, 2010)
• Private luxury vehicle arrival and departure airport transfers, including meet & greet on day one
• Private luxury vehicle transfers between hotels and rail stations (vehicle type subject to availability)
• Motorcoach rail station transfers in Kamloops
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Documentation package
Not Included
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Driver gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Canadian sales taxes (pre-rebated by 50% for visitors to Canada)
HAVE A CHAT
From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743
Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.