Rockies Adventure by Train 8 days / 7 nights
Trip Overview
This Canadian train trip, like several others, came about because some younger members of our team asked themselves, ‘What would I do if I just had a week to spend in Canada’?The result is an active journey that in just 8 days showcases the best of the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver and Whistler – traveling by train in between – with options to hike, bike, ride a horse, canoe, and more along the way.
Though we say it ourselves, if you are young at heart and fit, it’s the perfect introduction to western Canada – and you can always extend it by adding more days and activities, or combining it with another trip.
Trip Images
Begin your journey in beautiful Vancouver
Try Zip-Trecking in Whistler!
Wind your way East onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
Get Adventurous with family or friends
Choose a quiet Canoe Ride in the Rockies
Master horse-back riding in Banff's Bow Valley
Map
2 nights Vancouver
1 night Whistler
1 night aboard VIA Rail
2 night Jasper
1 nights Banff
Depart Calgary
*Can be done in reverse
Detailed Itinerary
Eastbound shown. Westbound works in reverse.Day 1 – Your Canadian train trip begins - Arrive In Vancouver
Today is the first day of your trip as you fly into the city that is a byword for the laid-back, healthy lifestyle of western Canada. Take time to explore the many parks, beaches and markets on foot or bicycle. Your Canadian Vacation is just beginning. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 – Explore Vancouver the way the locals do it
In the morning, experience what the Canadian West Coast has to offer as you enjoy a tour of Vancouver’s rainforest. You will travel through the natural cathedrals, pillared by 500-year-old-trees and translucent canopies hundreds of feet above you. Marvel at the dizzying heights of the Capilano Canyon. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Shop along Robson Street, try famous Canadian poutine, and enjoy your evening before boarding the train tomorrow. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 3 – Canadian Train Trip to Whistler and a Ziptrek adventure
Today you board the Whistler Mountaineer Train for a spectacular rail journey to Whistler, famous in summer for its alpine meadows of wildflowers and as a Mecca for mountain bikers. While onboard the train, appreciate the intense Canadian scenery. In the evening enjoy a Ziptrek adventure – ‘flying through the trees with the greatest of ease.’ Experience spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, glacier peaks, forest canopy and unique wildlife. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 4 – The ultimate train journey to the Canadian Rockies
Mount up, cowboy! Head on out across the nearby Pemberton Meadows, up through the trees, and across mountain streams… You are in Grizzly country here – a true Western Canadian adventure. This afternoon is a true railroad experience as you will enjoy two different rail trips in one day. Return to Vancouver onboard the Whistler Mountaineer train, then it is Eastward to the Canadian Rockies as you catch the sleeper train to Jasper. Overnight onboard the train.
Day 5 – Onboard the train into the Canadian Rockies & Jasper
Waking to the gentle rocking of the train, you pull back the curtains to see a remarkable vision - train’s ascent into the realm of the high Rockies. The train arrives around lunchtime and the afternoon is free to stretch your legs and explore this quaint mountain town. The grandeur of Canada is evident as the Rockies tower over you. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 6 – Canoeing Pyramid Lake
Paddle a canoe on the tranquil waters of Pyramid Lake and perhaps glimpse a bald eagle soaring overhead, or witness a moose grazing in the water. The tranquility of this canoe trip amongst the rugged alpine beauty of Jasper’s National Park is highlighted by the extraordinary Canadian Rockies in the background. The rest of the day is free for other adventures or tours as you wish. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 7 – Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is the name given to a truly remarkable Canadian highway that goes along the spine of the Rockies past the famous Columbia Icefield. You can get out along the way and walk along the Athabasca Glacer aboard the Ice Explorer. Drink from the springs of the Rockies and don’t forget to keeps your camera ready for wildlife! This excursion also takes you through two Canadian National Parks - Jasper and Banff. Back in town, sample local Albertan foods as you take in the sights of the Canadian wilderness. Overnight in Banff .
Day 8 – Depart Calgary - Your Canadian train trip comes to an end
Today is the last day of your Canadian railway adventure, so relax in the morning in the town of Banff. In the afternoon,sit back in a private vehicle as you make your way out of the Rockies to the Calgary Airport for a late afternoon flight home.
Which part is most beautiful during the season I want to go?
Talk to a friendly local expert now
| US & Canada | UK 0-800-917-5924 | AUS 1-800-992-872 |
Accommodations
Fairmont Hotel Waterfront
Deluxe
This luxury hotel is located in Vancouver's inner harbour, minutes from Canada Place, the cruise ship terminals and gastown. Sit back and relax in your room as you watch floatplanes take off and land right in front of you with the beautiful north shore mountains as your backdrop. Plus you have the luxurious common amenities that come with staying at any Fairmont hotel.
Westin Resort and Spa Whistler
Superior and Deluxe
Fresh Tracks's favourite Whistler property is the Westin Resort, located right in Whistler village within meters of the ski lifts and gondola. This is an all-suite deluxe hotel featuring full kitchens, gas burning fireplaces, soaker tubs, and the Westin Heavenly bed.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Deluxe
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is it's own Canadian wilderness resort. The property is made up of many buildings with different room types throughout the resort. Relax by the lake, or enjoy a round of golf on the beautiful Stanley Thompson Golf Course, or enjoy a game of ice hockey on the lodge's pond. Be sure to keep your eyes open for Elk as they walk past your building!
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• Venture into the high alpine by adding a Whistler Gondola ticket
• Explore the trails by mountain bike in Whistler
• Extend your time in Banff to try Rafting or explore by horseback
• Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island or visit the adventure capital - Whistler
Dates & Prices
2010 Package Start DatesStarting in Vancouver Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
May 13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
Jun 1,3,5, 8,10,12,15,17,19, 22,24,26,29
Jul 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27,29,31
Aug 3,5,7,10,12,14,17,19,21,24,26,28,31
Sep 2,4,7,9,11,14,16,18,21, 23,25
Starting in Calgary
Departs Tuesdays & Thursdays
May 13,18,20,25,27
Jun 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29
Jul 1,6,8,13,15,20,22,27,29
Aug 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26,31
Sep 2,7,9,14,16,21, 23
| Standard Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| May 13 - May 27 2010 | 2,542 | 3,721 |
| May 29 - Sep 25 2010 | 3,294 | 4,701 |
| Superior Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| May 13 - May 27 2010 | 2,869 | 4,377 |
| May 29 - Sep 25 2010 | 3,627 | 5,455 |
| Deluxe Hotels | USD$ | |
| Double | Single | |
| May 13 - May 27 2010 | 3,384 | 5,220 |
| May 29 - Sep 25 2010 | 4,229 | 6,441 |
• Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
Includes
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• Coastal Rainforest Adventure
• Whistler Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Whistler - Standard & Superior are in Coast Classic Service, while Deluxe is Glacier Dome
• Ziptrek tour through Whistler’s forest canopy
• Explore the wilderness around Whistler by horseback
• private luxury airport transfers, including meet & greet on day 1
• private luxury transfers from Whistler to Vancouver train station
• motorcoach transfers between hotels and rail stations in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel & Jasper
• VIA rail aboard The Canadian in a cabin for 1 or 2, between Jasper and Vancouver
• canoeing trip in Jasper
• Sightseeing transfer from Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway
• Ride across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer
• Documentation package
Not Included • National park entrance fees
• Luggage Handling and 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.