The Rockies By Rail
Highlights
Travel aboard VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies
Enjoy the Canadian Rocky Mountain resorts of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper
Explore the spectacular Icefields Parkway
3 Freedom of Choice Activities
What better way to see Western Canada’s highlights than with a train tour through the beautiful Canadian Rockies on board VIA Rail's ‘Canadian’ train. This fantastic journey will take you through the breathtaking the Rockies as you explore the resort towns of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise.
Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original steel ‘streamliner’ railcars made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s. Each car has been lovingly restored with air conditioning, a dining car, lounge car, and dome car.
Included
Freedom of Choice
For this package we have included Freedom of Choice days in the itinerary. Our per person price includes at least one tour on each Freedom of Choice day.
Pre-select your tours on the following days:
- Two "Freedom of Choice" tours on day 2
- One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 7
Expand the itinerary below for more details.
Optional Extras
- Upgrade Option: Gastronomic Gastown Tour with alcoholic pairings on day 2 - $60 per person
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Upgrade Option: VIA Rail Upgrade from Sleeper Plus Cabin to a Prestige Double Bedroom on day 3 - $1427 per person double occupancy
Itinerary
Welcome to Vancouver! Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred by private car to your hotel, centrally located on the city's most vibrant shopping and dining street.
The rest of your day is at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Vancouver at Hotel Listel in a Standard Room.
It's time to explore the city! Enjoy two pre-selected tours from our Freedom of Choice options:
- Vancouver City Tour
This tour is a great introduction to the scenic and historic highlights of Vancouver.
OR
- Granville Island Market Food Tour
Granville Island is Canada’s second most-visited destination, behind Niagara Falls, and Vancouver’s destination for lovers of food, art and culture. During the tour, guests eat their way through the world-famous Public Market and hear the intriguing stories, culture, and history behind the tasty creations.
OR
- City and Seals Boat Tour
Join us on the City and Seal Tour, a zodiac tour you won’t forget, where you will travel along the coastline of English Bay, out to Lighthouse park, over to the Seal Colony and back into False Creek. This tour departs from Granville Island.
OR
- Vancouver Classic Panorama Flightseeing
During this aerial seaplane tour you will get to see the city and North Shore Mountains! This ideal introduction to seaplane aviation departs from downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and includes a complete aerial view of the city and surrounding parks and beaches. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.
OR
- Upgrade Option: Gastronomic Gastown Tour with alcoholic pairings ($60 per person)
Eat and drink your way through Vancouver’s #1 foodie district, just like the locals love to do! Indulge in the boozey, foodie, historic neighbourhood with Canadian poutine, Vancouver’s best pizza, wicked desserts, cocktails, craft beer, wine and more!
Overnight stay in Vancouver at Hotel Listel in a Standard Room.
This afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon.
Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner, then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.
Overnight aboard VIA Rail in a Sleeper Plus cabin.
Upgrade Option: VIA Rail Upgrade from Sleeper Plus Cabin to a Prestige Double Bedroom ($1427 per person double occupancy)
Enjoy breakast this morning onboard your VIA Rail train as you pass through the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival into Jasper, you will be transferred to your hotel and the day is free to explore this unique alpine community.
Overnight stay in Jasper at Sawridge Inn in an Outside Room with Balcony.
Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk, today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. A picnic lunch is included in today's activities.
Overnight stay in Lake Louise at Lake Louise Inn in a Deluxe Queen Room.
This morning is at leisure to explore Lake Louise before a mid-day transfer to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley highway, arriving mid-afternoon.
Overnight stay in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge in a Superior Room.
With easy access to pristine wilderness and endless outdoor adventures, in Banff National Park you feel truly immersed in nature. Enjoy one pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options:
- Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola
Explore the natural wonders near the town of Banff on this half-day, small-group tour. Admire the unparalleled beauty of natural sights including Bow Falls, the surreal Hoodoos rock formation, and beautiful Lake Minnewanka, among others. Then maximize your views with a round-trip gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain.
OR
- Discover Grizzly Bears, Lakes & Waterfalls
Pursue the elusive Canadian Grizzly Bear on this 10 hour excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks, perfect for animal and naturelovers alike. Head out for a gondola ride up to 7,700 feet for a mountaintop lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant, and then take a chairlift ride up to the world’s largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat.
OR
- Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner
Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain.
Overnight stay in Banff at Banff Caribou Lodge in a Superior Room.
Today you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary hotel, where you will spend a night before heading home. Evening is yours to explore the city.
Overnight stay in Calgary at Fairmont Palliser Hotel in a Fairmont Room.
Your journey comes to an end today after your hotel check out, where you will be transferred to Calgary Airport for your onward flight.
Additional information
per person
Hotel options

Vancouver
The Listel Hotel, located in the West End of Vancouver, is so much more than simply a place to sleep; it is a cultural tourist’s dream, as well as a leader in environmental responsibility. 129 boutique rooms and suites are filled with limited edition and original artwork and modern amenities including high speed Wi-Fi.

VIA Rail
Experience a pleasant atmosphere with comfortable and spacious seats. While waiting for your train, take some time to relax in the Business lounge. The concierge assigned to your car can also take care of any requests you have while on board.

Jasper
Set amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the Sawridge Inn is a resort style hotel that offers the rustic charm you’d expect in Jasper National Park. Beautiful guest rooms, on-site spa, decadent dining and heated pool with jacuzzi and steam room add to the luxury you want in your mountain getaway.

Lake Louise
Surrounded by the mountains of Banff National Park, this lodge-style hotel is 4 km from Lake Louise Ski Resort and 9 km from Lake Agnes. There's a traditional restaurant, a pizza and pasta cafe, and a lounge/bar with pub-style food. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool and a whirlpool tub.

Banff
Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a great steakhouse restaurant and a full service spa, all in one outstanding location. This ideal vacation spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Calgary
This refined hotel in a downtown building dating from 1914 is a minutes' walk from the Calgary Tower and 1 km from Fort Calgary. Amenities include an elegant bar and lounge, plus a coffee shop and a 1920s-themed restaurant. There's also a spa, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre.