VIA Rail’s Canadian | Credit: VIA Rail
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The Rockies By VIA Rail
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VIA Rail’s Canadian | Credit: VIA Rail
Credit: VIA Rail Canadian Train
Credit: Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park | Brewster Travel Canada
The Canadian | Credit: VIA Rail
Credit: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Credit: Canoeing Bow Lake | Noel Hendrickson
Credit: Johnson Lake | Travel Alberta
Credit: Bow Lake Banff Chris Amat | PURSUIT
Banff
Calgary | Credit: Calgary Tourism
Canada

The Rockies By VIA Rail (Tour code: 11627)

Starts and Ends
Vancouver to
Calgary
Travel Periods
03 May 24 - 11 Oct 24
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Journeys
Stay in the small alpine towns of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper, witness breathtaking scenery and travel overnight on VIA 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 Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff

Explore the spectacular Icefields Parkway

2 Freedom of Choice Activities

7 days
From
AUD 5,348
per person
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

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Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

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Overview

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 Rockies as you explore the resort towns of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.

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.

Inclusions

1 night onboard VIA Rail in a Sleeper Plus Cabin
2 nights in Jasper at the Forest Park Hotel
1 night in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau
2 nights in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge
Meals as per Itinerary
Transfer between rail depot and hotel in Jasper
Full day tour between Jasper and Lake Louise
Scheduled Coach from Lake Louise to Banff
Scheduled Coach from Banff to Calgary
Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier
Glacier Skywalk Admission
Freedom of Choice Days
Freedom of Choice

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day, as follows:

  • One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 3
  • One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 6

Expand the itinerary below for more details.

Please note, if more than one room is selected during the booking process, our team will contact you afterwards to discuss options.

Day 1 Vancouver Jasper

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 (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Overnight onboard VIA Rail's The Canadian train.

Dinner
Vancouver → Jasper
Private Cabin | Credit: VIA Rail

Day 2 Jasper

Rise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. Your breakfast is included today onboard VIA Rail. 

Overnight stay in Jasper at Forest Park Hotel

Breakfast
Jasper
Maligne Lake | Credit: Pursuit / Mike Seehagel

Day 3 Jasper

Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of the below freedom of choice activities.

Overnight stay in Jasper at the Forest Park Hotel.


Freedom of Choice Options

  • Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour:

    Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake.
     

OR

  • Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife:

    Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight.
     

Jasper
Moose | Credit: Tourism Jasper / Coulter Schmitz

Day 4 Jasper Lake Louise

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 (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies.

Overnight stay in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lunch
Jasper → Lake Louise
Ice Explorer | Credit: Pursuit / Mike Seehagel

Day 5 Lake Louise Banff

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 the Banff Caribou Lodge.

Lake Louise → Banff
Aerial of Banff Townsite | Credit: Paul Zizka

Day 6 Banff

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 below. 

Overnight stay in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge


Freedom of Choice Options

  • Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola:

    Discover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion.

OR

  • Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Tour:

    Join this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note
     

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.

Banff
Lake Minnewanka | Credit: Pursuit / Mike Seehagel

Day 7 Banff Calgary

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, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.
 

Banff → Calgary
Aerial of Calgary | Credit: Travel Alberta / Dave Lieske

Accommodation

VIA Rail Canadian Train - Cabin for 2

VIA Rail

Sleeper Plus offers the added comfort of amenities, great service and your choice of a cosy cabin. The show continues inside the train with wine tastings, presentations, musical acts on certain departures, access to lounges and cars with glass ceilings. Inside the dining car, enjoy freshly cooked meals, regional specialties, Canadian wines and stunning views.

Forest Park Hotel

Jasper
Set amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the Forest Park Hotel (formerly 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. 
 

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta's Banff National Park. Discover endless outdoor recreational activities including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and river rafting.

Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

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.

Additional information

Official language
French & English
Local currency
Canadian Dollars

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
INDUSTRY ACCREDITED
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TRAVEL SUPPORT
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