Rocky Mountaineer

Explore Western Canada on a Canadian Rockies rail tour

Experience one of the world’s most awe-inspiring rail journeys on board the Rocky Mountaineer. Soaring through dramatic mountain scenery, there’s nothing that quite compares.

The Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia are famed for their spectacular unspoiled landscapes of valleys, canyons, lakes and mountains.

This tour gives you the chance to explore the stunning Banff and Jasper National Parks and the interior of British Columbia, as well as the vibrant cities of Calgary, Jasper and Victoria.

Tour route of Western Canada

Day 1 Calgary
Your tour begins as you arrive at Calgary's International airport and transfer to the parkland town of Banff. Check into your hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure to explore Banff's many unique shops, attractions and restaurants.

Day 2 Banff
The full day is at leisure to discover what one of Canada’s most famous mountain resort towns has to offer. Perhaps arrange a wildlife tour to view one of the many unique large animals in their natural environments, or consider a guided hike along the myriad of trails that depart either from the town, or from the nearby trailheads along the highway. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3 Jasper and the Columbian Icefields
Enjoy more breathtaking scenery as you continue along the famous Icefields Parkway to the dramatic Columbia Icefield. Here you'll take a ride on the specially designed Ice Explorer, out onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier. You'll also visit Peyto and Bow Lakes and the Crowfoot Glacier.

The majestic Rocky Mountains tower above the calm, clear waters of Moraine Lake

Day 4 Jasper
You have the whole day at leisure today to explore the city of Jasper and the National Park which surrounds it. You may choose to take an adrenaline-fuelled rafting trip down the Athabasca River, or take a tour of the park in a motorcycle sidecar.

Day 5 Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
Today you'll board the Rocky Mountaineer for the memorable journey to Kamloops, via the Rocky Mountains and Kicking Horse Pass. By late afternoon, you'll reach the arid ranchland of interior British Columbia, and disembark at Kamloops, where you'll have the evening at leisure.

Day 6 Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
Today the Rocky Mountaineer will take you through "cowboy country", past the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, and then through lush farmlands and historic towns to Vancouver, where you'll stay overnight.

Day 7 Victoria
You'll take a full-day excursion to Victoria today, beginning with a cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands and a visit to the famous Butchart Gardens.

Get a bird's eye view of Victoria on a sightseeing float plane tour

You'll then take a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in the University of Victoria, Beacon Hill Park, the Royal British Columbia Museum, Thunderbird Park, the Parliament Buildings and the historic houses of the Uplands and Oak Bay. You'll return to Vancouver in the early evening, where you'll again stay overnight.

Day 8 Vancouver
Your adventure reaches its end today, as you independently transfer to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home. 

First published in April 2020

More articles below...