Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer

Your Canadian Rockies vacation begins as you arrive in Vancouver and make your way independently to our centrally located hotel to check in.

If you are arriving early, the day is free to explore Vancouver at leisure. Regarded as one of the most desirable cities to live in, this bustling port city boasts a thriving art scene, laidback atmosphere and stunning natural scenery. Check out a local art gallery or get some lunch at a restaurant or café - Vancouver is known for its fresh seafood and variety of excellent Asian cuisine.

This evening, we gather at the hotel to meet the Tour Manager and enjoy a welcome dinner together. Overnight Vancouver.

• Dinner

Our first morning in Canada begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Vancouver, a city brimming with history and culture. We visit Gastown, the city's original downtown district, to experience the historic streets and unique character of this area. The neighborhood's most iconic landmark, the Gastown Steam Clock, draws visitors with its regular bursts of steam and nostalgic appeal.

Next, we head to Canada's largest Chinatown, thriving since 1885 - this district offers fantastic food, markets and a tranquil traditional Chinese garden. At Stanley Park, covering more than 1,000 acres, we see the collection of towering First Nations totem poles, then enjoy the lively atmosphere of Granville Island's food markets and artisan stores. Throughout our exploration, a local guide offers interesting commentary and little-known stories to enhance our experience.

Your afternoon is at leisure - soak in the beauty of nature from high above the treetops with a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge, marvel at the Pacific from the scenic seawall or browse the great variety of stores, galleries, museums and restaurants throughout the city. Overnight Vancouver.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we set out to enjoy a highlight of this vacation. Transferring to Vancouver's train station from our hotel, we board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for a spectacular journey across British Columbia's wild landscapes.

There is ample space to relax in your SilverLeaf car on this full-day journey, with a fresh, local breakfast and lunch served at your seat. Savor the delicious offerings as the city and the coastline fade into the distance and the deep emerald hues of the Fraser Valley appear.  

The panoramic windows of Rocky Mountaineer provide an incredible opportunity to admire the  stunning scenery. Today's train ride takes us along the expansive Thompson River, through the arid, desert-like Thompson-Okanagan region, and past the rushing rapids of Hell's Gate. We travel through rolling hills covered in sagebrush with glimmering water views to Kamloops, the second-largest city in the British Columbia interior. While surrounded by rugged nature, this city is a hub for art, indigenous culture and Canadian cuisine - all of which you are free to discover at leisure this evening. Overnight Kamloops. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today brings another grand rail journey, as we reboard the Rocky Mountaineer this morning in Kamloops and set out to Jasper, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

As we wind northeast through the lush Clearwater region in the North Thompson River valley, we become enveloped in the verdant forests and rugged mountain scenes. We pass the striking Pyramid Falls from a vantage point only accessible by rail, marveling at the rushing water cascading over a wide, triangular outcrop, creating a unique sight. Approaching Jasper, we are treated to magnificent views of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. This imposing mountain rises high above the surrounding scenery, its snowcapped peak reaching into the clouds.

Upon arriving in Jasper this evening, we check into our hotel before an evening at leisure in this charming mountain town. Nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, it is a fantastic base for exploring the Rockies, but also offers warm, small-town hospitality and a great selection of restaurants. Overnight Jasper, AB.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, we head out into the beauty of Jasper National Park for a cruise on Maligne Lake.

This glacier-fed lake features clear turquoise waters and an amazing backdrop, with soaring mountain peaks, glaciers and lush forests encircling it. We set out onto the lake by boat, allowing us to take in all the glory and to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. Our cruise ventures out to one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada, Spirit Island. This land mass is only a true island for a few days each year, but its cluster of trees set against the surrounding scenery make for a breathtaking sight.

Returning to Jasper this afternoon, you are free to explore. Perhaps take a trip on the Jasper SkyTram, the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada, for panoramic views of the Rockies from above. Jasper National Park is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve - visit the Planetarium to learn about the wonders of the night sky and use the most powerful telescope in the Rockies. Overnight Jasper, AB.

*Please note: on the May 9 & 16 departures we will not cruise Lake Maligne and will instead ride the Jasper SkyTram.

• Breakfast

Our journey into the heart of the Canadian Rockies continues today as we make our way to Banff. Also surrounded by protected national park land, Banff has appeal as both a resort town and a destination for nature lovers.

Before arriving in this quaint town, we make a stop at the Columbia Icefield for a tour of this incredible sparkling expanse. Here, we can visit the epic Athabasca Glacier and see this vast sheet of ancient ice up close. Besides ice, we will see waterfalls, beautiful mountain scenery and wildlife like elk, moose and black bears. The Ice Explorer vehicle makes for an easy, and unique, ride across the icefield.

After the tour, we reboard our motorcoach and make our way to the world-famous Lake Louise for a picture-perfect photo opportunity. The brilliant turquoise waters, surrounded by picturesque forests and mountain peaks, have made this stunning body of water one of Canada's most popular destinations. After checking into our Banff hotel, you have the rest of the evening to get acquainted with this charming town and dine independently. Overnight Banff, AB.

• Breakfast

Enjoy a different perspective of the Canadian Rockies today, on a ride aboard the Banff Gondola. Located a short distance outside of town, the Banff Gondola sits on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain and takes us nearly 7,500 feet above sea level to its summit.

Each gondola car offers space for four passengers and is completely enclosed in glass, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains as it rises above the breathtaking, glacial Bow Valley. At the top, there is a short self-guided walkway, as well as an observation deck from which to take in the panoramic views of six majestic mountain ranges.

After descending the mountain, we return to Banff with a free day and evening to hike, explore the local shops or peruse the local art galleries. You might also like to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs, whose healing mineral waters have been welcoming guests since 1886. This is Canada's highest outdoor pool and boasts exceptional views of the surrounding Rundle and Cascade Mountains. Tonight, we reconvene for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Banff.

*Please note: on the May 9 & 16 departures we will not take the Banff Gondola and will instead visit Lake Minnewanka for a scenic cruise across the stunning glacial lake, surrounded by mountain peaks and emerald water.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On this epic exploration of the Canadian Rockies, we have experienced the outstanding natural beauty and charming culture of western Canada. From the bustling streets of Vancouver to the alpine charm of Banff, we traversed striking landscapes of rushing rivers and soaring mountain peaks aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. A cruise on the glacial Maligne Lake and expedition onto the frozen plains of Columbia Icefield provided one-of-a-kind views, before a gondola ride up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain revealed the splendor of the Rockies from above.

After a relaxed breakfast this morning, your time in Western Canada comes to a close. A group transfer to Calgary International Airport will accommodate planes departing after 1:30pm, or you can make your way home independently.

• Breakfast