The majestic Canadian Rockies span nearly 69,500 square miles across two provinces. Along this great expanse are quiet alpine towns and breathtaking scenery. When combined with private, first-class accommodation aboard VIA Rail's Canadian, it makes for the perfect romantic getaway.
Begin by discovering the iconic city of Vancouver, where with the help of a sightseeing tour you can experience famous attractions such as Stanley Park, English Bay Beach, Chinatown and the Robson Street shopping district. Following your day of sightseeing, you will board the renowned Canadian bound for your next destination Jasper. Along your journey, you will be witness to the awe-inspiring sights of the Canadian Rockies, a truly spectacular vision.
Once in Jasper, you will have time to explore the beautiful town before taking a day excursion to the dazzling Lake Louise. Amidst scenery of majestic cascading mountains, you will spend the night at the famous Chateau Lake Louise before continuing to your next destination, Banff, home to spectacular hot springs and the spectacular Banff National Park. With your two days of sightseeing, you will witness sights like the Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, and a unique gondola ride to the top of the Sulphur Mountains. Your exciting rail journey ends after you stay in Banff as you transfer to Calgary to make your way home. Well-planned sightseeing and ample time at your leisure complete this itinerary to create a truly memorable vacation by rail.
Highlights and Inclusions
- One overnight aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in Sleeper Plus with access to the domed viewing car and Park car
- Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
- Meals while aboard VIA Rail
- Vancouver trolley tour including Look Out Tower
- Guided tour from Jasper to Lake Louise including the Athabasca Glacier and the Ice Explorer
- Discover Banff Tour and Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Transfer from Vancouver hotel to VIA Rail station
- Transfers from Lake Louise to Banff and Banff to Calgary Airport
- Hotel taxes and GST as applicable
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver
Arrive in the coastal city of Vancouver today and check-in to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you're centrally located to many of Vancouver's attractions, shops, and restaurants. Take the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 2: Vancouver Sightseeing and Departure for Jasper
Today enjoy a Hop on/Hop Off city tour, allowing you to visit all of Vancouver's most impressive attractions including Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium, English Bay Beach, the urban oasis of Granville Island, Chinatown, the Robson Street shopping district, and much more! This evening transfer from your hotel to the train station by taxi (included), settle in to your Sleeper Plus accommodations on VIA Rail's Canadian, and prepare for your trip to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight train.
Day 3: Stunning Canadian Rockies to Jasper
As you awake this morning, you are met with awe-inspiring views of the Canadian Rockies. Spend time this morning enjoying panoramic views from the observation dome of the Skyline Car, or admire the passing scenery from one of the salons in the Park Car. Arrive in Jasper after lunch and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the town on your own. Jasper is full of things to see and do! Enjoy the hiking and bike paths, explore Jasper National Park, or ride the Jasper Tramway. Overnight Jasper. (B, L)
Day 4: Jasper to Lake Louise
Today enjoy a scenic transfer by coach to Lake Louise. Your transfer doubles as a sightseeing excursion, as you'll pass some of the most stunning vistas during the ride. Travel along the Icefield Parkway and stop at the Columbia Icefield, where you'll venture by Ice Explorer onto the impressive Athabasca Glacier. After your excursion, continue the beautiful drive by coach to pristine Lake Louise. This area outside of Banff is picture-perfect. Majestic mountains surround the glistening lake with the famous chateau, your residence for the evening, nestled among the beauty. Take time before dinner to snap pictures and get acquainted with the area. Overnight Lake Louise.
Day 5: Lake Louise to Banff
Enjoy your morning in Lake Louise before traveling east to Banff, the resort town known for its exciting ski areas, hot springs, and beautiful National Park.Today is yours to experience Banff at your leisure. Take advantage of the towns hiking and bike trails, enjoy a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountains, soak in the hot springs, or enjoy some of your hotel's amenities including a round of golf or luxurious spa treatments. Overnight Banff.
Day 6: Banff
Today embark on a 3-hour tour of Banff and its most impressive sights. Highlights include the hoodoos, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, the Bow River Valley, and the Cave and Basin. Overnight Banff.
Day 7: Transfer to Calgary
Here in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, your rail adventure comes to an end. You may elect to add additional nights to your itinerary in Banff, or a transfer to the Calgary Airport is included for flights scheduled after 1:00 pm.
