Canadian Rockies by Train

Canadian Rockies by Train

95 Views

Canadian Rockies by Train

9 Days Starting and ending in Canada

Visiting: Vancouver, British Columbia, Via Rail Canada, Jasper, Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

13888

Recommended For:

50 plus, Couples

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 44

Physical rating:

Medium, Activity Level 2

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

From the lush green Pacific coast of Vancouver, board VIA Rail’s The Canadian for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight train journey. Relax in the dome car and experience panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers and the sheer unspoiled wilderness of Canada. Arrive in Jasper and see the dramatic Maligne Canyon and its picture-perfect lake. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Marvel at Athabasca. Discover the natural beauty of Moraine Lake and the powerful Bow Falls. Experience a day on a ranch in the Alberta plains, complete with a wagon ride in search of buffalo and a BBQ lunch in the great outdoors. End your journey in cosmopolitan Calgary. Discover the natural beauty only found in the Canadian Rockies.

Highlights

  • Experience the beautiful city of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour.

  • Witness spectacular views on your VIA Rail train ride.

  • Drive the unforgettable Icefields Parkway.

  • Marvel at the power of Bow Falls in Banff.

  • Enjoy breakfast at picture-perfect Maligne Lake.

  • Delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue.

  • See the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks.

  • At Athabasca Glacier, choose a ride on the glacier or walk on the Glacier Skywalk.

  • Behold spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Vancouver, British Columbia - Tour Begins
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Meals Included: No Meals

Take a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes, charming towns and beautiful lakes of the Canadian Rockies. Your adventure opens in Vancouver.

Day 2 : Vancouver - Via Rail
Location: Vancouver, Via Rail Canada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Via Rail Canada
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,

A city tour of Vancouver begins this morning at beautiful Stanley Park, Canada’s renowned urban rainforest. Then, continue to Chinatown, the waterfront, and Gastown - a turn-of-the-century center comprised of pubs, art galleries, boutiques and the world-famous steam-powered clock, perhaps the most photographed subject in all of Vancouver. Stroll picturesque Granville Island and its fascinating markets. Later, board VIA Rail’s The Canadian to begin your journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Relive train travel in the days of old as you are rocked to sleep tonight in your private accommodations.

Day 3 : Via Rail - Jasper, Alberta
Location: Jasper
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chateau Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,

Your eastbound train whisks you past the peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the stunning sight of Pyramid Falls cascading down Mt. Cheadle. Relax in the dome car as you experience 360-degree views of the glistening glaciers of the Albreda Icefields and on a clear day, view Mt. Robson – the highest peak of the Rockies! Moose, mountain goats, bear and caribou call this wonderland home. This afternoon, arrive in Jasper, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the gateway to the incredible Icefields Parkway.

Day 4 : Jasper
Location: Jasper
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chateau Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, travel to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, and enjoy breakfast* against the backdrop of the picture-perfect sparkling waters of the lake. While at Maligne Lake, you may choose to embark on an optional cruise highlighting the beauty of Spirit Island. Later, enjoy the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks. Return to your hotel with time to independently explore this lovely town.

Day 5 : Jasper - Icefields Parkway - Lake Louise
Location: Jasper, Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,

Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing en route to Lake Louise. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs and snowcapped peaks paint the breathtaking canvas – so have your camera handy! Enjoy a stop at the Athabasca Falls and marvel at its sheer beauty and power. Then, it’s your choice! Stop at the Athabasca Glacier and choose a fun ride** across this mass of glacial ice which is over 1,000 feet thick – the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle -OR- take a walk on the Glacier Skywalk to experience the breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and witness the dramatic landscape from the glass-floored platform. Continuing down the parkway, be on the lookout for bears, furry marmots and stately elk. Enjoy a stop at Bow Lake – a beautiful crystal clear lake fed by Bow Glacier – for photographs and a walk along its shore before arriving in Lake Louise. Enjoy a stay at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice...choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s great restaurants.

Day 6 : Lake Louise - Banff
Location: Lake Louise, Banff
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,

Today, view the spectacular Moraine Lake and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. The jagged Ten Peaks are distinctively saw-toothed, standing out amidst stunning Alpine scenery. Continue on to the charming mountain town of Banff. Arrive at the grand Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” for a luxurious 2-night stay. This evening, it’s another Diner’s Choice...you’ll choose the perfect spot from one of the Fairmont Banff Springs’ great restaurants.

Day 7 : Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast

Set off for a scenic drive through Banff featuring the powerful Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, known for its picture-perfect panoramic views. Next, meet a local ammolite specialist to learn about this rare gemstone found only in Alberta. During leisure time, perhaps you will take a stroll through Banff’s delightful downtown.

Day 8 : Banff - Calgary
Location: Banff, Calgary
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Leave the wonders of the Rockies for the prairies of Alberta en route to the Kananaskis Valley. Visit a local ranch for a line dance lesson and enjoy a wagon ride** in search of buffalo. Then, delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue with beautiful views of the mountains in the background. Later, enjoy the views of the prairies before you reach the vibrant city of Calgary. Tonight, join in a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.

Day 9 : Calgary - Tour Ends
Location: Calgary
Meals Included: No Meals

Your tour ends today in Calgary.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Drinks with Meals

    (non-alcoholic)

  • Train Tickets

    (if train occurs once tour starts and before tour ends – i.e. not airport transfers)

  • Meals – Half Board

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Experiences

  • See the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks.
  • At Athabasca Glacier, choose a ride on the glacier or walk on the Glacier Skywalk.
  • Behold spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Options

Jasper, AB: Maligne Lake Cruise

Discover Maligne Lake, the second largest glacially fed lake in the world, secretly tucked away in a ring of towering mountains. Cruise the deep blue waters of this lake on a 1½ hour, fully-narrated scenic cruise aboard a heated, enclosed vessel. Sail in comfort to captivating Spirit Island, learning about the lake’s history, geology, flora and fauna. See towering mountains white with glaciers and watch for wildlife while cruising through unforgettable scenery. Enjoy a stroll on Spirit Island and experience for yourself one of the most iconic, photographed scenes in all of the Rockies. It is a photographer's dream. Duration approximately 1.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option is not available between October and June due to the lake being frozen. Closing and opening dates are weather dependent and subject to change. Availability is limited — space is on a first come, first served basis.

Price: £75


Jasper, AB: Jasper Raft Tours

Set off on the Athabasca River for the adventure of a lifetime! Climb aboard a specially-designed raft with a licensed National Parks guide and explore this great waterway as it flows through the Alberta wilderness. Float through many small sets of rapids and calm waters as you trace a route once used by early fur traders. This is a great excursion for travelers of all ages and a safe, gentle way to experience one of the world’s true wild rivers. Each raft is 25 feet long and seats 25 people. The fully-trained guides possess endless streams of knowledge of the local wildlife, history and folklore. Don’t miss an unforgettable chance to experience the fascinating Canadian wilderness. Watch as they row through six to eight short sets of mild rapids as well as calm stretches over 10 miles (16 kilometers) of river. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

Price: £79


Canmore, AB: Soar to Mt. Assiniboine

Experience the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies from a birds-eye perspective -- leave the ground behind and behold the incomparable beauty of the region with a helicopter tour. Nothing compares to the total exhilaration of soaring above some of the most incredible scenery the world offers. Soar to the “Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Assiniboine, which rises majestically 11,870 feet along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination. This is a photographer's dream come true! Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Actual flight time is 30 minutes. Due to weight restrictions per aircraft, there is a group weigh-in prior to boarding. Passenger location in aircraft is based on weight & balance of the aircraft and is determined upon arrival at the heliport.

Price: £295


Vancouver, BC: Victoria Day Trip

A scenic ferry crossing transports you to Vancouver Island to visit the incomparable and lovely Butchart Gardens. Set on over 55 acres, Butchart Gardens are among the world's most beautiful and are a veritable explosion of color and fragrances. Then, take a short sightseeing tour of the "City of Gardens," Victoria, and enjoy leisure time to explore this charming, seaside city. This evening you will journey back to the mainland via a short ferry ride. Duration approximately 12 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Please Note: This option is operated by a local representative and requires guests to have a pre-night hotel stay in Vancouver.

Price: £215


Check out our Q&As

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes, most likely. Our tours draw travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia, predominatly.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    We can accommodate children as young as 5 years old, provided they are traveling / rooming with a parent or legal guardian.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Yes, it varies by tour.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Yes.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    That will vary by country of residence and country destination.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Varies by tour.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes, you will receive full information within the weeks leading up to your departure.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Igratuities for included meals and accommodation housekeeping are included. It is customary to tip you Tour Manager and driver at the end of the tour.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, with few exception.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Varies by tour.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify information you will be pro

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Absolutley. Out tours are crafted with that in mind – striking a balance between included experiences and time to explore on your own.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes, an experienced Tour Manager, with the passion for travel, discovery and the destination - will guide you through your journey from start to finish,

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, our Customer Care center would be happy to help.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, unless you purchase and land and air package from Collette.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No, the fees associated with required Visa’s are an additional expense.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Yes. Baggage is limited to 1 checked bag and 1 carry per person.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Varies by tour, but typically thjey are 4* / 4*+, and an occaissional 5*

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Primarily, yes. All of the coaches used must meet rigourous safety and cleanliness standards.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Local currency.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Collette requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.

    Up to 300 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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