Western Canada by Rail
9 Days Starting in Calgary, Canada and ending in Vancouver, Canada
Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Kamloops, Vancouver, Victoria
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8930-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Western Canada by rail, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities of this stunning region. Begin your adventure in Calgary, where you'll discover the city's rich history and modern charm. Travel through the majestic Rockies to Banff National Park, where you can hike, relax in hot springs, and spot wildlife. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and traverse the Columbia Icefield in an Ice Explorer. Experience the grandeur of Jasper National Park and the thrill of the Rocky Mountaineer train journey, passing Mount Robson and the Monashee Mountains. Conclude your trip with visits to Vancouver's iconic sites and the enchanting Butchart Gardens in Victoria. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural highlights, promising an enriching and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3pm-6pm to answer any questions.
Day 2: Calgary,Banff National Park
Location: Calgary, Banff National Park
Accommodation Name: Rundlestone Lodge
The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
Day 3: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation Name: Rundlestone Lodge
Enjoy the day exploring Banff, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many wilderness trails, horseback ride, golf, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching as it is home to 53 species of mammals. You may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer, elk, and big horn sheep.
Day 4: Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper National Park
Location: Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park
Accommodation Name: Lobstick Lodge
First stop is stunning Lake Louise, with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and more exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for another trip highlight and experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Late this afternoon, let it flow on an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. Spend the next two nights in Jasper National Park. An orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty.
Day 5: Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park
Accommodation Name: Lobstick Lodge
A day at leisure to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. This morning, consider joining the optional narrated cruise on magical Maligne Lake to Spirit Island*. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon keeping an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. Later, perhaps do some hiking or peruse the shops in town.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 6: Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Rocky Mountaineer,Kamloops
Location: Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Kamloops
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy free time in Kamloops this evening.
Day 7: Kamloops,Rocky Mountaineer,Vancouver
Location: Kamloops, Vancouver
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning your train adventure continues as you head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. View the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8: Vancouver,Ferry Crossing,Victoria
Location: Vancouver, Victoria
Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and beautiful Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
Day 9: Victoria,Ferry Crossing,Vancouver
Location: Victoria, Vancouver
Morning departure via ferry for Vancouver. Your vacation ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel in Calgary, Rundlestone Lodge in Banff, Lobstick Lodge in Jasper, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown in Vancouver, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites in Victoria.
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Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey
Experience a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast on the Rocky Mountaineer.
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Meals on Rocky Mountaineer
Enjoy 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the float trip down the Athabasca River and the narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island are not included.
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Early Season Limitations
Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion due to weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.
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Flights
Flights to and from Vancouver International Airport are not included.
Meals
On Rocky Mountaineer—2 breakfast, 2 lunchesNotes
Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Jasper National ParkAccommodation
Calgary: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff: Rundlestone Lodge, Jasper: Lobstick Lodge, Vancouver: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, Victoria: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.Check out our Q&As
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What wildlife might I see in Banff National Park?
In Banff National Park, you may spot deer, elk, and big horn sheep, as the park is home to 53 species of mammals.
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What is the highlight of the visit to the Columbia Icefield?
The highlight of the visit to the Columbia Icefield is experiencing the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick.
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What optional activities are available in Jasper National Park?
In Jasper National Park, you can join an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, view Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon, or go hiking and shopping in town.
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What can I expect during the Rocky Mountaineer train journey?
During the Rocky Mountaineer train journey, you will pass Mount Robson, follow the North Thompson River, and enjoy views of the Monashee Mountains. The journey continues through ranchlands, Fraser Canyon, and Hell’s Gate before arriving in Vancouver.
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What are some of the sightseeing highlights in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, sightseeing highlights include Chinatown, Gastown, and Stanley Park.
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What should I know about the ferry crossing to Victoria?
The ferry crossing to Victoria sails through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate.
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What are the main attractions in Victoria?
In Victoria, the main attractions include Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
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What meals are included on the Rocky Mountaineer?
On the Rocky Mountaineer, two breakfasts and two lunches are included.
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Are there any weather-related considerations for this tour?
Visiting and participating in activities in this region is subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation. Early departures may not be able to visit the Columbia Icefield or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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