A journey on the Rocky Mountaineer is among the world's truly special rail experiences. You’ll start with Vancouver’s coastal charms, all sweeping parklands, creative neighbourhoods and pretty harbour views, before boarding the iconic glass-domed train and traversing through the Rockies. Highlights include the emerald blue expanse of Lake Louise and Banff’s impossibly beautiful peaks; you might even spot a grizzly bear or two. It’s all topped off with fine dining and included drinks and snacks throughout. You'll enjoy included tours of both the Banff and Yoho national parks, gondola rides and even a helicopter flight, finishing in the wild-west delights of Calgary. It's all knitted together with included transfers and stays in some of the region's finest hotels and luxury lodges.
You’ll begin with a chauffeured drive to the airport before your trip gets off to a relaxing start with VIP complimentary airport lounge access. Board your day flight to Vancouver where, upon arrival, a private driver will bring you to your city-centre hotel.
The next day, perhaps embark on a guided cycling tour – a superb way to take in the city – or explore Vancouver's acclaimed culinary scene on a walking tour of Granville Island in the company of a local expert. Alternatively, you might decide to leave the city behind, maybe with a trip out to the picturesque North Shore and Grouse Mountain. There's even the chance to get onto the water for a Zodiac tour of Howe Sound, a popular spot for humpbacks and orcas.
Stay: Exchange Hotel, Vancouver (Superior) or Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver (Deluxe)
Vancouver skyline
Horseshoe Bay, Whyte Cliff Park, West Vancouver
After breakfast you’ll board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, all glass-domed carriages and split-level dining carts where you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. Pass the Coast and Cascade mountains, as well as the emblematic Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon, as you slice between old-growth forests and lush farmlands, before reaching the arid BC interior as a gourmet lunch is served on board.
End by skirting Kamloops Lake to arrive into Kamloops, all hiking trails, cycling routes and ski runs, bizarre hoodoos looming in the distance.
Stay: Kamloops accommodation (SilverLeaf & GoldLeaf)
Breakfast & Lunch included
Rocky Mountaineer River Crossing
GoldLeaf train car, Rocky Mountaineer
Kamloops
Your route brings you between mountain passes and wild ranchlands as you enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. Then, be sure to head to the outdoor viewing platforms situated at the end of each train car for more stunning views. Be reminded of a time gone by as you head through the famous Spiral Tunnels, historic for their part in the area's rail heritage, and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway took place. Take in the spectacular Kicking Horse Canyon and glacial lakes as you approach the Rockies' dramatic peaks and winding rivers before arriving on the spectacular shores of Lake Louise, its mirrored surface framed by soaring, snow-dusted peaks.
Stay: Lake Louise Inn (Superior) / Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Deluxe)
Breakfast & Lunch included
Rocky Mountaineer
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Travel to Jasper National Park on the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Falls. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Lunch is included at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Afterwards, brief stops will be made at Bow and Peyto Lakes before arriving back in Lake Louise.
Stay: Lake Louise Inn (Superior) / Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Deluxe)
Icefields Parkway, British Columbia
Ice Explorer, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, Canada
Explore the doorstep delights of Lake Louise today and the dramatic Yoho National Park, for which we've included a tour. Explore stunning waterfalls and rivers such as the roaring Kicking Horse before marvelling at O'Hara's glacial alpine lakes, pine-lined forest trails and craggy cliffs, then hike or cycle the endless tracks circling the famous Emerald Lake. A stroll along the famous rocky bridge and old-growth forests brings your day of exploration to a wonderful conclusion.
Stay: Moose Hotel & Suites (Superior) or Rimrock Resort Hotel (Deluxe)
Lake Louise
Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park
Rimrock Resort Hotel
Today we’ve included a tour of Banff and its endless delights. Marvel at the spindling hoodoo rock formations, hike along Bow Falls' roaring cascade, and enjoy a picnic around the glacial Lake Minnewanka’s wintry frame. We’ve also included a ride on the Banff Gondola for extraordinary views of the valley, as well as an included helicopter ride which will see you soar over the Rockies at 2,300 metres above sea level – witness otherworldly glaciers, cascading waterfalls and giant grey zeniths.
You'll finish in cosmpolitan Calgary, steeped in wild-west culture, while staying at the landmark Fairmont Palliser in a sprawling, elegant suite.
Stay: Hotel Arts (Superior) or Fairmont Palliser, Calgary (Deluxe)
Banff gondola
Calgary
After some time to explore Calgary’s Western brashness, from folk festivals and historic railways to provincial parks, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for to your overnight flight home, arriving on day ten.
"Ah, the Rocky Mountaineer. This multiple award-winning luxury rail experience has to be experienced to be believed. Panoramic cabin windows showcase Canada's most picturesque region along every twist and turn, while the gourmet food served throughout does an admirable job of distracting you from the sheer beauty outside. This is a journey that you will remember for a lifetime."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
Low Season - SilverLeaf from: £3,520 pp
High Season - SilverLeaf from: £4,600 pp
Low Season - GoldLeaf from: £4,640 pp
High Season - GoldLeaf from: £5,830 pp
Includes:
Silverleaf service includes
Goldleaf Service includes