Highlights of the Canadian Rockies on Rocky Mountaineer

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 the Fairmont Hotel. Sitting harbourside in downtown Vancouver, this hotel is spectacularly situated among the city's myriad of skyscrapers framed by snow-topped zeniths. Enjoy the hotel's private terrace, rooftop herb garden and heated outdoor pool, or perhaps stroll along Vancouver's delightful waterfront, historic cobbled-street districts and enormous Chinese garden. Tonight, enjoy the likes of the hotel's onsite restaurant, where you can expect such delights as tuna carpaccio, seared scallops and honey-roasted duck breast accompanied by stunning coastal views.

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. Traverse past the Coast and Cascade mountains, as well as emblematic river canyons slicing deserted valleys, deep, old-growth forests and lush farmlands, swapped for the arid BC interior as you enjoyed a Michelin-starred lunch. 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 hotel

Today sees you journey to that emblematic scene of Canada, the azure, glacier-fed Lake Louise. You'll traverse along striking mountain passes and wild ranchlands as you enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, and be sure to head to the outdoor viewing platforms situated at the end of each train car for stunning vistas. 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 at Lake Louise's turquoise mirror. On arrival, take in the surrounds from your lakeview room at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before indulging in authentic alpine food at the hotel's cosy Walliser Stube, or fine dining at The Fairview alongside signature cocktails.

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, then back at base, enjoy the spa and sauna in your lodge, looking out onto ethereal snow-topped monoliths. Perhaps enjoy the likes of the onsite Eden restaurant tonight, where you can expect such delights as oyster ceviche and wild boar, or try out the more casual Larkspur Lounge, offering classic American dishes alongside cosy open fires.

Stay: 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: Fairmont Palliser

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 seven.