Highlights

  • Enjoy fine dining and impeccable service onboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer
  • Discover the spectacular Canadian Rockies with included excursions
  • Spot elk, moose and bears
  • Stay in iconic Fairmont hotels in Alberta's dramatic national parks
  • Speed over rushing canyons and waterfalls only reachable via train

From snow-covered summits and azure lakes to glacial monoliths and rushing canyons, a rail journey on Rocky Mountaineer is surely one of the world’s most spectacular. You'll enjoy Michelin-standard meals, complimentary drinks and snacks throughout as you traverse through Canada's emblematic Rocky Mountains in your glass-domed train carriage. In between, you'll stay at iconic lodges on the stunning shores of Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper, where we've included tours to spot moose and grizzly bears, cable car rides over soaring mountain peaks, and off-road excursions to colossal glaciers. Bookend the dramatics with Vancouver’s historic architecture and coastal buzz.


Day 1

UK to Vancouver & sightseeing

After a complimentary VIP airport lounge access, board your day flight to Vancouver, where, on arrival, you'll be privately transferred to your hotel.

Perhaps take a stroll in Gastown’s Victorian charm, discover Stanley Park, or take a small ferry to Granville Island. There are pretty waterfront walks, historic cobbled-street districts and even the small matter of the third largest Chinese garden outside of China. Put together and it’s no surprise that Vancouver often tops lists of the world’s most liveable cities.


Vancouver skyline

Vancouver skyline

The Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver, Canada

The Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver, Canada


Day 2

The iconic Rocky Mountaineer

Today, you'll be taken on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky Corridor, onboard Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler, renowned for outstanding array of culinary delights and year-round outdoor activities. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. You'll arrive in the early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at your own leisure

Stay: Whistler hotel

Breakfast included

Whistler Sea to Sky Climb (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

Whistler Sea to Sky Climb (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)


Day 3

Whistler to Quesnel

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken Pemberton train station (approximately a 35-minute drive), where you will board the Rocky Mountaineer train and travel to the charming rural town of Quesnel, the gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, through the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, to rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacier-fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, and the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the train follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel

Stay: Quesnel hotel

Breakfast & Lunch included

Fraser Canyon, Rocky Mountaineer

Fraser Canyon, Rocky Mountaineer

GoldLeaf Service (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

GoldLeaf Service (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)


Day 4

Quesnel to Jasper

Today, your journey continues eastward to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel, Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George, then travels east through the forests of northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife, including a large population of moose, caribou and bears. Upon entering the Rocky Mountain Trench, you are surrounded by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains to the north and the Cariboo Mountains to the south. You'll continue climbing past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, through Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta and the town of Jasper.


Breakfast & Lunch included

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Gold Leaf Dome Coach, Rocky Mountaineer

Gold Leaf Dome Coach, Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer


Day 5

Jasper's scenic gems

The cedar-clad chalets cling around the Jasper National Park, all pristine lakes and forest inlets, and you’ve got the the day to explore it. Having started life as a tent city, serving the construction of the railway, today this quaint mountain village is a popular spot on the Rockies' well-trodden tourist trail. It's also the jumping-off point for trips into its eponymous national park, with the deep turquoise of Maligne Lake – one of the most photographed in the world – among a catalogue of highlights. A 90-minute cruise is a perfect way to take in the scenery.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Black Bears, Jasper National Park

Black Bears, Jasper National Park


Day 6

Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk

Travel from Jasper to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk, and Athabasca Falls are among the day's highlights. 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 about its geological features. Lunch is provided at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon.


Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada

Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada

Icefields Parkway (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

Icefields Parkway (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

Athabasca Glacier, Alberta

Athabasca Glacer, Alberta


Day 7

Lake Louise: the jewel of the Rockies

Enjoy the day with free time to relax on the turquoise shores of Lake Louise, enjoy the alipine-chic or book your own activities at your leisure. With its unique history and picturesque scenery, Lake Louise will not disappoint.

Learn about the local wildlife, paddle the lake by canoe, or simply relax amongst the beauty.

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Lake Louise (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

Lake Louise (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)


Day 8

Lake Louise to Banff

This morning you are free to explore beautiful Lake Louise on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour, you will be continue to Banff, perfectly showcased with a stay in the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, surrounded by a championship golf course and endless mountain scenery. Perhaps enjoy a relaxing hour in the Willow Stream Spa before sampling one of the resort’s restaurants, from 1888 Chop House’s Alberta beef to the French elegance of The Vermillion Room, the likes of garlic mussels and crispy duck leg on the menu.

Route between Lake Louise and Banff national parks

Route between Lake Louise and Banff national parks

Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs


Day 9

Banff's majestic landscapes

Banff has long been known for its stunning alpine scenery, from dense forests clinging to winding rivers to pristine lakes dwarfed by the dramatic Rockies. Today you’ll take in its highlights, from the glimmering Lake Minnewanka and cragged hoodoo rock formations to Bow Falls’ roaring cascade. We’ve included a Banff Gondola ride where you'll witness stunning valley vistas and ranging, steely zeniths before a spectacular ridgetop boardwalk. You’ve got the rest of the day to explore; perhaps head to the mineral hot springs, head on a guided tour to spot wildlife on shaded forest trails, cycle among impossibly scenic mountains or kayak on pristine rivers.


On Sulphur Mountain (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

On Sulphur Mountain (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)


Day 10

Banff to Kamloops

Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. Your journey takes you through ever-changing scenery as you travel between the iconic glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the Interior. Today's highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Overnight in Kamloops

Stay: Kamloops hotel

Breakfast & Lunch included

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Stoney Creek Bridge, Rocky Mountaineer

Stoney Creek Bridge, Rocky Mountaineer


Day 11

Vancouver's eclectic delights

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and Vancouver. On today's journey, you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Cascade and Coast Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver in the evening.


Breakfast & Lunch included

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Vancouver

Vancouver


Days 12 – 13

Depart for UK

This morning, perhaps stroll along Vancouver’s forest trails and gardens, head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge among the surrounding woodland and waterfalls, or relax among the craggy rocks of Lighthouse Park before a private transfer takes you to the airport for your overnight flight home. 

Breakfast included


About the itinerary

"The Rocky Mountaineer – that award-winning, experience-it-to-believe-it rail journey – is best enjoyed travelling on its magnificent Grand Circle Tour. Michelin-star meals, spectacular views, iconic hotel stays and dramatic national parks all make for a memorable adventure, complemented by superb on-board service and panoramic windows that bring Canada's beauty to life."

Andy Austen

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Guide price from £7,855 pp incl. flights

April and May 2024 from: £7,855 pp
June / July and August 2024 from: £9,030 pp

Special offer excludes Jun and Sep travel dates


This route operates in Gold Leaf service only

Weekly departures from Vancouver between May and September

Inclusions:

  • Complimentary UK airport Executive departure lounge access
  • Return flights from UK to Vancouver
  • Private return airport transfers in Vancouver
  • 11 nights hotel accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches
  • 5 days aboard Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf service
  • Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk excursion
  • Yoho National Park
  • Half day Banff, Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain excursion
  • All railway station transfers in Vancouver, Banff, Jasper, Quesnel, and Whistler
  • Luggage handling and national parks pass

Accommodation may vary in Vancouver, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise - subject to availability

Accommodation in Whistler, Quesnel and Whistler is confirmed upon check-in for your train departure


Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf Service includes;

  • Two level, glass domed coach with full-length windows
  • Exclusive dining room
  • Gourmet hot meals
  • Complimentary beverages and snacks, including wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks will be served throughout your journey, along with gourmet snacks
  • Deluxe accommodation


Enquire