Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey: Grand Circle Tour

On arrival in Vancouver, you'll be privately transferred to your hotel. Once you've settled in, perhaps take a stroll to discover Gastown’s Victorian charm, explore 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.

Depart early this morning aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, travelling from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia's rugged Interior. As the journey unfolds, witness a remarkable transformation in scenery, from the fertile green landscapes of the Fraser Valley to towering forests, dramatic river canyons and the snow-capped peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Further east, the terrain gives way to the striking, desert-like landscapes of the B.C. Interior. Along the way, highlights include the powerful waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon, as well as the sheer cliffs and engineering marvels that line the Thompson River. This unforgettable day concludes as the train follows the shores of Kamloops Lake before arriving in Kamloops this evening.

Stay: Kamloops accommodation

Continue your Rocky Mountaineer journey early this morning as the train travels north and east towards the majestic Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Spectacular mountain scenery accompanies you throughout the day, with the route following the winding North Thompson River through the rugged Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing steadily towards the Continental Divide. Among today's highlights is the unforgettable sight of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, soaring to 3,954 metres, followed by the dramatic cascade of Pyramid Falls and the crossing of Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey concludes this evening on arrival in the charming alpine town of Jasper.

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.

Travel from Jasper to Banff 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 Banff in the late afternoon.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Banff, with time to relax or discover the many experiences available in one of Canada's most scenic mountain destinations. Take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views across the Rockies, unwind in the soothing waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or explore the town's boutique shops, galleries and excellent restaurants. For the more adventurous, a range of wildlife encounters and outdoor pursuits are also available.

Depart aboard the Rocky Mountaineer early this morning as you return to Kamloops. Today's journey showcases some of Canada's most spectacular landscapes, from the glacier-fed valleys and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the rolling ranchlands and vast open spaces of the Interior. Pass through dramatic mountain passes, remarkable engineering feats and along pristine lakeshores as the scenery unfolds beyond your panoramic windows. Highlights include crossing the Continental Divide, traversing the famous Spiral Tunnels, journeying through Kicking Horse Canyon and Rogers Pass, and visiting historic Craigellachie, where the final spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Arrive in Kamloops this evening for an overnight stay.

Stay: Kamloops accommodation

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.

This morning, after breakfast, 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 as you round off your Canadian adventure.