6 Day Premium Rocky Rail Adventure: YVR to YYC Rocky Mountaineer

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Vancouver - Kamloops (No Westar tour guide service on this day, it is a self-guided tour)⌄

   Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the [Vancouver Station] at 7:30am Pacific Time. **Please arrive at the train station at least 1 hour in advance to check in. ** Travel from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. On today's journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops between 6:00pm and 7:30pm PT. Spend the evening exploring the city of Kamloops or relaxing in your hotel room. All hotels in Kamloops are of moderate standard: your hotel will be assigned post-booking.

   The City of Vancouver is what many visitors immediately associate with "Vancouver the destination." Indeed, it is home to the largest population among the Metro Vancouver municipalities, and is located at the heart of the region. Downtown Vancouver is where most of the region's financial and business activity happens, and the vast majority of the city's hotel rooms are there as well.

   Travel from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. On today's journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops between 6:00pm and 7:30pm PT. Spend the evening exploring the city of Kamloops or relaxing in your hotel room.

   Meals: Breakfast: Arranged by Rocky Mountaineer · Lunch: Arranged by Rocky Mountaineer

   Overnight: Kamloops hotel arranged by Rocky Mountaineer

2. 2Kamloops - Banff: Say goodbye to the train, and hello to the Rocky Mountains⌄

   Meeting Place Pickup : Hotel Lobby Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Kamloops Station at 6:25am PT, your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening upon arrival in Banff, between 7:00pm and 8:30pm MT. **Your Guide for the next day will contact you for the next day departure time and itinerary arrangement**

   Your rail journey ends this evening upon arrival in Banff, between 7:00pm and 8:30pm Mountain Time.

   Meals: Breakfast: Arranged by Rocky Mountaineer · Lunch: Arranged by Rocky Mountaineer

   Overnight: Banff Town: Mount Royal Hotel/ Banff Inn/Canalta Lodg/Caribou Lodge/Rundlestone Lodge or Similar

3. 3Banff Gondola (optional)-Hoodoos -Bow Falls- Surprise Corner - Fairmont Banff Springs -Johnston Canyon-Banff⌄

   In the morning, travel to Banff National Park, arriving at Sulphur Mountain. Take the Banff Gondola (Optional Add-on Activity, 90 minutes) and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountains.

   Witness these fascinating rock spires shaped by centuries of wind and water. A must-see geological wonder with stunning views of the Bow Valley!

   Feel the power of the cascading waters as they roar over rocky ledges. A short walk brings you up close to this iconic natural wonder.

   Discover this hidden viewpoint with a picture-perfect panorama of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, framed by towering peaks and the rushing Bow River.

   Known as the “Castle of the Rockies” has a history of more than one hundred years. This iconic gem is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains with the clear Bow River at its feet. Step inside this castle-inspired landmark and enjoy lunch (Optional with additional fees). Guests may upgrade to a refined French-brasserie–style dining experience. NOTE : LUNCH STOP

   As Banff National Park’s most popular hiking destination, you won’t want to miss Johnston Canyon. Johnston Canyon is carved into the limestone bedrock from thousands of years of water erosion. On this hike, you will be immersed into a beautiful scene of overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest. Every moment at Johnston Canyon is a memory as you explore depths and different perspectives of the beautiful gorge.

   As the day's adventure wraps up, our team will comfortably return you to your accommodation in Banff Town, allowing you to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

   Overnight: Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel/ Mount Royal Hotel/ Ptarmigan Inn/ Caribou Lodge/ Banff Park Lodge or similar

4. 4Banff-Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge-Banff⌄

   Step into a fairytale as you admire the lake’s famous turquoise waters with the grand Fairmont Château Lake Louise as your backdrop. Don’t forget to capture the perfect memory!

   [Moraine Lake](Open Seasonal/*Alternative Attractions: Lake Minnewanka / Vermilion Lakes*). Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity throughout the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the [Ten Peaks], Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal.

   This is your lunch stop. You can enjoy the Asian or Western Set Lunch there. (Optional, Additional charges)

   True to its name, this hidden gem stuns with its deep green hues. Take a peaceful lakeside stroll and immerse yourself in the tranquility.

   Stop at the Natural Bridge along the way and admire the Kicking Horse River as it carves a path through ancient rock. You can view the incredible natural formation from different perspectives at vantage points with interpretive displays that tell you about interesting facts about Natural Bridge. This beautiful scenery is enhanced with the scenic mountains and lush forests in the background.

   Evening Continue to Banff and check into your hotel for an overnight stay, surrounded by the alpine beauty of Banff National Park.

   Overnight: Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel/ Mount Royal Hotel/ Ptarmigan Inn/ Caribou Lodge/ Banff Park Lodge or similar

5. 5Banff–Crowfoot Glacier–Peyto Lake – Icefields Parkway – Columbia Icefield – Athabasca Falls – Jasper⌄

   Attached to the Northeast side of the Crowfoot Mountain and overlooking the Bow Lake lies the Crowfoot Glacier. This huge mass of ice was named a century ago because its appearance resembled that of a three-toed crowfoot. Be sure to take lots of photos because the next time you visit Crowfoot Glacier, it might not look the same anymore!

   Peyto Lake is a must-see in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and unique wolf-shaped appearance. Visitors come for the iconic viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning views in Banff National Park. Whether for photography, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty, Peyto Lake offers an unforgettable experience in a truly magical setting.

   Lunch stop : Arrive at The Crossing Resort for lunch (at your own expense). Guests may choose an optional self-serve buffet before continuing deeper into the mountains.

   Reach the Columbia Icefield, where optional experiences bring you face-to-face with one of North America’s largest icefields. Board the Snowcoach Ice Explorer (Optional Add-on Activity) to drive directly onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier, standing atop ice formed over millions of years. You may also choose to experience the Columbia Icefield Skywalk (Optional Add-on Activity)—a glass-floored platform suspended 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley, offering a breathtaking perspective straight down into the glacier-carved landscape. Columbia Icefield Snowcoach & Skywalk (Optional Add-on Activity): Operate from May 1 to October 12

   Athabasca Falls is a powerful, glacier-fed waterfall in Jasper National Park, where the Athabasca River surges through a dramatic rocky gorge. Easily accessible and unforgettable, it’s one of the most iconic scenic stops along the Icefields Parkway.

   As the day's adventure wraps up, our team will comfortably return you to your accommodation in Jasper Town, allowing you to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

   Overnight: Jasper Forest Park Hotel/ Jasper Inn & Suites/ Chateau Jasper or similar

6. 6Jasper - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake - Icefields Parkway - Bow Lake - Calgary⌄

   A fascinating disappearing lake! Depending on the season, this lake either appears full or mysteriously drains into an underground cave system. Enjoy the scenic views as we pass through this unique geological wonder.

   Continue to Maligne Lake, the world’s second-largest glacier-fed lake. Guests may choose to join the (Optional Add-on cost for Maligne Lake Cruise - seasonal, approx. 90 minutes), sailing across the 22-kilometre-long lake toward the iconic Spirit Island—often described as one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. Following the cruise, enjoy (Optional Add-on lunch at Maligne Lake approx. 45 minutes), with time to relax, explore the shoreline, and capture photos of the surrounding peaks reflected in the turquoise water. NOTE : Luch Stop Seasonal & Alternative Arrangements Maligne Lake Cruise (optional, ~90 minutes): Operates approximately May 29 to October 11, subject to weather and lake conditions When the cruise is unavailable: The itinerary will be replaced with a visit to Pyramid Lake (45 minutes) and Patricia Lake (15 minutes)

   Continue south along the legendary Icefields Parkway, consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the world, with sweeping views of glaciers, alpine valleys, and rugged peaks.

   Continue south along the legendary Icefields Parkway, consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the world, with sweeping views of glaciers, alpine valleys, and rugged peaks. Stop briefly at The Crossing for a short rest break to stretch, use facilities, and enjoy mountain views.

   Arrive at Bow Lake for a 20-minute photo stop. This glacier-fed lake is celebrated for its wide-open vistas and striking blue waters, making it a favourite photography stop along the parkway.

   As the day’s adventure draws to a close, we say goodbye to the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, with your heart full of unforgettable memories and your mind filled with the beauty you’ve experienced. Please choose among the 4 drop off points: 1.Elk + Avenue Hotel : Banff Town 2.Calgary International Airport Departure Terminal (Please ensure that your flight departs YYC after 9:30 pm for Cannada domestic, 22:30pm for international flights) 3.Downtown Calgary Bus station in front of Harry Hays Building (across the street from the Delta Calgary Downtown hotel), on 4th Ave SE, Calgary 4.Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel NE, Calgary