Day 1 Toronto to Jasper | VIA RailThis morning, check in at Toronto’s Union Station and board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey across the prairies to the Canadian Rockies. Step back in time to the days of classic rail travel, riding in the original stainless steel ‘streamliner’ railcars made famous by the ‘Canadian’ in the 1950s. Each has been restored with air conditioning, a café car, lounge car, and access to the dome car. Today is spent crossing the scenic lake lands and forests of Ontario. (brunch & dinner included)
Day 2 On-board VIA RailWatch the scenery change as you enter Manitoba and travel through the prairies and great plains of Canada. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 3 On-board VIA RailContinue west through the breadbasket of Canada: Manitoba and Saskatchewan each have golden wheat fields stretching as far as the eye can see. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 4 Arrive Jasper | VIA RailStep off the "Canadian" train and take a deep breath – you’re here in the Canadian Rockies and the crisp mountain air is invigorating. After an orientation of this scenic mountain town we will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 5 Jasper to Lake Louise | Sightseeing with picnic lunchYour sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice at the Glacier Adventure (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (picnic lunch included today)
Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff | CoachDepart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Banff, arriving midday.
Day 7 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions.Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff GondolaDiscover Banff's natural wonders on this half-day, small-group tour. Marvel at sights like Bow Falls, Hoodoos rock formation, and Lake Minnewanka. Conclude your exploration with a relaxing gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain's peak, maximizing your views of Banff National Park effortlessly. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of these landmarks with minimum exertion. Option 2. Banff National Park Explorer Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Small Group Tour with Picnic LunchJoin this small group tour for a curated experience of Banff National Park's highlights, with the added chance to spot wildlife through expert local guidance. Enjoy unhindered access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, spending over 11/2 hours at each, discovering hidden gems and serene trails. The final phase of the tour is tailor-made in Banff by your guide, considering recent wildlife sightings and your interests, ensuring the day concludes on a high note.Option 3. Rockies Hidden Gems Yoho & Kootenay National Parks | Small Group Tour with Picnic LunchAvoid the crowds with this full-day adventure in the Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and Canadian Rockies views. Start with a relaxing stroll in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon, marveling at turquoise glacial waters and striking canyon walls. Enjoy Emerald Lake's neon blue waters, where optional canoe rentals, hiking trails, and lakeside picnics are available. The day concludes with a visit to Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, accessible through backroads offering mountain vistas and wildlife sightings.Option 4. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or DinnerSaddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain.Option 5. Signature Guided Hike | Small Group Hike with Picnic LunchExperience the best of Rocky Mountain National Parks' backcountry with our curated hiking tours. Revel in spring's wildflowers, summer's clear glacier views, and the golden hues of fall's larch trees. Our passionate local guides will lead you on classic hikes in the Banff and Lake Louise area, including Stanley Glacier, Larch Valley, Kootenay National Park Trails, and Plain of 6 Glaciers. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty across seasons in the Rockies.
Day 8 Banff to Kamloops | Rocky MountaineerAll aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. As the train crosses over the continental divide you pass through the spiral tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement. Continue on through the Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park with endless views of snow capped mountains and stunning glaciers. Pass by Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway Trans Canada link in 1885.(breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 9 Kamloops to Vancouver | Rocky MountaineerRe-board the train and follow the Thompson River through Ashcroft - one of Canada’s driest towns (with an average rainfall of just 18 centimetres). Pass through Rainbow Canyon with its cliffs striped with pinks, greens and greys creating a stunning effect. The last leg of the journey takes you through the lush farming region of the Fraser Valley to arrive in the Pacific port of Vancouver late afternoon. (breakfast & lunch is included today)
