Western Canada by Rail

Overview

Western Canada by Rail

Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this memorable Western Canada by Rail tour. You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest national park, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, hike, explore on your own, or take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and beautiful Hell’s Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

What's Included

  • Return Flights
  • Services of a tour director
  • Daily sightseeing
  • Accommodation
  • Selected meals
  • All airport taxes

Full Itinerary

Day 1: UK - Calgary

Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Calgary - Banff National Park

The discovery of oil converted this cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing shows off downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.

Day 3: Banff National Park

Today is at leisure. Play golf, horse back ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching and as a visitor you may spot many amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep.

Day 4: Banff National Park - Lake Louise - Columbia Icefield - Jasper National Park

First stop is Lake Louise, whose cold waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as the coach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights is in Jasper National Park.

Day 5: Jasper National Park

Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, you’ll be mesmerised by dramatic Maligne Canyon. With much of the Departure dates afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.

Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops

An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Free time in Kamloops this evening.

Day 7: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver

Board the train and head through the ranch-lands along the South Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an early evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel.

Day 8: Vancouver - Ferry Crossing - Victoria

Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely STANLEY PARK. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.

Day 9: Victoria - Ferry Crossing - Vancouver

Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included.

Hand Picked By

Abigail Limm

We're delighted to be working with Cosmos. With their water-tight price promise, you’ve got total peace of mind whenever you travel with them. Whilst bringing you their most inspirational touring and cruise holidays ever, they’re still the same loyal, family-run business with a commitment to delivering great-value dream holidays.

Abigail Limm

Additional Information

  • Date: Various departures for 2024
  • Board Basis: Mixed Meal Plan
  • Duration: 8 nights
  • Departure Airport: London
  • Guide Price: From £2,879pp
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