Highlights
- Discover Vancouver's city vibe with visits to Chinatown and Granville Island
- Enjoy views of Cascade Mountain as you ride the rails to Kamloops
- Traverse the Rockies to see the quaint town of Banff and visit Banff National Park
- Soak up the calm of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, surrounded by majestic peaks
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver | Vancouver |
| Day 2 | Train to Kamloops | Kamloops |
| Day 3 | Train to Banff | Banff |
| Day 4 | Guided Tour of Banff & Banff National Park | Banff |
| Day 5 | Guided Tour of Lake Louise & Moraine Lake, Transfer to Jasper | Jasper |
| Day 6 | Overnight Train to Vancouver | Overnight Train |
| Day 7 | Depart Vancouver |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, western Canada's coastal metropolis, where the sea and mountains meet. Upon arrival at the airport, take the Skytrain from the terminal or catch a cab downtown to your hotel. The influence of First Nations, Asian, and Anglo cultures enriches this cosmopolitan and modern city. Its compact center is easy to explore on foot, with highlights like Stanley Park and historic Gastown within easy reach. A great place to start sightseeing is at Granville Island's vibrant waterfront market, where you can sample local specialties in a buzzing, open-air atmosphere.
Just 15 minutes from downtown, visitors can ride the Skyride Gondola to the Peak of Vancouver for breathtaking views or enjoy distinctly British Columbian cuisine while overlooking the grandeur of the Lower Mainland, some 3,700 feet (1,128 m) below. Or visit Chinatown, rich in history and architecture. This area east of downtown has a central commercial area running around six blocks, where you'll find plenty of classic Asian specialty stores, with their wares piled by the sidewalk for perusing, as well as dim sum restaurants and apothecaries.
Day 2: Train to Kamloops
This morning you'll take a cab from your hotel to the Pacific Train Station, just 1 mile (2 km) from downtown Vancouver. Board the Rocky Mountaineer Train and travel from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. Pass dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of Fraser Valley to winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and the Cascade Mountains. See the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.
Follow the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Once settled at your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Stroll along the riverfront, then sample locally-grown food in one of the many downtown restaurants. You can visit parks such as Riverside Park, McArthur Island Park, or Kamloops Wildlife Park or go wine tasting at one of the many local vineyards such as Monte Creek Winery or Privato Vineyard and Winery.
Day 3: Train to Banff
Hop back on the Rocky Mountaineer Train at the Kamloops Station to continue eastward to the Canadian Rockies and into Alberta. Once again, you'll see spectacular scenery as you travel across ranchlands, rocky lakeshores, high mountain passes, and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of Canada's rich rail history. Highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels, and through the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. You'll arrive in Banff in the early evening.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Banff & Banff National Park
You'll stay put in Banff today to discover more of its natural wonders. Meet your guide and stroll through the bustling streets as you discover the area's exciting history and culture. You'll visit key landmarks, including Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, Lake Minnewanka, and the spectacular views at the Surprise Corner. On the way, you'll also soak up the breathtaking mountain vistas and learn about the native wildlife.
After lunch, continue to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, learning about the area's geological history and discovering the fascinating story of Banff National Park. The tour ends with a stop at the stunning Bow Valley Parkway, allowing you time to take in the superb views of the Rockies and the Bow River Valley. This is the perfect half-day tour to get the most out of your visit to Banff.Day 5: Guided Tour of Lake Louise & Moraine Lake, Transfer to Jasper
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the morning. Located in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is named after the moraines deposited by glaciers, giving the lake a distinctive blue color. Next, visit Lake Louise, with its turquoise waters and dazzling views of the Victoria Glacier. Your exploration of the Rockies will continue with a guided drive along the Icefields Parkway, a famous 144-mile (232 km) stretch of highway that winds through some of the most remarkable scenery in Canada.
Surrounded by soaring mountains and glaciers, you'll enter the gates of Jasper National Park. The largest Canadian national park in the Rocky Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 4,200 square miles (10,878 sq km). Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and black bears as you make your way to the charming town of Jasper for the night. Once you've checked in at your hotel, take some time to explore. Surrounded by mountains, breathe the fresh air as you browse the many excellent local shops and restaurants.
Day 6: Overnight Train to Vancouver
Board a morning train to travel through the Rockies and experience them like never before as you make your way out of Jasper. On this close to 24-hour journey to Vancouver, relax as you view the ever-shifting scenery on board and experience overnight train travel in your comfortable private cabin after dinner. You'll arrive in Vancouver the next morning.
Day 7: Depart Vancouver
Your great Canadian rail adventure draws to a close today as you arrive at the train station in Vancouver. A driver will meet you and take you to the airport, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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