Canadian Rockies by Rail

DAY 1: WELCOME TO CANADA!

Fly to Calgary and gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a festive welcome dinner at your hotel. D

DAY 2: CALGARY/BANFF

Begin with a sightseeing tour along the route from Calgary to Banff with stops at various viewpoints for your first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies. The breathtaking views will not stop here as you will take part in a tour of the Banff Gondola and Interpretive Centre and ascend 2,292 feet up Sulphur Mountain in an enclosed gondola cabin. The next two nights you will call Banff your home away from home. B, D

DAY 3: LAKE LOUISE/YOHO NATIONAL PARK/EMERALD

Morning sightseeing takes us to natural elements that have defined the look of this area of the Rocky Mountains. Highlights will include Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, and Natural Bridge. A feat to behold are the Spiral Railway tunnels — engineers circled the track to gain elevation, which results in freight trains crossing over themselves! Enjoy an included lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge, set on a private island amongst the beautiful turquoise waters of Emerald Lake. This afternoon, simply enjoy wandering the quaint streets of Banff before a relaxing dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 4: ICEFIELDS PARKWAY/COLUMBIA ICEFIELD

Ice is the theme of today’s touring as you travel north along the scenic Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. Numerous photos stops will be made along the way as you pass Bow Lake, Athabasca Falls, and the Columbia Icefields. Explore the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and ride an all-terrain Ice Explorer onto the surface of Athabasca Glacier. Later, take in the spectacular scenery of the Sunwapta Valley from a 918-foot glacier skywalk. B, L

DAY 5: JASPER/MALIGNE LAKE CRUISE

After breakfast, we’ll explore the Jasper area with a sightseeing tour. Highlights include Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon, and the Athabasca viewpoint. Continue to the stunning Maligne Lake, where a guided cruise carries you across glacial waters to iconic Spirit Island for a peaceful nature walk surrounded by towering peaks. This afternoon, stroll through the quaint shops of downtown Jasper and enjoy one of the local restaurants for dinner on your own. B, L

DAY 6: ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAILWAY TO KAMLOOPS

All aboard! Experience some of North America’s most stunning scenery while indulging in luxurious GoldLeaf service on the famed Rocky Mountaineer train. Highlights include Mount Robson (tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies), Pyramid Falls, the North Thompson River, teal-green lakes, stunning glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer glides into Kamloops. B, L

DAY 7: ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAILWAY TO VANCOUVER

Start this morning with a delicious breakfast aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Passing into British Columbia’s interior towards the Pacific Coast, today’s journey features dramatic changes in scenery as the desert-like environment of the interior gradually gives way to lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Scenic highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes along the Thompson River. At the end of the day disembark in the amazing city of Vancouver. B, L

DAY 8: GASTOWN/STANLEY PARK/PUBLIC MARKET

This morning, experience Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park, including its famous totem poles and Brockton Point Lighthouse. See the marvelous steam-powered clock in Gastown and Vancouver’s Olympic legacy at the Olympic Cauldron. At Granville Island’s Public Market, choose from a variety of food vendors for lunch. This evening, you’ll enjoy our farewell to Canada dinner. B, D

DAY 9: FAREWELL

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport, taking with you countless new memories! B

QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS:

Night 1: Delta Calgary Downtown, Calgary, AB
Nights 2-3: Banff Ptarmigan Inn, Banff, AB
Nights 4-5: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper, AB
Night 6: Kamloops hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Rail, BC
Nights 7-8: Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver, BC

Dates:

Sep 28-Oct 6, 2027

Price Per Person:

Double: $7,597
Single: $8,995

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:

Call for pricing

Depart/Return:

Chicago, IL

Inclusions:

Round-trip airfare from O'Hare (ORD) included
Free airport shuttle
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included driver, attraction, and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time

Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Departure Time

Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking

Our pre- and post-tour hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Vehicle parking during the tour is not included. If you need parking, please contact us in advance, and we will be happy to discuss available options.

Walking Distance

To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate and moveable walkways are not common throughout European Airports as they are in the United States.

Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Average Temps

September – High of 55°F, low of 30°F

Currency

Canadian Dollar

Time Zone

Mountain and Pacific

Hotel Amenities

Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.

Additional Information

A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on the tour is casual. Pack plenty of clothes that can be layered because temperatures may vary from quite chilly to quite warm depending on elevation and mountain locations.

A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.

Elevations on this tour may exceed 7,000 feet above sea level.

Closed toe shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for the Athabasca Glacier experience.

There are two days of train rides featured on this tour, and there are several large steps involved in getting on and off the train.

Travel Protection Available?

Yes, view Travel Protection Information.