Majestic Rockies by Rail and Road

canada rocky mountaineer vermilion lakes rm

Majestic Rockies by Rail and Road

from £2705 excluding flights

6 nights
May-Oct

Tailor-made
Canada
Rail
Self Drive

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Highlights

Wing mirror view of the Icefields Parkway

See lakes, glaciers and mountains along the Icefields Parkway

Spirit Island and Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park

Enjoy the many attractions of Jasper National Park

Sit back and relax on the Rocky Mountaineer

canada alberta athabasca glacier ice truck ctc

Explore the Athabasca Glacier on an Ice Explorer

Discover the town of Banff and its scenic surrounds

Step out onto the Glacier Skywalk for breathtaking views

Why this trip...

How you travel

This holiday features transport that is an integral part of the overall experience

Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Overview

This compact itinerary incorporates the main highlights of the Canadian Rockies in a memorable week’s adventure. Travel on the renowned Rocky Mountaineer train and drive along the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, often said to be one of the most scenic drives in the world.

The Rocky Mountaineer offers a world-renowned rail journey between Vancouver and Jasper, travelling through some of Canada’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The 2-day journey includes an overnight stay in a hotel in Kamloops, before continuing on to Jasper in the heart of the national park where your self-drive adventure begins.

Your itinerary includes 2-night stays in both Jasper and Banff, where you can pick your personal choice of included excursions to make the most of your Rockies experience. Choose a scenic lake cruise, canoe trip or gondola ride; you can be as active or relaxed as you like but the backdrop will be stunning whatever you choose! You’ll also drive the iconic Icefields Parkway via Lake Louise, and take a trip onto the Columbia Icefield with the chance to stand on an ancient river of ice.

Itinerary

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops, gateway to the interior of British Columbia. Breakfast and lunch included.

canada rocky mountaineer scenic rail journey rm

canada rocky mountaineer goldleaf host rm

Back on board the Rocky Mountaineer, continue to shadow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. Witness the beautiful Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres (12,972 feet). Upon arrival into Jasper collect your rental car. The rest of the day is free to explore and relax at your leisure. Breakfast and lunch included.

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Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Maligne Lake Cruise – take a scenic boat trip on one of Canada’s most spectacular lakes, home to the much-photographed Spirit Island. Jasper River Raft Float – take a gentle raft trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Jasper Nature Walk – this guided walk offers spectacular views of jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Maligne Lake Cruise – take a scenic boat trip on one of Canada’s most spectacular lakes, home to the much-photographed Spirit Island.

Jasper River Raft Float – take a gentle raft trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.

Jasper Nature Walk – this guided walk offers spectacular views of jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll discover a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over one hundred glaciers and pristine emerald-coloured lakes. Included today is the opportunity to brave the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform suspended almost 1000 feet high over the valley, and to set foot on ancient ice with an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier itself. As you continue your drive to Lake Louise you can also take in views of Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Bow Glacier, and Crowfoot Glacier. (Please note: mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).

canada alberta peyto lake along icefields parkway istk

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Take the short drive from Lake Louise to Banff today, travelling along the Bow Valley Parkway. This scenic road runs beside the Bow River and allows you the option to stop at the impressive Johnston Canyon. Take a walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Banff Gondola – enjoy impressive views over Banff National Park with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap. River Explorer Canoe Tour – pick up a paddle for a gentle exploration on the Bow River. Bow River Horseback Adventure – saddle up for a horse ride along the shores of Bow River.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Banff Gondola – enjoy impressive views over Banff National Park with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap.

River Explorer Canoe Tour – pick up a paddle for a gentle exploration on the Bow River.

Bow River Horseback Adventure – saddle up for a horse ride along the shores of Bow River.

canada horse riding in rocky mountains istk

Leave behind the fresh mountain air and majestic sights of the Rockies as you make your way to Calgary today.

This itinerary is also available in reverse, from Calgary to Vancouver.

Accommodation Options

With a wide choice of accommodation in Canada, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference – from motels and hotels to design properties and wilderness lodges in stunning locations.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists.

Excursions

Canada

Ice Explorer Glacier Tour

Price on request

1.5 hours | Apr-Oct

Located in Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield is the largest sub-polar body of ice in North America.

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Canada

Glacier Skywalk

Price on request

Variable hours | Apr-Oct

Not for the faint-hearted, this opportunity to step out over a glacial valley is rewarded with spectacular views from a unique new…

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Canada

Banff Gondola Ride, Banff

Price on request

Variable duration | Year round

Enjoy the 8-minute ascent to the top of Sulphur Mountain for an awe-inspiring 360 degree panorama over Banff National Park.

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Canada

Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Banff

Price on request

1 hours | May-Oct

A cruise on Lake Minnewanka reveals stunning wilderness scenery steeped in indigenous history.

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Canada

Bow River Horseback Adventure, Banff

Price on request

1 hours | Apr-Oct

Enjoy a relaxing guided horse ride along the banks of the beautiful Bow River, set against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

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Canada

River Explorer Canoe Tour, Banff

Price on request

1.5 hours | May-Sep

Enjoy an active adventure as you paddle a traditional Voyageur-style canoe on the tranquil Bow River.

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Canada

Maligne Lake Cruise

Price on request

1.5 hours | May-Oct

Take a scenic cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake, surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Rockies and home to…

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Canada

Jasper Rafting Float Trip

Price on request

2.5 hours | May-Oct

Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £2705 excluding flights

Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Vancouver to Jasper
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches on board Rocky Mountaineer
Intermediate car hire including GPS, unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability (Jasper to Calgary)
Choice of excursion in Jasper: Maligne Lake Cruise / River Raft Float / Jasper Nature Walk
Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
Glacier Skywalk
Choice of excursion in Banff: Banff Gondola / Lake Minnewanka Cruise / River Explorer Canoe tour / Bow River Horseride
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

Prices

This itinerary starts from around £2,705 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, with SilverLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, upgrade to GoldLeaf on Rocky Mountaineer, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.