What To Expect

Day 1: Vancouver → Rocky Mountaineer Train → Kamloops: From Pacific Coast to Interior Canyons

• This is a self guided tour : No Westar travel guide Meeting Place : Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2L8 Morning Please arrive at Vancouver Station at least 1 hour prior to departure for check-in. Departure is at 7:30am Pacific Time You board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver and head east through the Fraser Valley’s green farmland before entering the dramatic Fraser Canyon. Midday, you pass through Hell’s Gate, where the Fraser River rushes through a narrow gorge, and see historic rock sheds protecting the railway. In the afternoon, the route follows the Thompson River, with scenery shifting from forest to semi-desert landscapes, before finishing along Kamloops Lake as you arrive in Kamloops in the evening.

  Duration: 11 hours

  Admission Included: YES

• Evening : Overnight to your Hotel Accomodation Arrive in Kamloops between approximately 6:00pm and 7:30pm PT. After disembarking, transfer to your hotel. All accommodations in Kamloops are of moderate standard and will be assigned post-booking. Enjoy the evening at leisure — explore the city, dine at a local restaurant, or relax in your hotel room after a full day of spectacular scenery. Important Note : Arrival time in Kamloops may vary depending on rail traffic and operational conditions.

  Accommodation: Yes

Day 2: Kamloops → Rocky Mountaineer Train → Banff: Into the Heart of the Canadian Rockies

• Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Kamloops Station at 6:25am PT, your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

  Duration: 12 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Your rail journey ends this evening upon arrival in Banff, between 7:00pm and 8:30pm MT. **Your Guide for the next day will contact you for the next day departure time and itinerary arrangement**

  Accommodation: Yes

Day 3: Banff → Banff Gondola → Bow Falls → Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel → Johnston Canyon → Banff (overnight)

• Glide up Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking 360° views. Feel like you're on top of the world as the Rockies stretch endlessly before you. (Optional, additional charge)

  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Witness these fascinating rock spires shaped by centuries of wind and water. A must-see geological wonder with stunning views of the Bow Valley!

  Duration: 15 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• Feel the power of the cascading waters as they roar over rocky ledges. A short walk brings you up close to this iconic natural wonder.

  Duration: 15 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• Discover this hidden viewpoint with a picture-perfect panorama of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, framed by towering peaks and the rushing Bow River.

  Duration: 15 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, also known as the “Castle of the Rockies” has a history of more than one hundred years. You can lunch in this gorgeous hotel if you would like to add [French Brasserie] (Optional, Additional charge). This iconic gem is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains with the clear Bow River at its feet. The snow on the peaks, the blue sky, and the cool air are enough to make you feel like one with nature.

  Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• As Banff National Park’s most popular hiking destination, you won’t want to miss Johnston Canyon. Johnston Canyon is carved into the limestone bedrock from thousands of years of water erosion. On this hike, you will be immersed into a beautiful scene of overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest. Every moment at Johnston Canyon is a memory as you explore depths and different perspectives of the beautiful gorge.

  Duration: 1 hour

  Admission Included: YES

Day 4: Banff → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Yoho National Park → Emerald Lake → Natural Bridge → Banff (overnight)

• Step into a fairytale as you admire the lake’s famous turquoise waters with the grand Fairmont Château Lake Louise as your backdrop. Don’t forget to capture the perfect memory!

  Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• [Moraine Lake](Open Seasonal/*Alternative Attractions: Lake Minnewanka / Vermilion Lakes*). Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity throughout the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the [Ten Peaks], Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal.

  Duration: 1 hour

  Admission Included: YES

• This is your lunch stop. You can enjoy the Asian or Western Set Lunch there. (Optional, Additional charges)

  Duration: 45 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• True to its name, this hidden gem stuns with its deep green hues. Take a peaceful lakeside stroll and immerse yourself in the tranquility.

  Duration: 20 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• Stop at the Natural Bridge along the way and admire the Kicking Horse River as it carves a path through ancient rock. You can view the incredible natural formation from different perspectives at vantage points with interpretive displays that tell you about interesting facts about Natural Bridge. This beautiful scenery is enhanced with the scenic mountains and lush forests in the background.

  Duration: 15 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

Day 5: Banff → Crowfoot Glacier → Bow Lake → Peyto Lake → Icefields Parkway → Columbia Icefield → Calgary

• A breathtaking sight along the Icefields Parkway, this glacier was named for its original three "toes." Though it has partially receded, you can still admire its icy blue beauty as we pass by, offering a glimpse of the ever-changing landscapes of the Canadian Rockies.

  Accommodation: Yes

• A peaceful alpine lake where the reflections of surrounding glaciers create a mesmerizing view. Perfect for a quiet moment of awe.

  Duration: 20 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• One of the world’s most scenic drives, this legendary highway winds through towering peaks, ancient glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. As we journey along, enjoy breathtaking views of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife along the way!

  Accommodation: Yes

• Hike up to the viewpoint and be rewarded with a breathtaking wolf-head-shaped lake! The bright blue waters are even more stunning in person.

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• Experience the thrill of riding a massive Ice Explorer Snowcoach onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Step onto the ice, feel the crunch beneath your feet, and drink pure glacial water straight from the source—an unforgettable moment in the heart of the Canadian Rockies! Seasonal & Alternative Arrangements Ice Explorer Snowcoach (optional add on activity): Operates May 1 to October 12

  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Today’s tour concludes with drop-off in Banff, Calgary, or Calgary International Airport, marking the end of your Rocky Mountaineer journey and Canadian Rockies experience. Arrival time in Calgary may vary depending on schedule, traffic and weather conditions. For Domestic flights, please book the flight departing on/ after 21:30. For international flights, please book the flight departing on/ after 22:30. Thank you!

  Accommodation: Yes