The following package of excursions are included:
Experience the majestic Canadian Rockies without ever having to get behind the wheel. This is the perfect tour for those who want to visit the iconic Banff and Jasper National Parks, combined with a truly unforgettable train journey. Ideal if you prefer not to organise your own transport and you value comfort at every step.
Your adventure begins in the western city of Calgary, where you’ll spend your first night getting acclimatised after a long journey. After a relaxing morning in Calgary, your guide will meet you and the adventure into the Canadian Rocky Mountains – also known as the Canadian Rockies – truly begins.
You’ll stay in the charming mountain town of Banff, nestled right inside Banff National Park. From here, you’ll set out to explore the area’s scenic wonders, including a thrilling trip to the heights of Sulphur Mountain.
The tour continues to one of the country’s most famous glacial lakes, Lake Louise, where you’ll spend one night in the nearby village, Lake Louise village.
Travelling the iconic 230 km Icefields Parkway, your journey heads towards yet another highlight: Jasper National Park.
Along the way, you’ll stop at the foot of the Athabasca Glacier, where a specially equipped bus will take you out onto the glacier itself, letting you feel the solid ice beneath your feet. Afterwards, enjoy a walk on the area’s glass bridge, suspending you 280 metres above Sunwapta Valley.
Jasper National Park offers both free time to explore at your own pace and an evening safari in search of local wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot moose, eagles, or even bears.
From here, your luxury train journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer begins, taking you during daylight hours across Canada’s spectacular landscapes – from the dramatic peaks of the Rockies, past waterfalls, rushing rivers, and lush valleys, all the way to the vibrant city of Vancouver on the Pacific coast. You’ll stay overnight in the western town of Kamloops along the route to truly soak in the stunning scenery.
Charming Vancouver awaits with plenty of free time and the chance to book optional tours to the city’s top attractions.
The day has arrived for your tour to Canada to begin. You’ll depart from your selected airport, with a connecting flight along the way, before arriving later in the day in Calgary, located in the province of Alberta.
Upon arrival, you'll proceed through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, follow the signs to your preferred mode of transport to your city-centre hotel in Calgary. Taxis to the city centre cost approximately 40–60 CAD, depending on traffic.
Once you reach your hotel, you’re free to either relax after your long journey or head out to start exploring the city.
*If you’d prefer to pre-book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, expect to pay around 200 CAD for two people.
You’ll probably wake up early today, but the promise of crisp mountain air will soon help you overcome your jet lag. After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have some time to explore Calgary before returning to your hotel and joining the group transfer to Banff.
Calgary is known for its annual Stampede Festival and sits between the rushing Bow River, the dramatic Rocky Mountains, and wide-open prairie. Be sure to visit Calgary Tower, which at 191 metres offers incredible views over the city skyline and the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies on the horizon.
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Calgary and continue your journey into Banff, the oldest and one of the most iconic national parks in the Canadian Rockies.
After a couple of hours, you'll arrive in the charming mountain town of Banff, situated within Banff National Park itself. The Bow River runs through the town, and we highly recommend strolling to the famous Bow Falls, easily reached on foot along well-maintained paths or by bike.
End your day the Canadian way with a soak in the natural hot springs at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Imagine rounding off an active day in water heated to 37–40°C, with views over Mt Rundle and Cascade Mountain. You can get here by shuttle bus. Tickets for the hot springs are purchased locally at reception.
Your day will begin with breakfast at your hotel, after which you’ll set off with your guide and fellow travellers to explore the charming town of Banff and the surrounding national park, where a wealth of natural wonders awaits.
Just when you think you’ve experienced the spectacular mountains from ground level, you’ll see them from a whole new perspective as you ascend aboard the Banff Gondola. In less than eight minutes, you’ll be whisked nearly 700 metres up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Here, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views over Bow Valley, the town of Banff and a staggering six mountain ranges.
The tour then continues to Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies. Here, you’ll enjoy a cruise on this vast glacial lake, renowned for its mirror-like surface and breathtaking surroundings*.
*The cruise on Lake Minnewanka operates only once the snow has melted – typically from mid-May to mid-October. If you arrive during a snowy period, the cruise will not be available.
You’ll spend your morning in the town of Banff before being picked up from your hotel around midday. The tour then continues to one of its undisputed highlights: Lake Louise – one of the country’s most iconic glacier lakes. Seeing it in photos is one thing, but standing before those emerald-green waters, framed by majestic mountains, is something else entirely.
Perched on the shores of Lake Louise is the impressive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This evening, you may wish to enjoy dinner at the sophisticated Lakeview Lounge restaurant (transport to and from your hotel, as well as table reservations, are at your own expense and responsibility).
Take some time to explore the breathtaking natural scenery on foot, or hire a kayak or canoe right outside the Fairmont Chateau. Alternatively, simply sit by the water’s edge and let time pause for a while, or stroll along the lake shore to admire different views from every angle.
If you’re lucky enough to be here on a clear evening, delight in the brilliant orange glow of the sunset as it touches the mountain peaks, with the lake mirroring the sky’s bright orange and pink hues.
If you’re travelling after June 1st, today’s route includes the renowned Moraine Lake, which opens on that date. Access to Moraine Lake is only available to licensed transport companies, and it is therefore not overcrowded. Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake was once featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar note. While the lake is a popular attraction, witnessing it in person is truly breathtaking – one of those moments where words simply fail you, and every photo looks worthy of a poster.
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and the journey continues onwards to Jasper National Park. Today’s route is undeniably in the “extraordinary” category, as you will travel along the legendary Icefields Parkway – a breathtaking drive home to more than a hundred visible glaciers, turquoise lakes, and thundering waterfalls. The road is named after the Columbia Icefields, the largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies. Need we say more?
Settle back in the warmth of your seat and watch the spectacular scenery unfold before you like a film, with natural wonders ahead such as Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls, weather permitting.
And just when you’re completely relaxed, it’s time to step out and become part of the landscape as you stop at the famous Athabasca Glacier. Seeing isn’t believing today – you’ll also get to feel. You’ll board one of the huge all-terrain “Ice Explorer” vehicles which will whisk you up onto the glacier itself. As you ride, you’ll discover more about the area’s geological history, before the chance to alight and step out onto ice formed by snowflakes that fell nearly 400 years ago. Warm clothing is highly recommended.
You’ll also dare to walk the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield Skywalk: a glass-floored walkway with breathtaking views across the Sunwapta Valley, some 280 metres below your feet.
After these adrenaline-fuelled experiences, you’ll enjoy a lunch break with a buffet meal included at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, before your route continues on to Jasper National Park.
The rest of the day is yours to spend however you wish.
You will have most of the day free to enjoy the charming mountain town of Jasper at your own leisure. Take advantage of the local shuttle buses, which include a route to the popular attraction Jasper SkyTram, or hire a bicycle and explore the stunning scenery of the area, which is part of the UNESCO world heritage list.
Even in such a spectacular setting, you can’t lose track of time completely, as a memorable encounter with Jasper’s nature awaits you this evening on a guided dusk excursion with a small group.* You’ll be picked up in a minivan from your hotel – or a nearby one – and set off for the spots in the park your guide reckons offer the best chance of today’s main attractions: bears, elk, eagles, and mountain goats. As you eagerly search for wildlife, your local guide will take you to corners of the park that most travellers never get to see. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, you’ll undoubtedly return with fantastic memories. After about 3 hours, you’ll be dropped back at the meeting point, from where you can head back to your hotel.
Please note that during the afternoon you will need to check in for tomorrow's train journey at a nearby hotel in Jasper (details of where and when you can check in with a Rocky Mountaineer representative can be found in your travel documents).
*Evening safari in Jasper: please check your voucher for your meeting time and location.
From the early morning, you're in for one of the real highlights of this tour: the Rocky Mountaineer train – an experience that is far more than just a train journey.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by the train’s staff, complete with a red carpet greeting, and shown to your seat. Once the journey is underway, it’s time for breakfast. By default, you’ll travel in Silver Leaf class, where meals are served at your seat. If you upgrade to Gold Leaf, you’ll enjoy your meals in the train’s dedicated dining car. Whichever class you choose, you can look forward to a menu of freshly prepared dishes made with local ingredients – the meals alone are a memorable part of the journey.
While savouring the train’s delicious breakfast and lunch, the dramatic scenery of the Rocky Mountains unfolds before you through the train’s large windows – the so-called glass domes – and you’ll find that your coffee has never tasted better.
It’s easy to forget you’re even on a train. From your seat, you’re effortlessly drawn into the incredible landscapes outside – vistas you’ll be able to soak up during the daylight hours over the coming days.
From the snow-capped peaks and glacial vistas of the Rockies to the river valleys winding through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains – today’s journey includes highlights such as Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll also pass the impressive Pyramid Falls, traverse Yellowhead Pass, and follow the rushing Thompson River as you draw closer to Kamloops, where you’ll spend the evening and night.
Upon arrival in Kamloops, you’ll have a transfer waiting to take you to your hotel, and the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Please note: only your hand luggage travels with you on the train. Your main luggage will be transported separately and will be waiting in your hotel room when you arrive in Kamloops.
Estimated train journey time: 10 hours
On selected dates, it’s possible to upgrade to GoldLeaf (upon request). Find out about the differences here.
Your train journey continues today from Kamloops towards the vibrant city of Vancouver, nestled on the Pacific coast.
You’ll be collected from your hotel in the morning and transferred to the railway station.
Just like yesterday, your day begins with a delicious breakfast in the train’s restaurant, where you can enjoy spectacular views as the landscape transforms. The tracks wind through rugged mountain slopes, deep river valleys, and lush green plains.
On the way, you’ll pass Hell’s Gate – a dramatic 35-metre-wide gorge where the Fraser River thunders through, pushing an astonishing 757 million litres of water every minute. It’s an awe-inspiring display of nature’s power.
Your journey continues past the remarkable railway feat at Cisco Crossing, where you can witness two rail bridges crossing over each other above the Fraser River.
In the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive in Vancouver where you are transported very close to your hotel.
You’ll be staying in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach both restaurants and major attractions.
Estimated train journey time: 9–10 hours
The day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your leisure.
It can be a little overwhelming deciding where to begin, but we’ve made it easy: your package includes a day pass for the iconic hop-on hop-off buses, which whisk you efficiently between the city’s highlights*.
We highly recommend paying a visit to the urban oasis of Stanley Park. The park boasts the Vancouver Seawall, a path designed for walkers and cyclists alike. Here, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of city and nature—with majestic trees, the shimmering sea, and Vancouver’s impressive skyline all in view. Within Stanley Park, don’t miss the famous totem poles, dating back to the 1880s. Their beautiful carvings and vibrant colours share stories of the First Nations peoples and their achievements.
In the city’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown, you’ll find one of the world’s only steam-powered clocks—the Gastown Steam Clock, built in 1977 and still “whistling” on the hour every hour. This area charms with its cobblestone streets and vintage gas lamps, making it the perfect spot to discover cosy eateries and soak up the local atmosphere.
If you’re up for an adventure at height, don’t miss one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions: Capilano Suspension Bridge, located just outside the city. Spanning 137 metres and suspended 70 metres above the ground, it’s truly a thrilling experience. As nearly 1.2 million people visit each year, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. This also includes complimentary return transfers from a designated pick-up point in central Vancouver.
Complete your stay with a trip to the delightful Granville Island, where the bustling public market offers tempting treats for food lovers, and where you can browse charming shops selling locally produced arts and crafts. We recommend visiting during the daytime while the shops are open, as most of the eateries tend to close earlier in the evening.
*Included Hop-On Hop-Off bus transport: Details about the meeting point can be found on your voucher. This is first redeemed at Canada Place; it’s valid for 24 hours from then, giving you the freedom to hop on and off as often as you wish.
Today marks the end of your Canadian adventure.
You'll check out of your hotel and make your way to Vancouver International Airport, just under 13 km from the city centre, by Uber or taxi. Please check your travel itinerary for exact departure times and allow yourself ample time to get to the airport (see our practical information for guidance on recommended arrival times).
You may also wish to extend your stay in Vancouver, or perhaps visit Toronto or New York on your way home?
Today you will return home after an unforgettable journey through Western Canada.
From £839 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £839
Single room supplement from £389
Fancy exploring the vibrant streets of Toronto and getting up close to the spectacular Niagara Falls? Extend your tour with a 3-night stay in Toronto, and experience the best of city life and breathtaking nature – all without the need for a car.
In Toronto, you’ll have free time to discover the city’s many fascinating neighbourhoods at your own pace. We've also included a real highlight – quite literally – with a trip to the top of the iconic CN Tower, where you’ll be treated to a thrilling panoramic view of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.
You also have a day dedicated to the power of water, as you’ll embark on a guided tour to Niagara Falls, with time to explore on your own. Look forward to a boat ride that takes you right up to the thundering waterfalls. On your return journey, you’ll pass through the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, famous for its locally produced ice wine made from grapes grown in the nearby vineyards. Your guide will take care of all the transport for the group to and from Toronto, so you can simply sit back, relax, and soak up the natural wonders around you.
From £739 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £739
Single room supplement from £389
In the northern United States, in the state of Illinois – on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Midwest – lies a gem of an American city: Chicago. It’s the United States’ third-largest city after New York City and Los Angeles, yet despite its size, it feels wonderfully local and is easy to get around. In the mid-19th century, as the railways expanded through Chicago, it grew from a small trading post into a true metropolis and industrial powerhouse. Its geographical location made it a vital commercial corridor and, to this day, it remains the country’s busiest rail hub – also known as the "Railroad Capital of America". People moved here from all over the country, laying the foundations for the diversity that still defines the city. The locals are proud of their city – and it’s easy to see why.
Chicago offers world-class museums, interactive public spaces, historic theatres, and green oases, with skyscrapers standing in striking contrast to the Chicago River as it cuts through the city. There’s also a vibrant evening scene with plenty of blues music and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. It’s a winning combination for adults and children alike, with time to delve into the culture and history, and to shop along the famous Magnificent Mile.
From £659 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £659
Single room supplement from £349
Complete your tour with a stay in the metropolis, New York City, which is completely its own. Let yourself be carried away by the pulse of the city, which is sure to overwhelm and fascinate you at the same time.
The Big Apple has everything, right from magnificent architecture, art and culture to history and money. New York is hard to describe in words, it has to be experienced physically – no matter where you go, or what you do, it is as if it is only to be found here.
Look forward to a cruise of southern Manhattan, where, among other attractions, you will see Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty with her crown and her torch held up in symbolic immortalisation of the concepts of openness, freedom and hope.
You have the rest of the time at your own disposal, and you can turn your activity level both up and down.
When you are in New York, you are spoilt for choice: walk across Brooklyn Bridge, take a rowboat ride in Central Park, taste local delicacies in the Meatpacking District, see the John Lennon memorial ‘Imagine’ or get goose bumps at One World Trade Center.
You can also experience world-class museums such as MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Natural History Museum.
If you want the full ‘New Yorker experience’, you should not miss out on a Broadway musical or a visit to a blues or jazz bar.
The extension includes domestic flight to New York City with 3 nights in Manhattan and a guided cruise of southern Manhattan.
Children under 12 years from £4719
Single room supplement from £889
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
