Discover the magic of the Canadian Rockies by rail and car, taking to the wide-open road with the freedom to discover Banff National Park at your leisure and riding the iconic daylight-only route of the Rocky Mountaineer.

Your rail and drive adventure through the Canadian Rockies commences as you arrive in Calgary. This big small town is set in Canada's western prairies, and despite its skyscrapers and amenities, it retains its "Cowtown" essence at its core. Pick up your rental car, and then watch as Calgary's contrasts come to life as you set out into Alberta. Your drive today takes you west through the city, ranching lands, Kananaskis Country, prairies, and mountains. Stunning glacier-fed lakes and impressive peaks guide the final miles as you through Banff and finally arrive in Lake Louise. Overnight Lake Louise.

Wake up surrounded by the beauty of the crown jewel of Banff National Park, Lake Louise. Spend some time admiring the lake and the surrounding sights before taking to the road to drive toward Banff. You may wish to begin your journey by heading the opposite way, toward Jasper, along Icefields Parkway, rated as one of the top scenic byways in North America. Pause your route at Columbia Icefield to ride an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier or look out over the amazing views from the Glacier Skywalk. Alternatively, explore Yoho National Park, where beloved sites include the Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake. Heading deeper into Banff National Park toward the town site, marvel at the beauty of the Bow River and notable peaks, including Mount Temple, Castle Mountain, and Cascade Mountain. Stop off at any point to explore the majestic scenery. The rest of the day is yours to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight Banff.

Today you have the freedom to explore Banff at your own pace. You may wish to hang out in Banff's townsite, filled with shops and restaurants, or ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Alternatively, you could cruise Banff's largest lake, Lake Minnewanka, or drive between the other bodies of water throughout the park, including iconic Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake. Adventure seekers can book a helicopter ride from Canmore to get a bird's eye view of the Canadian Rockies. However you choose to spend your day, return your rental car before enjoying your last evening at leisure in Banff. Overnight Banff.

A complimentary transfer takes you to the station, where your journey aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer begins. Settle into your domed-glass carriage and relax in your plush reclining seat as breathtaking panoramas unfold en route to Kamloops. Look over the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and pine forests. Enjoy views of the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Canyon. The train climbs over Rogers Pass, continues past Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, and winds through remarkable mountain tunnels. Enjoy fantastic meals prepared by the onboard chef while rocky lakeshores transform into ranchlands and the arid surroundings of Kamloops, where we disembark the train for the evening. Overnight Kamloops.

Rejoining the Rocky Mountaineer, skirt the shores of Kamloops Lake as the journey sets underway once more. The day starts in the desert-like interior, venturing alongside the Thompson River, passing its rock sheds, and climbing its steep slopes. Other highlights include Fraser's Canyon and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate. The terrain gets decidedly more lush as the Rocky Mountaineer traverses winding river canyons and through forests. Marvel at inspiring views of the Cascade and Coast Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. British Columbia is rife with natural beauty, all of which is yours to behold while nearing Vancouver. You have the rest of the day to settle into this dynamic destination on arrival. The eclectic neighborhoods, fantastic culinary scene, and excellent oceanside positioning give you much to discover while in the city. Overnight Vancouver.

Your expedition through the Canadian Rockies concludes this morning. You can opt to extend your vacation with another night in Vancouver or make your way to Vancouver's airport for your return flight home.

Superior
• Hotels include Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Moose Hotel & Suites , and Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. Kamloops hotel is included and will be confirmed upon check-in for the train.
• Rocky Mountaineer accommodations are in SilverLeaf Service. Seats are in a single level dome car with oversized windows.
• Gourmet meals are included on the train and served to you at your seat.

Deluxe
• Hotels include Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Banff Springs, and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. Kamloops hotel is included and will be confirmed upon check-in for the train.
• Rocky Mountaineer accommodations are in GoldLeaf Service. You will be traveling in a bi-level dome car with your seats being on the upper level of the car. You will have exclusive access to an outdoor viewing platform.
• Gourmet meal service is included on the train and served on the lower level of the car.

Deluxe Plus
• Hotels include upgraded rooms at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Banff Springs, and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. Kamloops hotel is included and will be confirmed upon check-in for the train.
• Rocky Mountaineer accommodations are in GoldLeaf Service. You will be traveling in a bi-level dome car with your seats being on the second level of the car. You will have exclusive access to an outdoor viewing platform.
• Gourmet meal service is included on the train and served on the lower level of the car.

Please note all accommodations in Kamloops are of moderate standard and any applicable parking fees during the trip are not included.

The world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train offers a unique and memorable trip through one of the most diverse countries in the world. On board, you'll see spectacular vistas that you can't experience through any other mode of travel, all viewed through a stunning panoramic glass dome so you won't miss a thing.

As you board the Rocky Mountaineer you are treated to a 5-star welcome with the highest attention to detail. There are two excellent levels of service, Silverleaf and Goldleaf. We travel in SilverLeaf Service as standard, which a single level dome carriage providing magnificent panoramic views. Meals are expertly prepared by award-winning chefs and served at your comfortable seat, with gourmet breakfast and lunch options served alongside complimentary local wine or beer.

Upgrades to the Goldleaf service are available, which offers two-storey carriages, unparalleled comfort and 360° views from fully glass-domed carriages. On both services the food is outstanding, but on the Goldleaf Service you can head downstairs to the restaurant for your gourmet meals. The train only operates in daylight hours so you don't miss a second of the incredible Canadian countryside.

Journey from the vibrant city of Vancouver to Banff, set within the stunning surroundings of the Canadian Rockies, aboard Rocky Mountaineer on its First Passage to the West route. The original course for the train, this route features incredible views of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, crosses the Continental Divide, winds through spiral tunnels, and passes by beautiful mountain peaks in its pursuit of Banff. The journey takes place by daylight only, allowing travelers to capture all the route's majesty. 

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Select from a variety of exciting excursions and sightseeing opportunities to enhance your rail vacation.