From Vancouver to Lake Louise and Banff National Park, immerse yourself in the beauty of Western Canada on this journey featuring the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer

 Western Canada is filled with contrasts, with cultural cities surrounded by unending nature, and it is yours to behold as your vacation begins today in Vancouver. As you arrive, make your way to your conveniently located hotel to check in for the first of two nights.

Take the rest of the day to get to know this coastal city, either on your own or by adding an optional 48-hour Hop-on/Hop-off bus pass. This pass allows you to uncover Vancouver at your own pace as you make a loop of the city, stopping at more than 30 of the best attractions, including Gastown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, English Bay, and the shops and restaurants along Robson Street. If one of the stops piques your interest, feel free to "hop off" to better explore its features before continuing your tour on another bus.

Vancouver's oceanside location makes fresh seafood a menu staple at the city's eateries. You might like to sample it for yourself at one of the city's trendy restaurants. Overnight Vancouver.

 The "City of Glass" is filled with incredible architecture, fascinating neighborhoods and sprawling ocean views. There are beautiful green spaces to explore, including Stanley Park, larger than New York's Central Park, and points of interest that speak to broad interests. Whether you crave nature, culture or history, you are free to delve into Vancouver's many sides with a full free day.

You might like to explore Vancouver's varied museum offerings at the Museum of Anthropology or the Vancouver Art Gallery. The Gastown neighborhood is easily accessible and has an enchanting juxtaposition of Victorian architecture and trendy restaurants and breweries. A walk along Stanley Park's Seawall reveals incredible seaside views and provides access to the city's beaches, as well as a range of monuments and statues.

For a more structured day, you might like to continue using your optional 48-hour Hop-on/Hop-off pass or choose one of the following optional excursions, which are available at a supplement. Overnight Vancouver.

Optional Excursions:

• Granville Island Foodie Tour: Find yourself immersed in the unique culinary offerings of Granville Island on a guided walking tour. The culture and flavors of Western Canada are brought to life as you venture through numerous food stalls selling fresh produce and seafood, sweets, and prepared food options. As you explore, enjoy tastes of everything from local cheeses and smoked salmon to sourdough bread, coffee and chocolate truffles.
• Victoria Day Trip: Ferry from mainland Vancouver to the southern tip of Vancouver Island for a day filled with charm in Victoria on departures after May 1st. Get to know this destination, whose British colonial influences are still visible in its beautiful architecture and quaint atmosphere. Enjoy some time to see the Inner Harbour and wander the colorful displays of Butchart Gardens before returning to Vancouver.
• Whale Watching Tour: A fantastic mixture of adventure and wildlife lies ahead on this nature tour, which is available for departures after May 1st. A float plane takes you away from the city and out to your boat for a day spent on the water searching for the Pacific's marine life, including orcas and whales, including humpback, minke, fin and grey. You may also see seals, otters and sea birds before returning to Vancouver by float plane.
• City Sightseeing Tour: This sightseeing excursion offers an in-depth look at Vancouver and its rich array of offerings on a half-day guided tour. Get a look at the city's diverse neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Gastown, and points of interest like Canada Place and English Bay. You will also venture into Stanley Park to see its totem poles before the tour concludes.

 Your journey into the Canadian Rockies kicks off this morning as an included transfer takes you to Vancouver's railway station to board Canada's beloved luxury train, Rocky Mountaineer. Your seat for this adventure is in SilverLeaf Service in comfortable, reclining seats in a single-level glass-lined carriage; however, an upgrade to GoldLeaf is available at a supplement.

Admire the breathtaking scenery and breakfast at your seat as you are whisked east through the Coastal Mountains to the Fraser River, which leads the path to tonight's destination: Kamloops. Your onboard hosts share detailed commentary on the region through which you're traveling and tell stories as the route unfolds.

Lunch is also served as the train weaves through British Columbia, with scenic highlights including the rushing waters of Hell's Gate deep in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes leading into the Thompson River.

As the train arrives in Kamloops this evening, you are transferred to your hotel, where the evening is free to stroll the quaint town at leisure. Overnight Kamloops. 

 Transferring back to the station this morning, step aboard Rocky Mountaineer and take your seat for a day of magnificent scenery and cuisine as you continue into Banff National Park to Lake Louise. The route begins amidst the arid landscapes of Kamloops and eventually becomes more lush as lakes and foothills come into view.

The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as mountains pepper the horizon and, eventually, surround the tracks. Enjoy breakfast and lunch at your seat as highlights like Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railroad was driven, Rogers Pass, and the Spiral Tunnels come into view.

Later this afternoon, the train arrives in Lake Louise, one of the most popular destinations within Banff National Park. Its stunning turquoise water and mountainous surroundings are enchanting and provide a perfect complement to the beautiful architecture of your five-star hotel here, the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Check in for the first of two nights and enjoy a free evening in these beautiful surroundings. You might like to enhance your stay by upgrading to a lakeview room. Overnight Lake Louise.

 With a full day at leisure in Lake Louise, you can soak up nature's majesty while exploring or relax in the Chateau's opulent surroundings.

Lake Louise is surrounded by hiking trails catering to all activity levels, including the Lake Louise Lakefront Trail, which offers fantastic views from every angle. You can stay on this trail for a short journey or connect the Lakefront Trail with the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail for an even more impressive adventure. During the summer months, you can even get out on the lake, with canoe rentals available at Chateau Lake Louise's Boathouse.

For a more relaxing day, you might like to book a bespoke treatment in the onsite spa, with options ranging from massages to facials, or visit BASIN Glacial Waters, a hydrotherapy facility. Here, you can enjoy an indoor-outdoor relaxation experience with waters of varying temperatures. Enjoy cascades and plunge pools, saunas and steam therapy in magnificent surroundings.

You could also choose a supplemental excursion for the day. Overnight Lake Louise.

Optional Excursions:

• Lake Louise Gondola Excursion: Available on summer departures from early June until early September, see Lake Louise's jaw-dropping beauty from 6,893 feet on the Lake Louise Gondola. In addition to presenting views of mountains, glaciers, wildflowers, and lakes, this open-air gondola also offers some of the region's best chances to spot wild grizzly bears. Lunch is included on this scenic excursion.
• Afternoon Tea at Chateau Lake Louise: Step back in time to an era of refined dining experiences by having afternoon tea at the Fairview Restaurant at Chateau Lake Louise. Sit down in the Art Deco restaurant with a selection of teas and a stunning perspective on Lake Louise and the mountains. Enjoy sandwiches and pastries crafted by the chef and a modern take on old-world charm.
• Heli Tour Above the Rockies: A sky-high adventure - literally, this helicopter excursion showcases some of the best sights within the Canadian Rockies from above. A private transfer along the Icefields Parkway takes you from Lake Louise to the helipad, and from here, fly over Abraham Lake, Cline Pass, the canyons of Coral Creek and, finally, the Six Glaciers at heights of up to 10,000 feet. Lunch is included with this epic tour.

The morning is yours to continue enjoying the amenities of Chateau Lake Louise or the wonders surrounding Lake Louise. You might like to set out on another hiking trail or grab some pastries and a coffee from the restaurant and have breakfast overlooking the lake as the sun peeks over the mountains.

Later today, an included transfer takes you from Lake Louise into the bustling resort town of Banff, surrounded by the nature of Banff National Park. The scenic drive takes you along the Trans-Canada Highway, home to some of Banff National Park's most impressive views, and to your hotel for the next two nights. Upon checking in, you are free to get to know your new surroundings. Downtown Banff is filled with shops and art galleries, and there is a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene to explore this evening. There is also an optional excursion this evening to enhance your stay. Overnight Banff.

Optional Excursions:

• Evening Wildlife Safari: On departures after May 1st, spend two hours searching for Banff National Park's most impressive inhabitants on an evening expedition. This tour ventures to some of the park's most prolific wildlife-spotting destinations, with animals seen on approximately 95% of tours. Admire the stunning scenery while looking for bears, elk, bighorn sheep and more while learning about the ecology of the Canadian Rockies.

The many lakes, hoodoos and mountains of Banff National Park are on display today as you set out on a guided tour. Departures after May 1 feature a full-day sightseeing tour with lunch. Enjoy highlights such as Bow Falls and Surprise Corner Lookout, with guided commentary and stories leading the way to each new stop.

Afterward, enjoy a ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. This eight-minute journey presents 360-degree views, and at the top, sprawling vistas of Bow Valley await. Departures after May 16 will also enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

For departures prior to May 1 (and as an alternative option for departures after May 1), enjoy a half-day Banff Discovery Tour without lunch. In addition to showcasing points of interest throughout the park, this excursion also features favored wildlife viewing points and the Banff gondola.

Following your tour, this evening you can relax at your Banff hotel, find dinner on Banff's main shopping street, or join the optional evening excursion from Day 6. Overnight Banff.

 Three distinctive locations - Vancouver, Lake Louise and Banff - set the backdrop on this unforgettable Western Canadian rail adventure. With two nights in each location, you have had a chance to experience their offerings on your terms, while on optional tours or exploring at your own pace.

Your route started on the coast, allowing you to work your way inland and discover the many sides of British Columbia and Alberta, from its ocean and lakes to its highest mountains. A daylight-only journey on Rocky Mountaineer and a scenic drive along Icefield Parkway ensured you never missed a moment of the grand scenery.

This morning, your vacation comes to a close upon checking out of your hotel in Banff. An included transfer is available to Calgary and accommodates flights departing after 11 a.m.

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

Deluxe
• Hotels include standard rooms at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Banff Springs or similar; subject to availability at the time of confirmation. Kamloops hotel is included and will be confirmed upon check-in for the Rocky Mountaineer.
• 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 outdoor viewing platform.
• Gourmet meal service is included on the lower level of the car on the Rocky Mountaineer.

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. 

A contemporary hotel on the outskirts of Banff, the 3-Star Elk and Avenue is still within easy reach of many of the town's attractions and eateries. On site are plenty of facilities to keep you toasty, including a sauna and a hot tub, while the seasonal terrace provides unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains. There is also a restaurant serving international cuisine and a relaxed cocktail bar to enjoy. Rooms are bright and airy, with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen television.

A hugely impressive, castle-style hotel whose turrets and crenulations peek through a canopy of pine forests in Banff National Park, the 4-Star Fairmont Springs Hotel lies within the heart of UNESCO-listed Banff National Park, making its natural splendor easy to explore. There are seven restaurants onsite, as well as two bars, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a golf course. The sophisticated guest rooms are air-conditioned and include Wi-Fi (charges apply), a flat-screen television, woodland views, and tea & coffee making facilities.

Located just one minute from everything downtown Banff has to offer, the 4-Star Moose Hotel & Suites offers convenient accommodations within Banff National Park. The hotel features two rooftop hot pools, an indoor pool, a sauna and a fitness center. Additionally, the Meadow Spa & Pools offers a full range of treatments and a private hot pool, and the on-site restaurant serves fresh Italian fare. The air-conditioned guest rooms are filled with light and feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, minifridge and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Views of Banff's mountainous scenery abound from the 4-Star Rimrock Resort Hotel, situated in an elevated position on the side of Sulphur Mountain. Continue to enjoy the scenery while dining in the onsite restaurants, which range from upscale sports bar settings to fine dining establishments, or while having a drink at one of the bars. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and a spa with bespoke treatments. Each guestroom is designed with relaxation in mind and includes free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a safe, a minifridge, coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.

Right on the edge of Lake Louise's turquoise waters, the 5-Star Fairmont Château is a high-class hotel in the heart of UNESCO-listed Banff National Park. Dining at this hotel is a treat, with multiple restaurants, including an Alpine-style eatery, a 24-hour deli and an à la carte restaurant serving a modern twist on traditional Canadian fare. The hotel also features a fitness center, an indoor pool, a spa offering a range of exclusive treatments (payable locally), and a new hydrotherapy center. The plush bedrooms feature Wi-Fi (charges may apply), flat-screen televisions, views overlooking the lake or surrounding mountains, and coffee-making facilities.

A stone's throw from the Vancouver Art Gallery, the 4-Star Fairmont Hotel was built in 1939 in the Downtown area of the city and boasts a sophisticated restaurant and a bar serving food and drinks from around the world. There's a spa to relax in, as well as a fitness center and an indoor pool. Elegantly and traditionally furnished, the guest rooms are air-conditioned and include a flat-screen TV, minibar, bathrobes, and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Being one of the only boutique hotels near Rogers Arena (formerly GM Place) and BC Place Stadium events, the Georgian Court Hotel in downtown Vancouver is ideally situated for business and pleasure pursuits. We are only a short walk from the bustling business center of downtown Vancouver BC Canada , entertainment district, and minutes to the signature ocean-lined walks of Stanley Park, cruise ship terminals art galleries in Gastown, lively Yaletown cafes and Robson Street shops and Vancouver convention Center.    

Located near Stanley Park and English Bay, the 4-Star Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre has a prime location in Vancouver's city center. The hotel's North Tower is a staple in the Vancouver skyline, and throughout the interior, modern, well-designed facilities make each stay comfortable. Enjoy refined Canadian cuisine in the onsite restaurant, a drink in the bar, or relax in the heated indoor pool. The hotel also includes a fitness center. Each guest room features modern designs and sweeping views, with amenities including free Wi-Fi, flatscreen televisions, a safe, a minifridge, and tea & coffee-making facilities

Upgrades to GoldLeaf Service are available on Rocky Mountaineer, and upgrades to lake-view rooms are available at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You can also upgrade your hotel accommodations throughout the journey to Fairmont hotels.