Rocky Mountaineer – Grand Rail Circle

An epic trip made of two unique rail routes fuses the sigh-triggering sights of the Rockies with a night in Whistler, Canada’s premier resort town.

Flower-dotted meadows, weeping waterfalls and wildlife-packed mountains await discovery on this jaunt through Canada’s National Parks, where casual walks morph uncannily into nature documentaries.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A world away from big cities and bright lights, the Canadian Rockies are as beautiful as they are mystical.

Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by Craigellachie, the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This is the only passenger rail service on this historic route, celebrated for connecting Canada from East to West.

Traverse the Continental Divide and be inspired by spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. If you’re a history buff, this route is for you.

GRAND RAIL CIRCLE – FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2: Vancouver to Kamloops

Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops. You will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 3: Kamloops to Banff

Your journey continues east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. 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 the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff.

Day 4: Experience Banff Highlights Tour

This morning explore Banff on your own. After lunch, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Banff and Banff National Park including Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola (admission included), Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Overnight in Banff.

Day 5: Free Day in Banff

Explore Banff National Park on your own. Optional activities include the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, historic museums, Lake Minnewanka or golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.

Day 6: Yoho National Park Tour, Banff to Lake Louise

A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders, including the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The tour ends in Lake Louise where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 7: Free Day in Lake Louise

Enjoy a free day in Lake Louise. Local activities include canoeing, hiking in the mountains, or simply relaxing and taking in the magnificent views. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 8: Lake Louise to Jasper Tour

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper National Parks via the Icefields Parkway. Highlights include Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls. At the Columbia Icefield, ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier. Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 9: Experience Jasper Highlights Tour

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park. Enjoy a scenic half-day tour of some of the park’s natural attractions and rugged peaks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Jasper on your own. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 10: Jasper to Quesnel

Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer to Quesnel. Highlights include the Rocky Mountain Trench, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass, Moose Lake and the Fraser River. Overnight in Quesnel.

Day 11: Quesnel to Whistler

Your journey continues south to Whistler. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, and the shorelines of glacial-fed Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 12: Whistler to Vancouver

This afternoon return to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. Highlights include the Cheakamus Canyon, Mount Garibaldi, Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. An afternoon snack will be served onboard. Overnightin Vancouver

Day 13: Tour Ends in Vancouver

While this journey has ended, why not extend your time in Vancouver or add on an Alaskan cruise. Ask us about options.

This form does not exist