Home > The Rocky Mountaineer & Canadian Rail

The Rocky Mountaineer & Canadian Rail

Climb aboard the legendary Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer trains for this spectacular trip through Canada's breathtaking Rocky Mountains, gleaming glaciers and wide-open prairies.

Itinerary
Optional Excursions
Gallery
Extend Your Holiday
Prices & Dates

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Toronto.

Fly to Toronto where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Toronto - Niagara Falls - VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.

This morning, wake up to the promise of an unforgettable excursion - to the Canadian Niagara Falls, one of the world's greatest natural splendours. Towering to 180 feet, the 12,000-year-old Falls are nothing less than awe-inspiring. As well as soaking up spectacular views of the falls from the rim of the gorge, your sightseeing includes a trip on the Maid of the Mist, which cruises close to the thunderous columns so you can experience their power from the deck. Afterwards, return to Toronto, where this evening, you're invited to join our optional dinner outing to enjoy stunning vistas over the city's illuminated 1,815-feet high CN Tower. Transfer to the station for your late evening departure on the 'Canadian', VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train, for your classic three-day trip through Canada's heartland. You'll be accommodated in the Canadian's superb 'Sleeper Plus' railcars - its original 1950's art deco carriages, now refurbished in a modern style. Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable conditions which exist from May to the end of October. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour of the scenic tunnels will be offered. The last operating date for 2013 is 24 October. After this date the tour through the scenic tunnels will be offered.

DAY 3: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.

Today, watch spellbound as your train glides effortlessly through the ever changing vistas that form the heart of this beautiful country. Alternatively, enjoy some of the train's excellent amenities, perhaps chatting over coffee in the comfortable Skyline Car, soaking up the 360º views from the observation dome or relaxing in the luxurious Bullet Lounge. Later, settle into your private sleeping berth for a restful night of moonlit train travel. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train - Winnipeg.

After a brief stop in Winnipeg, the largest city in Canada's Prairies, re-board the 'Canadian' for a memorable journey through the country's stunning, open plains. This evening, savour the on-board cuisine once more, with supper in its exclusive 'Sleeper Plus' dining car. (B, D)

DAY 5: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train - Jasper.

Tuck into a hearty on-board breakfast before a short morning stop in Edmonton, Alberta's capital. Next, continue on towards the scenic highlight of your journey - the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Watch the open prairies as they melt first into deep forests before changing to the glorious snow-tipped peaks, emerald lakes and gleaming glaciers of this epic range. This unspoilt wilderness is rich in wildlife, so you may spot mountain goats, caribou and even grizzlies on your way! This afternoon, arrive in Jasper and disembark for your two night stay. Surrounded by soaring mountains, this charming resort is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy an orientation tour and later why not take our optional raft excursion on the Athabasca River? This leisurely afternoon ride takes you over gentle river rapids amid phenomenal scenery. (B, L)

DAY 6: Jasper.

Make the most of your surroundings today, starting with our optional cruise around stupendous Maligne Lake, the Rockies' second largest glacier-fed lake which is ringed by ice-clad mountains and thick forests. Stop during your cruise to take in Maligne Canyon, whose sheer limestone walls plunge down 164 feet. This evening, perhaps walk one of the many local hiking or wildlife trails.

DAY 7: Jasper - Columbia Icefield - Banff.

Today, bid farewell to Jasper for your journey through Jasper National Park to Banff. This epic Park is the most northerly in the Rockies and combines haunting serenity with jaw-dropping mountains, glistening glaciers and crashing falls. On the way, stop at the Columbia Icefield, a 325-kilometre sheet of snow for an exciting snowcoach ride over the 1,200-foot thick Athabasca Glacier, a 6 kilometre tongue of ice. Next, revel in the mountain and lake scenery as you travel the Icefield Parkway to Banff.

DAY 8 to 9: Banff.

Nestling in Banff National Park, Banff draws nature-lovers year round with its outdoor attractions. You have two whole days to explore this scenic area, so why not start with a thrilling optional helicopter ride, giving you a unique birds-eye view over the snow-clad peaks. Don't miss the optional gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for amazing views, and a stop at beautiful Bow Falls.

DAY 10: Banff - Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops.

Another rail adventure begins today as you board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable, two day, all-daylight journey. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as your train sets off along the legendary Kicking Horse route, which traces the historic transcontinental railroad linking Canada's East and West. On the way, marvel at rugged Yoho National Park, where your train passes through the incredible Spiral Tunnels, a series of winding mountain tunnels. Other highlights include the spectacular Rogers Pass, which winds through glittering glaciers and dark tunnels. After continuing past ranchlands and picturesque Shuswap Lake, arrive in Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior. (B, L)

DAY 11: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver.

All aboard again today as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Thompson River and majestic Fraser Canyon - a stunning, 600-foot walled gorge. En route, you'll see the legendary Hell's Gate, a thundering fall which powers millions of gallons of water through the narrowest point of Fraser Canyon. From there, travel through the dramatic Pacific Coastal Mountains, arriving in Vancouver in the early evening. (B, L)

DAY 12: Vancouver - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Vancouver or on an Alaska cruise.

DAY 13: Home landing in the UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 7,500ft.

Accommodation on Tour

Toronto: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown; Jasper: Marmot Lodge; Banff: Banff International Hotel; Kamloops: RedLeaf service; Vancouver: Quality Hotel Downtown Vancouver.

The Rocky Mountaineer
Horseshoe Falls, Niagara
Niagara Falls close-up
The 'Canadian'
Bullet Lounge, the 'Canadian'
Observation car, the 'Canadian'
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Edmonton
Edmonton's capitol
Banff National Park
Bow Falls
Cascade Mountain overlooking Banff
Kamloops and the Thompson River
Kamloops
The Fraser Canyon at Hell's Gate
Hell's Gate airtram
Vancouver and the Pacific Coastal mountains
Vancouver

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

CN Tower - Toronto By Night

360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience. Following dinner, enjoy panoramic views from the observation decks.

$92 (Canadian Dollar)

Niagara Helicopter Sightseeing

Take a thrilling eight-minute ride over the most famous falls in North America. You will be dazzled by the sights of the Rainbow Bridge, Horseshoe Falls, and Whirlpool Rapids. Bring your camera and it's up, up, and away! Helicopter tour duration approximately 12 minutes. Weather permitting.

$125 (Canadian Dollar)

Jasper Raft On The Athabasca River

Bring the entire family and join us for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. Our 16 kilometer trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the fur traders many years ago, (David Thompson 1811). Our specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone from toddlers to seniors. The guides do all the rowing so you can sit back & enjoy the majestic scenery. (2.5 hours)

$64 (Canadian Dollar)

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Maligne Lake, a location that epitomizes the Canadian Rockies, is a 45-minute drive from Jasper. Departing from the Maligne Lake Day Lodge, you'll enjoy the 90-minute narrated cruise with a brief stop at Spirit Island for photos of the magnificent mountains that surround you. Learn of the local history, geology, wildlife, and glaciology of Maligne Lake and of Jasper National Park as some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies drift past your window.

$58 (Canadian Dollar)

Mount Edith Cavell Nature Walk

An absolute must for the most snow and ice avalanche activity! Join your experienced guide on this two-hour hike on the "Path of the Glacier" walk with Mount Edith Cavell's snowcapped peak towering a mile overhead. Experience three kinds of glacier formations, icebergs, waterfalls and the emerald green of "Lake of Forgiveness." An exceptional "soft adventure" to one of Jasper's gems. You need to wear good walking shoes, but no previous hiking experience is necessary. This excursion operates mid June to the first week in October.

$68 (Canadian Dollar)

Mount Edith Cavell Nature Walk & Dinner

After dinner at a local restaurant join your experienced guide on this two-hour hike on the "Path of the Glacier" walk with Mount Edith Cavell's snowcapped peak towering a mile overhead. Experience three kinds of glacier formations, icebergs, waterfalls and the emerald green of "Lake of Forgiveness." An exceptional "soft adventure" to one of Jasper's gems. You need to wear good walking shoes, but no previous hiking experience is necessary. This excursion operates mid June to the first week in October and is dependent on the weather.

$85 (Canadian Dollar)

Behind The Scenery - Dinner & Discovery

Starts with a light dinner at one of Jasper's most eclectic hot spots Papa George's where the atmosphere is casual and the food is gourmet. Followed by being picked by JAC Van. This is a wildlife safari that may include some walking with a Jasper Naturalist. The emphasis will be on animals, but topics of conversation may cover Fire Controls, the Park and its many ecosystems, the habits and habitats of the locals (animals) and how the maturing ecosystems are affecting these locals.

$85 (Canadian Dollar)

Magical Mystical Maligne Canyon Walk

Join us on a walk along the edge of the Maligne Canyon, the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park. Your guide will transport you from Jasper to the top of the canyon and guide you from the first to the fifth (1st -5th) bridge, allowing for breath taking photographic opportunities. You will enjoy award winning interpretation about this limestone slot canyon, and the many mysteries that are contained within. The Maligne Canyon is a favourite haunt of the Big Horn Sheep and Mule Deer and is excellent habitat for Fairy Slipper and Rattlesnake Plantain Orchids. Upon reaching the sixth bridge, the confluence of the Maligne and Athabasca Rivers, the coach will be waiting to return you to the Jasper town site. This trip covers approximately 3.5 km and travels mostly downhill. Participants are requested to wear comfortable boots or shoes, bring rain/wind jacket, water, and a camera.

$68 (Canadian Dollar)

Maligne Valley, Canyon & Lake Tour

Come and enjoy the beauty of the spectacular Maligne Valley during any season. A short walk at the Maligne Canyon is followed by a scenic drive up the valley to the disappearing Medicine Lake, then on to Maligne Lake, all the time enjoying the enlightening commentary of the guide on the mysteries, facts and folklore of the area.

$39 (Canadian Dollar)

Banff Gondola

The adventure begins with an eight minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully-enclosed four passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft) at the Summit Upper Terminal. Stay on the look out for wildlife and birds that frequent the Banff Gondola. This is nature's wild playground, so a camera is a must! You can encounter the local wildlife including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Golden mantled ground squirrels, Hoary marmots, Clark's nutcracker and the Canada (Gray) jay. Afterwards, we'll visit thundering Bow Falls where plenty of great photo opportunities await you. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as the wind can become quite cool at 2,285 metres above sea level.

$35 (Canadian Dollar)

Royal Canadian Helicopter Tour

$251 (Canadian Dollar)

Mount Assiniboine Glacier Helicopter Tour

Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. Finally, you will be transported to the "Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies" which rises majestically to 3,611 meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination where you will get up close and personal with the Gloria Glacier as it tumbles off of Mount Assiniboine. This is an experience you will not forget! (30 minute flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.

$282 (Canadian Dollar)

Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Show

Come join a fun-filled musical celebration of Canada, featuring totally Canadian music in a log cabin type building. During the show, costumed performers also serve a five course family style dinner. Everything about this award winning show is Canadian.

$79 (Canadian Dollar)

Three Sisters Peaks Tour - 12 Minute Helicopter Tour

This will be the most action packed 12 minutes of your life. Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight will provide views of the Bow River as it meanders back towards the Town of Canmore. (12 minute flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.

$125 (Canadian Dollar)

Sunset Dinner Cruise

It's like dining in a restaurant which looks out onto all of Vancouver's finest views. Enjoy a leisurely cruise past the downtown skyline, the cruise ship terminal of Canada Place, the Mountains behind the North Shore, the West Vancouver shoreline and more. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. You'll have the best spot in Vancouver to watch the sun slowly disappear into the Pacific Ocean. During the shoulder months (May & October) enjoy the evening under a star-lit sky as the moon reflects off the Pacific. Take in the sights and sounds of the city while cruising past the magnificent skyline at night while enjoying live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. Treat yourself to Vancouver's favourite dining cruise experience, the Sunset Dinner Cruise. (2.5 hours) (Seasonal, May - October)

$103 (Canadian Dollar)

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visit Vancouver's North Shore. Drive over Lion's Gate Bridge to world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience. Afterwards, board the gondola up to the 4,000-foot level of Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. Take in a World Famous Lumberjack Show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excrusion)

$149 (Canadian Dollar)

Whistler Day Trip

Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with wonderful views of Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Make a stop at Shannon Falls. You'll have free time in Whistler to explore this world famous resort and host of the 2010 Olympics. There are restaurants, shops, galleries and plenty of other options to enjoy your day. (10 hours)

$135 (Canadian Dollar)

Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

Travel by coach and ferry on this full day trip to Victoria. Enjoy a ferry cruise through beautiful Active Pass in the Gulf Islands to B.C.'s quaint capital. Marvel at the awesome, ever-changing Butchart Gardens. You'll drive the scenic route into Victoria and the Inner Harbour. You'll have some free time to explore this unique city: Government Street shopping & dining, Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Royal B.C. Museum and more. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful waterfront. Relax on the bus and ferry ride back to your hotel. A day well spent! This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion)

$195 (Canadian Dollar)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

The Rocky Mountaineer