Canada : Majestic Rockies by Rail & Road

Day 1: Vancouver-Kamloops (Rocky Mountaineer)
Board The Rocky Mountaineer Train at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station – you will be travelling in Red Leaf Service, please ask for details about upgrading to Gold Leaf. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops (gateway to the interior of British Columbia). (Breakfast & lunch are included today).

Day 2: Kamloops- Jasper (Rocky Mountaineer)
Back on board the Rocky Mountaineer follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres (12,972 feet), which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival into Jasper, collect your rental vehicle and proceed to your hotel. (Breakfast & lunch are included today).

Day 3: Jasper
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.

Day 4: Jasper-Lake Louise (208 kms)
This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over one hundred glaciers and pristine emerald-coloured lakes. Along the way see famous sights such as the Columbia Icefield, where you can take a snocoach ride out onto the glacier itself (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).

Day 5: Lake Louise-Banff (62kms)
Take the short drive from Lake Louise to Banff today, travelling along the Bow Valley Parkway. This runs beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff.

Day 6: Banff
A full day at leisure to explore Banff and the surrounding area, using the Parks Canada Discovery Pass included in your holiday package. This allows admission into the Cave & Basin National Historic Site and the Banff Park Museum. Also included in your package is a ride on the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the Bow Valley. Spend some time relaxing in the natural mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs.

Day 7: Banff-Calgary (115kms)
Drive to Calgary today, along the 1A Highway. En route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch before dropping off your rental car at the Calgary International Airport or downtown depot.

This itinerary can also be travelled in reverse.