Rockies Highlights Independent Rail Tour

The heart of the Rockies awaits on this tour from Calgary to Vancouver, encompassing famous Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper together with one of the world’s iconic rail journeys – the Rocky Mountaineer. Explore alpine towns, view turquoise glacial lakes, walk on a glacier and take in panoramic views of Banff National Park from atop Sulphur Mountain. The perfect way to discover the Rockies without a car.

What's Included:

• Return flights to Canada with Air Canada from London Heathrow
• 7 nights hotel accommodation
• 2 day rail journey on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf between Vancouver and Jasper
• 4 meals including 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver and Jasper
• Admission to the Lookout in Vancouver & the Calgary Tower
• Evening Jasper wildlife tour
• Full day tour between Jasper and Lake Louise
• Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier
• Glacier Skywalk
• Scheduled transfers between Lake Louise and Banff hotels
• Sightseeing Tour of Banff
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola
• National Park Fees
• Transfer between Banff hotel and Calgary

Day 1 : Arrive Calgary

Arrive into Calgary and make your way to your hotel. Set dramatically between prairies and peaks, Calgary is a chic Canadian metropolis, buzzing with rich western heritage. Surrounded by incomparable natural beauty, this is a place where you can explore the magic of the Canadian Rockies or the mystery of the badlands by day and be back in time for dinner. Calgary’s boasts a fantastic arts and performing arts scene and the city’s ever-evolving culinary scene is definitely something worth trying. Perhaps you’ll ride to the top of the Calgary Tower for views over the city.

Day 2 : Calgary - Banff

This morning depart Calgary for a scenic drive to Banff. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time. This is a town that truly celebrates its heritage, lives and breathes mountain culture and never takes its backyard for granted. In all directions you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. You might even see a herd of deer wandering down the main street. The locals are warm, open and genuinely connected to the inspiring environment in which they live. Upon arrival in Banff continue on a sightseeing tour of the region. After checking into your hotel the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps go out and discover the many sights and highlights of the town, or the picturesque scenery of nearby Bow River. If you’re feeling more adventurous, maybe you’ll take a heli-flightseeing tour for awe-inspiring aerial views of the Canadian Rockies.

Day 3 : Banff - Lake Louise

Depart Banff early afternoon for a short drive to Lake Louise. The jewel of the Rockies is one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. This natural phenomenon is simply stunning; the emerald green lake and surrounding rugged peaks of mountains and glaciers make for an unforgettable experience.

Day 4 : Lake Louise - Jasper

Enjoy a day filled with incredible scenery today as you travel the spectacular Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s national treasures, along a route which enjoys a lion’s share of natural wonders - glaciers, waterfalls, rocky spires and glacier-fed lakes. Experience the sight of soaring glacial mountain peaks reflecting in still blue lakes, tree clad slopes running to alpine meadows at the side of bubbling rivers and watch for the incredible wildlife that lives in this rugged glacial region. Enjoy a stop at Athabasca Glacier for an unforgettable experience as you ride aboard an Ice Explorer along the glacier which is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is high, and then continue your journey to the lovely alpine resort town of Jasper.

Day 5 : Jasper - Evening Wildlife Tour

The day is free to enjoy Jasper. This pleasant Alpine village is nestled amidst some of Canada’s most stunning scenery. The “Gem of the Canadian Rockies” is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls, glaciers, lakes and rivers running in deep canyons, a region where wildlife abounds. Perhaps take a gondola ride to Jasper’s alpine tundra for stunning views of six mountain ranges, or maybe a gentle raft ride down the Athabasca River; then stroll around the village and relax with a coffee. Your evening wildlife tour offers amazing close-up photo opportunities, so be sure to take your camera along!

Day 6 : Jasper to Kamloops by Rocky Mountaineer

This morning board the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service for the journey of a lifetime. As you cross the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies, pass glistening snow-capped peaks and deep blue glacier fed lakes that reflect the sky above and their mountain surrounding, cascading waterfalls and soaring forests, keep an eye out for abundant wildlife - bears, moose and mountain sheep. And enjoy the on-board food and service as you swap stories with your fellow passengers. You’ll pass all this jaw-dropping scenery en-route to Kamloops in central British Columbia. Sit back, relax and enjoy truly wonderful service.

Day 7 : Kamloops to Vancouver by Rocky Mountaineer

On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Day 8 - 9 : Vancouver - UK

Your tour ends when you check out from your hotel, then make your way to Vancouver airport to board your flight back to the UK.