Western Canada by Rail
9 Days Starting in Calgary and ending in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park Of Canada, Mount Robson, Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver, Victoria
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8930-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
26 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4323
$3885 (USD)
Barrhead discount: -$438
NB: Prices correct on 09-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this memorable Western Canada by Rail tour. You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest national park, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, hike, explore on your own, or take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and beautiful Hell’s Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 : Calgary-Banff National Park
Location: Calgary, Banff National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Banff High Country Inn
Meals Included: No Meals
The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
Day 3 : Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Banff High Country Inn
Meals Included: No Meals
Today is at leisure. Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching, and you may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep.
Day 4 : Banff National Park-Lake Louise-Columbia Icefield-Jasper National Park
Location: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park Of Canada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lobstick Lodge
Meals Included: No Meals
First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights is in Jasper National Park.
Day 5 : Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lobstick Lodge
Meals Included: No Meals
Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, elk, and wolves.
Day 6 : Jasper National Park-Mount Robson-Rocky Mountaineer-Kamloops
Location: Jasper National Park Of Canada, Mount Robson, Kamloops
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Medium-class hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Free time in Kamloops this evening.
Day 7 : Kamloops-Rocky Mountaineer-Vancouver
Location: Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Reboard your train and head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an early evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8 : Vancouver-Ferry Crossing-Victoria
Location: Vancouver, Victoria
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: No Meals
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
Day 9 : Victoria-Ferry Crossing-Vancouver
Location: Victoria, Vancouver
Meals Included: No Meals
Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm.
What's Included
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
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International Travel
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Jasper National Park
Meals
On Rocky Mountaineer—2 breakfast, 2 lunches
Accommodation
Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Conveniently located in downtown Calgary, the Sandman Hotel is minutes away from local transportation and shopping areas. The hotel features a fitness center, an indoor pool, and 301 well-equipped guestrooms.
Banff High Country Inn
Set against a mountain backdrop, the High Country Inn offers an array of luxurious amenities that will ensure comfort and relaxation. Swim a lap in the indoor heated pool, soak in the hot tub or unwind in the traditional dry cedar sauna. In addition to comfortable units and spacious suites, guests will also find indoor heated pool, hot tubs and dry cedar sauna, Complimentary Wireless Internet, 24-hour front desk, Internet kiosk, and laundry services. Rooms feature Individual climate control and air conditioning, mini fridge, coffee maker, and courtesy coffee, cable TV.
Marmot Lodge
The Marmot Lodge features a number of services including concierge service, currency exchange, indoor pool, business center, and Embers Steakhouse restaurant. All 107 guestrooms are all equipped with coffeemakers, mini-fridge, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Lobstick Lodge
Lobstick Lodge is located in a secluded mountain setting near east end of town, 5 blocks from CNR station. Enjoy large open rooms with spectacular mountain views right outside your window.
Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
This seven-story Downtown Hotel is located 3 blocks from the shopping plaza & 15 km from the airport. Overlooking the vibrant view, the modern guestrooms put you near the heart of Vancouver. Enjoy free W-Fi, cable TV and rest easy on a pillow top mattress for a great night's sleep.
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Located in the center of downtown, the Royal Scot hotel & Suites is just a short walk to Victoria's famous Inner Harbour as well as shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, concierge service, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, Internet access, restaurant, and lounge.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Wednesday
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Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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