Embark on an 8-day journey through stunning Western Canada, beginning in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains and culminating on the Pacific Coast. This unforgettable experience includes exploring the iconic destinations of Banff and Jasper, touring the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefields, and indulging in an overnight trip aboard VIA’s Canadian train to Vancouver.
This trip allows ample time to explore each destination at your leisure, with the peace of mind that all travel arrangements have been expertly taken care of. As you journey through Western Canada, stunning mountain vistas will be yours to enjoy at every turn, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CALGARY, TRANSFER TO BANFF
Arrive at Calgary International Airport and travel west across Alberta’s rolling foothills into Banff National Park. Settle into your comfortable mountain accommodation surrounded by dramatic peaks and fresh alpine air. Depending on your arrival, you may wish to take a short walk through town, visit the Bow River, or simply relax and acclimate to the mountain setting.
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge (or similar)
DAY 2: DISCOVER BANFF
Spend the day immersed in the landscapes that define Banff National Park. You might join an optional guided wildlife-viewing outing, where elk, bighorn sheep, or bears can sometimes be seen along forested valleys and meadows. Alternatively, take part in a sightseeing excursion to Lake Louise, admired for its glacial-blue waters and mountain backdrop. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Banff’s alpine charm, browse local shops, or unwind in a café overlooking the peaks.
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge (or similar)
DAY 3: GUIDED ICEFIELDS PARKWAY JOURNEY FROM BANFF TO JASPER
Travel one of the world’s most scenic highways, the Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff and Jasper. Along the way, stop to admire ancient glaciers and sweeping alpine vistas. A local guide shares stories of the region’s geology and wildlife, making the journey as meaningful as the destinations. Arrive in Jasper in the evening and settle into your hotel in the heart of the national park.
Meal: Packed Lunch
Accommodation: Crimson Hotel (or similar)
DAY 4: EXPLORE JASPER
Spend the day exploring Jasper’s vast mountain landscape. Consider joining a guided wildlife-viewing experience to spot elk, moose, or bears in their natural habitat while learning about the park’s ecology from local experts. For those who prefer independent exploration, the optional Jasper SkyTram with shuttle access from town offers an easy way to reach panoramic alpine views without a vehicle.
Accommodation: Crimson Hotel (or similar)
DAY 5: JASPER TO VANCOUVER ON VIA "THE CANADIAN TRAIN"
Board VIA Rail’s Canadian (departure at 09:30) for an unforgettable overnight journey from the Rockies to the coast. Settle into your private cabin and enjoy superb meals and attentive service as the train winds through the Rockies. Relax in the refurbished Art Deco rail cars from the 1950s, where comfort meets classic design. From the dome, the upper observation deck, take in 360-degree views of mountain peaks, river valleys, and forests unfolding beyond the glass. All meals appropriate to your journey are included and served in the elegant yet casual dining car.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: VIA Rail Sleeper Class Cabin
DAY 6: ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER ON VIA "THE CANADIAN TRAIN"
Wake to coastal landscapes as the train follows the Fraser River toward the Pacific. The Canadian is scheduled to arrive in Vancouver at 08:00, marking your return to city life after the tranquillity of the mountains. Upon arrival, transfer to your downtown hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy a gentle transition from alpine wilderness to west-coast culture, perhaps with a walk along the waterfront, a visit to a local market, or dinner featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Meal: Light Breakfast
Accommodation: Sutton Place Hotel Hotel (or similar)
DAY 7: VANCOUVER AT LEISURE
Discover Vancouver’s blend of nature and city life at your own pace. Walk or cycle the Stanley Park Seawall, explore artisan studios and food markets on Granville Island, or take a guided neighbourhood tour to learn about the city’s diverse communities. With ocean views, mountain backdrops, and an easygoing spirit, Vancouver is the ideal finale to your trans-Canadian journey.
Accommodation: Sutton Place Hotel Hotel (or similar)
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Enjoy a final stroll through Vancouver’s leafy streets or waterfront paths before your onward journey. Depart with a sense of the land’s vastness and variety, from the alpine peaks of Alberta to the coastal harbours of British Columbia
