Western Canada’s Grand Rail Circle Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver
Upon arrival in Vancouver, you will independently transfer to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and use the rest of the day to explore the city.

Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (or similar)

Day 2: Exploring Vancouver
Today is a free day to explore the city of Vancouver on your own. There are many things to see and do, including visiting Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

For easy access to many of the city’s top attractions, you can add on a Vancouver Hop-on Hop-off 1-day Classic Pass. This flexible pass combines CITY and PARK routes, offering highlights of the city, including scenic points of interest. Choose to hop off at any of the 29 stops and hop back on again to continue your tour. Both clear-top buses and San Francisco-style trolleys will be travelling on all routes, providing commentary in English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin.

Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (or similar)

Day 3: Vancouver to Kamloops
Today, you will board the Rocky Mountaineer – voted most luxurious train in the world – and head east towards the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, you will witness a dramatic change in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley to the desert-like environment of the interior. You will see forests, winding river canyons, and the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains. Highlights of the day include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. The day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake, and you transfer from the station to the hotel in Kamloops for overnight.

Overnight: Sandman Signature Hotel (or similar)

Day 4: Kamloops to Banff
Continuing eastwards aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels, and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends in the resort town of Banff, where you will transfer to the hotel.

Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Exploring Banff
Today is a free day for independent sightseeing in Banff. The town is pedestrian-friendly and has lots of unique shops and restaurants to explore.

We recommend adding on a Discover Banff Tour, a guided sightseeing tour of the Banff area in a modern 24 passenger bus. All tours are guided by enthusiastic interpretive guides who love to share their knowledge with you.

Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (or similar)

Day 6: Banff to Jasper
Journey from Vermilion Lakes to the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies” Lake Louise. Then shadow the Great Divide exploring the natural viewpoints of Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake. At the Columbia Icefield, ride on an all-terrain Ice Explorer and sip on the fresh waters of a glacier. Continue on through the Sunwapta Valley and take a stroll at Athabasca Falls before a late afternoon arrival in Jasper.

Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (or similar)

Day 7: Exploring Jasper
Today is a free day to explore Jasper.

We recommend taking the optional Jasper Tramway with Shuttle Transfer, which includes round-trip transportation to the Jasper Skytram and your ticket to the top. This is the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies! Your Skytram Guide will provide a fully narrated tour during the seven-minute ride to the top of Whistler’s Mountain. Take in the breathtaking views from the visitor’s centre or hike to the summit. Take your time enjoying the view and return when you are ready.

Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (or similar)

Day 8: The Canadian
Embark on a luxurious journey aboard the VIA Canadian train departing at 09:30 from Jasper to Vancouver. Travel in the Sleeper Plus Class which offers top-of-the-line amenities, excellent cuisine, and unparalleled service. Take in the magnificent views of the Rockies from the comfort of your beautifully refurbished Art Deco rail car from the 1950s. While in the dome, the upper observation deck, enjoy the 360-degree views of the breathtaking landscapes.

Sleeper Plus Class includes all meals appropriate to your journey, and dining in the elegant yet casual dining car is a delight for the senses. The style and ambiance complement the stunning views outside, creating a special mood during breakfast, lunch, or any of the three evening sittings (sunset, twilight, or 9:00 pm moonlight service). Savour freshly prepared meals accompanied by an all-Canadian wine list (lunch and dinner). The bar service is also available in the Skyline and Park car lounges from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm.

Overnight: Sleeper Plus Class Cabin on board The Canadian

Day 9: Vancouver
The VIA Canadian train is expected to arrive in Vancouver at 08:00. After collecting your checked baggage, you can transfer independently to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to explore Vancouver.

Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (or similar)

Day 10:
You will independently transfer to your onward transportation.