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Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | Canadian Rockies

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Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | VIA Rail

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Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

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Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | Crowfoot Glacier Icefield Parkway

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Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | Columbia Icefield Skywalk

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Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | Bog Horn Sheep

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Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier

Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies | VIA Rail

Canadian Rockies One-Way Itinerary

7 Days / 6 Nights

Vancouver to Calgary or Calgary to Vancouver

Price fromUSD$3,087per person

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Short on time but want to see and do it all? Then our best-selling Majestic Canada Train Vacation through the Rockies with the iconic VIA Rail Continental Train is for you.

Depart Vancouver onboard VIA Rail to spend a night in your own private cabin as you head into the Canadian Rockies.

Wake to see the peaks of the mountains come into view and spend the next 4 days exploring the Rockies from Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, selecting your choice of tours in Jasper and Banff from wildlife viewing to a cowboy cookout.

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Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Vancouver to Jasper | VIA Rail

Day 2

Arrive Jasper | VIA Rail

Day 3

Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions

Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour

Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour

Day 4

Jasper to Lake Louse | Sightseeing with picnic lunch

Ice Explorer Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk

Day 5

Lake Louise to Banff | Coach

Day 6

Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions

Option 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola

Option 2. Discover the Grizzly Bears Lake & Waterfalls

Option 3. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or Dinner

Day 7

Banff to Calgary | Coach

The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.

Departing Vancouver|Departing Calgary

Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper | VIA RailThis afternoon, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the famous rail journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes as you enjoy dinner (included), then retreat to your private quarters that have been converted into a bedroom.

Day 2 Arrive Jasper | VIA RailRise to the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies today as you arrive in Jasper and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore this unique alpine community. (breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Day 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake TourExperience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake.Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife TourAdmire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louse | Sightseeing with picnic lunchYour sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice at the Glacier Adventure (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (picnic lunch included today)

Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff | CoachDepart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Banff, arriving midday.

Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff GondolaExplore the natural wonders near the town of Banff on this half-day, small-group tour. Admire the unparalleled beauty of natural sights including Bow Falls, the surreal Hoodoos rock formation, and beautiful Lake Minnewanka, among others. Then Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.Option 2. Discover the Grizzly Bears Lake & WaterfallsPursue the elusive Canadian Grizzly Bear on this 10-hour excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks, perfect for animal- and naturelovers alike. Head out for a gondola ride up to 7,700 feet for a mountaintop lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant, and then take a chairlift ride up to the world’s largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat to see Boo the resident bear rescued as a cub.Option 3. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or DinnerSaddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain

Day 7 Banff to Calgary | CoachToday you will leave behind the fresh mountain air and colourful sights of the Rockies. We will schedule a transfer to bring you to downtown Calgary, or to the Calgary Airport to connect with your flight home.

Day 1 Calgary to Banff | CoachLeave the Stampede City of Calgary on the express service to Banff, where you’ll arrive to a picturesque resort town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Located within Banff National Park, Banff is renown for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff GondolaExplore the natural wonders near the town of Banff on this half-day, small-group tour. Admire the unparalleled beauty of natural sights including Bow Falls, the surreal Hoodoos rock formation, and beautiful Lake Minnewanka, among others. Then Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.Option 2. Discover the Grizzly Bears Lake & WaterfallsPursue the elusive Canadian Grizzly Bear on this 10-hour excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks, perfect for animal- and naturelovers alike. Head out for a gondola ride up to 7,700 feet for a mountaintop lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant, and then take a chairlift ride up to the world’s largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat to see Boo the resident bear rescued as a cub.Option 3. Cowboy Horseback Cookout BBQ Lunch or DinnerSaddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain

Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise | CoachDepart Banff early afternoon for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Lake Louise.

Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper | Sightseeing with picnic lunchYour sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. From walking on ancient ice at the Glacier Adventure (included), to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (picnic lunch included today)

Day 5 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake TourExperience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake.Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife TourAdmire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight.

Day 6 Jasper to Vancouver | VIA RailThis morning, board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ train for the journey from Jasper to Vancouver. Using the original steel railcars from the 1950s, sit back and relax in the dome car to enjoy a dramatic change in scenery as you travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson. Watch the landscape transition from mountains to desert as you follow the Thompson River into central British Columbia. Brunch and dinner is included onboard VIA Rail, and your private quarters will once again be transformed into a bedroom for the overnight journey.

Day 7 Arrive Vancouver | VIA RailWaking to the coastal city of Vancouver today, your tour ends upon arrival. (continental breakfast included today onboard VIA Rail)

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Deluxe & Deluxe Plus Grade Hotel

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Deluxe & Deluxe Plus Grade Hotel

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Deluxe & Deluxe Plus Grade Hotel

Forest Park Hotel Jasper

Superior Grade Hotel

Lake Louise Inn

Moderate & Superior Grade Hotel

Banff Caribou Lodge

Superior Grade Hotel

Lobstick Lodge

Moderate Grade Hotel

4 Days / 3 Nights

Vancouver to Calgary

1 of 8

"We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact."

We have just come back from 10+ days tour from Vancouver to Jasper/Lake Louise/Banff/Kamloops back to Vancouver via train/bus. We had a great time. Thanks Canada by Design, especially to Karen for putting together and planning such a trouble free, smooth running package to make our visit even more unforgettable. Every place we have been to have been carved very deeply in our memories. We fell in love with the Rockies, its wild life, ice fields, beautiful towns and the friendly people. We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact.

Lutfu Istanbul

2 of 8

" The whole experience was breathtaking..."

Thanks very much to Jasmine for helping to organise our wonderful holiday from Vancouver across the Rockies to Calgary. The whole experience was breathtaking and we appreciate the effort you put into organising the trip. We both loved the National Music Centre, especially the theatre organ there! We also loved the Maligne Lake cruise that we did when we were in Jasper. The accommodation was excellent and the rental car was perfect.

Graham Perth, Australia

3 of 8

"It was a very memorable trip and I highly recommend to all."

I took the VIA Rail tour from Vancouver to Calgary, to celebrate my 75th Birthday. The weather was gorgeous. Some smoke from fires while on the train in BC but nothing to bother. The train was wonderful. Sleeping compartment small but very adequate. Bed extremely comfortable but covered the private potty when it pulled down. Even though I have to get up several times a night it was no problem as there is a public restroom down the hall. It was very large and great to dress and do makeup in the morning. Food was excellent and nice variety of choices. Everyone was extremely accommodating. The bus tours by "SUN DOG TOURS" is amazing. The tour bus has plush leather seats that recline to almost a bed. It only holds 30 people and there were only 11 on our trip. It stops many times to let us off and take pictures. One of the highlights that many people would not see if they drive themselves is the "Athabasca Falls". It is not visible from the highway so you would really have to watch for signs or miss it. It was only a block from the highway. The driver was excellent and provided a lot of information. The highway was #93 also called the "ICE FIELDS PARKWAY". The driver said it is the 7th in the world known for its beautiful scenery. I believe it. The Glacier ride was fun, cool, and a little slippery, but I would not miss it. The Sky Walk was very exciting, but made me a little dizzy if I looked down while walking. No problem, just look ahead. Ha ha.We walked from our Hotel to the "CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE" hotel and had dinner overlooking the Lake. Beautiful. The full day in Banff was fun and relaxing. We saw one Elk on the wildlife tour plus the beautiful "BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL". (The locals call it "The Springs"). We ate at St. James's Gate Pub on main street in Banff. It is a pub from Ireland they dis-assembled and brought to Banff and re-assembled. The Yorkshire Pudding appetizer was to die for. It was a very memorable trip and I highly recommend to all.

Cherie Arizona, United States

4 of 8

"Excellent Trip"

Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.

Paul Williams Canada

5 of 8

"From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality"

We would like to express our appreciation for a wonderful trip arranged through Jules M, Canada by Design. From start to finish it was an ideal trip for us to enjoy Canada scenery, atmosphere and hospitality. We were afforded the right amount of activity for the trip yet relaxing. The suggested route from Calgary to Jasper was just spectacular. The hotels we stayed in are in town. And of course the train ride is A plus. Again Thank you.

Manuel United States

6 of 8

"I highly recommend this company, They will tailor a trip to meet individual needs."

My wife and I had 10 days on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast organised by Jennifer. It was excellent. The accommodation was very good, some of it apartment type which allowed freedom to do a bit of our own cooking. The included activities were first rate and with two nights at each stop the whole trip was very relaxed. Everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this company, They will tailor a trip to meet individual needs.

Mel New Zealand

7 of 8

"It was such a relief to know that we could trust Canada by Design before and during our trip."

What a trip!!! Thank you Karen J. from Canada by Design!What a trip!!!! Karen J. from Canada by Design was amazing in helping us to plan our once in a lifetime trip! Everything was planned perfectly. Thanks to Karen, we stayed in the beautiful Rimrock hotel in Banff- across of the Hot springs and five minutes away from the Gondola. We were picked up for our day trips from our hotel and enjoyed the beauty of the place. In Jasper-Karen suggested to stay at Fairmont Jasper. We LOVED the resort and got a beautiful cabin on the lake. That was an amazing surprise for us! Again the day trips were well organized from A to Z. We finished the trip with a two day ride on the Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver (we got the silver leaf and we were so very happy with it). Canada by Design's staff always responded by email of a phone call, also when Karen was away. It was such a relief to know that we could trust Canada by Design before and during our trip.

Vered Mei-Tal Lutherville, United States

8 of 8

"Vacation Perfection"

Our trip through Western Canada was as breathtakingly beautiful as we had hoped and the whole experience progressed flawlessly. Our agent was Jasmine Wong and she understood what we wanted and had the expertise to arrange the whole two weeks to perfection. Our trip included a Via train trip, various sightseeing coaches, a flight to Whitehorse and then another to Vancouver, narrow-gauge railway trip to Skagway (utterly fantastic) and a rental car for our time in Whistler, and of course great accommodations throughout as well as side excursions. Our detailed itinerary included all the vouchers and tips and hints for our added enjoyment. We highly recommend their service.

Evelyn D Miami, FL