Rocky Mountain Railtour - The romance of travelling through the Rocky Mountains by train has always had immense appeal.
A snapshot of the best of Western Canada, this wonderful tour embraces the wild majesty of the Canadian Rockies – the soaring snow-capped mountains, dramatic ice fields, thunderous waterfalls and glacial lakes, most memorably the magical, blue-tinted wonderland of Lake Louise.
A 2-day adventure aboard the Rocky Mountaineer presents such natural wonders from an iconic and luxurious point of view, and there are leisurely stays to enjoy in the picturesque mountain towns of Jasper and Banff, and one of Canada’s most attractive cities, Vancouver, where characterful shops and restaurants are overlooked by glass skyscrapers reflecting its magnificent mountain backdrop.
Day 1 – London - Vancouver
We begin with the Home departure service to London Heathrow Airport and your scheduled Air Canada flight to Vancouver. On arrival our coach transfers you to the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver. This evening is free to relax and make our first acquaintance with this exciting waterfront city.
Day 2 – Vancouver
This morning we have arranged a short orientation tour of Vancouver. After this you are free to explore at your leisure. You may choose the optional excursion to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. Fine stores abound and in quaint Gastown you will find many interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. Chinatown is well worth a visit to experience the bustle of this always exciting area of the city.
Day 3 – Vancouver
A further day to enjoy Vancouver. Perhaps a visit to Stanley Park appeals, with its acres of Douglas fir and cedar forest, and Granville Island is recommended for its crafts, food market and waterside
cafés
.
Day 4 – Vancouver - Kamloops
Early this morning we catch our Rocky Mountaineer train for what has been called the most spectacular train journey in the world. During the next two days, as we journey through a vast ever changing panorama, we enjoy outstanding on-board service in spacious comfortable passenger coaches. Today we pass through the fertile farming lands of the Fraser River Valley, then along the walls of the narrow Fraser and Thompson River Canyons. We travel through dramatic landscapes and on past the shimmering waters of Kamloops Lake before arriving at Kamloops, the gateway to the interior of British Columbia. Here we disembark and transfer to our hotel for the night. Kamloops derives its name from the Shuswap word for the meeting of the rivers - and which today marks the meeting point of the Trans- Canada and Yellowhead highways.
Please note that Rocky Mountaineer operate a fully non-smoking environment aboard their train. Clients travelling in Rocky Mountaineer’s RedLeaf Service will be required to take an overnight bag for their stay in Kamloops, as suitcases are stowed for the duration of the journey to Jasper. Your accommodation will be arranged by Rocky Mountaineer.
Day 5 – Kamloops - Jasper
All aboard for another exciting day. We pass the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains and the vast glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. The scenery is spectacular with snow-topped mountains surrounding us and new visual splendour awaits at every turn of the track. In the afternoon we pass one of the most photographed sights in the area, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 ft. This is an exceptionally mountainous area, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop to the lakes and forests. It is worth keeping a lookout for wildlife as there is a good chance of seeing various forms, including bear and elk. In the afternoon our train pulls in to Jasper and we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, the Marmot Lodge or similar, located close to the centre of this attractive mountain resort.
Day 6 – Jasper
Today we enjoy an unforgettable journey to Maligne Canyon and then to one of the most photographed spots in the world, the breathtaking Maligne Lake. Here we will have the opportunity for an optional cruise to Spirit Island. We return to Jasper where time is free to relax and enjoy the town. This evening we have included a dinner.
Please note: operation of the cruise is dependent on favourable weather conditions.
Day 7 – Jasper - Banff
We journey southwards by road through spectacular scenery of jagged mountain peaks, aquamarine lakes and high forested valleys. We stop at the Columbia Icefield, one of the highest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Here we take an included Ice Explorer ride on to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier (subject to favourable weather conditions). Your journey is lead by an experienced driverguide, who shares a wealth of fascinating information about glaciers, icefields and their impact on our environment. There is also the opportunity to safely step out onto the glacier and stand on this powerful ancient ice. We arrive in Banff later this afternoon to check in to our hotel, the Ptarmigan Inn. This evening is free to relax and explore this lovely town.
Day 8 – Banff - Lake Louise - Banff
Today we tour the surrounds of Banff and also visit the famous Lake Louise. It is pleasant to relax and stroll by the lakeside and take pictures. The Chateau is now a luxury hotel with cafés and bars to enjoy. This is Canada’s best known lake, renowned for its beautiful setting and magical view of the Victoria Glacier.
Day 9 – Banff
A free day to explore Banff with many optional excursions available. Set in lush green National Parkland and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Banff is also a wonderful spot in which to relax.
Day 10 – Banff - London
Time for last minute shopping and sightseeing before boarding our coach for the transfer to Calgary Airport and return flight direct to the UK.
Day 11 – London
Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where our staff will greet and transfer you to the transport for the journey home to your front door.
| Departure Date | Single Room | Twin Double |
| 8th May, 2012 | £4,590 | £2,295 |
| 26th May, 2012 | £5,190 | £2,595 |
| 19th June, 2012 | £5,290 | £2,645 |
| 21th August, 2012 | £5,590 | £2,795 |
| 8th September, 2012 | £5,790 | £2,895 |
| 13th September, 2012 | £5,490 | £2,745 |
| 27th April 2013 | £4,930 | £2,465 |
| 7th May, 2013 | £5,030 | £2,515 |
| 25th May, 2013 | £5,330 | £2,665 |
The Rocky Mountaineer is a scenic touring train that travels only during daylight hours along an historic train route through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies. Travellers will be awed by the breathtaking scenery along four distinct train routes.
The Goldleaf Fairmont package is the Gold Service carriage with a room at a Fairmont Hotel.
Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver: Located in downtown Vancouver, this luxury hotel is 1 block from the Granville Skytrain Station and the Vancouver Art Galley. It features a glass-domed indoor pool and on-site dining.
Marmot Lodge: Located on main street, this hotel is surrounded by evergreens within Jasper National Park. It offers an award-winning steakhouse, indoor pool and free Wi-Fi throughout the entire property.
Ptarmigan Inn: Just steps from downtown, the Banff Ptarmigan Inn boasts 134 guest rooms. Natural wood accents add a warm glow to Banff Ptarmigan Inn's interior design. Throughout, quiet corners beckon you to read in solitude, map out your next day, or simply soak in the view.
