Eastbound

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper
Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. On arrival in Jasper collect your rental car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 4 Exploring Jasper National Park
Today is free to explore Jasper National Park with your rental car. Among the highlights are Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistler’s Mountain. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel south to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Athabasca Falls, Bow Summit, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. At the Columbia Icefield you will have the opportunity to ride on an Ice Explorer (not included) to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. With sightseeing stops, we recommend allowing at least four hours for today’s drive. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff
Today, drive the scenic one-hour journey from Lake Louise to Banff. Along the way look out for deer and elk crossing the specially constructed wildlife bridges over the highway. Alternatively, take a more leisurely drive along the Bow Valley Parkway for views of Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon (requires a short walk). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the shops, restaurants, pristine scenery and plentiful wildlife of magnificent Banff National Park. Overnight in Banff.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary
Travel through awesome Kananaskis Country and the ranching regions of Alberta before arriving in Calgary. Drop off your rental car in downtown Calgary or at Calgary International Airport, where your vacation ends.

Westbound

Day 1 Calgary to Banff
Arrive in Calgary and collect your rental car for your two-hour drive to Banff. If you are arriving from an international flight or in the late evening, we suggest you overnight in Calgary prior to commencing your journey. Highlights include Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Banff on your own. Overnight in Banff.

Day 2 Banff to Lake Louise
Enjoy the short drive to Lake Louise into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. In Lake Louise you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 3 Lake Louise to Jasper
Travel north to Jasper via one of the most scenic highways in the world, spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Athabasca Falls, Bow Summit, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. At the Columbia Icefield you will have the opportunity to ride on an Ice Explorer (not included) to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. With sightseeing stops, we recommend allowing at least four hours for today’s drive. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 4 Exploring Jasper National Park
Today is free to explore Jasper National Park with your rental car. Among the highlights are Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistler’s Mountain. This afternoon return your rental vehicle in Jasper. Overnight at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 5 Jasper to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 6 Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 7 Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.