Essential Rockies by Train 6 days / 5 nights

Trip Overview

Experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains from the famous Rocky Mountaineer Train.

A 6-day, panoramic adventure you'll never forget.

(Our Personal Trip Advisors can customize your trip
in any way you want.)
 When you step onto the Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver or Calgary, and close the door behind you…you'll be entering a world that most people only get to dream about.

Free from the noise and congestion of cities and highways, you can sit back and watch as you weave through unspoiled forests, over pristine rivers and up into the Rocky Mountains themselves.

This is a trip most people get to experience only through coffee table books and TV travel shows.

Like you, they have seen photos of the high, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, and of the extraordinary turquoise waters of Lake Louise. They have seen film of Elk, Bears and Bald Eagles in their wilderness homes.

But photos and films can't even touch the real experience of this legendary, 6-day adventure.

Nothing compares to standing on the Rocky Mountaineer's outside viewing platform, feeling the wind in your hair and taking in the extraordinary grandeur of the Rocky Mountains first hand.

 I have tried to relive every moment and still find new things to remember, realizing even more how breathtaking it was. I am very happy that we decided not to ‘not have any goals.’ This allowed us to see and cherish every single moment and properly file it in our memories." John Min

 Imagine yourself on the famous Rocky Mountaineer train.
 There is something uniquely liberating and romantic about a trip by train, especially when it takes you through some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscape in the world.

You're far from the bustle of daily life, but can still enjoy the luxuries of gourmet meals and white glove service.

 "The Rocky Mountaineer was a once in a lifetime experience and first class all the way. I must have gained 10 pounds just in those two days. What a magnificent country you have and what wonderful people." Rosalie and Raymond Reynolds

While your days will be filled with the ever-changing scenery that unfolds between Vancouver and Calgary – from the desert of British Columbia's interior to the darkness of the Spiral Tunnels and the mighty peaks of the Rockies themselves – you will overnight in Kamloops, Banff and Lake Louise.

Each of these overnight destinations is steeped in history and offers its own unique scenic pleasures.

 Customize your Essential Rockies adventure any way you want.
 At Fresh Tracks we don't just sell you a package deal and send you on your way.

In addition to choosing your departure dates and choice of upgrades, you can also ask us to customize your dream vacation in any number of ways.

- Spend an extra day or more in Vancouver or Calgary before you board your train.
- Extend your time in Banff to go river rafting or play some golf.
- Kick back in Lake Louise for a few extra days and go hiking.
- Add a glacier helicopter tour to your itinerary.

The options are almost endless.

Best of all, when you call us and ask about your Essential Rockies by Rail vacation, we'll allocate you a Personal Trip Advisor.

He or she will then be the person you speak with from that day on. No telephone tag. No automated phone systems.

Your Personal Trip Advisor will be available to help you create exactly the trip you want.

 "With our own experience with Katherine [One of our Personal Trip Advisors] I would just like to emphasise that even had we been related, she could not have been more helpful." J. E. Wheeler

Take the next step towards experiencing the trip of a lifetime…

 The fastest and simplest way to get started is to call us today.
 By speaking directly to us right now we'll be able to arrange exactly the trip you want, as simply and efficiently as possible.

Map

Arrive Vancouver*
1 night Vancouver
1 night Kamloops
2 nights Banff
1 night Lake Louise
Depart Calgary
 *Can be done in reverse

Detailed Itinerary

Eastbound itinerary shown. Westbound follows the same itinerary in reverse.

Day 1 – Arrival Vancouver Surrounded by mountains & ocean, this is where Greenpeace started, where bears occasionally roam into backyards, and coyotes cross the golf course in Stanley Park...

Relax in a sidewalk café, or explore on foot or bicycle before starting your Canadian Rockies train trip.

 Day 2 – On the Rocky Mountaineer – Vancouver to Kamloops
 A lonesome wail sounds from the Canadian Rockies train whistle, and the smell of your breakfast wafts from the galley, as the Rocky Mountaineer leaves Vancouver on the first leg of its journey through the Canadian Rockies.

Over lunch you’ll climb the steep Fraser Canyon, past the thundering water of Hell’s Gate, and onto the high desert of British Columbia’s interior. Relax, chat, read - or stretch your legs on an outdoor viewing platform.

In late afternoon the train arrives in Kamloops where you observe the lifestyle of locals in a small Rockies town.

Day 3 – On the Rocky Mountain train – into the Canadian Rockies
Over breakfast anticipation builds for your first sighting of the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way you’ll learn about the history of the Canadian Rockies train and railroad, keep your eyes peeled for elk, bald eagles and bears.

Finally you enter the famous Spiral Tunnels - ascending slowly, round and round through the darkness, until, blinking, you emerge to find yourself high in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by mighty peaks topped with snow. Overnight in Banff.

Day 4 – In the Canadian Rockies – Explore Banff
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air! Today enjoy a change of pace on your Rocky Mountain train trip. Explore the sleepy mountain town of Banff on a guided tour and drink in the views of the surrounding national parks from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

The lofty peak is reached by a gondola swinging beneath the cable far above the valley floor and surrounded by jagged Canadian Rockies peaks, with the Bow River glistening in the distance (note that gondala only runs in peak season May-October). Overnight in Banff.

Day 5 – Deeper into the Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise
 Today you’ll see perhaps the most famous view of your entire Canadian Rockies train trip and in all of the Rockies - the turquoise water of Lake Louise, surrounded by glaciers tumbling down from the high peaks. This is a place to relax, stretch your legs on a stroll or a hike - or go for a paddle in a canoe. Overnight in Lake Louise.

 Day 6 – Depart Calgary – your Canadian Rockies train vacation concludes
Filled with memories of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, today you transfer by private vehicle to Calgary airport and home as your Rocky Mountain train vacation draws to a close.


Westbound Itinerary
The trip follows the above Rocky Mountain train trip itinerary in reverse. Begin with your Canada train trip in Calgary and transfer directly to Lake Louise on Day 1 - consider adding a pre-night if you arrive late in the day.

Need help making the most of your time?

Call one of our friendly local experts now.

US & Canada  UK 0-800-917-5924 AUS 1-800-992-872

Accommodations

Fairmont Banff Springs

Deluxe

Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy one of the many activities that the hotel has to offer from tennis, horseback riding, a round of golf, skiing, relaxing at the the Willow Stream Spa (charge), or enjoying a great meal at one of 12 restaurants, lounges or pubs.

Deer Lodge

Standard

The Deer Lodge is an excellent alternative to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Located less than a five minute walk to the lake itself, this hotel has the second best location in the area. The hotel feels of a small wilderness lodge, with numerous cozy common rooms, dark wood interior, and rooms void of televisions. Sit in the roof top hot tub, where one can soak while surrounded by rocky peaks and the Victoria glacier.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Superior and Deluxe

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is undoubtedly a beautiful and impressive hotel. Its amazing location overlooking beautiful Lake Louise and the distant mountains can not be compared. There are a variety of restaurant types, so you can do casual or fine dining as you choose. Strolling around the lake, renting a canoe, riding horses, or hiking up to the tea house are all great summer activities. In winter choose from snow shoeing, skating, skiing or taking a sleigh ride around the lake.

Fairmont Hotel Waterfront

Deluxe

This luxury hotel is located in Vancouver's inner harbour, minutes from Canada Place, the cruise ship terminals and gastown. Sit back and relax in your room as you watch floatplanes take off and land right in front of you with the beautiful north shore mountains as your backdrop. Plus you have the luxurious common amenities that come with staying at any Fairmont hotel.

Options & Upgrades

All our trips can be customized for your ideal vacation
 • Upgrade to Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer - Dome windows optimize your view of the great scenery,freshly prepared gourmet food and an outdoor viewing platform provide wonderful photographic opportunities
• Extra nights/tours may be added in Vancouver or the Rockies
• Extend your time in Banff to go river rafting on the Kicking Horse River, explore Banff National Park, or experience the spectacular glaciers of the Columbia Icefields Parkway
• Add a trip to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city on Vancouver Island

Dates & Prices

2010 Package Start Dates
 Starting in Vancouver Apr 22, 29
May 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
Jun 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
Jul 1, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 30
Aug 5, 8, 12, 19, 22, 26, 29
Sep 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 30
Oct 4

 Starting in Calgary
 Apr 22, 29
May 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
Jun 2, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
Jul 1, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29
Aug 5, 8, 12, 19, 22, 26, 29
Sep 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 30
Oct 4
Standard Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ CAD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$
Apr 22 - Apr 29 2010 1,692 2,668 1,692 2,668 620 620
May 2 - May 31 2010 2,075 3,287 2,075 3,287 880 880
Jun 1 - Sep 17 2010 2,394 3,772 2,394 3,772 880 880
Sep 30 - Oct 4 2010 2,189 3,429 2,189 3,429 880 880
Superior Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service USD$ CAD$ Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Upgrade
Double Single Double Single USD$ CAD$
Apr 22 - Apr 29 2010 1,869 3,069 1,869 3,069 620 620
May 2 - May 24 2010 2,376 3,891 2,376 3,891 880 880
May 27 - Sep 17 2010 2,872 4,701 2,872 4,701 880 880
Sep 30 - Oct 4 2010 2,574 4,262 2,574 4,262 880 880
Deluxe Hotels & Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service USD$ CAD$
Double Single Double Single
Apr 22 2010 2,667 3,999 2,667 3,999
Apr 29 - May 24 2010 3,594 5,309 3,594 5,309
May 27 - Sep 17 2010 4,266 6,441 4,266 6,441
Sep 30 - Oct 4 2010 3,657 5,222 3,657 5,222
Price Notes
 • Prices are per person
• Double means two people occupying a room
• Triple and child rates are available
Includes
 • Accommodation for 5 nights
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey between Vancouver and Banff - Standard and Superior includes RedLeaf service while Deluxe features GoldLeaf
• 3-hour Banff sightseeing tour (Including Gondola ride from May 1st, 2010)
• Private luxury vehicle arrival and departure airport transfers, including meet & greet on day one
• Private luxury vehicle transfers between hotels and rail stations (vehicle type subject to availability)
• Motorcoach rail station transfers in Kamloops
• 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package

Not Included
 • National park entrance fees
• Meals and attractions, unless otherwise stated
• Driver gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST (Goods & Services tax)

HAVE A CHAT  

From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743

Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.