Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by Rail
Length
9 days / 8 nights
Time on train
2.5 days
Train type
Where it goes
When to go
May –September
Price from
Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:
- Decide your desired budget
- Choose your own activities and experiences
- Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Take the train to Whistler and the Rockies
Peaks, valleys, and emerald-green lakes will fill your camera's memory card as you travel by train to the Canadian Rockies from the West Coast. Explore Whistler, Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper.
Top experiences and features
Your Questions Answered
Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.
What’s Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.
This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.
Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.
If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.
Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.
We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.
On some of our trips, you’ll see that we categorize our hotel rooms by Comfort, Superior and Deluxe class, which generally translates into the traditional 3-, 4- or 5-star designation (equivalent to Best Western, Sheraton and Fairmont). However, sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level or view.
Our Comfort Level hotels include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations and with excellent service.
Our Superior Level hotels provide amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel.
In Deluxe Level hotels, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget.
All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need
Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.
Rocky Mountaineer operates daylight touring trains, which travel along three of the most spectacular routes in Western Canada. You’ll enjoy onboard commentary, award winning service, and incredible food.
GoldLeaf service on Rocky Mountaineer is an amazing experience. You will have a seat on the top floor of a bi-level glass-dome train car where the windows reach to the ceiling, offering panoramic views. A-la-carte meals are served in the lower-level dining room. There's also an exclusive outdoor viewing platform for when you want a breath of fresh air.
Meals (breakfast/lunch), snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included on the Rocky Mountaineer train. The menu varies by day, route, and direction. You'll get to taste a variety of dishes made with regional ingredients, like Alberta Beef or B.C Salmon. The drinks menu features local wines, craft beer, tea, coffee, and more.
Most dietary requirements can be accommodated by Rocky Mountaineer with advance notice. Please let your Vacation Advisor know if you have any allergies, special requests or requirements.
Sample Itinerary
Welcome to Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean. From the very beginning, we ensure your vacation is off to the best start. We’ve taken care of every detail — from your excursions to the best dining experiences.
- Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport
Bypass the crowds and start making the most of your vacation. A friendly driver welcomes you to the city.
- Dinner in Vancouver
Dine at one of our favourite harbourside restaurants. Watch seaplanes land and enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains.
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Whistler
Step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for the start of a three-day train journey to the Canadian Rockies. Today, travel from ‘sea to sky’ on your way to Whistler.
- Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station
- Rocky Mountaineer Train Service
In GoldLeaf, you have assigned seats in a top-level dome car with panoramic views and access to an outdoor viewing platform. Gourmet meals are served in the dining room below, and Rocky Mountaineer’s friendly staff entertain you along the way.
- Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola 360 Experience Day Pass
Enjoy spectacular views of towering volcanic peaks and coastal rainforest on this world record-breaking gondola.
- Optional: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Admission
- Suggested Add-On: Whistler Dinner Tour (Extra Cost)
This four-hour tour features four delicious courses at award-winning Whistler restaurants.
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Whistler to Quesnel
Another day of your train journey begins as you re-board the Rocky Mountaineer. Travel into the sprawling wilderness of British Columbia and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Spend the night in the small town of Quesnel.
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Quesnel to Jasper
Return to your home on the rails — the Rocky Mountaineer train. This is the day you’ve been waiting for, the day you travel through the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the town of Jasper this evening.
- Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel
Explore Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park — the largest park in the Canadian Rockies — is one of our favourite destinations. Spend the day exploring Canada’s most authentic mountain town where the wild never left the wilderness.
- Jasper Motorcycle Sidecar Tour
Admire the stunning alpine landscape on a guided Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour. Explore Maligne Canyon, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, or Mount Edith Cavell.
- Maligne Lake Tour with Cruise
Watch for wildlife on this mini-bus tour to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake, then cruise to picturesque Spirit Island.
- Jasper E-Bike Food Tour
Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise
Travel along the spine of the Rockies on one of the most beautiful routes in the world — the Icefields Parkway. Watch for cascading waterfalls, dramatic peaks and local wildlife, like mountain goats, elk and bears.
- Icefields Parkway Tour to Lake Louise
Travel along the Icefields Parkway on this full-day tour. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier, stop for lunch, and step bravely onto the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
- Private Icefields Sightseeing with Heli-Tour (Extra Cost)
Explore the Icefields Parkway at your own pace with a private guide. Stop to soar over Cline Pass in a helicopter.
Morning in Lake Louise and Travel to Banff
Spend the morning in Lake Louise. Whether the sun is shining on the water or an ethereal mist hangs over the surrounding peaks and glaciers, the magic of this place is unmistakable.
- Lake Louise to Banff Sightseeing Transfer
Explore Banff National Park
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air as you head out for a day of exploration in Banff National Park.
- Eat the Castle Food Tour
Discover the fascinating history, art and architecture of the Fairmont Banff Springs while sampling sumptuous food curated by one of the hotel's culinary masters.
- Banff Sightseeing Tour and Gondola Ride
Discover Banff’s folklore and natural history on a small group tour, then ride the gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
- Banff E-Bike Tour
Cycle through Banff and the wonderful Bow Valley area on an e-bike tour.
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What Our Customers Say
Insider Tips
From the snow capped mountain peaks to the vibrant lakes, dense forest, and alpine meadows you will not find a more diverse landscape with so much to offer! Skiing and hiking are just a couple of my favorite things; there is no other place I would rather call home.
Ashley
Canadian Insider
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