GettyImages-975919844 2400 Web

Banff and the Canadian Rockies Explorer

Length

8 days / 7 nights

Time on train

2 days

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

May – October

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
Start Planning

Vancouver to Banff on the Rocky Mountaineer train

Enjoy a two-day scenic train journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, then settle in for a four night stay in Banff National Park to explore the wonders of the Canadian Rockies at leisure.

Route map of Banff and Canadian Rockies Explorer trip from Vancouver to Calgary.
Highlights of your trip

Time to explore Vancouver, Whistler or Victoria

Scenic rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer 

Spend three full days in Banff National Park

Excellent choice of activities, catered to your interests

See glaciers, emerald lakes, forests and wildlife

Top experiences and features

Rocky Mountaineer train going around a curve in the track

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train

A spectacular train journey takes you through the mountain ranges of British Columbia and Alberta.

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

Hotel accommodation
Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
Choice of unique guided activities
Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
Electronic travel documentation package
Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

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.

Hotel amenities can vary by property, so your Vacation Advisor will discuss what’s most important to you, such as air conditioning, parking, laundry, swimming pool, spa, onsite restaurants, or 24-hour room service.

Accessible hotel rooms vary by hotel, ranging from partially accessible to fully barrier free. Your Fresh Tracks Vacation Advisor will make sure to find the right room for your needs.

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.

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.

Our itineraries allow you to choose your preferred activities and excursions in each location. Many of our guests are very active, while some simply want to relax. In Banff National Park, activity options include walking tours, small group bus tours, lake cruises, helicopter flights, and more. Let us know your activity and fitness level and we will find tours to suit you. For more details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.
Indicates featured inclusions
Arrive in Vancouver
Day 01

Arrive in Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean. 

  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport

    Bypass the crowds and start making the most of your vacation. A friendly driver welcomes you to the city. 

Explore Vancouver
Day 02

Explore Vancouver

Choose to explore the coastal city of Vancouver, go to Whistler or cruise to Victoria on Vancouver Island. 

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour

    Begin your day with a scenic ferry sailing between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Enjoy leisure time in Victoria, then visit world-renowned Butchart Gardens. 

  • Vancouver and the North Shore Tour

    Visit Vancouver's main attractions and neighbourhoods. Highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge.

  • Whistler Day Tour

    Explore the Sea to Sky highway with a guide — pass stunning mountain ranges, the world's second-largest granite monolith and Shannon Falls, then discover the beauty of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola and Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops
Day 03

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

This morning, begin your Canadian Rockies rail journey. Sit back and appreciate the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia as you travel to Kamloops.

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Train Station
  • Rocky Mountaineer Train Service

    Rocky Mountaineer daylight trains feature glass-dome cars with oversized windows, gourmet meals, and friendly, attentive staff. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service.

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff
Day 04

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff

Another day of your train journey begins as you re-board the Rocky Mountaineer. Soon you'll be travelling past the glittering lakes and glaciers of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Banff this evening.  

  • Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel
Discover Banff National Park
Day 05

Discover Banff National Park

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out to explore Banff.

    You have 3 options to choose from today:
  • Afternoon Banff Sightseeing Tour with Gondola

    On an exclusive small group tour, discover Banff’s folklore and natural history before a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.   

  • Banff History Walking Tour
  • Lake Minnewanka Nature Cruise with Sightseeing Tour

    Explore Banff's picturesque lakes and wetlands as you make your way along the Minnewanka Loop on an exclusive small-group tour. Included is an unforgettable boat cruise offering wide-open views of the Canadian Rockies. 

Explore Banff National Park and the Icefields Parkway
Day 06

Explore Banff National Park and the Icefields Parkway

Today is an all-day tour along the spine of the Canadian Rockies – on one of the most spectacular roads in the world – with lots to see along the way. 

  • Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff

    On this full-day sightseeing tour, journey through a landscape carved by glaciers and opened by pioneers. Travel along the Icefields Parkway, explore the Athabasca Glacier on an Ice Explorer vehicle, and walk across the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 

Venture into Banff National Park
Day 07

Venture into Banff National Park

You have another full day to explore Banff and the surrounding areas.  

    You have 2 options to choose from today:
  • Grizzly Bears, Lakes and Waterfalls Tour

    See an orphaned grizzly bear in his mountainside habitat, ride the gondola up to the top of Kicking Horse Mountain, and visit Yoho National Park's most scenic spots.

  • Yoho National Park Tour

    Discover the beauty of Yoho National Park on an exclusive full-day tour. Crossing the Continental Divide, see the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, and Natural Bridge. Stop at Takkakaw Falls and Moraine Lake (when road access permits), then visit Lake Louise. Return to Banff later this afternoon.

Leave the Canadian Rockies
Day 08

Leave the Canadian Rockies

Much too soon, leave the fresh air and mountain peaks of western Canada behind as you journey home.  

  • Transfer to Calgary Airport

    On this two-hour journey, watch the landscape change from towering mountains to rolling prairie.

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
Superior Level
Hotel Accommodation
Airport Transfers
Scheduled bus
Loading... pp

View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
Schedule a call

Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
Rooftop hot pool at the Moose Hotel in Banff National Park

Moose Hotel and Suites

Example of a Superior hotel in Banff

Moose Hotel and Suites is steps away from downtown Banff. Amenities include a spa, indoor pool, sauna, and on-site restaurant. Take a dip in one of the rooftop hot pools – the perfect place for checking out the spectacular mountain views.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of our most popular enhancements to personalize this journey.

Private Icefields Tour

Private Icefields Tour

Spend the day with a private guide and explore the Icefields Parkway at your own pace. Along the way, take a helicopter tour from an Icefields base and soar above aqua-green lakes, spectacular glaciers, and graceful waterfalls.

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone

Or call us toll free

Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone