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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
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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 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.

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
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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.
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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.

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