Banff and the Canadian Rockies Explorer

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.

Length

8 days / 7 nights

When to go

May – October

Time on train

2 days

Your itinerary, personalized to you:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Start Planning

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Trip outline

Arrive Vancouver → 2 nights Vancouver → 1 night Kamloops → 4 nights Banff → Depart Calgary 

Trip highlights

  • 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

Essential Info

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

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
Dinner in Vancouver
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 4 options to choose from today:
Whistler Day Tour
Vancouver City Tour and Flyover Canada
Granville Island Market Tasting Tour
Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip (Extra Cost)
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.

Transfer to Rocky Mountaineer Station
Rocky Mountaineer Train 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 sparkling lakes and glaciers of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Banff this evening.

Motorcoach Transfer to Hotel
Explore the Canadian Rockies
Day 05

Explore the Canadian Rockies

Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air and head out to discover what makes these National Parks so special.

You have 2 options to choose from today:
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Tour
Guided Hike at Sunshine Meadows
Discover Banff National Park
Day 06

Discover Banff National Park

Explore the beautiful town of Banff on your choice of tour.

You have 3 options to choose from today:
Banff Sightseeing Tour, Lake Cruise and Gondola
Jeep Sightseeing and Wildlife Tour with Afternoon Tea
Sundance Canyon E-Bike and Hike
Explore the Icefields Parkway
Day 07

Explore the Icefields Parkway

Take a stunning tour along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful highways in the world. See glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and sweeping valley views.

Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff
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

Scheduled Departure Dates

Our itineraries are planned around train-service schedules. Ask one of our Canadian Insiders about available dates and the different ways to personalize this trip - including adding days in select destinations.

Use the Start Planning button to submit a query about available dates.

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Scheduled departures
No scheduled departures

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.

Trip Add-Ons

Here are some of the most popular add-on experiences and upgrades that work with this itinerary.

Ways to personalize your trip

Add or remove days

Want more time somewhere? Our Canadian Insiders can tailor your itinerary around the train schedule.

Change and add activities

Swap, add, or skip activities in any destination to match your interests and desired pace.

Upgrade your hotels

Mix hotel categories between destinations to match your budget and travel style.

Upgrade your train service

Choose GoldLeaf on Rocky Mountaineer or Prestige on VIA Rail — our Insiders can walk you through both.

Reverse your route

Depending on the train schedule, this itinerary may be available in either direction.

Add other experiences

Ask our Insiders about adding other destinations, an Alaska cruise, or a Northern Lights adventure.

Limited-time offers

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The Rocky Mountaineer train rolling by a green river in the mountains.

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expires Sep 30, 2026

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VIA Rail train, The Canadian, en route during winter as trees and mountains are powdered with white snow

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expires Sep 30, 2026

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