Essential Rockies by Train
Length
6 days / 5 nights
Time on train
2 days
Train type
Where it goes
When to go
April – 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
The perfect short Rocky Mountaineer train trip
Your chance to experience the best of the Canadian Rockies! Take the famous Rocky Mountaineer train, and have plenty of time to explore the town of Banff and the beauty of Lake Louise.
Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver to Lake Louise
Unique small group tours in Banff National Park
See glaciers, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife
Stop over at beautiful Lake Louise
See inside the train
Glass-domed upper level on Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service
GoldLeaf’s dedicated lower dining room
GoldLeaf’s outdoor viewing platform
Oversized glass-dome windows in Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf service
SilverLeaf’s in-seat meal service
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city, surrounded by mountains and ocean.
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops
All aboard! Settle in while the smell of breakfast wafts from the galley. A small jolt announces you are on your way — look forward to a day of spectacular scenery.
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Lake Louise
Another day of your train journey begins as you re-board the Rocky Mountaineer. Travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable Spiral Tunnels. Arrive in Lake Louise this evening.
Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff
For a good vacation — as for a good story — a varied pace is important, and today you set the cadence. Relax, stroll around the lake, go to the spa — or ask us about getting out for an adventure like canoeing, horseback riding, hiking or climbing.
Explore Banff National Park
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air, and explore Banff National Park at your chosen pace.
Depart from Calgary
Today, your dream week in the Canadian Rockies comes to an end. The fresh air and colourful sights of the Rockies transform into the open skies of the Albertan plains as you travel to Calgary.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Vancouver...
Arrive in Vancouver
Day 2
Rocky Mountaineer T...
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamlo...
Day 3
Rocky Mountaineer T...
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Lake L...
Day 4
Enjoying Lake Louis...
Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff
Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city, surrounded by mountains and 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.
- 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 Kamloops
All aboard! Settle in while the smell of breakfast wafts from the galley. A small jolt announces you are on your way — look forward to a day of spectacular scenery.
- 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.
Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Lake Louise
Another day of your train journey begins as you re-board the Rocky Mountaineer. Travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable Spiral Tunnels. Arrive in Lake Louise this evening.
- Motorcoach Transfer from Train Station to Hotel
Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff
For a good vacation — as for a good story — a varied pace is important, and today you set the cadence. Relax, stroll around the lake, go to the spa — or ask us about getting out for an adventure like canoeing, horseback riding, hiking or climbing.
- Lake Louise to Banff Sightseeing Transfer
Spend the day in Lake Louise before a late afternoon sightseeing transfer to Banff. During peak season and when road access permits (end of May/early June to early October), there is a half-hour stop at Moraine Lake.
Explore Banff National Park
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air, and explore Banff National Park at your chosen pace.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Depart from Calgary
Today, your dream week in the Canadian Rockies comes to an end. The fresh air and colourful sights of the Rockies transform into the open skies of the Albertan plains as you travel to Calgary.
- Transfer to Calgary Airport
On this two-hour journey, watch the landscape change from towering mountains to rolling prairie.
Download Itinerary
Get more details in a sample itinerary that includes day-tour options and descriptions, departure dates, and suggestions for personalizing your trip
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
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.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Located in Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, a sparkling turquoise lake, and the impressive Victoria Glacier. Explore the area’s outstanding beauty on horseback, or paddle on the lake in a canoe.
Azur Legacy Collection Hotel
The Azur Legacy Collection Hotel is the only property in Western Canada to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) portfolio. Situated in downtown Vancouver, the Art Deco-inspired hotel offers a boutique experience. Enjoy dinner at the garden-like rooftop restaurant or in the beautiful lobby lounge.
Elk + Avenue Hotel
Conveniently located in downtown Banff, the Elk and Avenue Hotel combines Banff’s alpine history with a sleek modern design. After a day of exploring, unwind in the hotel’s jacuzzi or dry sauna, then enjoy fresh Canadian cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
Rimrock Resort Hotel
Built into the side of a mountain, the Rimrock Resort Hotel sits high above Banff town and provides guests with spectacular views of the Bow River Valley. Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola are a short walk from the hotel, while other attractions are minutes away by car.
Personalize This Itinerary
Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.
Celebrate an occasion
Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or the fulfillment of a lifelong goal, our team is ready to make it a celebration to remember. From arranging a bottle of champagne to putting together a helicopter picnic for two on top of a mountain at sunset, we're ready to make your dreams a reality.
Travel in a private group
Exploring with friends and family is the best way to create lasting memories and reconnect. Organizing once-in-a-lifetime trips for families and small groups of friends is a particular passion for us. Ask us about how our itineraries can be customized to work for your group.
Great Bear Rainforest
Ask us to arrange a visit to one of British Columbia's most unique treasures - the Great Bear Rainforest. Stay in remote yet luxurious accommodations and witness eagles, grizzly bears, sea otters, dolphins, whales, wolves, and more in the wild.
Visit Victoria, BC
Add a night or two to explore the old-world charm of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Visit the famed Butchart Gardens, go whale watching, or explore the seafront parks and museums. We recommend a stay at the Fairmont Empress - Victoria's stately crown jewel. Photo credit: Destination BC
Explore on a self drive
For the days you're not onboard the train, ask us about adding a car rental and exploring on your own. We'll provide points of interest, admission to attractions, and information on all the best places to visit along the way.
What Our Customers Say
It was a great trip
It was a great trip. All of the hotels arranged by Fresh Tracks were top notch and the dinner in Vancouver was wonderful. We also loved the gondola trip to Sulphur Mountain, the si...
![Bill, Chantale and Wesley review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/h82kxtqph3tg4m638gkr97pf/Bill_Chantale_Wesley_536?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
Bill, Chantale and Wesley
NC, USA
You are truly a superior travel organization!
My Canadian Rockies train trip exceeded my expectations! It was truly an extraordinary vacation. A first class experience with great attention to detail and highly personalized. It...
![Daphne review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/phj3mmx9tjwpcgspjhhg98t/Daphne_449?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
Daphne
NY, USA
An amazing experience we will remember forever!
This was an amazing experience that we will remember forever! The most memorable moments were Banff and the Gondola, Lake Louise and our amazing accommodations at the Fairmont Chat...
![Terri and John review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/tm8n5vpgbm4gc48p69v8tnj/Terri_John_406?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
Terri and John
CA, USA
Traveling by train was fantastic
We enjoyed visiting a variety of Canadian locations and traveling by train was fantastic. Our travel package was well-organized and met our needs.
![Mary Anne and Kevin review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/mjq4mj7jq5kkp7h83xfst4/Mary_Anne_Kevin_400?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
Mary Anne and Kevin
CT, USA
We immensely enjoyed our two day Rocky Mountaineer train trip
We immensely enjoyed our two day Rocky Mountaineer train trip. It exceeded all expectations. The friendly and personal service and high quality food and beverages served made for a...
![Ina and Stan review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/mwrn6zq9vmjzkp7sbzqxqp9f/Ina_Stan_328?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
Ina and Stan
NY, USA
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
Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert
Or call us toll free
1 877 653 8755
Current promotions
Sign up for special offers, monthly Canadian Insider tips, and vacation inspiration.
By submitting this form, you agree to our collection and use of your personal data as detailed in our Privacy Policy. Your information will be used to process your request and improve our services.
