SAMPLE ITINERARY
Canada - Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer has topped many a bucket list over the years
Canada - Rocky Mountaineer
This unforgettable rail journey showcases the very best of the Canadian Rockies, combining the celebrated daytime experience of the Rocky Mountaineer with the iconic overnight route of VIA Rail’s Canadian.
Travelling through dramatic mountain landscapes, winding river valleys and remote wilderness inaccessible by road, you’ll experience Canada at its most spectacular — from the grandeur of Banff National Park and Lake Louise to the breathtaking Icefields Parkway and the alpine charm of Jasper.
Blending refined rail travel with carefully chosen hotels and immersive sightseeing, this journey offers the perfect balance of scenic exploration and relaxed luxury.
Whether you’re gazing out from your carriage as the Rockies unfold by daylight, riding the Banff Gondola for panoramic views, or exploring emerald lakes and waterfalls along the way, this is slow travel at its finest — a truly memorable way to experience one of the world’s great rail adventures.
The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the world’s most dramatic rail scenery, with routes that follow historic tracks originally built to connect Canada coast to coast — many passing through landscapes unreachable by road.
What's Included
Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff in SilverLeaf class
One-way VIA Rail® from Jasper to Vancouver on the Canadian®
7 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard VIA Rail
Tour transfer from Banff to Lake Louise
Tour transfer from Lake Louise to Jasper
5 meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches)
Trip Highlights
Sightseeing tour of Banff National Park and Lake Louise
Admission to the Banff Gondola
Sightseeing tour of the Icefields Parkway
Lake Louise gets its famous turquoise colour from “rock flour” — fine particles created by glacial erosion that reflect sunlight and give the lake its striking, ever-changing hue.
Example Itinerary
Day 1 Vancouver, BC
Day 2 Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops
Day 3 Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Banff
Day 4 Banff, AB
Day 5 Banff to Lake Louise
Day 6 Lake Louise to Jasper
Day 7 Overnight Onboard VIA Rail
Day 8 Vancouver, BC
Day 9 Your Journey Ends in Vancouver
Every journey created by Travel Tailors starts with inspiration — not a fixed package. Our itineraries are carefully designed as a starting point and then tailored around your interests, pace and bucket-list dreams, ensuring no two trips are ever the same.
Grand Circle of the Canadian Rockies
Experience the true splendour of the Canadian Rockies on this unforgettable grand rail journey, combining the celebrated luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer with the classic overnight experience of VIA Rail.
Travelling through vast wilderness and dramatic mountain landscapes, you’ll follow historic rail routes along the Fraser River and through the awe-inspiring Fraser Canyon — reaching remote regions and viewpoints that are inaccessible by road.
Along the way, take time to explore some of Canada’s most iconic natural wonders, from shimmering emerald lakes and cascading waterfalls to soaring peaks and ancient glaciers. Discover the alpine elegance of Banff, the picture-perfect beauty of Lake Louise, and journey along the legendary Icefields Parkway, widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world, before arriving in the charming mountain town of Jasper.
Carefully paced and richly immersive, this journey offers a seamless blend of breathtaking scenery, relaxed exploration and unforgettable rail travel — a truly iconic way to experience the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Classes of Accommodation
Every journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is designed around comfort, attentive service and unforgettable scenery, with two distinct classes of accommodation to suit how you wish to travel. Whether you choose the refined elegance of SilverLeaf or the elevated experience of GoldLeaf, both offer exceptional hospitality, expertly prepared cuisine and panoramic views that place you right at the heart of Canada’s breathtaking landscapes.
SilverLeaf Service
SilverLeaf Service delivers a refined and relaxed rail experience in a comfortable, single-level coach, ideal for travellers who value simplicity without compromising on quality.
Freshly prepared meals, along with complimentary beverages and snacks, are served directly to your seat, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without interruption. Two dedicated onboard hosts are on hand to look after every detail, ensuring attentive and personal service throughout the journey.
SilverLeaf coaches also feature a small, enclosed outdoor viewing area, perfect for stepping outside briefly to enjoy the fresh air and take in the surrounding landscapes.
GoldLeaf Service
GoldLeaf Service offers the most elevated way to experience the Rockies, with exclusive bi-level coaches designed to maximise comfort and scenery.
On the upper level, you’ll relax in spacious, reclining seats beneath full-dome windows, enjoying uninterrupted panoramic views along with complimentary beverages and snacks served throughout the journey.
Downstairs, the dedicated GoldLeaf dining room and adjacent galley allow the onboard culinary team to prepare and serve beautifully presented, multi-course gourmet meals.
An outdoor viewing platform on the lower level provides the perfect place to step outside, breathe in the mountain air and capture unforgettable photos as the scenery unfolds.
The Fraser Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon in places, and rail travel remains one of the very best ways to experience its sheer scale, winding rivers and rugged cliffs.