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10 DAY REMOTE LODGES OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES RAIL AND DRIVE EXPERIENCE
REMOTE LODGE EXPERIENCES BY RAIL AND ROAD
Enjoy the remote and scenic lodges of the Canadian Rockies and discover the best of Waterton, Banff, Yoho and Jasper national parks. Breathe the fresh air and explore wide-open spaces with a selection of outdoor adventures on this self-drive portion. For your final adventure, board the Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable rail journey through the Rockies.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Vancouver
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the city of Calgary
- Calgary Foodie Walking Tour
- Head-smashed-in Buffalo Jump
- Bar U Ranch
- Waterton Lakes National park and the iconic Prince of Wales hotel.
- Banff Gondola admission
- Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park
- Maligne Valley exploration with Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake with boat cruise to Spirit Island
- Luxury rail journey through the Canadian Rockies from Jasper to Vancouver
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Welcome to Calgary, the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. While you are here to experience the bucket list adventure experience of travelling through the breath-taking Canadian Rockies, take some time to explore the award-winning architectural masterpiece of Calgary’s Public Library, walk along the scenic Bow Valley River pathways or experience the buzz of downtown Stephen Avenue with its stores and restaurants. Calgary’s dining scene is incredibly diverse and absolutely the best in western Canada and the included Calgary Foodie Walking Tour will give you an excellent introduction.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary – Waterton
Today a drive south takes you to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo Indigenous culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, you will learn from a Blackfoot Nations guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, you can venture out along a paved trail that leads you to spectacular views of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Cliff, Calderwood Buffalo Jump & Vision Quest Hill to the north, the great prairies to the east, and the Rocky Mountains to the south. A final 100 km drive south will take you close to the USA border and the Waterton Lakes National Park. A stay in Waterton set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies is the perfect unwind after our days’ adventures.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 3: Waterton Sightseeing
Have an easy day to soak in the surroundings. Waterton Lakes National Park has an incredible mountainous landscape. A tour of the park should include a leisurely boat cruise on Waterton Lake and some time at leisure. There is something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 4: Waterton– Kananaskis
Today take the famous cowboy trail north towards the picturesque mountain resort of Kananaskis. Your First stop for the day is at the Bar U Ranch. The Bar U Ranch is your opportunity to live like a cowboy! Ride into history on a wagon pulled by Percheron horses to discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800's. Try your hand at roping a steer or repair a bridle, learn the old-style ranching ways. Wander the trails and dirt roads to see the cattle, saddle horses, chickens and other farm animals. Venture into the 100-year-old barns, slaughterhouse, post office, and of course the cookhouse to experience "home on the range". Continue north to artisan town of Black Diamond, which along with Turner Valley boasts a lively arts community. Stop by the world’s largest black diamond, a tribute to the town’s coal mining history. Tour the galleries and shops and then have lunch at Marv’s Classic Soda Shop – a 1950s style diner complete with retro candy store. Continue North to Turner Valley, where oil was first discovered in 1914 and Bragg Creek where you can stop of a short hike and explore the many antique shops, galleries , gift shops and restaurants. You will continue deep into the Kananaskis country before you settle for the night.
Day 5: Kananaskis – Banff – Emerald Lake Lodge
Short drive through stunning landscapes to the town of Banff. The town of Banff is a spirited place and you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. You may see a herd of elk wandering down the main street during your early morning walk. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. Drive along the famous Bow Valley Parkway, where wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and occasionally, bears, are common so keep your cameras handy. Take time to stop at Johnston Canyon for a walk through the deep rugged canyon with several waterfalls. This evening continue into British Columbia where you will spend the next 2 nights in the hidden gem that is the Emerald Lake Lodge.
Day 6: Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge is the only property on secluded Emerald Lake, surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. The lodge is twenty minutes west of Lake Louise. Originally built in 1902 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this historic property includes 85 comfortable units situated in 24 chalet-style cabins. The units feature cozy duvets, wood burning fireplaces and balconies or patios with magnificent views of the property.Ease your stress in the gorgeous outdoor hot tub while enjoying the stunning views; or savour the internationally renowned ‘Rocky Mountain Cuisine’ in the Mount Burgess dining room.. None of the units have their own television, creating a feeling of peace and tranquility in the rooms.You can take short trips into Yoho National Park, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Banff.
Day 7: Lake Louise – Jasper
Travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies including a drive along the famous Icefields Parkway which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road is famous for its unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty. At the summit of Bow Pass, take a quick side tour to see the turquoise blue waters of Peyto Lake and the beauty of the Mistaya River Valley below. Later, make a stop at the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; visit the Interpretive Centre then have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close up look at the Athabasca Glacier. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, you can see the powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at the charming town of Jasper, your home for the next two nights. Pyramid Lake Resort is set on the a picturesque Pyramid Lake on a terraced hillside surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. This chalet-style alpine resort is open year-round and features 62 guest rooms with views of both Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Mountain and offers a wide variety of accommodation styles including kitchenettes and loft suites. They've re-designed the experience at Pyramid Lake Resort with industry-leading distancing and cleaning standards so you can safely relax.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 8: Jasper Sightseeing
Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper town located within the Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start the day with a ride up Whistler Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram. On your day of sightseeing drive to Maligne Canyon and take a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. A further scenic drive will take you to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Enjoy an amazing lake cruise on Maligne Lake to wrap up a day in a place of stunning natural beauty.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 9: Jasper to Kamloops on the Rocky Mountaineer
Travel through scenic valleys, the Coast Mountains range and the Fraser Canyon with its spectacular white-water rapids and dramatic landscape. You will follow the route of the Fraser River, home of British Columbia’s largest salmon run, pass by the Alberta Glacier and magnificent Pyramid Falls, and hopefully see wildlife on the way. The highlight of this route is majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian RockiesTravel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.
Overnight: Kamloops
Day 10: Kamloops to Vancouver on Luxury Rail
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy, special subject to change.
* Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy, special subject to change.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 9 nights of accommodation
- 7 day intermediate car rental
- Rail journey from Jasper to Vancouver (Via Rail or Rocky mountaineer available)
- Attractions and sightseeing as above
EXCLUSIONS
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Taxes as applicable
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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Tour Code
9RCRR
10 Day Remote Lodges of the Canadian Rockies Rail and Drive Experience
10 days
Created On: 20 Jan 2025
Highlights
- Explore the city of Calgary
- Calgary Foodie Walking Tour
- Head-smashed-in Buffalo Jump
- Bar U Ranch
- Waterton Lakes National park and the iconic Prince of Wales hotel.
- Banff Gondola admission
- Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park
- Maligne Valley exploration with Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake with boat cruise to Spirit Island
- Luxury rail journey through the Canadian Rockies from Jasper to Vancouver
Inclusions
- 9 nights of accommodation
- 7 day intermediate car rental
- Rail journey from Jasper to Vancouver (Via Rail or Rocky mountaineer available)
- Attractions and sightseeing as above
Exclusions
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Taxes as applicable
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Package price with Rocky Mountaineer Silver Leaf Experience
Calgary
Vancouver
$3,320 USD
Package price with Rocky Mountaineer Golf Leaf Experience
Calgary
Vancouver
$4,000 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* * Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy, special subject to change.
* * Pricing is starting from based on double occupancy, special subject to change.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Welcome to Calgary, the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. While you are here to experience the bucket list adventure experience of travelling through the breath-taking Canadian Rockies, take some time to explore the award-winning architectural masterpiece of Calgary’s Public Library, walk along the scenic Bow Valley River pathways or experience the buzz of downtown Stephen Avenue with its stores and restaurants. Calgary’s dining scene is incredibly diverse and absolutely the best in western Canada and the included Calgary Foodie Walking Tour will give you an excellent introduction.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary – Waterton
Today a drive south takes you to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo Indigenous culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, you will learn from a Blackfoot Nations guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, you can venture out along a paved trail that leads you to spectacular views of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Cliff, Calderwood Buffalo Jump & Vision Quest Hill to the north, the great prairies to the east, and the Rocky Mountains to the south. A final 100 km drive south will take you close to the USA border and the Waterton Lakes National Park. A stay in Waterton set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies is the perfect unwind after our days’ adventures.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 3: Waterton Sightseeing
Have an easy day to soak in the surroundings. Waterton Lakes National Park has an incredible mountainous landscape. A tour of the park should include a leisurely boat cruise on Waterton Lake and some time at leisure. There is something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 4: Waterton– Kananaskis
Today take the famous cowboy trail north towards the picturesque mountain resort of Kananaskis. Your First stop for the day is at the Bar U Ranch. The Bar U Ranch is your opportunity to live like a cowboy! Ride into history on a wagon pulled by Percheron horses to discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800's. Try your hand at roping a steer or repair a bridle, learn the old-style ranching ways. Wander the trails and dirt roads to see the cattle, saddle horses, chickens and other farm animals. Venture into the 100-year-old barns, slaughterhouse, post office, and of course the cookhouse to experience "home on the range". Continue north to artisan town of Black Diamond, which along with Turner Valley boasts a lively arts community. Stop by the world’s largest black diamond, a tribute to the town’s coal mining history. Tour the galleries and shops and then have lunch at Marv’s Classic Soda Shop – a 1950s style diner complete with retro candy store. Continue North to Turner Valley, where oil was first discovered in 1914 and Bragg Creek where you can stop of a short hike and explore the many antique shops, galleries , gift shops and restaurants. You will continue deep into the Kananaskis country before you settle for the night.
Day 5: Kananaskis – Banff – Emerald Lake Lodge
Short drive through stunning landscapes to the town of Banff. The town of Banff is a spirited place and you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. You may see a herd of elk wandering down the main street during your early morning walk. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. Drive along the famous Bow Valley Parkway, where wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and occasionally, bears, are common so keep your cameras handy. Take time to stop at Johnston Canyon for a walk through the deep rugged canyon with several waterfalls. This evening continue into British Columbia where you will spend the next 2 nights in the hidden gem that is the Emerald Lake Lodge.
Day 6: Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge is the only property on secluded Emerald Lake, surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. The lodge is twenty minutes west of Lake Louise. Originally built in 1902 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this historic property includes 85 comfortable units situated in 24 chalet-style cabins. The units feature cozy duvets, wood burning fireplaces and balconies or patios with magnificent views of the property.Ease your stress in the gorgeous outdoor hot tub while enjoying the stunning views; or savour the internationally renowned ‘Rocky Mountain Cuisine’ in the Mount Burgess dining room.. None of the units have their own television, creating a feeling of peace and tranquility in the rooms.You can take short trips into Yoho National Park, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Banff.
Day 7: Lake Louise – Jasper
Travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies including a drive along the famous Icefields Parkway which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road is famous for its unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty. At the summit of Bow Pass, take a quick side tour to see the turquoise blue waters of Peyto Lake and the beauty of the Mistaya River Valley below. Later, make a stop at the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; visit the Interpretive Centre then have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close up look at the Athabasca Glacier. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, you can see the powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at the charming town of Jasper, your home for the next two nights. Pyramid Lake Resort is set on the a picturesque Pyramid Lake on a terraced hillside surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. This chalet-style alpine resort is open year-round and features 62 guest rooms with views of both Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Mountain and offers a wide variety of accommodation styles including kitchenettes and loft suites. They've re-designed the experience at Pyramid Lake Resort with industry-leading distancing and cleaning standards so you can safely relax.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 8: Jasper Sightseeing
Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper town located within the Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start the day with a ride up Whistler Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram. On your day of sightseeing drive to Maligne Canyon and take a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. A further scenic drive will take you to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Enjoy an amazing lake cruise on Maligne Lake to wrap up a day in a place of stunning natural beauty.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 9: Jasper to Kamloops on the Rocky Mountaineer
Travel through scenic valleys, the Coast Mountains range and the Fraser Canyon with its spectacular white-water rapids and dramatic landscape. You will follow the route of the Fraser River, home of British Columbia’s largest salmon run, pass by the Alberta Glacier and magnificent Pyramid Falls, and hopefully see wildlife on the way. The highlight of this route is majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian RockiesTravel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.
Overnight: Kamloops
Day 10: Kamloops to Vancouver on Luxury Rail
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
