Explore the Canadian Rockies by road and rail



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8 DAY CANADIAN ROCKIES BY ROAD AND RAIL ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

CODE
8CRRM
PLACES VISITED
Vancouver, Calgary, Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise,...
EXPLORE THE CANADIAN ROCKIES BY ROAD AND RAIL
Discover the highlights of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer train for an epic journey by rail from Jasper to Vancouver
Start Location: Vancouver End Location: Vancouver
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Explore the city of Calgary
  • Banff and Banff National Park sightseeing
  • Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain
  • Lake Minnewanka Cruise
  • Discover the world famous Icefields Parkway
  • Ice Explorer experience on the Athabasca Glacier
  • Glacier Skywalk experience
  • Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and a boat cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake
  • Jasper Planetarium
  • Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure from Jasper to Vancouver
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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 and experience the buzz of downtown Stephen Avenue with its stores and restaurants. Upon arrival into Calgary, pick up your car rental and make your own way to the overnight accommodation. Download the GyPSy Guide app to your phone to use while driving throughout your trip. Based on your location the app automatically plays commentary filled with entertaining behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and driving directions to all the not to be missed things to see and do. It will also suggest side trips and lesser known spots, so you’ll be travelling like a local.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary to Banff

This morning, drive through the heart of Calgary and see some of the highlights including Calgary Tower, the Stampede Park and Princess Park area of the riverfront before you make your way past Canada Olympic Park and then through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. On your way West, drive through the scenic town of Canmore and arrive in Banff at the very centre of Canada’s very first National Park. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and a vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff and Lake Louise. You start your Banff exploration with passes to the Banff gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for an unparalleled view of the mountains and valley below and then have the rest of the day on your own. You also have tickets to the scenic Lake Minnewanka cruise. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and a vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff.
Overnight: Banff
Day 3: Banff to Lake Louise

The town of Banff is a spirited place and in every direction you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. The town site of Banff covers almost 4 km2 at an elevation of 1,383 meters (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. You may even see a herd of elk wandering down the main street in the early morning. 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. Today you will explore Banff and area on a self-drive sightseeing tour. Stop by the visitor centre to gather more information and maps if you choose. Continue your drive to Lake Louise, a jewel of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountain peaks. You may have seen photos of the lake, but you will not be prepared for the experience of rounding the corner, getting the first sight of the emerald green and the rugged peaks as a backdrop. You have the rest of the day here to enjoy the surrounding sights and explore at your leisure.
Overnight: Lake Louise
Day 4: Lake Louise to Jasper

Today you will drive along the famous Icefields Parkway, where wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and occasionally, bears, are common so keep your eyes and cameras handy. Travelling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, know that your drive along the famous Icefields Parkway has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road that boasts a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty second to none is so famous. Climbing from the valleys to nearly the tree line, experience three life zones, the montane, the subalpine and the alpine. Along the way, stop at major viewpoints including Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefield for the included Ice-Explorer sno-coach ride and Glacier sky walk. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, we see the Athabasca Falls before arriving at the charming town of Jasper, your home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 5: Jasper

This morning, join a local guide in a minibus for an interpretive tour up the Maligne Valley. The tour will include a stop at Maligne Canyon for a guided walk overlooking the gorge, the disappearing Medicine Lake and finally, Maligne Lake where you can take the boat cruise to Spirit Island. Later, use the included pass to get the best view in Jasper. The Jasper SkyTram provides an experience unlike any other in Canada by taking guests to a height of 2,263 metres with panoramic mountain views and easy access to a boardwalk and hiking trails in the alpine zone of the Canadian Rockies. Renowned for its breathtaking dark sky, Jasper is also the perfect place to embrace the night and whether you want to stare into the Milky Way or watch an awe-inspiring aurora. Jasper’s dark sky is exceptional during late summer and the fall; you can gather under the dome of the Jasper Planetarium located within the Jasper Park Lodge. The Planetariums’ experienced astronomy guides will guide you on a tour of the cosmos. Specializing in the night sky above Jasper, visitors have the chance to see the stars above Jasper regardless of the weather. This is a great opportunity to take in a closer look at the heavens over the lakes, canyons, glaciers and mountain tops of the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer train from Jasper to Kamloops

This morning board the Rocky Mountaineer train in its comfortable Silver Leaf Service for the two day journey from Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops. As you travel westwards, you will experience the scenery changing from Canadian Rockies to ranch lands, rocky lakeshores, high mountain passes and remarkable tunnels, all of which form the rich rail history of train travel in Canada and the almost impossible task of cutting a route through the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight: Kamloops
Day 7: Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Vancouver

On the second day your journey will take you from the wild interior of British Columbia to the lush forests and valleys of the Coast and Cascade Mountains and finally the rich farmlands of the coastal belt.
Day 8: Departure from Vancouver

You depart Vancouver after your rail and drive adventure through the Canadian Rockies.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:  
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Package pricing from
Vancouver
Vancouver
$3,370 USD
Vancouver
Vancouver
$0 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.


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
  • 7 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation
  • 6 days intermediate size car rental
  • Rocky Mountaineer train in Silver Leaf class from Jasper to Vancouver
  • Attractions and sightseeing as per the itinerary
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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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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INDEPENDENT TRIPS

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