Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver
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See the Canadian Rockies from every angle.
Explore Canada’s Rocky Mountains as you take in the jewel-colored lakes and snowy summits in Banff National Park. Just when you think the scenery can’t get any more spectacular, climb aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to ride the rails through the soaring peaks and twisting valleys of the Coastal Range to Vancouver. With endless dazzling landscapes, this tour will open your eyes to western Canada’s gems.
Your tour package includes
- 8 nights in handpicked hotels
- 8 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- 7 sightseeing tours
Included highlights
- Calgary Tower
- Banff National Park
- Icefields Parkway
- Athabasca Glacier
- Lake Louise
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryWelcome to Canada! Transfer to your hotel and get settled in.
With your Tour Director leading the way, head out on a guided sightseeing tour of Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics.
- Drive by City Hall, the Olympic Park, and the winding Bow River
- Pass by Fort Calgary and make a photo stop at the vast Calgary Stampede grounds, where an annual festival and tournament-style rodeo are hosted
Then, travel to Banff, a glamorous resort town known for its mix of outdoor activities, art galleries, and vibrant culture.
- Enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains as you head west through Alberta
- Stop in the charming mountain town of Canmore and enjoy free time to explore and eat lunch downtown
Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers during tonight's welcome dinner.
With your Tour Director as your guide, set out into Banff National Park.
- Pass by Bow Falls, the Banff Springs Hotel, and Lake Minnewanka
- Enter the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canada’s first national park
- Admire Banff’s beautiful landscapes, which are rich in history and home to a wide variety of wildlife
Enjoy a free afternoon in Banff or add an excursion.
Banff River Float
From $75 per person
Soak in the beauty of one of the most scenic drives in North America as you journey along the Icefields Parkway to see the Athabasca Glacier.
- Keep your eyes open for a variety of wildlife such as bears, elk, and moose as you drive past stunning lakes, soaring mountains, and picturesque valleys
- Stop to admire Peyto Lake before arriving at the Columbia Icefield Centre, where you’ll learn more about Yoho National Park
- Board a snow coach to travel up to the Athabasca Glacier and take a short walk on the ice
Please note: Mountain weather changes fast, and the stop at Peyto Lake is weather-dependent. We recommend wearing extra layers and walking shoes or sneakers, as walking may involve steep inclines.
Make your way to Lake Louise this morning.
- Pass through the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park to stop at Moraine Lake and take in its beautiful turquoise water (seasonal, June–September)
- Soak in panoramic mountain views and enjoy an included lunch while you ride the Lake Louise Gondola
- View Château Lake Louise and then spend your free time canoeing or walking around the lake
Later tonight, gather together with your group for an included dinner.
Board a vintage Rocky Mountaineer train in Banff for a ride through the untamed beauty of the Rockies to the city of Kamloops.
- Admire glacial lakes, towering mountain peaks, and raging rivers on your day-long journey
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard the train
Continue your scenic journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.
- Make your way south to Vancouver, crossing through the coastal range of British Columbia
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard the train
Today, tour the multicultural, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with your guide before enjoying a free afternoon for exploration of your own.
- Drive through downtown Vancouver, passing the Roman-inspired Public Library
- Head to the waterfront to see Canada Place, a sail-inspired building, which houses the Vancouver Convention Center and World Trade Center
- Visit Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre public space featuring First Nations art including totem poles and gateways
- See the historic Gastown district, filled with historic charm, delicious restaurants and unique shops
- Stroll through Queen Elizabeth Park to take in views of the city
- Enjoy free time to explore Granville Island, located directly across the water from downtown Vancouver
Tonight, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your group.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue exploring Vancouver.
Enjoy a free day to explore Vancouver on your own or add an excursion.
Victoria Sightseeing
From $229 per person
Spend another day in Vancouver at your leisure or add an excursion.
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.
Vancouver: Whistler & Shannon Falls
From $195 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Book for just $99 down
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Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.6 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful landscape. The train ride was wonderful. More food than anyone should ever eat. Traveled with great people. Our guide Robert was outstanding and a friend to all of us. The whole trip was one for the books and one I will never forget.
4 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars
Aside from the Canadian Mountaineer rail portion (which was fantastic), the remainder of the tour arrangements were mediocre at best considering the high cost of the trip through EF/GoAhead. Though we did book our own air travel with much better flight times, routing and cost than EF could ever mat...
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Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This comfortable hotel is located near the Victoria Park neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center and on-site restaurants. Nearby you’ll find shops...
This mountain lodge is located in the heart of Banff. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, the Red Earth Spa, and free passes for local transit. Nearby you'l...
This modern hotel is located in downtown Kamloops. Guests enjoy a game room, pool, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find Riverside Park, Kamloops Her...
This modern hotel is located in the upscale Shaughnessy neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Van...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- Travelers will enjoy a two-day ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver. SilverLeaf service is included as part of your tour package, but you can choose to upgrade to GoldLeaf service for an additional cost. This upgrade must be purchased at least 90 days prior to departure.
- Here are some of the benefits and reasons we recommend travelers upgrade to GoldLeaf service:
- GoldLeaf cars are bi-level and more elevated than SilverLeaf cars, which allows for more unobstructed views. Additionally, they have larger overhead windows and GoldLeaf passengers enjoy exclusive access to an outdoor viewing platform.
- Passengers in GoldLeaf cars enjoy more menu options and elevated cuisine during each meal. These meals are served in a special dining cart below the main seating area, which features four-person tables where travelers will enjoy their meal with other passengers as they continue to admire the scenery. In SilverLeaf cars, meals are served in your seat.
- GoldLeaf cars have comfortable, leather seats with more legroom, temperature control features, and seat adjustment settings.
- Canadian citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within Canada.
- In order to enter Canada, U.S. citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code CNR.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead arrive in Calgary, Alberta and depart from Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Calgary, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 1-night stays
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Some transportation by train
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day - this includes city streets, paved and unpaved paths, stairs, and hills.
- Travelers should be prepared for steep and slippery inclines during the visit to Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect temperate weather with average highs in the 60Fs and 70Fs and average lows in the 40Fs and 50Fs.
- Destinations on this tour are prone to wildfires in the summer months which can cause smoky conditions and occasionally poor air quality.
- Typically these conditions do not disrupt tour itineraries, but if necessary adjustments may be made in the interests of health and safety.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including trains and motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops is included in the price of your tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and trains.
- A checked bag may not be included in your airline ticket.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations
- will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
- During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code CNR.
- This tour includes three lunches and three dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Canadian cuisine closely resembles British cuisine, with elements that will be very familiar to Americans as well. While in Canada, you may want to try local favorites like butter tarts, poutine, and anything with maple syrup.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Canadian dollar on this tour.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics. Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- Animal Welfare: Take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart during included tour activities and your free time. Do not touch, do not feed, and maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. Wild animals encountered on tour should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior. If you feel we are not meeting these commitments, please share your feedback with us.
- Animal Welfare: Avoid buying any exploitative wildlife products such as tortoise shell or shark fin soup.
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4.6 out of 5 stars