Western Canada by Rail

Western Canada by Rail

246 Views
9 Days From

$4455

$4079

Western Canada by Rail

9 Days Starting in CALGARY and ending in VANCOUVER

Visiting: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops, Vancouver, Ferry Crossing, Victoria

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

8930-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4455 $4079 Operator discount: -$376

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the majestic Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this Western Canada by Rail tour. You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, gives you time to hike, stroll the townsites, and go to new heights with optional excursions like a helicopter ride with breathtaking views over the Rockies! Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll take a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. And you’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver. This train ride through stunning scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; magnificent mountain ranges; and turbulent Hell’s Gate. More beautiful scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the picturesque Gulf Islands to Victoria. On the way into Victoria, enjoy sightseeing that includes a trip to world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays, then have time to explore this charming city. This value-minded vacation with an itinerary full of awe-inspiring sights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is not to be missed!

Highlights

  • Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

  • Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park.

  • Drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.

  • Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs.

  • First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

  • Experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick at the Columbia Icefield.

  • Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island in Jasper National Park.

  • Morning sightseeing in Vancouver focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park.

Places You'll See

Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

Rundlestone Lodge

Lobstick Lodge

Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Calgary

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
CALGARY Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Calgary,Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Banff High Country Inn

The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.

Day 3: Banff National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Enjoy the day exploring Banff, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many wilderness trails, horseback ride, golf, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching as it is home to 53 species of mammals. You may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer, elk, and big horn sheep.BANFF NATIONAL PARK Enjoy the day exploring Banff, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many wilderness trails, horseback ride, golf, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching as it is home to 53 species of mammals. You may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer, elk, and big horn sheep.

Day 4: Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper National Park

Location: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park

First stop is stunning Lake Louise, with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and more exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for another trip highlight and experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Late this afternoon, let it flow on an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. Spend the next two nights in Jasper National Park. An orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty.BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK First stop is stunning Lake Louise, with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and more exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for another trip highlight and experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Late this afternoon, let it flow on an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. Spend the next two nights in Jasper National Park. An orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty.

Day 5: Jasper National Park

Location: Jasper National Park

A day at leisure to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. This morning, consider joining the optional narrated cruise on magical Maligne Lake to Spirit Island*. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon keeping an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. Later, perhaps do some hiking or peruse the shops in town.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.JASPER NATIONAL PARK A day at leisure to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. This morning, consider joining the optional narrated cruise on magical Maligne Lake to Spirit Island*. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon keeping an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. Later, perhaps do some hiking or peruse the shops in town.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

Day 6: Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Rocky Mountaineer,Kamloops

Location: Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy free time in Kamloops this evening.JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy free time in Kamloops this evening. (B,L)

Day 7: Kamloops,Rocky Mountaineer,Vancouver

Location: Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning your train adventure continues as you head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. View the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel.KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER This morning your train adventure continues as you head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. View the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 8: Vancouver,Ferry Crossing,Victoria

Location: Vancouver, Ferry Crossing, Victoria

Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and beautiful Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and beautiful Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.

Day 9: Victoria,Ferry Crossing,Vancouver

Location: Victoria, Ferry Crossing, Vancouver

Morning departure via ferry for Vancouver. Your vacation ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm.VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER Morning departure via ferry for Vancouver. Your vacation ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm.

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in comfort at selected hotels including Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff High Country Inn, Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.

  • Sightseeing Highlights

    Explore Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Vancouver, and Victoria with guided tours and special highlights like the Ice Explorer vehicle tour.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

  • Transport

    Travel in comfort with all transportation provided, including the Rocky Mountaineer train journey.

  • Ferry Crossings

    Experience the scenic ferry crossings through the spectacular Gulf Islands.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit UNESCO-listed sites including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

  • Optional

Meals

On Rocky Mountaineer—2 breakfast, 2 lunches

Notes

Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.

Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

UNESCO Sites

Banff National Park|Jasper National Park

Accommodation

Calgary:Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Banff:Rundlestone Lodge
Jasper:Lobstick Lodge
Vancouver:Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
Victoria:Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the highlights of the Western Canada by Rail tour?

    The highlights of the Western Canada by Rail tour include sightseeing in downtown Calgary, visiting Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park, exploring Banff National Park, visiting Lake Louise and experiencing the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield, an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, and sightseeing in Vancouver focusing on Chinatown, Gastown, and Stanley Park.

  • What type of accommodations are included in the tour?

    The tour includes accommodations at selected hotels such as Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff High Country Inn, Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.

  • Are meals included in the Western Canada by Rail tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

  • What type of transport is provided on the tour?

    The tour provides all necessary transportation, including a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

  • What UNESCO sites will we visit during the tour?

    During the tour, you will visit UNESCO-listed sites including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

  • Is there a private option available for the Western Canada by Rail tour?

    The provided information does not specify whether a private option is available for the Western Canada by Rail tour.

  • What are the ferry crossings included in the tour?

    The tour includes scenic ferry crossings through the spectacular Gulf Islands.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Prices last published on 22-Nov-2024

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  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

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