Western Canada by Rail
Western Canada by Rail
$4451
Western Canada by Rail
9 Days Starting in CALGARY and ending in VANCOUVER
Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops, Vancouver, Ferry Crossing, Victoria
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8930-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Calgary,Banff National Park
Location: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What's Included
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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.
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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.
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Meals
Enjoy 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
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Transport
Travel in comfort with all transportation provided, including the Rocky Mountaineer train journey.
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Ferry Crossings
Experience the scenic ferry crossings through the spectacular Gulf Islands.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit UNESCO-listed sites including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
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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 HotelBanff:Rundlestone LodgeJasper:Lobstick LodgeVancouver:Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver DowntownVictoria:Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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Are meals included in the Western Canada by Rail tour?
Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
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What type of transport is provided on the tour?
The tour provides all necessary transportation, including a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
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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.
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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.
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What are the ferry crossings included in the tour?
The tour includes scenic ferry crossings through the spectacular Gulf Islands.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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