Compare Canadian Rail Adventure from Vancouver by Brewster Travel Canada vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Option, Small Group With Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 – Vancouver Arrival
Welcome to the beautiful city of Vancouver, situated on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia, and backed by the spectacular Coast Mountain range. The day is yours to explore the many highlights of downtown. For locally crafted food, art and clothing, visit the Granville Island Market. Stroll through historic Gastown, or take a walk along the seawall. A visit to FlyOver Canada provides a great introduction to Canada’s diverse geography and scenic wonders from coast to coast.

Day 2 – Vancouver to Kamloops
All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train headed east towards Kamloops. View the dynamic landscapes of British Columbia as the train traverses through desert hills, ranchlands, lush river valleys, and mountains. Arrive in Kamloops, situated in the beautiful Thompson River Valley, for an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Kamloops to Banff
Enjoy a second day on the Rocky Mountaineer train, bound for Banff National Park. Travel through the rugged wilderness of Roger’s Pass, wind through the Spiral Tunnels, and climb and descend the Continental Divide. Pass the towering peak of Mount Temple, and follow the Bow River to the town of Banff. Enjoy an evening of relaxation in this charming alpine resort.

Day 4 – Banff
Spend the morning visiting Banff’s local points of interest. Visit scenic highlights including Bow Falls, Two Jack Lake, and Surprise Corner. Learn the historical significance of Hoodoo rock formations overlooking the Bow Valley. At Banff Gondola, ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding peaks and the Banff town site far below. Stand on the shores of Lake Minnewanka and look out over the vast waters surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. Spend a leisurely night in Banff.

Day 5 – Banff to Lake Louise
Explore the wonders of Lake Louise and Yoho National Park during this full-day sightseeing tour. Walk along the deep walls of Johnston Canyon, and duck through a cave to view a waterfall that plummets into the canyon. Photograph the emerald waters of Lake Louise backed by Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. Stand in awe of Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. Enjoy the serene setting of Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake. Enjoy a quiet evening in the wilderness setting of Lake Louise.

Day 6 – Lake Louise to Jasper
An epic day of sights and photo opportunities begins with the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Travel through mountain corridors surrounded by rocky peaks, sparkling streams, and hanging glaciers. Step out onto the Athabasca Glacier and enjoy an interpretive journey in an all-terrain Ice Explorer. Gaze out over the Sunwapta Valley from a glass platform suspended high above the valley floor at the Glacier Skywalk. Continue along the Icefields Parkway with a final photo stop at Athabasca Falls. Arrive in the resort town of Jasper for an evening at leisure. This mountain town is full of character and colourful local mountaineers and skiers.

Day 7 – VIA Rail to Toronto
Board a VIA Rail train and resume your journey east towards Toronto, with many amenities onboard to make you feel at home. The panorama viewing car offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, the lounge car offers tasty beverages and socializing, and the dining car serves up first-class cuisine for every meal. Overnight aboard the train.

Day 8 & 9 – VIA Rail to Toronto
Continue your journey aboard VIA Rail towards Ontario, and the culturally rich city of Toronto. Travel through the Great Central Plains of Canada to the rugged forests and freshwater lakes of the Canadian Shield. All meals are served aboard the train each day.

Day 10 – Toronto Arrival
Arrive at Union Station in downtown Toronto, and enjoy an evening in this metropolitan city. The downtown core offers a variety of interesting cultural venues and districts to explore from the Distillery District, to Little Italy, to the quirky Kensington Market neighborhood.

Day 11 – Niagara Falls Day Trip
Spend a day exploring the Niagara Falls region. Travel through the orchards of the Niagara Peninsula to the city of Niagara Falls. One of the wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is a large, horseshoe-shaped falls with the highest flow rate in the world. Enjoy a lunch buffet overlooking the falls, and a trip along the scenic River Road. Take a Hornblower Cruise to the centre of the action, and stand on a boat deck at the base of the falls. Travel through the peaceful Niagara-on-the-Lake region during the return trip to Toronto.

Day 12 – Toronto Departure
A morning checkout from your downtown hotel concludes this memorable rail adventure.
The Canadian Rail Adventure package is also available starting from Toronto.

Day 1: Welcome to Banff

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Banff

Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.

Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start

Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start

Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.

Day 5: Glacier Adventure

Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper

Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start

Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 8: Board the Rocky Mountaineer

This morning, start your spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Journey and get transferred back to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey on this luxurious train begins westward bound through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades experience, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food as you indulge in this unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that make up the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. This evening you will disembark in Kamloops where you will overnight at your inviting hotel.

Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey

Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. Airport arrival time is between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.