Compare Vancouver & the Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer 2022 by Tauck vs Hiking in the Canadian Rockies by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Arrive Vancouver

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver. A transfer is included upon arrival from the Vancouver Airport to the Fairmont Waterfront. One of the most beautifully sited cities in North America, cosmopolitan Vancouver dazzles the eye wherever you look with views of the water, the mountains, and a glittering skyline. Your hotel is perfectly located to enjoy it all. Join us for our welcome reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Fairmont Waterfront

PORTOFCALL : Vancouver, Canada

Day 2 Discovering Vancouver By Land & Air

Home to an active cultural scene and abundant natural resources, Vancouver is a city steeped in pleasures. This morning, a floatplane ride from Coal Harbour takes you flightseeing for a completely different perspective on this city by the sea – and it's just as scenic from the air. Continue on to Stanley Park, a stunning green oasis in the midst of the city, and enjoy lunch on your own at your choice of Granville Island's tempting eateries. On a sightseeing tour this afternoon, enjoy a docent-led tour of the Bill Reid Gallery, a showcase for contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northwest Coast. One of Canada's greatest artists, Bill Reid was an acclaimed Haida master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and writer, whose work is on display here. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Waterfront

PORTOFCALL : Vancouver, Canada

Day 3 All Aboard Rocky Mountaineer

Your awe-inspiring journey to the Canadian Rockies begins! Travel to the railway station for an early-morning send-off onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Relaxing in your GoldLeaf Service glass-dome coach, you will witness dramatic changes in scenery from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to British Columbia's desert-like interior. One highlight of this leg of your trip is Hell's Gate – rushing waters squeezing through an abrupt narrowing of the mighty Fraser River. In 1808, the explorer Simon Fraser described this whitewater chute as "a place where no human being should venture." Your train rolls on to another highlight – and it's quite a contrast: the landscape of steep slopes, rock sheds, and arid bluffs along the Thompson River. At the end of the day, Rocky Mountaineer glides along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops. Spend the night at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops

Day 4 Over the Continental Divide by Rail

Your journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer continues to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Prepare to be surrounded by dramatic scenery as your train follows the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Take in Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet (3,954 m.) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. See Pyramid Falls and climb over Yellowhead Pass. Your rail trip ends in the town of Jasper. Travel to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, your resort in the heart of the Jasper National Park, for a two-night stay.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Jasper National Park, Canada

Day 5 A Free Day in Jasper National Park

Wake up on the shore of Lac Beauvert in the remote wilderness of Jasper National Park, where you have the whole day to enjoy the activities and amenities offered at your lodge resort. You can go kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking... take a wildlife tour, play a round of golf, or relax in the spa (some activities are at additional cost).

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Jasper National Park, Canada

Day 6 The Spectacular Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise is among North America's most stunning drives. Travel this roadway as it winds through snow-domed peaks past hanging glaciers – and make sure to keep watch for wandering elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears. At the Athabasca Glacier, board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a smooth, slow ride up this 7,200-ft.-high part of the Columbia Icefield. Your final destination today is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, set on the lake within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you'll stay in a lake-view room tonight. Set your alarm to be sure to catch the sunrise from your window tomorrow morning!

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 7 A Morning at Lake Louise as you please

Watching the sun rise over the mountains and Lake Louise is truly a sight to behold – and an inspiring way to begin the day. The color of the lake is a turquoise blue that hardly seems real; the water contains light rock flour, made by the grinding of glaciers, which reflects the sunlight creating a color so beautiful you won't want to look away. Spend the morning at leisure exploring your resort and the area's walking and hiking trails. Canoeing is available (at an extra cost). This afternoon, enjoy a change of scenery and pace when you travel to your next accommodations, another historic Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel in Banff National Park; known as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies," Fairmont Banff Springs is a grand resort built in the style of a Scottish castle. Set on the Bow River, this landmark has welcomed nature lovers in style for 125+ years.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Banff Springs

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 8 A Bow River Valley Float Trip

Begin the day with a morning float trip* along the Bow River, a perfect way to take in the grandeur of the Rockies. Then spend the rest of the day as you wish. You can go into the town of Banff and discover that the town itself is filled with unique galleries to explore. For some amazing views, ride up into the mountains aboard the Banff Gondola. Your resort offers many activities (some available at additional cost); take a guided nature walk, book a treatment at the Willow Stream Spa, go horseback riding, play a round of golf, and more. Join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Banff Springs

PORTOFCALL : Banff, Canada

Day 9 Journey home

Tour ends: Calgary. Travel through the Canadian Rockies to Calgary International Airport this morning (approx. 80 miles) for your journey home. Fly home anytime after 12:00 noon. Direct flights to the US will clear US customs in Calgary. Allow two hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Calgary, Canada

Day 1 Calgary to Banff National Park

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! Your adventure begins in Calgary with a welcome meeting at 7.30 am. You’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers, and then it’s time to hit the road for Banff National Park. Your first hike of the trip will be at Tunnel Mountain. Take in your first experience walking among the Rockies’ unbeatable scenery. As the hike is relatively short, you’ll have some time this afternoon to explore Banff. Why not relax and unwind in the upper hot springs – at a height of 1524 m (5000 ft), these are Canada’s highest natural springs. There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Banff this evening. Maybe head to a local eatery to sample an elk burger or check out what’s on offer at the microbrewery – the views here are worth a toast!

Day 2 Banff National Park

Make the drive this morning to Lake Louise. Here, you’ll experience natural beauty at its very best – dazzling peaks dusted with snow reflect on the pristine glittering lake, creating an image that looks too perfect to be real. There are many hiking options here, with a range of lengths and levels of difficulty – your leader can give you the best advice on which trail to tackle. Maybe check out the stunning Lake Agnes hike. Heading off on the well-maintained trail, find yourself at a quaint, European-style teahouse on the edge of a gorgeous mountain lake tucked in the shadows of the towering peaks above. After exploring the area, why not make your way back to the Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel? Sitting right on the shores of the lake, it serves as the perfect spot to take in the scenery with some poutine or a cocktail in hand. Late afternoon will bring another chance to visit the hot springs before regrouping with your fellow travellers for dinner.

Day 3 Icefields Parkway

Rise bright and early for another day full of adventure. After a scenic ride along Icefield Parkway, arrive at the beautiful Bow Lake and set out on another of the Rockies’ many incredible walks. Your circuit will lead you around the shimmering waters of the lake, skimming a gorge with water rushing below through to an outwash plain where you can see the wild Bow Falls. Take in the epic views that greet you with every step – Crowfoot Mountain, Bow Crow Peak, Mt Gordon and many other peaks make the backdrop for your walk. This afternoon, why not join the optional hike to the incredible Athabasca glacier. Explore the lower glacier, discovering natural ice features, with the Rockies watching over you in the distance. Look down into deep ice crevasses and up towards powerful waterfalls cascading into the ice while learning about how glaciers are formed and the ways they shape the landscape around them. After an exciting day, make your way back to your remote and picturesque campground, where you’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars.

Day 4 Jasper National Park

This morning, breathe in the fresh mountain air and head out on the Valley of the Five Lakes hike through the remarkable landscapes of Jasper National Park. As the name suggests, you’ll pass by five alpine lakes, each showing off their different shades of blues and greens caused by varying depths, algae and glacial dust. This afternoon is free for you to explore Jasper - perhaps rent a bike, soak in the hot springs, or rest up at camp before dinner.

Day 5 Jasper National Park

Today, you’ll travel to Maligne Lake. Famed for its bright blue waters, this area is known as one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way – moose, deer, grizzlies and black bears have all been spotted along this stretch of road. There are two gentle hiking options available in the area, or you may prefer to rent a canoe or kayak to see the lake’s beauty from a different perspective. Your leader will be on hand to make suggestions on the best way to enjoy your time here. Stop for lunch and take some time to soak up the scenery, then spend the afternoon in laidback Jasper. You may like to hire a bike and explore the area on two wheels, sit back and relax in one of the town’s cozy pubs or take the Jasper SkyTram up The Whistlers Mountain, from where you can take a short walk with views of Jasper National Park.

Day 6 Yoho National Park

This morning, return to the Icefields Parkway. So much more than just a road, the parkway is punctuated with world-class wonders. Making stops along the way, take in the views over magnificent lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. If you’re looking for an adventure, why not head out on an optional hike to the incredible Athabasca glacier. Explore the lower glacier, discovering natural ice features, with the Rockies watching over you in the distance. Look down into deep ice crevasses and up towards powerful waterfalls cascading into the ice while learning about how glaciers are formed and the ways they shape the landscape around them. Alternatively, set out on the Willcox Pass Hike. Trek past wetlands, take in views of the Sunwapta Pass and climb above the tree line, where you’ll find a set of Canada’s famous red chairs, inviting visitors to sit back and take a moment to soak up the view. From up here, you’ll be able to see the glaciers and peaks of the Columbia Icefield, including the Athabasca glacier. Then, drive on to Peyto Lake, made famous by its glacial waters, and take a short hike up to a viewpoint where you can look out across the lake in its glory.

Day 7 Yoho National Park

Begin your day by travelling to Yoho National Park, where you’ll head out on a hike. This half-day hike will take you on a loop of the park and past some of the area's most stunning landmarks, including glacial lakes and epic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Stand in the mist of Canada's second tallest waterfall – Takakkaw Falls (where you’ll learn why the name translates to ‘wonderful’ in the First Nations Cree language) and look out over the remarkable Emerald Glacier. Perhaps take a few detours to a few hidden lakes along the way and enjoy some time at Yoho Lake before returning to the trailhead.

Day 8 Banff National Park to Calgary

Your final hike of the trip will be a climb up the scenic Sulphur Mountain. Sulphur Mountain is named for the two sulphurous hot springs found on its lower slopes, and it’s the perfect place to get your final look over the breathtaking Rockies. Looking for something a bit easier to end your trip? Kick your feet up and enjoy the ride on a famous Banff gondola up to the summit, taking in the birds-eye view of the region you’ve spent a week exploring. After, head back to Calgary, where your adventure will come to an end.