9 Days/8 Nights 
Independent tour
This is your chance to create your perfect Canadian Rockies vacation. Pick where you want to spend your four nights in the Canadian Rockies, and we will add the sightseeing tours to take you there.

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Itineraries:

Eastbound Itinerary Details

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Admission to The Lookout atop Vancouver Harbour Centre with spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean is included. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. En route you will pass through the fertile Fraser Valley and the scenic Fraser Canyon. One of the canyon's true highlights is Hell's Gate, where you will watch water torrent past the canyon's walls at its narrowest point. Upon leaving the Fraser Canyon, the train will follow the Thompson River to the city of Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper
Back onboard the Rocky Mountaineer you will follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus into the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Pass by Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 meters (12,972 ft), before entering Jasper National Park. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon. Overnight Jasper.

Days 4 - 6 Options (see below)

Day 7 Banff to Kamloops
Depart onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff for Kamloops, the gateway to British Columbia's interior. As the train crosses over the Continental Divide you will pass through the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park, a remarkable engineering achievement. Marvel at the stunning glaciers, numerous tunnels, and snow-capped mountains of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. The next highlight of today's rail journey is historic Craigellachie, where the "last spike" was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. As the train approaches Kamloops, it follows the shoreline of Shuswap Lake. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 8 Kamloops to Vancouver
Continue your journey westwards from Kamloops and travel along the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon. At Hell's Gate watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point, a true highlight of the canyon. Upon leaving this region, the train will journey through the fertile Fraser Valley to the coastal city of Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 9 Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends with check out from your Vancouver hotel

OPTION 1

Day 4 Icefields Parkway Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise*
Transfer to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. It is here that you will ride a Snocoach to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 5 Yoho Tour, Lake Louise to Banff*
Spend a free morning at Lake Louise before an afternoon tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the points of interest are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Day 6 Sightseeing in Banff*
Enjoy a three-hour motorcoach sightseeing tour of Banff townsite this morning. Among the highlights are visits to Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, the Cave and Basin Centre, Surprise Corner, and the Hoodoos. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure in Banff. Overnight in Banff.

OPTION 2

Day 4 Icefields Parkway Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise
Transfer to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. It is here that you will ride a Snocoach to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 5 Free day at Lake Louise
Enjoy a free day at Lake Louise. Take a stroll beside the lake or an afternoon paddle in a canoe. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6 Yoho Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
Spend a free morning at Lake Louise before an afternoon tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the points of interest are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Day 5 Icefields Parkway Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise
Transfer to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. It is here that you will ride a Snocoach to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6 Yoho Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
Spend a free morning at Lake Louise before an afternoon tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the points of interest are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Banff National Park

Bow Valley in Banff National Park

EXTEND YOUR STAY:
Visit our City Stops and Rail and Drive Extensions or our Spectacular Canada pages for a perfect extension to your vacation.