Grand Rail Circle

10 Nights/ 11 Days

A complete rail experience, featuring three different rail routes, together with the highlights of the Canadian Rockies and two nights in the resort town of Whistler.

Detailed Itinerary - Eastbound

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

Day 2 Vancouver to Whistler
Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Following your motorcoach transfer from downtown Vancouver, the Whistler Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. On arrival at Whistler train station, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation in Whistler Village. Breakfast is served onboard.

Day 3 Free Day in Whistler
Enjoy a free day exploring the picturesque mountain resort of Whistler on your own. Included in your documentation is admission to the Whistler Gondola, an exciting 20-minute ride to the top of Whistler Mountain where you'll enjoy stunning views of snowcapped mountain peaks and alpine lakes. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 4 Whistler to Quesnel
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the four-season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel, the gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, to the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranchlands. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination.

Day 5 Quesnel to Jasper
Your journey continues eastward today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George and then travels east through the forests of Northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded to the north by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains and to the south by the Cariboo Mountains. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 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 an Ice Explorer 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 7 Yoho Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions 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. Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:30 PM, scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 AM. Your luggage will be stored on check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel or a guided one-hour lakeshore stroll before the tour departs.

Day 8 Sightseeing in Banff
Enjoy a three-hour motorcoach sightseeing tour of Banff 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.

Day 9 Banff to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey offers you a spectacular range of scenery as you travel between the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels a remarkable feat of railroad engineering, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven and of course the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 10 Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends at your overnight destination of Vancouver.

Day 11 Vancouver Departure
Your tour ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel. Reverse itinerary is also available.

Prices per person

Prices per person