Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies
With Pam, July 2022
July 27th to August 5th, 2022
If a summer journey to some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery—traveling by glass-domed luxury train—appeals as much to you as it does to us, then all aboard!
Starting in Vancouver, Canada’s lovely West Coast metropolis, we’ll ride the Rocky Mountaineer inland to Jasper, finishing our tour in the resort town of Banff, Alberta. Read more about the trip below or click the Contact Us button to express your interest in this trip.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada’s coastal wonder: Vancouver
After landing in Vancouver and settling in, we’ll spend our first full day sightseeing in this gem of a city, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and towering Coast Mountains. We’ll check out spectacular views, sample incredible West Coast cuisine, wander among totem poles in Stanley Park, browse the artisan food stalls and craft galleries of Granville Island, learn about the fascinating history of Chinatown and Gastown, and much more.
Rocky Moutain Train
An awe-inspiring train journey from Vancouver to Jasper
On day three, we’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer and embark on its GoldLeaf experience, featuring plush and spacious seats, gourmet meals, an exclusive outdoor viewing platform, and a glass-dome roof for maximum scenery soaking! We’ll travel inland, passing through dramatic changes in landscape, from towering peaks, thick forest, and rushing rivers to the desert-like environment of Kamloops.
After a night in Kamloops, we’ll re-board the train, continuing northeast toward the mighty Rockies, once again enveloped by dramatic views as we skirt the banks of the North Thompson River, passing through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Highlights include Mount Robson, which at 3,954 meters (12,972 feet) is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, plus Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park.
After disembarking and settling in at our hotel, the picturesque Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, we’ll make our way to Maligne Lake for a guided cruise. This turquoise, glacier-fed lake is one of the largest in the world, surrounded by imposing granite peaks and ancient forests. Later that afternoon, we’ll hop on the highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and ride up for a spectacular mountaintop sunset, combined with an exclusive dining and stargazing experience—including the chance to look through a powerful telescope under some of the darkest skies in North America.
Moraine Lake
Mountain paradise in Lake Louise and Banff
En route from Jasper to Lake Louise, we’ll detour to the Columbia Icefield, riding in glacier-traversing Ice Explorer vehicles up to a soaring skywalk, where only glass separates visitors from a 918-foot (279-meter) drop.
Arriving in Lake Louise, we’ll check into the storied Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxurious and historical resort on the edge of its namesake emerald waters, surrounded by the breathtaking Canadian Rocky Mountains. We’ll quickly see, firsthand, why this alpine community is world-famous for its beauty: the shimmering lakes, the Victoria Glacier, the soaring mountain backdrop, the incredible hiking and skiing. We’ll spend the first morning of our two-day stay at Moraine Lake, where the waters are a surreal shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glaciers melt.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
After spending a free day exploring Lake Louise, we’ll pay a visit to the quaint mountain town of Golden, on the British Columbia side of the Rockies, for a gondola ride to the top of the local ski hill, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (an outdoor-recreation hot spot in the summer) and have a meal at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, surrounded by craggy peaks as far as the eye can see. While we’re in the region, we’ll also stop into Yoho National Park to see Canada’s second-highest waterfall, plus the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world.
We’ll wrap up in the magical alpine resort town of Banff, with two nights at the legendary and castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Our final full day will be spent in the wilderness, hiking to the Lower and Upper Falls of Johnston Canyon, and stopping along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to see the Vermillion Lakes, Mt. Norquay Lookout, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and more. We’ll come together for a farewell dinner before going our separate ways in the morning.
Space is limited so contact us to book your spot today. The price of $7,990 per person (based on double occupancy) includes airport transfers, the Vancouver city tour, GoldLeaf Rocky Mountaineer service, all tours in Alberta, attraction admission fees, top-quality Fairmont accommodations with upgraded rooms, daily breakfast, five lunches, and four dinners.
New! Learn more in our trip webinar:
Pam recently gave an excellent webinar on what to expect from this trip, plus her top picks and activities along the route. Danny Becker of Rocky Mountaineer joined, as well, to go over the train journey and describe the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer experience. This 40-minute video recording is a great resource and a must-view if you’re thinking of joining us!
Access the webinar recording here.
Enter this password to open the video: F1Rc+q3!
