Rocky Mountaineer: Iconic Canadian Rail Journey

Travel through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world’s great train journeys, with your flights, hotels, transfers and rail tickets all arranged.

Start with three nights in Vancouver, with time for Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Then board the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf class for two days of daylight travel through the mountains, with breakfast and lunch served on board and an overnight stop in Kamloops.

The train brings you to Lake Louise for two nights, before you continue to Banff for two more, with the Banff Gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs included. A transfer then takes you to Calgary Airport for your flight home.

Like all our trips, it’s easy to adjust: upgrade to GoldLeaf, choose superior or deluxe hotels, or add nights where you’d like longer.

Is this a private trip, and can I change it?

It’s a private trip built around your dates, not a group tour on fixed departures. You share the Rocky Mountaineer and some transfers with other travellers, but you aren’t part of a tour group, and the rest of your time is your own. You can change anything: add nights, swap places, upgrade hotels or slow the pace, and we’ll reprice it for you.

When is the best time to go?

June to September is the main season, with long days and everything open. Late September and early October bring autumn colour, especially in the east, and quieter roads.

Winter is for skiing and snowy landscapes, but some roads, lodges and tours close. Book summer trips early, as the best mountain lodges and the Rocky Mountaineer fill up months ahead.

Which airlines do you use?

We usually use Air Canada, British Airways or WestJet, which fly direct from London to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montréal, and we can book flights from regional UK airports.

Flights out leave during the day, so you arrive the same day. Flights home are usually overnight, which is why the length of each trip includes a night on the plane.

What are the hotels like?

We choose hotels for their location and character, from city hotels to mountain lodges and small inns. Some Canadian hotels add a resort or facility fee, and city hotels often charge for parking. Where we can, we include these in your price, and we’ll tell you about any you pay locally.

Do I need a visa?

UK passport holders flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). It only takes a few minutes to apply online, but do it as soon as you’ve booked, and use the official Government of Canada website, as other sites charge extra. If you hold a different passport, ask us.

Vancouver

Set between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, Vancouver is a stunningly scenic city that perfectly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. From the bustling streets of downtown and the trendy shops of Gastown to the leafy trails of Stanley Park, the city offers a wealth of experiences for every visitor.

Vancouver is also a culinary hotspot, with an international food scene that reflects its multicultural population, including fresh seafood, Asian fusion, and farm-to-table delights. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby beaches, bike along seawalls, or ski in the nearby mountains during winter. With its lively arts scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, and breathtaking surroundings, Vancouver promises a city experience like no other.

Kamloops

Located in the heart of British Columbia’s interior, Kamloops is a vibrant city where the Thompson Rivers meet and rolling hills stretch into the distance. Known for its sunny climate and outdoor spirit, Kamloops offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and small-city charm. It provides a great half way stop over point for your Rocky Mountaineer adventure.

Rocky Mountaineer — First Passage to the West

The Rocky Mountaineer’s “First Passage to the West” route is one of the world’s most legendary rail journeys, connecting Vancouver and Lake Louise (or Banff) through the dramatic landscapes of Western Canada. Known for its luxurious service and glass-domed coaches, the route offers an unforgettable way to experience the Canadian Rockies.

As the train winds through lush river valleys, towering canyons, and snow-capped peaks, guests enjoy gourmet meals and fascinating commentary about the region’s history and natural wonders. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon, the meeting of the Thompson Rivers in Kamloops, and the climb over Rogers Pass in the heart of the mountains.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Canada Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.