Rocky Mountaineer: An Iconic Canadian Rail Journey

Embark on a journey of a lifetime through Western Canada and the Rockies, where vibrant city life and awe-inspiring natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Begin in Vancouver, and explore the lush trails and scenic seawall of Stanley Park, wander through historic neighbourhoods, and cross the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, surrounded by towering trees and rainforest. Vancouver perfectly blends culture, nature, and adventure.

From Vancouver, step aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer and let the train carry you through some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Marvel at rushing rivers, towering cliffs, and the majestic peaks of the Rockies as you travel in comfort and style to Kamloops and onward to Lake Louise, a jewel of turquoise waters nestled among alpine peaks.

At Lake Louise, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains before continuing by road to Banff, a charming town framed by some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes. From Banff, you are perfectly positioned to explore the surrounding areas, including pristine alpine lakes, towering peaks, and scenic valleys, making it the ideal base for adventure and discovery. 

This journey promises to ignite your sense of adventure, surround you with breath taking beauty, and leave you with unforgettable memories of Canada’s most iconic landscapes.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect Canadian holiday.

What should I expect from the Rocky Mountaineer?

When you travel on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll have the chance to choose from several stunning routes through the Canadian Rockies, such as Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper.

You can also select the level of service that best suits you – GoldLeaf Service gives you a bi-level glass-dome carriage with a dining room downstairs, gourmet meals, and an outdoor viewing platform, while SilverLeaf Service offers a single-level glass-dome coach with delicious meals served at your seat and amazing panoramic views. No matter which you choose, all your meals, drinks, and exceptional onboard service are included.

As the train only runs during the day, so you don’t miss a moment of scenery, you’ll have an overnight stay in Kamloops mid-way. Your hotel in Kamloops is allocated locally and, while it may not be at the same luxury level as some of the hotels on your trip, it’s comfortable and of a good standard to ensure you’re well rested for the next day’s journey.

Convenient transfers between the train and your Kamloops hotel, as well as to and from the train at your hotels at either end of the train journey, are included, to ensure your trip is streamlined.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our Canada tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular Canada trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable). Many of our Canada tours also includes excursions.

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we’ll find the best flights to fit your itinerary.

We can advise on the best times to visit each region of Canada — from the snowy peaks of the Rockies to the coastal beauty of British Columbia or the vibrant cities of the east. We’ll also guide you on when to avoid peak tourist seasons or when travel conditions may be affected by weather.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to Canada. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Air Canada, British Airways, or WestJet.

If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also arrange flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to several Canadian hubs, including Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available.

In major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, hotel rooms can sometimes be compact and modern in style. If you prefer larger rooms, heritage properties, or a specific ambience, we’ll tailor our recommendations accordingly. In more rural areas such as the Rockies or Vancouver Island, we can suggest beautiful lodges, cabins, and nature resorts that bring you closer to Canada’s stunning landscapes.

Please note that many hotels in Canada charge resort or facility fees covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools. We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary, we’ll confirm details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in Canada

Many of our itineraries include car rental, allowing you to explore Canada’s vast landscapes at your own pace, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t Canada expensive?

Canada offers a wide range of experiences to suit different budgets — from luxury lodges and scenic rail journeys to comfortable mid-range hotels and affordable self-drive adventures. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions.

Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets.

Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable. We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in Canada can suit every budget, from cosy diners and casual cafés to gourmet restaurants and farm-to-table eateries.

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.