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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver

with Vancouver extension

Duration: 9 or 11 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 99

See the Canadian Rockies from every angle.

Explore Canada’s Rocky Mountains as you take in the jewel-colored lakes and snowy summits in Banff National Park. Just when you think the scenery can’t get any more spectacular, climb aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to ride the rails through the soaring peaks and twisting valleys of the Coastal Range to Vancouver. With endless dazzling landscapes, this tour will open your eyes to western Canada’s gems.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
3 lunches
3 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Calgary Tower
Banff National Park
Icefields Parkway
Athabasca Glacier
Lake Louise

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Day-by-day itinerary

Calgary, Alberta1 night

Day 1: Arrival in Calgary

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Canada! Arrive in Calgary and settle in to your hotel before getting to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Banff, Alberta4 nights

Day 2: Guided tour of Calgary & travel to Banff

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head out on a guided sightseeing tour of Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics.

• Pass by the Calgary Olympic Park

• Enjoy sweeping views of the city from atop the Calgary Tower

Later this afternoon, transfer to Banff and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Banff

Included meal: Breakfast

With your Tour Director as your guide, set out into Banff National Park.

• Pass by Bow Falls, the Banff Springs Hotel, and Lake Minnewanka

• Admire Banff’s beautiful landscapes, which are rich in history and home to a wide variety of wildlife

Enjoy a free afternoon in Banff or add an excursion.

Banff River Float

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Icefields Parkway & glacier experience

Included meal: Breakfast

Soak in the beauty of one of the most scenic drives in North America as you journey along the Icefields Parkway to see the Athabasca Glacier.

• Keep your eyes open for a variety of wildlife such as bears, elk, and moose as you drive past stunning lakes, soaring mountains, and picturesque valleys

• Stop to admire Peyto Lake before arriving at the Columbia Icefield Centre, where you’ll learn more about Jasper National Park

• Board a snow coach to travel up to the Athabasca Glacier and take a short walk on the ice

Please note: Mountain weather changes fast, and the stop at Peyto Lake is weather-dependent. We recommend wearing extra layers and walking shoes or sneakers, as walking may involve steep inclines. Additionally, Peyto Lake access will be closed beginning mid August 2019 due to renovations to the facilities and infrastructure.

Day 5: Lake Louise via Moraine Lake

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Make your way to Lake Louise this morning.

• Pass through the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park to stop at Moraine Lake and take in its beautiful turquoise water (seasonal, June–September)

• Soak in panoramic mountain views and eat a buffet lunch while you ride the Lake Louise Gondola

• View Château Lake Louise and then spend your free time canoeing or walking around the lake

Kamloops1 night

Day 6: Travel to Kamloops

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Board a vintage Rocky Mountaineer train in Banff for a ride through the untamed beauty of the Rockies to the city of Kamloops.

• Admire glacial lakes, towering mountain peaks, and raging rivers on your day-long journey

• Enjoy an included lunch aboard the train

Vancouver2 nights

Day 7: Travel to Vancouver

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continue your scenic journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.

• Make your way south to Vancouver, crossing through the coastal range of British Columbia

• Enjoy an included lunch aboard the train

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Vancouver

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, tour the multicultural, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with your guide before enjoying a free afternoon for exploration of your own.

• Visit Granville Island and Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre public space

• See the historic Gastown district

• View Canada Place and the Vancouver waterfront

Tonight, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your group.

Flight Home

Day 9: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue exploring Vancouver.

Extension to Vancouver

Delve deeper into the diversity and vibrancy of British Columbia, the westernmost province of Canada. Many cultures meet in the seaport of Vancouver, which boasts thriving Chinese and Indian neighborhoods. Spend your days wandering around the original settlement in Gastown or enjoying the great outdoors. Then, spend your evenings feasting on Chinese food and checking out the lively music scene. Opt to spend a day taking in the beauty and refinement of Victoria or the fresh air and adventurous spirit at Whistler.

Vancouver2 nights

Day 9: Free day in Vancouver

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore Vancouver on your own or add an excursion.

Victoria Sightseeing

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Free day in Vancouver

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend another day in Vancouver at your leisure or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Vancouver: Scenic Landscapes & Gondola Ride

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Western Canada - Not to be Missed!

07/08/2019 by 3rd time traveler Tracey M.

This was a well-crafted tour of Western Canada. The pace was a little more relaxed than the previous tour I did with Go Ahead, which was fine. There was plenty of free time - an afternoon here and there - where you really could do your own thing. The Tour Director was extremely efficient, fun, and w...

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Traveling First Class

07/02/2019 by 11th time traveler Pat A.

This trip was fabulous! If you are interested in beautiful scenery and North American wildlife, yet like being treated like royalty, this trip is for you! It began with the greeting of our tour director, Debbie, at the airport. She was well organized, professional and had a wonderful personality....

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07/02/2019 by 3rd time traveler Debra H.

We loved seeing the beautiful mountains and lakes in the Canadian Rockies.we really enjoyed the scenic journey on the Rocky Mountaineer. A trip we will never forget.Debbie Skwark our tour director was wonderful

07/02/2019 by 7th time traveler Anonymous

If you are looking for a nicely paced trip with some fantastic vistas, this is the trip for you. An appropriate amount of time is designated for the trip excursions as well as independent exploration. Debbie was a fantastic tour guide who kept the bus rides interesting and entertaining. Rocky Mounta...

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Outstanding journey

11/01/2018 by 4th time traveler Lewis T.

We have traveled a lot but this one was far above any other we have taken. The scenery was outstanding, the train was top of the line as was the service on the train, and everything was well handled. Dave Poulin, tour guide, was also the best ever and always ready for whatever. Thank you for making ...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Best Western Plus Downtown Vancouver

We invite you to experience the modern comforts of our full-service hotel conveniently located in downtown Vancouver BC Canada, overlooking the False ...

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Banff Aspen Lodge

This contemporary hotel is located in Banff National Park. Guests enjoy balconies, laundry services, and hot tubs. Nearby, you’ll find Mount Norquay, ...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

Canadian citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within Canada.
In order to enter Canada, U.S. citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please be sure to have any additional required identification with you as well.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1.5 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and ice, with some steep inclines. Some activities will take place at high altitudes.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times as well as getting in and out of trains.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead arrive in Calgary, Alberta and depart from Vancouver, British Columbia.A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops is included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region.
Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Canadian cuisine closely resembles British cuisine, with elements that will be very familiar to Americans as well. While in Canada, you may want to try local favorites like butter tarts, poutine, and anything with maple syrup.

Electricity & air conditioning

All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed for hotels in more remote locations.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Alberta is on Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is two hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST). British Columbia is on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is three hours behind EST.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am in Calgary and 9am in Vancouver.

Currency

The Canadian dollar is the currency you will be using on this tour.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.