Overview Itinerary Dates & prices 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: 114

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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

Canmore
Banff National Park
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Icefields Parkway
Athabasca Glacier

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Calgary, Alberta1 night

Day 1: Arrival in Calgary

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Canada! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Banff, Alberta4 nights

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Calgary & transfer to Banff

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

With your Tour Director leading the way, head out on a guided sightseeing tour of Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Drive by City Hall, Canada Olympic Park, and the winding Bow River
Pass by Fort Calgary and make a photo stop at the vast Calgary Stampede grounds, where an annual festival and tournament-style rodeo are hosted

Then, travel to Banff, a glamorous resort town known for its mix of outdoor activities, art galleries, and vibrant culture.

Enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains as you head west through Alberta
Stop in the charming mountain town of Canmore and enjoy free time to explore and eat lunch downtown

Continue on to Banff and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Banff

Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director to explore the natural wonders in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, this afternoon.

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
Enter the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canada’s first national park

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
Arrive 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: We recommend wearing extra layers and walking shoes or sneakers, as walking may involve steep inclines.

Day 5: Lake Louise & 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: Rocky Mountaineer train ride to Kamloops

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Board a vintage Rocky Mountaineer train in Banff and enjoy SilverLeaf service as you 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
Opt to upgrade to GoldLeaf service before tour to enjoy an elevated experience aboard the scenic train route (for an additional cost)

Please note: The GoldLeaf service upgrade must be purchased at least 90 days prior to departure. Travelers should reference the “About the Rocky Mountaineer” section in the FAQ or on the pre-departure sheet for additional information regarding the benefits of upgrading to GoldLeaf service.

Vancouver2 nights

Day 7: Rocky Mountaineer train ride 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, Farewell dinner

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

Drive through downtown Vancouver, passing the Roman-inspired Public Library
See the historic Gastown district
Head to the waterfront to see Canada Place, a sail-inspired building, which houses the Vancouver Convention Center and World Trade Center
Stroll through Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park to take in views of the city
Enjoy free time to explore Granville Island, located directly across the water from downtown Vancouver

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

Continue your trip to keep exploring Vancouver, the coastal hub of British Columbia. Lean on your Tour Director to point you toward the best downtown hotspots and stunning outdoor spaces—the city's got plenty to offer (and discover).

Vancouver2 nights

Day 9: Free day in Vancouver

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Vancouver or add an excursion.

Victoria Sightseeing

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Free day in Vancouver

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Vancouver 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

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

outstanding tour of western canada

10/04/2019 by 2nd time traveler Edward G.

first time traveling with EF-go ahead tours. thought that the tour guide and program were excellent. my wife and I have traveled all over the globe with other tour companies and have found the tour managers to be very professional. however, debbie skwart our EF tour manager was definitely the best t...

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Wonderful

10/04/2019 by 3rd time traveler Laura A.

WE had a wonderful time! It started out bad because of Imelda in Houston made us miss our flight the first night but when we got there the next evening everything was great! Our tour guide Debbie was a wealth of information and the weather was beautiful. I'm not sure I could say my favorite day. ...

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mountainous beauty

10/04/2019 by 2nd time traveler Morris P.

From start to finish everything was just wonderful. Weather was exceptional as well. Was in the 90's at home so the mountain air was very much welcomed. Would recommend this tour to everyone.

Rockies Trip Was Tops!

10/04/2019 by 2nd time traveler Jim S.

Our Go Ahead Tour was very well organized through out including taking care of check in at hotels before we arrived in most cases. Debbie, our Tour Director, went out of her way to create a group of friends not just traveling companions. The sites were breathtaking including Calgary, Banff, the Rock...

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08/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

Bus Driver, Rick Ritz, was excellent. Tour Guide, Louise Forgues, was excellent. Hotel in Calgary was excellent. Meals in Calgary were good Hotel in Baniff (4 days) was very bad - dirty, cigarette butts on the porch, front desk staff short and not friendly, room was hot, no AC. Breakfast at ...

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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.

Hotel Arts

This contemporary hotel is located near the Victoria Park neighborhood. Guests enjoy a pool, complimentary bike rentals, and a fitness center. Nearby,...

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Coast Kamloops

This modern inn is located in the Dufferin neighborhood. Guests enjoy a pool, conference center, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Kamloops he...

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Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown

This comfortable hotel is located near the Victoria Park neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center and on-site restaurants. Nearby you’ll find shops...

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Rundlestone Lodge

Situated in Banff National Park, the Rundlestone Lodge is the perfect getaway right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. After receiving a warm welco...

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The Thompson Hotel & Conference Centre

This modern hotel is located in downtown Kamloops. Guests enjoy a game room, pool, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find Riverside Park, Kamloops Her...

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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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Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre

This modern hotel is located in the upscale Shaughnessy neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Van...

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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

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About the Rocky Mountaineer

Travelers will enjoy a two-day ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver. SilverLeaf service is included as part of your tour package, but you can choose to upgrade to GoldLeaf service for an additional cost. This upgrade must be purchased at least 90 days prior to departure.
Here are some of the benefits and reasons we recommend travelers upgrade to GoldLeaf service:
- GoldLeaf cars are bi-level and more elevated than SilverLeaf cars, which allows for more unobstructed views. Additionally, they have larger overhead windows and GoldLeaf passengers enjoy exclusive access to an outdoor viewing platform.

Passengers in GoldLeaf cars enjoy more menu options and elevated cuisine during each meal. These meals are served in a special dining cart below the main seating area, which features four-person tables where travelers will enjoy their meal with other passengers as they continue to admire the scenery. In SilverLeaf cars, meals are served in your seat.

GoldLeaf cars have comfortable, leather seats with more legroom, temperature control features, and seat adjustment settings.

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, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 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.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry 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.
During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
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.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to 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.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

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 Time (MT), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET). British Columbia is on Pacific Standard Time (PT), which is three hours behind ET.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am in Alberta and 9am in British Columbia.

Currency

You will use the Canadian dollar 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.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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2020