Western Explorer (One Way Rail Tours) Vancouver to Calgary

7 nights/8 days
Western Explorer Tour Map
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Itinerary (also available in reverse)
Day Activities Overnight
1 Arrive in Vancouver Vancouver
2 Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops Kamloops
3 Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper Jasper
4 Jasper Highlights Tour Jasper
5 Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer Lake Louise
6 Yoho Park Tour. Transfer to Banff Banff
7 Banff Tour with Gondola and Summit Helicopter. Transfer to Calgary Calgary
8 Vacation ends  

Package Includes

  • 2 day Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • Exclusive Attractions Pass
  • Jasper Tour
  • Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Jasper to Lake Louise
  • Guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  • Yoho Park Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
  • Banff to Calgary Tour, including Banff Gondola
  • Summit Helicopter Flightseeing
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper
  • Luggage handling and National Park Pass
  • GST

Not Included

  • Transportation from Vancouver airport
  • Transportation to Calgary airport
  • Meals, other than specified
  • Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
  • Fuel surcharges
2010 Package Tour Start Dates:
Starts Vancouver (Eastbound)
Mondays & Thursdays (+ Sundays, 02 May–30 May)
Apr 22 29
May 3 6 10 13 17 20 24 27 31
Jun 3 7 10 14 17 21 24 28
Jul 1 5 8 12 15 19 22 26 29
Aug 2 5 9 12 16 19 23 26 30
Sep 2 6 9 13 16 30
Oct 4

Full Itinerary »

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Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 3 Kamloops to Jasper
Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Jasper this evening. Overnight in Jasper. B, L.

Day 4 Jasper Highlights Tour
Jasper National Park is a World Heritage Site and Canada’s largest National Park. Today you will enjoy a short scenic tour including the many natural attractions, rugged peaks, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of some of the many creatures that call this mountain park home. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper independently. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 5 Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6 Lake Louise to Banff
This morning you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. After lunch, a half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff. Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 2:25 p.m., scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 a.m. Your luggage will be stored upon check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary with Summit Helicopter Tour
Today you will enjoy a full-day tour concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Banff Gondola included. Continue on to Kananaskis for the highlight of today’s adventure, a 12-minute Summit Helicopter Tour over the remarkable landscape of the Rockies. Overnight in Calgary.

A price reduction of £60 will apply for the Summit Helicopter Tour in the event of inclement weather or if a guest chooses not to fly.

Day 8 Calgary Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Calgary hotel.

2010 Package Tour Prices inclusive of GST/HST*
RedLeaf Service
Starts VancouverStarts Calgary SingleDoubleTripleChild Rail Seat Upgrade per person Accommodation
22-Apr20-Apr £1445£1151£1116£740£364Vancouver: Holiday Inn Downtown
Jasper: Marmot Lodge
Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont room
Banff: Banff Caribou Lodge
Calgary: International Hotel and Suites
29 Apr-27 May27 Apr-25 May £1857£1410£1334£822£518
31 May-16 Sep29 May-14 Sep £2310£1692£1581£1016£518
30 Sep-04 Oct28 Sep-02 Oct £1822£1410£1328£822£518
Modified American Plan£315 per adult / £208 per child  
GoldLeaf Service
Starts VancouverStarts Calgary SingleDoubleTripleChild Accommodation
22-Apr20-Apr £2110£1680£1645£1199Vancouver: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Fairmont room
Jasper: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont room
Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Lakeview room
Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont room
Calgary: Fairmont Palliser, Fairmont room
29 Apr-27 May27 Apr-25 May £3074£2292£2204£1599
31 May-16 Sep29 May-14 Sep £3785£2697£2492£1663
30 Sep-04 Oct28 Sep-02 Oct £2874£2204£2133£1569
Modified American Plan£505 per adult / £241 per child
Fairmont Deluxe & GoldLeaf Service
Starts VancouverStarts Calgary SingleDoubleTripleChild Accommodation
22-Apr20-Apr £2386£1822£1698£1070Vancouver: Fairmont Waterfront, Portside Deluxe room
Jasper: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Deluxe room
Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Deluxe Lakeview room
Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs, Deluxe room
Calgary: Fairmont Palliser, Junior suite
29 Apr-27 May27 Apr-25 May £3609£2574£2304£1328
31 May-16 Sep29 May-14 Sep £4338£2938£2604£1422
30 Sep-04 Oct28 Sep-02 Oct £3373£2462£2233£1334
Modified American Plan£505 per adult / £241 per child

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