Western Canada by Rail

Western Canada by Rail

200 Views
9 Days From

$4607

$4218

Western Canada by Rail

9 Days Starting in CALGARY and ending in VANCOUVER

Visiting: Canada

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

8930-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 43

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4607 $4218 Operator discount: -$389

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this memorable Western Canada by Rail tour. You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, hike, explore on your own, or take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and turbulent Hell’s Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

Highlights

  • Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

  • Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park.

  • Drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.

  • Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs.

  • First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

  • Experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick at the Columbia Icefield.

  • Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island in Jasper National Park.

  • Morning sightseeing in Vancouver focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park.

Places You'll See

Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

Banff High Country Inn

Lobstick Lodge

Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Calgary

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
CALGARY Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Calgary,Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Banff High Country Inn

The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.

Day 3: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Banff High Country Inn

Today is at leisure. Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching, and you may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK Today is at leisure. Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching, and you may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep.

Day 4: Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper National Park

Accommodation Name: Marmot Lodge

First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights is in Jasper National Park.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights is in Jasper National Park.

Day 5: Jasper National Park

Accommodation Name: Marmot Lodge

Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, elk, and wolves.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, elk, and wolves.

Day 6: Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Rocky Mountaineer,Kamloops

Accommodation Name: Marmot Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Free time in Kamloops this evening.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Free time in Kamloops this evening. (B,L)

Day 7: Kamloops,Rocky Mountaineer,Vancouver

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Reboard your train and head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel.
KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER Reboard your train and head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 8: Vancouver,Ferry Crossing,Victoria

Accommodation Name: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.

Day 9: Victoria,Ferry Crossing,Vancouver

Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm.
VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm.

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in comfort at selected hotels including Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff High Country Inn, Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.

  • Sightseeing Highlights

    Explore Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Vancouver, and Victoria with guided tours and special highlights like the Ice Explorer vehicle tour.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

  • Transport

    Travel in comfort with all transportation provided, including the Rocky Mountaineer train journey.

  • Ferry Crossings

    Experience the scenic ferry crossings through the spectacular Gulf Islands.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit UNESCO-listed sites including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

  • Optional

Meals

On Rocky Mountaineer—2 breakfast, 2 lunches

Notes

Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.

UNESCO Sites

Banff National Park|Jasper National Park

Accommodation

Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel



Conveniently located in downtown Calgary, the Sandman Hotel is minutes away from local transportation and shopping areas. The hotel features a fitness center, an indoor pool, and 301 well-equipped guestrooms.





Banff High Country Inn



Set against a mountain backdrop, the High Country Inn offers an array of luxurious amenities that will ensure comfort and relaxation. Swim a lap in the indoor heated pool, soak in the hot tub or unwind in the traditional dry cedar sauna. In addition to comfortable units and spacious suites, guests will also find indoor heated pool, hot tubs and dry cedar sauna, Complimentary Wireless Internet, 24-hour front desk, Internet kiosk, and laundry services. Rooms feature Individual climate control and air conditioning, mini fridge, coffee maker, and courtesy coffee, cable TV.





Marmot Lodge



The Marmot Lodge features a number of services including concierge service, currency exchange, indoor pool, business center, and Embers Steakhouse restaurant. All 107 guestrooms are all equipped with coffeemakers, mini-fridge, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.





Lobstick Lodge



Lobstick Lodge is located in a secluded mountain setting near east end of town, 5 blocks from CNR station. Enjoy large open rooms with spectacular mountain views right outside your window.





Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown



This seven-story Downtown Hotel is located 3 blocks from the shopping plaza & 15 km from the airport. Overlooking the vibrant view, the modern guestrooms put you near the heart of Vancouver. Enjoy free W-Fi, cable TV and rest easy on a pillow top mattress for a great night's sleep.





Royal Scot Hotel & Suites



Located in the center of downtown, the Royal Scot hotel & Suites is just a short walk to Victoria's famous Inner Harbour as well as shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, concierge service, guest laundry, gift shop, business center, Internet access, restaurant, and lounge.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the highlights of the Western Canada by Rail tour?

    The highlights of the Western Canada by Rail tour include sightseeing in downtown Calgary, visiting Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park, exploring Banff National Park, visiting Lake Louise and experiencing the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield, an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, and sightseeing in Vancouver focusing on Chinatown, Gastown, and Stanley Park.

  • What type of accommodations are included in the tour?

    The tour includes accommodations at selected hotels such as Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, Banff High Country Inn, Marmot Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown, and Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.

  • Are meals included in the Western Canada by Rail tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

  • What type of transport is provided on the tour?

    The tour provides all necessary transportation, including a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

  • What UNESCO sites will we visit during the tour?

    During the tour, you will visit UNESCO-listed sites including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

  • Is there a private option available for the Western Canada by Rail tour?

    The provided information does not specify whether a private option is available for the Western Canada by Rail tour.

  • What are the ferry crossings included in the tour?

    The tour includes scenic ferry crossings through the spectacular Gulf Islands.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.