5 Day VIA Rail tour from Vancouver to Calgary explore Rockies
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies from two distinct perspectives on this combined bus and Via Rail tour.
It’s time for getting onboard 5-Day [VIA Rail] with breathtaking views of the tracks below as you sip on some complimentary wine or beer at sunset in [Vancouver]. This 5-day tour of the Canadian Rockies is an unforgettable adventure for those who want to explore the outdoors.
After a brief orientation, you’ll visit [Banff National Park], home to over 200 glaciers, mountain peaks, and waterfalls to hike, kayak, rock climb in (or just enjoy the views).
Then it’s off to [Jasper National Park], where your journey continues by train through the stunning Canadian countryside and across two massive bridges that run over huge lakes.
Followed by [Moraine Lake] and [Lake Louise], two beautiful lakes surrounded by imposing mountains before you end up in [Lake Louise] (known for its own massive glacier) for some exploring.
ItineraryDay 1: Vancouver - VIA RailStop At: Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 4C7 Canada
Guests will go to the [Pacific Central Station] station to check in by themselves. The train is scheduled to depart at 15:00 PM (please arrive at the train station at least 1 hour in advance). The train passes through Kamloops and Shanhe Town in Western Canada. Enjoy the beautiful mountain and river scenery for the 800 kilometers train journey. You will spend the night on the VIA train with the default seat ticket (sleeper or cabins can be upgraded with additional charge, there is no guide service on the train).
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight on train - *For cabin/berth upgrades with additional charges, please contact us for more information*
Day 2: Jasper National ParkStop At: Jasper National Park, Jasper National Park, Alberta
Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies.
VIA train will be arriving in [Jasper National Park] a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site around 11 am. Guests will self check-in at Jasper hotel. Enjoy and spend a wonderful night in Jasper.
You can add-on activities in the afternoon at your choice.
Option 1: Jasper Sky Tram+Shuttle (additional charges)
Option 2: Jasper Motorcycle tour (additional charges)
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Jasper Forest Park Lodge/ Athabasca Hotel/Tonquin Inn or similar
Day 3: Jasper National Park-Maligne Lake-Maligne CanyonPass By: Medicine Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada
Medicine Lake, also known as “the lake that disappears” is located 20 km southeast of the town of Jasper. Medicine lake is a 7 km long narrow lake that is formed by the Maligne River. Interesting enough, the lake loses water as it flows. Why is that you may ask- When the water is on its way to merge with the Athabasca river, it reaches the medicine lake area, and pools up to form the Lake over the largest inaccessible limestone cave system.
Stop At: Maligne Lake Rd. 44 km southeast of Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada
22km long, the majestic Maligne Lake is the second-largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Discover the world-famous [Spirit Island] only accessible by boat, on a cruise that has been running for over 60 years in Jasper. The [Maligne Lake Cruise] (additional charges) was once declared the “Best Boat Cruise in Canada” by 8 million Reader Digest subscribers. (Seasonal/*Alternative attraction: Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake *)We also have a lunch stop here, Maligne Lake Historical Chalet Lunch(Optional), enjoy the nice meal and beautiful scenery at the same time . [Spirit Island] The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, who believe mountains are physical representations of their ancestors.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake Road, Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta T0E 1E0 Canada
Get ready to explore Maligne Canyon, located 1.8 km past the Jasper exit. Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. You will not regret exploring this remarkable natural landmark by crossing six bridges built across several different points of the canyon. Every bridge gives you an all-new perspective of the canyon and are all photo taking opportunities you do not want to miss. We will have a lunch stop (60 min) at Maligne Canyon Wildness Kitchen (optional with additional fees)
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Sasketchawan River Crossing, Sasketchawan River Crossing, Banff National Park, Alberta
South of the Icefield Avenue, in addition to the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains, the [Saskatchewan River Crossing] is an interesting place to stop for a short rest. This place was named [The Crossing] because back in the 19th century, travelers and fur traders would use this spot to cross the North Saskatchewan River on their way to the beautiful province of British Columbia.
Duration: 15 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel/ Mount Royal Hotel/ Ptarmigan Inn/ Caribou Lodge/ Banff Park Lodge or similar
Day 4: Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake - Natural BridgeStop At: Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks, overlooked by a stately chateau and backed by [Victoria Glacier] and elevated by [Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise]
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Stop At: Moraine Lake Rd off Great Divide Hwy, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
[Moraine Lake](Open Seasonal/*Alternative Attractions: Lake Minnewanka / Vermilion Lakes*). Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity throughout the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the [Ten Peaks], Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar, Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
This is your lunch stop. You can enjoy the Asian or Western Set Lunch(additional charges) there.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Emerald Lake Road, Yoho National Park, British Columbia Canada
One of the most admired destinations in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake. This gorgeous emerald coloured lake is a result of the light refracting the deposit of rock flour in the lake. Emerald Lake is surrounded by the President Range that forms a natural amphitheater with towering forested banks. If you look carefully, you might be able to spot some really cool wildlife such as marmots, bald eagle, bears, loons, and the occasional moose!
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Natural Bridge, Yoho National Park, British Columbia Canada
Stop at the Natural Bridge along the way and admire the Kicking Horse River as it carves a path through ancient rock. You can view the incredible natural formation from different perspectives at vantage points with interpretive displays that tell you about interesting facts about Natural Bridge. This beautiful scenery is enhanced with the scenic mountains and lush forests in the background.
Duration: 15 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel/ Mount Royal Hotel/ Ptarmigan Inn/ Caribou Lodge/ Banff Park Lodge or similar
Day 5: Banff National Parks - Sulphur Mt. - Bow Falls - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Johnston Canyon - CalgaryPass By: Banff National Park, Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, and is a destination on innumerous people’s bucket lists from all around the world. The most famous attractions in the park are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Banff National Park is also home to countless iconic natural landmarks from majestic mountain ranges to gorgeous turquoise lakes, to beautiful waterfalls, and canyons.
Pass By: Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
It is a mountain located in Banff, Alberta, Canada. At the peak of the mountain you will be amazed by the incredible 360 degree view on the skywalk, of six majestic mountain ranges, beautiful rivers and valleys, the Bow Valley as well as the Town of Banff. Surrounded by the massive peaks that reach the sky, you feel as if you are at the heart of the planet.
Stop At: Banff Gondola, 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2, Canada
This beautiful rocky mountain overlooks the charming town of Banff. At Banff Gondola (additional charge), you will be able to view the beautiful scenery that surrounds you freely, and in every sense on a 360 degree roof-top observation deck with glass fencing. The stunning sunsets reflecting on the snowy mountains is a scene you will never forget.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Hoodoos Trail, Buffalo Street Surprise Corner Viewpoint parking lot, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L Canada
Hoodoos take millions of years to form and stand 5 to 7 meters tall. Each hoodoo is a sandstone pillar resting on a thick base of shale that is capped by a large stone. Hoodoos are very fragile and can erode completely if their capstone is dislodged. The protected Hoodoos site is a guaranteed spot to see Hoodoos but smaller versions of these sandstone giants can be found all over the Badlands. The Hoodoos make a great stop on the way to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site in East Coulee.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Bow Falls, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Located 2.7 km from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is Bow Falls. The astounding scene and the powerful sound of aqua green water crashing over limestone is truly a remarkable experience. The bow falls is a shallow but wide waterfall on the bow river. Several Hollywood films of the 1950s were filmed here! Famous Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe once was swept over the bow falls as they filmed for “River of No Return.”
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Surprise Corner, Buffalo St, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1K2 Canada
The Surprise corner is named after its spectacular views of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel that is cozily nestled at the heart of a dense forest with the beautiful Sulphur Mountain as a backdrop. This beautiful scene is elevated with Bow River cascading down into the Bow Falls as a foreground. The magnificent scene at Surprise Corner will make you feel as if you have travelled into a fairytale story.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, also known as the “Castle of the Rockies” has a history of more than one hundred years. You can lunch in this gorgeous hotel if you would like to add [French Brasserie] (additional charge). This iconic gem is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains with the clear Bow River at its feet. The snow on the peaks, the blue sky, and the cool air are enough to make you feel like one with nature.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Stop At: Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
As Banff National Park’s most popular hiking destination, you won’t want to miss Johnston Canyon. Johnston Canyon is carved into the limestone bedrock from thousands of years of water erosion. On this hike, you will be immersed into a beautiful scene of overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest. Every moment at Johnston Canyon is a memory as you explore depths and different perspectives of the beautiful gorge.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Infants must sit on laps"
"Not recommended for travelers with back problems"
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Near public transportation"
"Stroller accessible"
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"Please provide your name as it appears on your ID card when placing your order."
"This is a combined bus tour. Besides the regular Pickup and drop-off locations, additional points may be added to the tour."
"The minimum number of travelers for this tour is 2 pax. In the event of insufficient travelers, Westar Travel reserves the right to cancel or change the itinerary."
"The schedule and itinerary could be impacted by extreme weather and road conditions, while we may make necessary adjustments. We appreciate your understanding in case of any delays or changes."
"Tour vehicles: Vehicles are arranged according to the number of people in a group. In a group up to 24 passengers, the driver will also be the tour guide. In a group of more than 24 passengers, an individual driver/tour guide will be provided."
"If for any reason you need to leave our group during the trip, you must fill out a “Letter of Liability Release”, no exceptions."
"Guests under 16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult (Age 18 or above)."
"If you have special needs (such as but not limited to: bed type, vegetarian options, high-chairs, etc.) please inform us at least 7 days before your trip. We will do our best to accommodate you, but there is no guarantee."
"We require you to sign the disclaimer before participating in any optional winter activities; and highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance."
"If you have a connecting international flight after the tour, please ensure that your flight departs after 10:30 pm.（**Please understand that depending on the situation, your arrival time in Calgary may be adjusted **）"
"The North American Hotel Standard Room is equipped with one large bed or two standard beds. If you have a specific request for bed types, please inform us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you."
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"
Start Time:
02:00 PM
Duration: 5 Days
Start location: Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station St #225, Vancouver, BC V6A 4C7, Canada
Cancellations and refunds:
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
Portugues
Español
English
