Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer
9days from
£4,399*per person
Overview
9 days - Escorted Tours
Experience the magnificent Rocky Mountains on this Canadian tour, travel along the ‘road of steel’ and finally arrive at Vancouver as one of the most naturally beautiful cities. The Canadian Rockies must surely rank amongst the very finest of scenic and wildlife holidays on earth. The magnificent Rocky Mountains are Canada’s crowning glory and we stay in Banff, the very heart of the mountains.
The magnificent Rocky Mountains are Canada’s crowning glory: home to bears, majestic elk, moose and beaver, with vast forests that seem to go on forever. Opaque lakes of stunning emerald green and turquoise reflect the magnificent scenery like no other place on earth. Carpets of wild flowers bedeck the green meadows spread beneath the towering glaciers - huge expanses of brilliant white ice and snow, contrasting with the muted greys and pinks of the jagged peaks. We stay in Banff, the very heart of the mountains, then travel along a monument to man’s engineering prowess, the ‘road of steel’ that is the great Trans-Canadian railway, on the incredible Rocky Mountaineer train. Crossing high passes, deep ravines and innumerable spectacular bridges, places that can only be seen by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of Alberta and British Columbia.
Finally, we arrive in Vancouver, nestling beside the immense majesty of the Pacific Ocean, which ranks alongside Sydney, Cape Town and San Francisco as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful panoramas. With its gleaming glass skyscrapers reflected in the azure-blue ocean, Canada’s third largest city is a fascinating and cosmopolitan metropolis encircled by water and mountains.
Itinerary
- Arrival in Calgary
- Calgary - Today we start our spectacular journey from Calgary across the gently rolling prairies of Alberta and soon the amazing slate-grey, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Our hotel for the next three nights is the three-star superior Banff Park Lodge, in the spa resort of Banff. With its wood-panelled interior, cosy fireplace and excellent indoor pool, our hotel is an easy 5-minute stroll into the centre of this attractive small town.
- Banff - This morning our breathtaking journey is along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with stunning mountain vistas. Our first stop is famous Lake Louise, completely encircled by high peaks, perhaps the most photographed view in the Rockies. We then take in Peyto Lake, one of the world’s most beautiful azure-blue glacial waters. Finally we see the Columbia Icefield, the largest in the Rockies, covering an area of over 200 square miles with depths of over 1,000 feet. We’ll ride on a giant ‘Snocoach’ (weather permitting) across the Athabasca Glacier for a closer inspection of the massive crevasses before returning to Banff.
- Banff free day - Today we have a free day. Why not take a leisurely ‘float’ trip on the Bow River or a dip in Banff’s relaxing hot springs. There are also helicopter trips on offer, or perhaps a ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain at 7,500 feet on the Banff gondola. Several walks commence from the peak and there’s also a restaurant with an open-air terrace. Also very popular is afternoon tea at the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in the style of a massive Scottish baronial castle.
- Rocky Mountaineer Train - This morning we set off on what is one of the world’s greatest train journeys! Crossing high passes, deep ravines and innumerable spectacular bridges, places that can only be seen by rail, the Rocky Mountaineer is acknowledged as the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of Alberta and British Columbia. Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be led to your assigned comfortable reclining seats, with plenty of legroom and large panoramic windows. The train begins its spectacular two day 585-mile journey following the wide Bow River valley before crossing the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass. Next come the famed spiral tunnels, an engineering marvel built 100 years ago, and as we follow the Columbia River we cross the dramatic 500-foot steel span of Stoney Creek bridge. The excellent on-board commentary highlights the intriguing history of the towns en route and the building of the railway itself. Meals in SilverLeaf Class include excellent hot meals served at your seat on each day including complimentary snacks, tea and coffee, non-alcoholic drinks, plus beer and house wine with lunch, all served at your seat (bar service at extra cost). Upgrade to the excellent GoldLeaf Services and their impressive Dome carriages. Our overnight stay is in a range of medium-class hotels in the town of Kamloops. Personalise your holiday - Upgrade to Gold Leaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer From: £699 (2025) From: £829 (2026) Your tour includes the Silver Leaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer train, however, you may wish to upgrade to the double-decker Gold Leaf Dome carriage with its panoramic wrap-round windows that make you feel right in the middle of the breathtaking scenery! Gold Leaf guests also have access to the open-air observation vestibule at the end of each carriage. Impeccable service is complimented with 3-course gourmet dining in the lower-level dining room. Upgrades are subject to availability and are not bookable online. Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
- Vancouver - We continue our journey to Vancouver. Following the Fraser and Thomson River canyons, passing the Jaws of Death Gorge, Avalanche Alley and Hell’s Gate Canyon, we criss-cross the river many times as we travel through some of British Columbia’s most scenic country. We finally reach Vancouver during the afternoon after a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey.
- Vancouver - Vancouver regularly features as one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities: the blue of the Pacific Ocean with its picturesque harbour, the glass skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and the lush coastal mountains form a stunning backdrop. This morning we tour the city stopping at Stanley Park, with its famous collection of totem poles and Prospect Point, which offers lovely views. The afternoon is at leisure - there’s plenty to see and do in this sophisticated city. A popular, easy walk starts from Vancouver’s waterfront pedestrian promenade to the huge expanse of Stanley Park. The path continues along the seashore and offers stunning vistas across the bay until you reach English Bay’s sandy beach, a lovely spot to watch the sunset.
- Return home
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Experience the drama of the magnificent Rocky Mountains in unrivalled luxury on the Rocky Mountaineer train, the ultimate way to travel across this breath-taking terrain.
- Enjoy impeccable SilverLeaf service with 2 days on board the Rocky Mountaineer, including two breakfasts and two lunches. Upgrade available at a supplement.
- Tour Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier plus ride on the Snocoach and a tour of Vancouver.
- Travel on the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic highways, and walk on the 300-metre-thick Athabasca glacier.
Our Price Includes
- The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a room. single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Flights to Calgary and returning from Vancouver
- Seven nights on room-only basis
- Staying in superior three-star hotels (medium class in Kamloops, arranged directly by the Rocky Mountaineer)
- Two breakfasts and lunches plus selected drinks and staff gratuities on Rocky Mountaineer train
- All transfers
- Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
- Included excursions are: a tour of Vancouver, guided visits to Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier plus ride on the Snocoach.
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Banff Park Lodge -
The hotel has spacious lounge, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room (local charges may apply) and fitness area, as well as the Chinook all-day restaurant and the Terrace dining room for a more formal evening venue. The 211 comfortable rooms are all air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, cable TV, wireless internet (extra charge), iron/iron board, safe, fridge, coffee maker and patio or balcony.
Delta by Marriott - Downtown Calgary -
The hotel has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and fitness area, whilst dining choices include a main dining room and bar as well as a Starbucks coffee shop. The comfortable rooms are all air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, flat screen cable TV, wireless internet (extra charge), fridge, iron/iron board, tea/coffee-maker and great views of the city skyline.
Sheraton Wall Centre -
The 4-star Sheraton Wall Centre is an ideal starting point for exploring Vancouver, providing a cosy retreat after a day of adventure. Enjoy a swim in the indoor pool and unwind with a hot drink in the café. You can choose to dine indoors or on the patio or explore one of the nearby local restaurants, finishing the evening with a refreshing drink at the bar. The spacious rooms feature impressive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the cityscape. Each room is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area, a mini fridge, a TV, a hairdryer, room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Other Information
Holiday code
R007Holiday provided by Riviera Travel
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Riviera Travel (ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a Riviera Travel holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.