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Rail & Sail
From £5,379 pp
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14 nights
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Economy flights
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Available May - September
This itinerary takes you on a spectacular loop of Western Canada, covering the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, the wilds of northern British Columbia and a ferry down the famed Inside Passage. Travel from Vancouver to Banff in style on board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer and spend time in the mountain towns of Banff and Jasper. Then travel into the wild of Northern British Columbia on board VIA Rail and marvel as you weave through the Coast Mountain range and alongside the Skeena River. After a scenic ferry journey down the Inside Passage, arrive back in the city of Vancouver and you loop of Western Canada has come to an end.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- 2 days on board Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff in GoldLeaf service
- 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches on board Rocky Mountaineer
- Icefield Parkway tour including Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk
- 2 days on board VIA Rail from Jasper to Prince Rupert in economy class
- BC Ferries from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
- Scheduled flight from Port Hardy to Vancouver
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Vancouver
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The next day is yours to explore this enchanting coastal city. Take a stroll round Stanley Park, head over to Granville Island to discover a world of food, art and culture or take a shuttle bus over to the North Shore and the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 metres over the Capilano River.
Day 3
Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
Travel on board the Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. From inside Rocky Mountaineer's signature glass dome carriages 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 interior.
Day 4
Rocky Mountaineer to Banff
Your journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer continues eastwards towards the mighty Canadian Rockies. Marvel again at the spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and of course, through the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 5
Banff
Today you have a free day in the charming mountain town of Banff to explore the surrounding national park and its majestic scenery. Start by taking the Banff Gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy incredible views of the 6 mountain ranges that surround the town and then stroll the riverside path to the beautiful Bow Falls. Have lunch downtown, in one of the many different restaurants and bistros, before taking a cruise on nearby Lake Minnewanka. After all that excitement, spend the evening relaxing in the thermal waters of the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs, a magical experience that has drawn visitors to Banff since 1886.
Day 6
Icefields Parkway
Travel from Banff to Jasper on one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. After a photo stop at Bow Lake, you will stop at the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle and one of the most accessible icefields in North America. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier and learn about its geological features before stepping out on to the Glacier Skywalk for unobstructed views of the Sunwapta Valley. Lunch is provided at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving in Jasper in the afternoon.
Day 7
Jasper
Today you have a free day in Jasper to explore the surrounding national park and its majestic scenery. We recommend you book an excursion to nearby Maligne Lake and cruise to Spirit Island, an iconic vista of the Canadian Rockies with distant jagged mountains providing the perfect backdrop. On the outskirts of Jasper and easily reached by local transport are lakes such as Pyramid Lake, where you can hire a canoe, and Lake Annette, with its enticing beach. Look out for wildlife, Jasper is known for the herd of Elk that graze on the outskirts of town.
Day 8
VIA Rail to Prince George
Today you will embark on an exciting rail journey across British Columbia’s northern region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Your journey with VIA Rail begins in the mountains as you pass Mt Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Slowly the mountains shrink into the distance as you enter the semi-arid interior of British Columbia and follow the Fraser River into the city of Prince George.
Day 9
VIA Rail to Prince Rupert
Back on-board VIA Rail, you continue your journey east and it won't be long before the Coast Mountains appear on the horizon. Marvel at the snow-covered peaks and lush temperate rainforest as your enter the mountain range. The train journeys alongside the Skeena River, at first a fast-flowing white water river that becomes sedate as it nears the Pacific Ocean and you arrive in the coastal city of Prince Rupert.
Day 10-11
Prince Rupert
You have two full days in Prince Rupert to explore the sights and sounds of this coastal city. Start by visiting the North Pacific Cannery, designated a National Historic Site, to learn the story of an industry that played a key role in BC’s development over the last 100 years. Stroll the waterfront Rushbrook Trail and enjoy lovely views over the Hecate Strait. In the evening, head to historic Cow Bay and take your pick from the waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood. The next day take to the water, either on a tour to Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary (May to July) or on a whale watching tour (July to September)
Day 12
Inside Passage
Depart Prince Rupert on BC Ferries famed Inside Passage which cruises down to Port Hardy. Grab a seat on the top deck, relax and watch as pass through a maze of waterways and forested islands. You will pass by remote oceanside communities and should always be on the lookout for wildlife as whales, orcas and dolphins are frequently sighted.
Day 13
Port Hardy
Being in such a remote location, it's no surprise that North Vancouver Island is a region home to iconic Canadian wildlife. From Port Hardy, spend the day on a wildlife watching tour looking for whales, sea otters, orcas, and grizzly bears.
Day 14
Vancouver
After a scenic flight to Vancouver, you have more time to explore the city. Stroll the historic district of Gastown, which is home to fabulous restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops and take flight at Flyover Canada.
Day 15
Fly Home
This morning you have your final chance for some world class shopping or sightseeing before you head back to Vancouver International Airport for your return flight home.
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Included Rail Upgrade
Enjoy an included service upgrade on rail holidays
Book a rail holiday in the Canadian Rockies and get an included service upgrade. Rail tours sell out quickly so book now to avoid disappointment. Book by 30th June 2025.
Rocky Mountaineer Offer
Save up to £160 per person on Rocky Mountaineer departures
Applicable for selected 2025 and 2026 two or three-day Rail Only journeys on Rocky Mountaineer's Canadian routes. Book by 30th June 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 30th June and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
5GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 5GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 5GB data on us. Book by 30th June 2025.
VIA Rail Early Booking Offer
Save up to 20% on 2025 VIA Rail departures
Save up to 20% when travelling in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail departures between 1st May 2026 and 27th August 2026. Book by 30th June 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.
For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit:
