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- Bear Watching
- Rail With Bears & Whales
Rail With Bears & Whales
From £7,219 pp
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12 nights
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Economy flights
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Available May - October
An amazing combination of two iconic Canadian experiences; the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer and Knight Inlet Lodge, a remote floating lodge located in prime grizzly bear viewing territory, in the heart of British Columbia’s wilderness. Starting in the mountain town of Banff, you will be in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by snow covered peaks and turquoise lakes. Then step on board Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day train journey like no other, down to Vancouver. From inside Rocky Mountaineer's signature glass dome carriages you won’t miss any of the action. The magical experiences continue at Knight Inlet Lodge. a floating lodge tucked into Glendale Cove, in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. This is one of the best places in the world to view grizzly bears in their natural environment as the unique habitat around the lodge means you can view bears from May to October with bear tours by boat taking place in the spring and summer and on a viewing platform in the fall.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- Scheduled Transfer from Calgary Airport to Banff
- 2 days on board Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver in GoldLeaf service
- 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches on board Rocky Mountaineer
- 6 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo including vehicle
- 3 nights Knight Inlet Lodge package inclusive of a pre night in Campbell River
- Scenic floatplane to/from Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge
- Bear viewing tour
- Knight Inlet sightseeing cruise
- Use of hotel amenities including oceanside sauna and cold plunge, expanded hiking trails, outdoor fire pits and common spaces with Indigenous art
- Services of the onsite Hospitality Manager
- Full board at Knight Inlet Lodge
- Whale watching tour in Victoria
- BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen including vehicle
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 1-3
Banff
Upon arrival in Calgary, a transfer will pick you up from the airport and take you to beautiful mountain resort of Banff. You have the rest of the day to settle in and start exploring the Canadian Rockies. You will have two more full days at leisure to explore Banff National Park and more. Why not include a day trip to visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Yoho National Park or even the Columbia Icefield?
Day 4
Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
Today, you will board Rocky Mountaineer and travel by rail from Banff to Kamloops. This journey will include spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies, the iconic Spiral Tunnel, lush parks, and stunning lake views. Upon arrival in Kamloops, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 5
Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
This morning, you will be transferred back to Kamloops train station for your second day onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Today’s journey will include a wide variety of landscapes from arid to rainforest climates. Your experience with Rocky Mountaineer will end once you’re reached the coastal city of Vancouver.
Day 6-7
Vancouver
Famous for its picture-postcard scenery, Vancouver offers countless ways for you to explore the city. You will have two full days free at leisure so make sure not to miss out on Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and more!
Day 8
Campbell River
After picking up your car rental, you ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo and enjoy a scenic drive to Campbell River. Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River is a popular destination for bear and whale watching. You will have the rest of the day to explore the town at your own pace.
Day 9
Knight Inlet Lodge
Early this morning, you will depart on a 45 minute flight to Knight Inlet Lodge where you are met in the lodge Gathering Area for a traditional welcome. Following some spare time to settle down, you will embark on a small boat excursion followed by two 2-hour tours: a bear viewing tour and a Knight Inlet sightseeing cruise.
Day 10
Knight Inlet Lodge
Today is spent exploring the spectacular region in which Knight Inlet Lodge is located. Join a sightseeing cruise and spot the local marine wildlife and and a second bear viewing excursion to further soak in the majesty of these animals.
Day 11-12
Victoria
You will visit Victoria and included in your holiday is a fantastic whale watching excursion. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to visit and explore British Columbia’s capital. Make sure not to miss out the world famous Butchart Gardens amongst other attractions.
Day 13
Fly Home
Enjoy the last few hours of your holiday with some last minute exploring and/or shopping. You will board the scenic ferry back to the mainland before driving to Vancouver Airport for your return flight home.
Featured wildlife lodge
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 31st July 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Rocky Mountaineer Offer
Save up to £160 per person on Rocky Mountaineer holidays
Applicable for selected 2025 & 2026 two or three-day rail only journeys on Rocky Mountaineer's Canadian routes. Book by 31st July 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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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 31st July 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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VIA Rail Early Booking Offer
Save up to 20% on 2026 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 31st July 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Blachford Lodge by Arctic Kingdom Offer
Aurora Viewing & Adventure at Blachford Lodge by Arctic Kingdom
Receive savings when you book a 3 or 4 night package at Blachford Lodge by Arctic Kingdom. Book by 31st July 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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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:
