Western Canada by Rail (8930)

9 days from Calgary to Vancouver

2027 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

Create incredible memories to last a lifetime traveling through the majestic Canadian Rockies! You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular scenery and visit western Canada’s most famous cities. Adventure calls from Calgary, home of the world-famous Calgary Stampede, to Banff National Park and luminescent Lake Louise to Icefield Parkway to explore the 750-foot-thick ice aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer to the jaw-dropping peaks of Jasper National Park. Experience an amazing two-day rail journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and never miss a magnificent sight while traveling by train during the daylight hours. Pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain, wild rivers, magnificent mountain ranges, and turbulent Hell’s Gate rapids on the Fraser River. Cross by ferry through the Gulf Islands from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Marvel at the stunning, world-famous Butchart Gardens then have free time to explore this very British city. Return by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver to conclude this unforgettable value-minded vacation in Canada!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Your Tour Includes:
• Entrance fee to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park
• Orientation tours of Banff, Jasper, and Victoria
• Tickets for the Icefields Explorer Experience at Columbia Icefields
• 2-day, all-daylight rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service (GoldLeaf Service upgrades are available)
• Guided city sightseeing of Vancouver
• Ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island
• Admission to Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.268.3636

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

On Rocky Mountaineer—2 breakfast, 2 lunches

Notes:

• Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion which opens in late May to early June, or take the Moraine Lake optional excursion which opens in early June. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.

• Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

Itinerary

Day 1 CALGARY

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

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Day 2 CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Home to the Calgary Stampede, discover how the discovery of oil turned this once ranching town into a thriving cultural city. See many of downtown Calgary’s attractions on today’s sightseeing tour, including Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival. Evening is at leisure.

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Day 3 BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy the day exploring Banff, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many trails, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is also the perfect place for wildlife watching as it is home to 53 species of mammals. Most commonly seen are deer, elk, and big horn sheep. For a uniquely thrilling perspective, take an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. If you prefer your feet on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit breathtaking Moraine Lake in the famed Valley of the Ten Peaks.

*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.

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Day 4 BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK

First stop is stunning Lake Louise, the crown jewel of Banff National Park, with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and more exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a special trip highlight and experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Late this afternoon, go with the flow on an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Upon arrival in Jasper National Park, take an orientation tour showcasing the area’s unspoiled beauty.

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Day 5 JASPER NATIONAL PARK

A day at leisure to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. This morning, consider joining the optional narrated cruise on magical Maligne Lake to Spirit Island*. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon keeping an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. Then perhaps do some hiking or peruse the shops in town.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

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Day 6 JASPER NATIONAL PARK–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS

An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-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. Enjoy free time in Kamloops this evening.

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Breakfast

Lunch

Day 7 KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER

This morning, your train adventure continues as you head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. View the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate creating whitewater on the Fraser River. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel.

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Breakfast

Lunch

Day 8 VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA

Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park and other famous landmarks. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate, to the charming city of Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Stop at world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55-acres of floral displays, then enjoy sightseeing in Victoria that includes Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles. This evening, perhaps enjoy a walk and a fresh seafood dinner along the harbourfront while you savor the view.

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Day 9 VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER

Sail via ferry across the Strait of Georgia this morning to Vancouver. After arriving, drive to Vancouver International Airport where your vacation ends. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.

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Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

MARK LOVE

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

“Travel has always been my passion. After completing my degree in Tourism, I lived overseas and had the opportunity to visit numerous countries and experience different cultures. My background in the travel industry has enabled me to realize how invaluable a respected and experienced tour operator is. I have 5 years of experience as a Tour Director with Globus family of brands and am proud every time I represent the company and travel with my guests. The Canadian Rockies are my home and I can not imagine a better office space in the world. Regardless if I am viewing wildlife with my group, telling a story of historical significance, or just standing close by as guests enjoy the beautiful scenery of Western Canada, I love my role as a Tour Director. Being a part of a guests travel experience is the best reward that I can ask for!”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

Jasper

Athabasca River Float Trip

Enjoy some of Jasper National Park's very best scenery from water level on this exciting rafting float trip along the Athabasca River!

Price Range: $$$

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.

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