Overview
Experience an unforgettable piece of Canada’s vast western provinces, starting in cosmopolitan Vancouver, BC—a city of art galleries, waterfront parks, and international cuisine. Take a boat tour across the water to visit BC’s capital, Victoria, and the renowned Butchart Gardens, and then board the Rocky Mountaineer—back on the mainland—for a spectacular 2-day train journey through the Rockies to hike along the glacial lakes and through the alpine forests of Banff.
Days: 9
Best time to visit: May-October
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to the West Coast
Depart this morning for Vancouver, your gateway to the west coast and the Canadian Rockies. You will be met at the airport for a private transfer to your downtown hotel. Start exploring the city with a visit to Granville Island’s Public Market or a stroll along the waterfront.
Day 2 – Highlights of Vancouver
Discover the best of this vibrant city at your own pace with a full-day pass on the Vancouver Trolley Tour. With two days to take advantage of the Trolley Tour you can hop off at as many of the 20 stops as you want to visit attractions, shop, drink, and dine. Highlights on the route include the Totem Poles in Stanley Park, Gastown, Vancouver Aquarium, and English Bay.
Day 3 – Explore Vancouver
Enjoy another day to explore the city; shop, visit art galleries, take a day trip to Grouse Mountain, go whale watching, or cycle around town.
Day 4 – Cruise to Victoria & Butchart Gardens
After breakfast, head to the Port of Vancouver for a full-day cruise-tour across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria and the elegant Butchart Gardens. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a city of stately charm, and retains alluring elements of English refinement. Explore over 100 years of Butchart family history, and hundreds of plant varieties in these renowned gardens. Return to Vancouver for the night.
Day 5 – Into the Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer
This morning, transfer to the Rock Mountaineer Train Station to begin your spectacular two-day journey to Banff in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy 360-degree views from the Dome Car as you travel through the Pacific Coastal Mountains, the Fraser Valley, and into Canada’s semi-arid desert. Arrive in Kamloops for an overnight stay.
Day 6 – Arrive in Banff
Return to the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station and re-board the train. Today you’ll travel through ranchlands along the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake, past the Kicking Horse River, Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide. Arrive in Banff in the early evening and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 7 – Enjoy the Rockies
Banff is a vibrant town of artists, outdoor enthusiasts, elegant restaurants and hotels, and breathtaking views. Home to an atmosphere of hospitality and rustic mountain culture, there are endless opportunities to explore the outdoors, and plenty of ways—think brew pubs and hot springs—to kick back and relax after a long day on the trail. Pick up your rental car and start exploring.
Day 8 – Glaciers and Lakes
Today, explore one of the beautiful alpine lakes—Lake Louise, Lake Moraine or Emerald Lake—or enjoy a scenic drive to the Columbia Icefields, about 2 hours north of Banff. There are plentiful options for day hikes, or you can explore the park on horseback or by bicycle.
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, make the short drive back to the Calgary Airport for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…
Meet with a Consultant
The first step is to call or email us with your desired travel dates, the number of people in your group, your price range, and whatever other information you want to share to get us started. One of our consultants will then reach out to you to set-up an in-person meeting or phone consultation.
Keep on Looking
Together we can discuss your travel options, customize your trip and narrow in on your ideal journey. Once we know exactly what you want, we will send you a detailed-itinerary with hotel options, activities, transportation logistics and a total trip price.
Get a Detailed Itinerary
With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.