Western Canada by Rail & Sail

A blockbuster adventure

Experience the very best of Western Canada with two incredible railway journeys, a famous ferry crossing, and a scenic flight

This epic journey is one of our all-time favourite itineraries and one of those holidays where the experiences are as much in the journeys as in the destinations. Travel on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, visit magnificent Banff and Jasper National Parks, cross the wilds of British Columbia aboard the Skeena Train, and sail the famed Inside Passage on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world to Vancouver Island. Top it off with a scenic flight back to waterfront Vancouver.

Duration 12 nights

Visiting Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Jasper, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Vancouver

Trying all the varied and exciting ways to experience Western Canada

Recommended itinerary

Vancouver

Your kicking-off point

Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city in the west of Canada. Indulge in world-class dining or take in some of the city's many cultural attractions. However you spend your time here, Vancouver will leave a lasting impression.

What to do in Vancouver

Explore the city and beyond

Opt for a guided tour or explore at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll admire waterfront landmarks, including the sails of Canada Place, and go shopping on Robson Street. As you venture to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, savour the views over Lions Gate Bridge. Don’t leave Vancouver until you explore Granville Island, a creative hub of Vancouver and home to a beloved market. But remember that you’ll have more time in Vancouver at the end of your trip, too.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Where to stay in Vancouver

Simple or stylish?

Vancouver offers a range of hotel options to suit every taste and budget. From luxurious, high-end hotels like the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and the Fairmont Pacific Rim to more affordable options, there's something for every taste and budget.

Rocky Mountaineer

Vancouver to Kamloops

You’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver. It’s an early start, and you’ll enjoy breakfast onboard as the train passes through the Fraser Valley to the Fraser River and the whitewater of Hell’s Gate. After a full day on the train, you’ll disembark in Kamloops and spend the night in a hotel.

Choose your service level

GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf?

Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of service: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. GoldLeaf is a premium level of service, with bi-level glass-domed coaches providing panoramic views, gourmet meals served in a dining room, and a full bar with complimentary drinks. SilverLeaf is more affordable, with single-level glass-dome coaches, hot meals served at your seat, and a selection of complimentary drinks.

GoldLeaf service on board the Rocky Mountaineer

SilverLeaf Service on board the Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

Kamloops to Banff

Breakfast is served onboard as the Rocky Mountaineer continues its journey east through the Shuswap region on a route that hugs the lakeside. As lunch is served, Castle Mountain comes into view, and the scenery gets increasingly dramatic as you arrive in Banff.

Banff

Journey to Jasper

You’ll spend a day in Banff, longer if you like, perhaps soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The next day, join a one-way tour from Banff to Jasper, following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, stopping at Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and the Athabasca Falls.

What to do in Banff

Marvel at the scenery

Take a scenic drive to Lake Louise, go skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby ski resorts, hike in Banff National Park, or relax in the hot springs. If you're feeling adventurous, try whitewater rafting or zip-lining. Whatever your interests, Banff has something for everyone.

Where to stay in Banff

Resort or lodge?

The town offers many options, including luxury hotels, cosy lodges, and budget-friendly choices. Many of the hotels in Banff boast views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and provide easy access to hiking trails and hot springs.

Jasper

Sensational scenery

It’s worth planning to stop in Jasper for at least a few days. It’s a charming town nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, skiing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The town itself has a laid-back atmosphere, with shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore.

What to do in Jasper

See it from above

Take the SkyTram – Canada’s longest and highest guided aerial tramway – for incredible views. And the drama doesn’t stop after the sun melts away – the stargazing here is out of this world.

Where to stay in Jasper

Rest your head

Check into the Fairmont Jasper Park for access to all the bells and whistles of this vast resort, or choose one of the simpler options like Chateau Jasper or Marmot Lodge.

Skeena Train

Jasper to Prince George

Travelling 720 miles over two days, the famous route from Jasper to Prince Rupert is one of the world's great train journeys. The first half of the journey takes you across the mighty Rocky Mountains, out of Alberta and into the vastness of British Columbia.

Prince George

A quick stopover

As the Skeena Train pulls into Prince George, you’ll disembark and spend a night in the largest city in Northern BC. There’s a good choice of restaurants in the town to choose from before settling down for the night.

Where to stay in Prince George

Smart and simple

You’ll probably only spend a night here, setting off early to re-board the Skeena Train. The Coast Prince George Hotel by APA and Ramada Plaza Prince George are great options for your quick overnighter in PG.

Skeena Train

Prince George to Prince Rupert

A second full day aboard the Skeena Train, following the river. Sit back and relax because you will be here for a while. Head to the upper observation deck and watch some of the world's remotest and grandest scenery go by. You’ll arrive in Prince Rupert in the late afternoon.

Prince Rupert

A busy port town

On the northwest edge of Kaien Island, there’s an irresistible hustle and bustle to Prince Rupert, where the promise of an adventure is always tantalisingly close. You’ll probably spend a night here before continuing your adventure aboard BC Ferries, an 18-hour sailing through beautiful scenery via Bella Bella.

What to do in Prince Rupert

Enjoy the views

The Cow Bay area is Prince Rupert’s colourful waterfront area where the lion’s share of shops and restaurants can be found. Heritage buildings perch over the harbour, and there is plenty of choice for lunch with a view — and one that serves a menu of fresh local seafood isn’t a big ask.

Where to stay in Prince Rupert

Check into somewhere cosy

The Crest is a hands-down winner for its sublime views over Prince Rupert’s inner harbour. Expect traditionally welcoming guestrooms that reflect a bygone charm and nostalgic hospitality.

Port Hardy

On the northern edge of Vancouver Island

Port Hardy sits in the traditional territory of the Kwakiutl First Nation. Wherever you roam in these parts, you’ll get a sense of the region’s indigenous history from the totems and big houses. After spending time here, you’ll board an hour-long scenic flight to Vancouver.

What to do in Port Hardy

Get outside

The Hardy Bay Seawall and the dock are where you can blow away the cobwebs on an invigorating sea-salted stroll. Keep going, and you’ll hit forest trails and beaches, where the wildlife is the only thing distracting you from the views. In the summer, it’s possible to see orcas and humpbacks in the water or join a guided tour to spot bears in the coastal forests and along the river edge.

Where to stay in Port Hardy

Welcome to the neighbourhood

Choose a waterside inn or opt for a timber-clad hotel on the traditional territories of the Kwakiutl people that honours and represents the First Nations by celebrating their art and heritage throughout.

Vancouver

Mission complete

Your plane touches down in Vancouver, and your circuit is complete. It’s up to you how long you spend in the city, finishing everything you may have missed when you started your adventure. Now you’re well-adjusted to the time zone, perhaps you’ll feel like exploring Vancouver’s nightlife.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Something different?

It’s your second stay in Vancouver, so it’s the ideal chance to sample a different neighbourhood or try another hotel.

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