7-Day Rockies VIA Railway Enchanting Tour from Calgary: Banff, YoHo, Jasper National Park and Columbia Icefield丨Complementary Airport Pick-Up

What you'll experience

Highlights

7 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Hometown - Calgary

   Welcome to Calgary, also known as "Cowtown". Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Our complementary airport pick up is from 9:00am to 21:00pm, every 2 hours. 
   The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can take one of the following options tours (Must be before 13:00pm pick up or arrive hotel by 13:30pm):
   
   【Optional Tour - Calgary City Tour (3 hours)】
   A guided tour takes you to explore the city; from the historic site to the newest modern building. (Includes guide service, transportation, and admission)
   
   【Optional Tour - Heritage Park with Transportation/Admission (3 hours)】
   Explore Canada's second largest living history museum in Calgary. See and feel the past as it comes to life in front of your eyes.
   
   【Optional Tour - Cross iron Mill Outlet Shopping Tour (4 hours】
   Discover the biggest one-level shopping centre in Alberta.
   
   【Optional Tour - The Calgary Zoo with Public Transportation Ticket/Admission】
   The Calgary Zoo takes you to see almost 900 animals from around the world, including popular gorilla, hippos, grizzly bear, penguins, endangered red pandas and amur tigers, and etc for you to explore.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown , Aloft Calgary University, Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport
2. 2

   Day 2 — Banff Gondola - Johnston Canyon Walk - Bow Falls - Surprise Corner - Hoodoos - Banff Town

   Today you will visit the Banff National Park, Canada's first national park. 
   Departure around 8:00am from Calgary.
   Return to Hotel around 16:30-17:30pm.
   
   【Banff Sulphur Mt Gondola (Optional) 】
   Enjoy a 360º view of Banff. (stop for about 90 minutes)
   
   【Johnston Canyon】
   Known for its walking trail throughout the year. (stop for about 60 minutes)
   
   【Bow Falls】
   Location of the film "The River of no return" in 1960's. (stop for about 15 minutes)
   
   【Surprise Corner】
   Good view for the Castle in the Rockies. (stop for about 15 minutes)
   
   【Hoodoos】
   Hoodoos are composed sedimentary rock covered by harder rock that is harder to erode. Once softer sediment erodes rock needle, only tower like natural obstacles are left. (stop for about 15 minutes)
   
   【Banff Town】
   The biggest town of National towns, many shops and restaurants waiting for your discovery. (stop for about 90 minutes)

   

   Bow Falls

   

   Johnston Canyon

   

   Banff Gondola

   

   Surprise Corner

   

   Banff Town

   

   Banff National Park

   Meals: B: Excluded(Compulsory Selection), L: Excluded(Group Meal Option Available), D: ExcludedStay: Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff Mount Royal, Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff Inn, Banff Park Lodge, Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
3. 3

   Day 3 — Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho - Spiral Tunnel - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge

   Start your journey to Famous Canadian Rockies from Calgary and you will visit the Lake Louise and Yoho National Park.
   Departure around 9:30am from Banff Hotel.
   Return to Hotel around 16:30-17:30pm.
   
   【Lake Louise】
   This beautiful lake is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. Famous photo-taking location. (stop for about 2 hours)
   
   【Moraine Lake/Ten Peaks Valley】
   Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glacier melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. (stop for about 60 minutes)
   * Moraine Lake open from (Early June to Early Oct). If closed, it will be replaced by the Vermillion Lake.
   
   【YOHO National Park】
   Named for a Cree expression of awe and wonder, Yoho lies on the Western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
   
   【Spiral Tunnel】
   It is one of the most bizarre feats of engineering to get the grade of a train line to be at or below 2.2%. The current two spiral tunnels where the railroad forms two spirals, crossing beneath itself twice, almost forming a figure eight, before continuing in the proper direction down the mountain were completed in 1909. (pass through)
   
   【Emerald Lake】
   Name comes from her green water color. (stop for about 20 minutes)
   
   【Natural Bridge】
   Sculpted by the erosive forces of rushing water over what had once been a waterfall, the Natural Bridge is a powerful reminder of how much influence water has in shaping the landscape. (stop for about 15 minutes)

   

   Lake Louise

   

   Upper Spiral Tunnel

   

   Emerald Lake

   

   Yoho National Park

   

   Natural Bridge, Canada

   

   Moraine Lake

   Meals: B: Excluded(Compulsory Selection), L: Excluded(Optional Group Meal Available - Deluxe Lunch at Chateau Lake Louise), D: ExcludedStay: Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff Mount Royal, Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff Inn, Banff Park Lodge, Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
4. 4

   Day 4 — Bow Lake - Columbia Icefield (Ice Explorer/Glacier Skywalk) - Athabasca Falls - Jasper Town

   Continue your journey to Jasper National Park, the biggest National Park in Canada.
   Departure around 9:30am from Banff Hotel .
   Return to Hotel around 18:30-19:30pm.
   
   【Icefield Parkway】
   One of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destinations. Stretching 232km (144mi) through the heart of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, this world-class journey offers access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys. (pass through)
   
   【Bow Lake】
   It is the headwaters of the Bow River that runs south through the city Calgary and onto the Oldman River ultimately to Hudson Bay. (stop for about 20 minutes)
   
   【Columbia Icefield】
   Snocoach and Skywalk (Optional): Visit the Canadian Rockies and tour over the Athabasca Glacier in a giant Ice Explorer. A once in a lifetime experience. Next, enjoy a breathtaking view of the glacier from The Glacier Skywalk. (stop for about 3.5 hours)
   
   【Athabasca Falls】
   It is not one of the highest waterfalls, However, it is rather known for the shear amount and force of the water that flows through it from the Columbia Glacier. (stop about 30 minutes)
   
   【Jasper Town】
   It is the heart of Jasper National Park. 2nd biggest town in the Canadian Rockies. (stop time – your own arrangement)

   

   Columbia Icefield

   

   Athabasca Falls

   

   Bow Lake

   

   Jasper National Park

   

   Icefields Parkway

   Meals: B: Excluded(Compulsory Selection), L: Excluded(Group Meal Option Available), D: ExcludedStay: Whistlers Inn Hotel, Lobstick Lodge, Jasper Inn & Suite or Similar
5. 5

   Day 5 — Jasper - Maligne Lake - Maligne Canyon

   Today, continue your journey in the Jasper National Park.
   Departure around 8:00am from Jasper Hotel.
   
   【Maligne Lake (Optional - Lake Cruise)】
   It is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. You can take an optional cruise to enjoy the scenery of the lake. (stop for about 100 minutes)
   
   【Maligne Canyon】
   It is carved into the Palliser Formation, a layer of limestone deposited in a shallow tropical sea by lime-secreting plankton about 365-million years ago. (stop for about 30 minutes)
   
   After lunch, you can enjoy your free day at lesiure at the Jasper town.

   

   Maligne Lake

   Meals: B: Excluded(Compulsory Selection), L: Excluded(Group Meal Option Available), D: ExcludedStay: Whistlers Inn Hotel, Lobstick Lodge, Jasper Inn & Suite
6. 6

   Day 6 — Jasper - VIA Rail

   Today, taking the VIA train, we left the city's hustle and bustle and ventured into the mountainous area to experience breathtaking natural landscapes. While you're in Jasper National Park, don't forget to catch a glimpse of the first peak, Mt. Robson (3954m), which appears on the left side of the train.
   As the train continues its journey, the scenery gradually transitions from dusk into night, and a bit later, we'll pass through Kamloops before heading towards Vancouver.
   
   * The VIA train is scheduled to depart Jasper at 9:30am. Please confirm the exact time with VIA Rail before your departure at 1-800-681-2561.
   * Meals and beverages are available for purchase on the train. Breakfast and lunch are included for sleeper class or above.
   * Optional: Upgrade to Sleeping class for a more comfortable and relax trip on the train.

   Meals: B: Excluded(Compulsory Selection), L: Excluded(Included for the Sleeper class), D: Excluded(Included for the Sleeper class)Stay: VIA Rail (Economy class) , (Optional upgrade to Sleeping class for a more comfortable and relax trip on the train, contact us for more details)
7. 7

   Day 7 — VIA Rail - Vancouver

   Get your fill of nature in British Columbia and enjoy breathtaking sceneries: majestic mountains, spectacular waterfront, peaceful rainforests, fishing villages. The railway journey to Vancouver is uniquely beautiful.
   
   * Around 8:00am Vancouver Pacific Center Train Station (1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC). Please verify the departure time with VIA rail (1-800-6812561).
   * Economy class does not include any meals but they do sell meals and drinks on the train. You may upgrade to sleeper class, which includes meals.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

【Airport Pickup Notes】
Free airport pickup at Calgary International Airport (YYC) (advance reservation required):
Pickup Location: Information Centre at Exit 7 (Unified meeting point for shared transfers with other guests)
Pickup Times: 09:00am-21:00pm (Every two hours on the hour: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00. Please note your preferred pickup time when providing flight details)
* If you miss the scheduled pickup time, please notify us in advance. We will try to arrange the next available pickup time. If you miss the last scheduled pickup, please make your own way to the hotel.
* If you do not require airport pickup, please inform us at least one week before departure. If flight details are not provided by this time, the pickup service will be considered unnecessary, and you will need to make your own way to the hotel (we will provide a voucher).
* Please provide accurate flight details. If the information is incorrect, a second pickup will incur an additional fee.




【Departure Notes】
On the last day of the tour, VIA Rail is expected to arrive at the Vancouver Pacific Central Station (1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC) at 08:00 AM. Please confirm the exact arrival time with VIA Rail prior to departure (1-800-681-2561). It is recommended not to book flights departing on the same day.

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

Know Before You Book: 

• To protect the rights of all passengers, please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early. If you miss the boarding time, please make your way to the next meeting point to join the group. For any special circumstances, please contact our company.
• It is recommended that passengers purchase travel insurance to avoid losses caused by accidents during the trip and to protect personal rights.
• In the event of special circumstances, our company reserves the right to change the order of the tour or cancel any tour activities and accommodations. We also have the right to extend or shorten the itinerary. Passengers cannot object for any reason.
• The various transportation, hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing spots used during the tour have different regulations to ensure the safety and rights of passengers. In case of accidents, injuries, or property loss, each organization's safety regulations will be followed for resolution, and our company will not be held responsible.
• Luggage restrictions: Each person is allowed 1 checked-in luggage and 1 carry-on bag. Additional luggage will incur a charge of CAD$50 + 5% GST per item.
• The itinerary order and hotel accommodations may change depending on the departure date.
• The time spent at attractions or activities may be adjusted according to actual circumstances. Activities will proceed depending on weather conditions. If a location is closed, an alternative attraction will be provided.
• Group meals are subject to certain restrictions. If you have special dietary needs or allergies, it is not recommended to purchase group meals. (Any changes to the group meal menu will not be notified in advance.)
• If activities cannot proceed due to force majeure or other reasons (excluding personal reasons), a refund for the optional activity will be provided.
• The tour vehicle does not have wheelchair accommodation.
• This product is a local group tour, and you will join other travelers at the destination. The order of the itinerary and hotel arrangements may be adjusted depending on the departure date. The tour guide and vehicle may vary, but the overall itinerary and services will remain unchanged.
• If you choose to book a hotel near Calgary Airport with airport transfer service, please provide flight information. If no flight details are provided, please make your own transfer reservation with the hotel front desk upon check-in. (*Transfer time depends on availability.)
• All optional activities have limited availability and must be booked and paid for at the time of booking. On-site bookings are not accepted. Due to limited space, we recommend booking early to avoid waiting in line or missing out on tickets.
• Infant seats are not provided during the tour. If needed, please bring your own.
• This product follows a shared group tour model, with services provided by the local ground operator. To facilitate the tour operations, the ground operator may transfer guests from the original vehicle to another vehicle and assign different tour guides and drivers along the way. However, the services provided will still be in accordance with the terms and standards outlined in the contract.

Know Before You Go:

• The temperature in the Rocky Mountains varies greatly. During summer, daytime temperatures range from 20-25°C, and nighttime temperatures range from 10-15°C. It is recommended to check the climate of the travel dates before departure.
• The Columbia Icefields area can have temperatures below 10°C in summer, so please bring warm clothing.
• Due to Canada's high latitude, the UV intensity during the summer is very high. Please carry sunscreen and protective gear.
• Most North American hotels do not provide personal items like toothbrushes or toothpaste, so please remember to bring your own.
• This is a destination-based tour, so please ensure you have a valid travel visa and confirm and apply for an eTA based on your passport type before departure.
• This itinerary requires you to hold a Canadian visa. If you are a U.S. resident or hold a U.S. Green Card, you do not need a Canadian visa.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* The train can be upgraded to an upper berth, lower berth, single compartment, or double compartment. Prices may fluctuate and are subject to the booking time. These upgrades must be booked and paid for at the time of booking, and the fees are non-refundable. Please contact us for a quote if needed.

* Prices for Single Occupancy apply when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Prices for Double/Triple/Quadruple Occupancy apply when two/three/four people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Triple/Quadruple price does not guarantee a third/fourth bed in the room since each room is equipped with two beds. Please check the availability at the time of check-in.
* Children prices applies when a 0-12 year-old child stays in one standard room as a third or fourth person.
* Maximum room capacity: 4 people including adult and child/infant.

Hotel-related Information:
* Depending on the hotel policy, you may be required to provide a credit card for incidental charges during your stay, such as phone calls. Additionally, please note that all room types are non-smoking. Violating this rule will result in a fine, which must be paid by the guest.
* Standard double rooms in North American hotels typically have either one large bed, two beds, or one large bed with a sofa bed. If you have specific bed preferences, please make a note when booking. We will do our best to accommodate, but cannot guarantee it.
* Rooms for three or four guests usually have two beds, and no additional bed will be provided.
* Most North American hotels do not provide personal items such as toothbrushes or toothpaste. Please remember to bring your own.

Travel tips

Tour operator