The Rockies by Rail and Road

Days 1 – 3: UK – Banff

On arrival in Calgary, you will be met and transferred to the resort town of Banff which is located within the Banff National Park. Admire the peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains and take a stroll along Banff Avenue with its boutique shops, restaurants, and bars.

Day 4: Banff – Kamloops (Rocky Mountaineer) B, L

This morning you will be transferred to Banff Station to join the Rocky Mountaineer Train. Your journey to Kamloops will take you through the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes, through remarkable tunnels, and along rocky lakeshores. Highlights of the day include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.

Days 5 - 7: Vancouver B, L

Today you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the coast and the Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. On arrival in Vancouver, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Arriving in Vancouver early evening, you'll have a couple of days to spend at your leisure. This cosmopolitan city sits right on the edge of nature, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and crammed with delightful green space. 

Days 8 – 9: Victoria

Distance: 121 km /75 miles plus ferry

Transfer to the motorhome depot to collect your motorhome and after stocking up on groceries; make your way to the ferry which will take you across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. A stop at Butchart Gardens is a must and here you can marvel at the beautiful flowers and gardens.

Today you are free to explore Victoria’s inner harbour with the surrounding Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. There’s also the Royal BC Museum and China Town to visit or you could take a whale-watching cruise.

Day 10: Nanaimo

Distance: 111km / 69 miles

Drive the scenic Malahat Drive with its panoramic ocean views to Mount Baker in the distance. Perhaps stop in Duncan, the “City of Totems”, and in Chemainus to see the world’s largest outdoor gallery of murals and sculptures. Try a Nanaimo Bar in Nanaimo, and visit Coombs, famous for its market where goats graze on the roof.

Days 11 – 12: Whistler

Distance: 163 km / 102 miles

Return to the mainland by ferry and drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway along the many fjords of the Pacific Coast to Whistler. Discover scenic ocean vistas, soaring mountains, dramatic waterfalls, parks, and outdoor activities.

Today there are endless possibilities. Why not explore downtown Whistler by bike or take the Peak-to-Peak Gondola. You could also take a seaplane over the mountains and glaciers or, if you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, enjoy a hike to Lost Lake.

Days 13 – 14: Lac la Hache

Distance: 332km / 208 miles

Keep heading north and stop at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, where hanging glaciers crown three turquoise-coloured lakes, marvel at Duffey Lake Provincial Park with its stunning scenery. Between Lillooet and 93 Mile you drive along the Gold Rush Trail that was travelled by gold seekers since the late 1850s. Perhaps make a stop at Hat Creek Ranch to learn about the Gold Rush, the life of a prospector, and the lives of the people of the Shuswap First Nation.

Lac la Hache is best known for its stunning lake along with kokanee fishing and large lake trout and during the summer it attracts many anglers, boaters, swimmers, and water skiers. History has played an important role in the area and the Felker Homestead Heritage Site that provided services for those on their way to the goldfields. We suggest staying at Ten-ee-ah Lodge which is located 30km northeast of Lac La Hache on Spout Lake where you would stay on a half board basis.

Days 15 – 16: Clearwater (Wells Gray Provincial Park)

Distance: 162km / 101 miles

Wells Gray Provincial Park is famous for wildlife including grizzlies, black bear, caribou, wolves, cougar, moose, and mountain goats, as well as for its waterfalls and wilderness. Make sure you visit Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls, which plunge down into mist-filled gorges.

Days 17 – 18: Jasper

Distance: 318 km / 199 miles

Look out for black bears as you drive north over the Caribou Mountain roads and visit the Rearguard Falls. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take an exciting raft trip on the mighty Fraser River. Continue through Mount Robson Provincial Park, named after the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, to Jasper, home for the next two nights.

You won't be short of things to see and do around Jasper. From a cruise on Maligne Lake to the Jasper SkyTram (taking you to the summit of Whistlers Mountain), you're in for an action-packed few days. For a quieter break, relax in the Miette Hot Springs or visit the flowered meadows and glaciers of Mount Edith Cavell. Here, you may even see mountain lions!

Days 19 – 20: Lake Louise

Distance: 232 km / 145 miles

Today you will drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways, with its snowy peaks and ice-blue lakes. Make a stop at the famous Athabasca Glacier for a ride on the Ice Explorer, where you can walk on, feel, and even drink from the glacier. See the Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, walk on air on the Glacier Skywalk before continuing to Lake Louise, famous for its azure blue waters.

Days 21 – 22: Kananaskis

Distance: 98 km / 61 miles

Kananaskis Country is a region that encompasses 10 provincial parks in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Overlooked by many international visitors, this area is held dear by local residents given its lack of crowds, its pristine trails, and equally stunning scenery compared to Banff National Park.

Day 23 - 24: Calgary – UK

Distance: 86 km / 54 miles

It is time to return your RV to the depot and transfer on the shuttle back to Calgary airport, ready to head home at the end of a truly memorable trip.