Print This Page

Iconic Rockies and Western Canada with Rocky Mountaineer (Silverleaf)

13 Day Silverleaf Canada and USA Rail Tour from Vancouver to Alaska | Operated by Trafalgar

  • 13 Days

  • 1 Country

    Canada
  • 12 Cities

    Vancouver, Victoria, Chemainus, Squamish, Whistler, Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, Sun Peaks, Banff, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper, Kamloops
  • 19 Meals

    1 Welcome Reception, 12 Breakfasts, 3 Lunchs, 3 Dinners
  • Pace: Comfortable

    Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Voyage To Vancouver

Tackle the ‘Great Outdoors’ on this effortlessly delivered adventure through Western Canada. Discover why Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities. Then, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.

Hotel: Pinnacle Harbourfront, Vancouver
Included Meals: Welcome Reception
Notes
Day 2: Sample Cider On Vancouver Island

This morning, delve into the historic neighborhoods of Chinatown and Gastown before boarding a ferry to Vancouver Island. Dive into Culture and taste local cider at a family-owned ciderhouse, before continuing to Victoria.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria
Included Meals: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture: Vancouver Island Cider Tasting Taste local cider at a familly-owned ciderhouse before continuing to Victoria.
Iconic Experience: Vancouver Sightseeing Vancouver's historic neighborhoods spring to life on a tour with your Travel Director. Savor the smells of freshly steamed Siopao in Chinatown and admire the Victorian facades, cobblestone streets and charming lighting of Gastown as you make your way to the leafy sanctuary of Stanley Park.
Iconic Experience: Victoria Orientation Victoria. A waterfront city of historic sites known for its gardens and British influence. View the Parliament Buildings erected in 1897 with beautiful gardens. Then explore on your own, strolling along the Inner Harbor where you will have the chance to watch street buskers perform or venturing to Victoria's unique shopping areas in Market Square.
Notes
Day 3: Explore Butchart Gardens In Victoria

Today on your Canadian Rockies tour, the Garden City comes to life as you greet the day before opening hours with breakfast at Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre showcase of gorgeous floral gardens that have colorfully transformed a once unused quarry. After breakfast, enjoy time in the garden before the crowds. Spend the rest of the day exploring the walkable capital of British Columbia perhaps treating yourself to high tea or tucking into local fish and chips. Or, join an optional Victoria Whale Watching cruise and keep your eyes peeled for orca and humpback whales, bald eagles, porpoises and seals.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Visit Butchart Gardens Buchart Gardens’ lush and expansive garden is a must-see oasis which has been growing in Victoria, BC for over 100 years. With over a million visitors per year, you will love this morning's visit to the gardens before opening hours. Starting with a breakfast on the grounds, you will get to explore the 55-acre garden rich with ever-changing colors and blooms before the crowds arrive. 
Notes
Day 4: Take In The Sights Of Chemainus, Squamish, and Whistler

See the vivid murals of Chemainus. Board a ferry and then take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Ascend to Summit Lodge, admiring the views from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. 

Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: See The Murals Of Chemainus Enjoy looking upon the Murals of Chemainus that started in 1981 and is now the world's leading community driven art experience.
Iconic Experience: Scenic Drive along the Sea to Sky Highway Enjoy a drive along the 300 kilometers long Sea to Sky Highway and bask in the variety of landscapes on offer.
Iconic Experience: Soar aboard the Sea to Sky Gondola Enjoy a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola and bask in the stunning views of the coastal mountains and panoramic views.
Notes
Day 5: Explore Whistler

Enjoy an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the First Nations at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center. Get a first-hand look into the traditional way of life of the original inhabitants of the area and their collection of artifacts and contemporary pieces led by Aboriginal Ambassadors who share their own stories and first-hand cultural experiences. After lunch at the Center, enjoy your time at leisure.

Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center Enjoy an insightful visit at the Lil'wat Cultural Center in Squamish. Learn about the First Nations cultures as you delve into the history of the region. 
Notes
Day 6: Travel To Sun Peaks

We continue towards Sun Peaks where we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 

Hotel: Sun Peaks Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: See Seton Lake Spend some time seeing Seton Lake and the beautiful snow capped mountains surrounding it.
Notes
Day 7: Explore The Rocky Mountain National Parks

Drive through Glacier & Yoho National Park en route to Banff. Sample the best of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. The excitement of Canada’s highest suspension bridges awaits at the Golden Skybridge! Explore canyon ridge walking trails with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges. We then overnight in beautiful Banff National Park.

Hotel: Banff Park Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Drive through Glacier National Park of Canada Take a drive through the Glacier National Park of Canada and enjoy the landscape of mountains along the way.
Iconic Experience: Drive through Yoho National Park Drive through Yoho National Park and marvel over the spectacular landscape of massive ice fields and mountain peaks.
Iconic Experience: Visit Golden Skybridge Enjoy a visit to Golden Skybridge and take in the views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges as well as the tumbling waterfall. 
Notes
Day 8: Wander Beautiful Banff

Your morning is at leisure, perhaps do an optional gondola ride or explore on your own terms. Later in the morning, you will have your orientation tour of Banff National Park. This evening, meet a Mountie dressed in traditional red serge uniform and hear about their exciting history before enjoying dinner.

Hotel: Banff Park Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Dive Into Culture: Meet a Mountie Meet a retired Canadian Mountie and hear exciting and colorful stories of their rich history and traditions.
Iconic Experience: Banff Sightseeing Uncover how Banff is in a league of its own. Stroll through the downtown lined with historic buildings as majestic mountains stand tall in the distance. This is your chance to visit the iconic sites and the local spots on a guided tour around town. Stop at Bow Falls for great sightseeing opportunities of the river and the falls. At Surprise Corner, named for its spectacular, surprising views from Buffalo Street, capture a photo of another unique vantage point. 
Notes
Day 9: Cross The Athabasca Glacier

Enjoy a lakeside walk at Lake Louise, then board an Ice Explorer and drive over the Athabasca Glacier. Continue your drive along the Icefields Parkway to your overnight in Jasper.

Hotel: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Visit Lake Louise Get ready for a showstopper. Walk down a forest path before coming up upon the unreal turquoise color of Lake Louise popping through the trees for the first time. After this stunning first-time glance, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier with its scenic mountain backdrop. Be amazed by the glacier-fed waters fringed by high peaks, deep forests and overlooked by Victoria Glacier and palatial hotel.
Iconic Experience: Columbia Icefield Adventure Gear up for a Columbia Icefield Adventure. Board a massive, specially designed ‘Ice Explorer’ to view one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Athabasca Glacier. Stop at the best spot to walk on, feel and drink from the Glacier. What better way to appreciate this natural wonder? You’ll even enhance your visit learning about the Columbia Icefield, how the glacier has changed and the thrill of driving up the moraine deposits to reach the glacier.
Iconic Experience: Icefields Parkway Drive Unlock the Canadian Rockies' pristine wilderness on one of the most scenic drives in North America – the Icefield Parkway. This stretch of double-lane highway from Jasper to Lake Louise winds along the Continental Divide through rocky mountain peaks, rock spires, waterfalls, icefields, valleys and more than 100 ancient glaciers. Snap a pic at a viewpoint to capture the beauty.
Notes
Day 10: Walk Through the Wilderness in Jasper

Embark on an invigorating guided walk to Maligne Canyon. Board a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake (seasonal) stopping at Spirit Island. Travel on to Jasper and this evening join Matricia Bauer for a one of a kind Be My Guest experience, on traditional First Nations land. Learn how to make curated drink bitters from foraged ingredients, enjoy a designer cocktail and listen to stories and drumming over dinner.

Hotel: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Be My Guest: Warrior Women Learn about the local flora through the lens of the Indigenous Peoples and how to make curated drink bitters utilizing the foraged ingredients as you enjoy storytelling and drumming during dinner.
Iconic Experience: Guided Maligne Canyon Walk Maligne Canyon promises natural wonders from mosses and lichens on the canyon walls to ice caves, fossils and frozen waterfalls. On this guided walk, admire this incredible natural landmark as you cross bridges built across various points of the canyon. As the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, you pass incredible sights including a spectacular waterfall that makes for a great photo opp.
Iconic Experience: Maligne Lake Cruise See how Maligne Lake is in a league of its own on a scenic cruise. Discover world-famous Spirit Island and get great photo opportunities with beautiful views of the mountains, its three glaciers and Spirit Island - significant to the Indigenous Stoney Nation. Learn about the geology, wildlife and history of this spectacular alpine destination and how, because visitors cannot walk on the island, it remains an enclave of evergreens. And since you can only see Spirit Island from a cruise, you’ll love being one of the few who get to see it.
Notes
Day 11: All Aboard The Rocky Mountaineer

Embark on a two-day journey on the luxury Rocky Mountaineer with a night in Kamloops.

Hotel: South Thompson Inn & Conference Center, Kamloops
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Notes
Day 12: Take a Rustic Railway to Vancouver

Discover the elegance of yesteryear, continuing your journey through the clouds by rail until you reach Vancouver. An included transfer is offered from Vancouver train station to hotel.

Hotel: Pinnacle Harbourfront, Vancouver
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Notes
Day 13: Farewell From Vancouver

Our dazzling encounter with the Canadian Rockies has come to an end. Depart at leisure as you head to Vancouver International Airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

What's Included
  • - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • - All transport and transfers shown
  • - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • - Optional Experiences and free time
  • - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
  • - 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • - 12 Breakfasts (B)
  • - 3 Lunchs (L)
  • - 3 Dinners (D)
Dive Into Culture
  • Taste local cider at a familly-owned ciderhouse before continuing to Victoria.
  • Meet a retired Canadian Mountie and hear exciting and colorful stories of their rich history and traditions.
Iconic Experience
  • Vancouver's historic neighborhoods spring to life on a tour with your Travel Director. Savor the smells of freshly steamed Siopao in Chinatown and admire the Victorian facades, cobblestone streets and charming lighting of Gastown as you make your way to the leafy sanctuary of Stanley Park.
  • Victoria. A waterfront city of historic sites known for its gardens and British influence. View the Parliament Buildings erected in 1897 with beautiful gardens. Then explore on your own, strolling along the Inner Harbor where you will have the chance to watch street buskers perform or venturing to Victoria's unique shopping areas in Market Square.
  • Buchart Gardens’ lush and expansive garden is a must-see oasis which has been growing in Victoria, BC for over 100 years. With over a million visitors per year, you will love this morning's visit to the gardens before opening hours. Starting with a breakfast on the grounds, you will get to explore the 55-acre garden rich with ever-changing colors and blooms before the crowds arrive. 
  • Enjoy looking upon the Murals of Chemainus that started in 1981 and is now the world's leading community driven art experience.
  • Enjoy a drive along the 300 kilometers long Sea to Sky Highway and bask in the variety of landscapes on offer.
  • Enjoy a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola and bask in the stunning views of the coastal mountains and panoramic views.
  • Spend some time seeing Seton Lake and the beautiful snow capped mountains surrounding it.
  • Take a drive through the Glacier National Park of Canada and enjoy the landscape of mountains along the way.
  • Drive through Yoho National Park and marvel over the spectacular landscape of massive ice fields and mountain peaks.
  • Enjoy a visit to Golden Skybridge and take in the views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges as well as the tumbling waterfall. 
  • Uncover how Banff is in a league of its own. Stroll through the downtown lined with historic buildings as majestic mountains stand tall in the distance. This is your chance to visit the iconic sites and the local spots on a guided tour around town. Stop at Bow Falls for great sightseeing opportunities of the river and the falls. At Surprise Corner, named for its spectacular, surprising views from Buffalo Street, capture a photo of another unique vantage point. 
  • Get ready for a showstopper. Walk down a forest path before coming up upon the unreal turquoise color of Lake Louise popping through the trees for the first time. After this stunning first-time glance, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier with its scenic mountain backdrop. Be amazed by the glacier-fed waters fringed by high peaks, deep forests and overlooked by Victoria Glacier and palatial hotel.
  • Gear up for a Columbia Icefield Adventure. Board a massive, specially designed ‘Ice Explorer’ to view one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Athabasca Glacier. Stop at the best spot to walk on, feel and drink from the Glacier. What better way to appreciate this natural wonder? You’ll even enhance your visit learning about the Columbia Icefield, how the glacier has changed and the thrill of driving up the moraine deposits to reach the glacier.
  • Unlock the Canadian Rockies' pristine wilderness on one of the most scenic drives in North America – the Icefield Parkway. This stretch of double-lane highway from Jasper to Lake Louise winds along the Continental Divide through rocky mountain peaks, rock spires, waterfalls, icefields, valleys and more than 100 ancient glaciers. Snap a pic at a viewpoint to capture the beauty.
  • Maligne Canyon promises natural wonders from mosses and lichens on the canyon walls to ice caves, fossils and frozen waterfalls. On this guided walk, admire this incredible natural landmark as you cross bridges built across various points of the canyon. As the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, you pass incredible sights including a spectacular waterfall that makes for a great photo opp.
  • See how Maligne Lake is in a league of its own on a scenic cruise. Discover world-famous Spirit Island and get great photo opportunities with beautiful views of the mountains, its three glaciers and Spirit Island - significant to the Indigenous Stoney Nation. Learn about the geology, wildlife and history of this spectacular alpine destination and how, because visitors cannot walk on the island, it remains an enclave of evergreens. And since you can only see Spirit Island from a cruise, you’ll love being one of the few who get to see it.
Trafalgar Difference
  • Located in Victoria, British Columbia’s picturesque Inner Harbor, the Hotel Grand Pacific brings you spectacular views of the harbor and easy access to sightseeing in Victoria. Stroll along the Inner Harbor or join a yoga class at the hotel's on-site athletic club. You'll also feel good knowing that the Hotel Grand Pacific is helping replenish vital ecosystems by partnering with Veritree to plant two trees for every night you stay and decline a stayover room clean.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • Enjoy an insightful visit at the Lil'wat Cultural Center in Squamish. Learn about the First Nations cultures as you delve into the history of the region. 
Be My Guest
  • Learn about the local flora through the lens of the Indigenous Peoples and how to make curated drink bitters utilizing the foraged ingredients as you enjoy storytelling and drumming during dinner.

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Victoria Whale Watching Excursion (Available on Day 3)

Get ready for an unforgettable three-hour whale-watching expedition in the waters off Victoria. You have the chance to spot magnificent bald eagles, porpoises or seals. In the spring and summer especially, you may see different species of whales including Bigg’s killer whales (orca), humpback whales, South Resident orca, Minke and grey whales.

Adult Price: $157 Child Price: $131 Banff Gondola (Available on Day 8)

Unlock incredible views of six mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies on the Banff Gondola. Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in a fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin, soaking in the scenery as you climb to an elevation of 7,486 feet to the Summit Upper Terminal. Enjoy the restaurant or take the Banff Skywalk for a short self-guided interpretive walkway along the summit ridge leading to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada. 

Adult Price: $79 Child Price: $79 Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Tour (Available on Day 8)

It’s one blockbuster after another zipping in a helicopter to Mount Assiniboine - "the Matterhorn" of the Canadian Rockies. Get your camera ready to snap one pic after the next of this photogenic peak rising to 11,870 feet along the Great Divide. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers will make your jaw drop. The duration of the flight is thirty-five minutes.

Adult Price: $423 Child Price: $423 Three Sisters Peaks Tour (25 min) (Available on Day 8)

Gear up for the most action packed twenty minutes of your life. You won’t want to miss your chance fly past famous Three Sisters Peaks. Get up close to the peaks before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the wild colors of the Spray Lakes. Return along the Goat Range before following the pristine Bow River back to Canmore.  

Adult Price: $316 Child Price: $316 From Jasper with Love! (Available on Day 9)

Get ready to fall in love with Jasper. In this energetic, one-hour live theater show, your hosts will show off the best this little mountain town has to offer from hilarious stories to must-see sights. You'll leave appreciating your stop in Jasper and ready to explore more. 

Adult Price: $49 Child Price: $49 Jasper Float Trip (Available on Day 10)

Float down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. A National Park licensed guide provides commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating you along the same route used by the “fur traders” over two centuries ago.  Sit back and relax as the guides do the rowing. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep and bears.

Adult Price: $95 Child Price: $95