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Western Canada by Rail & Sail
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 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.
From £4,995 including international flights
This itinerary has designed to work with the schedules for the Rocky Mountaineer, The Skeena Train and the Inside Passage Ferry and so has a fixed schedule that works on specific departure dates. However, we can customise this holiday to include your preferred accommodations and upgrades to GoldLeaf on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Itinerary overview
Vancouver
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. 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. Accommodation: Standard option – Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Downtown Vancouver or Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown; Superior option – Georgian Court Hotel or Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver; Deluxe option – Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver.
Rocky Mountaineer 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. 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. Accommodation: Thompson Hotel or similar (provided by Rocky Mountaineer).
Rocky Mountaineer 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
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. 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. Standard option – Elk + Avnue Hotel or Banff Ptarmigan Inn; Superior option – Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa or Fox Hotel & Suites; Deluxe option – Fairmont Banff Springs or Rimrock Resort Hotel.
Jasper
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. 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. Standard option – Lobstick Lodge or Chateau Jasper; Superior option – The Crimson or Forest Park Hotel; Deluxe option – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or Forest Park Hotel.
Skeena Train 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. The journey is far more rustic than the Rocky Mountaineer as it is not a tourist train but rather a route that is a vital connection for remote communities. Pack your sense of adventure and be sure to stock up on snacks before you set off as catering is limited on board. 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. Standard option – Coast Prince George Hotel by APA or Ramada Plaza George; Superior option – Coast Prince George Hotel by APA or Prestige Treasure Cove Resort; Deluxe option – Sandman Signature Prince George Hotel or Coast Prince George Hotel by APA.
Skeena Train 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. 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. 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. Accommodation: Prestige Oceanview Hotel Prince Rupert or Crest Hotel.
BC Ferries to Port Hardy
Continue your adventure aboard BC Ferries, an 18-hour sailing through beautiful scenery via Bella Bella (on selected departures an overnight ferry will replace the night in Port Hardy due to ferry schedules). 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. 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. Accommodation: Glen Lyon or Kwa’Lilas Hotel.
Vancouver
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. Accommodation: Standard option – Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Downtown Vancouver or Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown; Superior option – Georgian Court Hotel or Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver; Deluxe option – Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver.
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