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9 Day Rocky Mountain Train Signature
Highlights: Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff
Trip start: Global
Trip end: Banff
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

This classical rail journey takes adventurers through the pristine natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains & Western Canada. Explore Vancouver, the misty city on the Pacific Coast, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics with expert guide. Take a guided tour of Vancouver, your city pass to gives you access to all of the main sights. Ride an elegant VIA train through the Rocky Mountains, enjoy panoramic viewing cars & romantic berths. You'll spend a full day enthralled by the spectacles just outside the train windows, and arrive in Jasper in the afternoon. Trek through the wilds of Jasper National Park in search of bear, moose & other wildlife. Take an evening wildlife safari hike and learn about the geological formations of the Colombia ice fields. See waterfalls, ice fields & more in stunningly beautiful Lake Louise. Ride up the mountains of Banff in a gondola & take scenic helicopter transfers. Featuring luxury 5* hotels such as the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louis, private airport transfers & 24/7 Kensington support, this legendary Rocky Mountain adventure will be remembered forever.

A hallmark of Kensington Tours is our expert sales team that makes every tour - customized to your exact wishes. The options en route are endless - add time in Vancouver to see orca whales, museums and galleries, a panoramic seaplane flight, day trip to Whistler, or a full extension to Vancouver island. Whatever activities you decide to add to your tour, you can relax knowing that you have 24/7 support with your Kensington Tours team.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Vancouver
  • Global: Pre-departure Materials
  • Vancouver: Transfer - Private - Airport (with Meet & Greet) - Sedan
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Self-Guided - Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour - Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley (2 days)
  • Dinner (not included)
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*) 
Day 2
Vancouver
  • Shared - City Highlights (4-5hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
  • At Leisure
  • Dinner (not included)
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*) 
Day 3
Vancouver
  • Optional Activities
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Sedan/Driver
  • Dinner (included)
VIA Rail 
Day 4
Jasper
  • Train - Vancouver - Jasper [Overnight ] - Cabin for Two
  • Lunch (included)
  • Jasper: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Sedan/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge  
Day 5
Jasper
  • Optional Tours (summer time)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Shared - 1/2 d Wildlife Safari hike (3.5hrs) - Vehicle/Driver-Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge  
Day 6
Lake Louise
  • Transfer - Shared - Jasper - Lake Louise [via Columbia Icefields ] - Ice Explorer
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise  
Day 7
Banff
  • At Leisure
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Transfer - Shared - Lake Louise - Banff [via Yoho National Park ] - Coach
  • Dinner (not included)
The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort 
Day 8
Banff
  • Banff: Shared - 1/2 d Banff and Gondola Tour (3hrs) - Gondola
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Optional Activities - Summer
  • Dinner (not included)
The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort 
Day 9
Banff
  • Shared - Calgary via Kananaskis (incl Helicopter ride) - Coach/Helicopter
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Kensington Cares - 3
Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Vancouver

Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is consistently ranked one of the most livable cities in the world, based on its warm climate, beautiful scenery, modern infrastructure, and social community. Vancouver is ethnically diverse, with 52% of city residents having a first language other than English. The economy has traditionally relied on forestry, mining, fishing and agriculture; although, tourism has grown rapidly as more people discover this gem on the Pacific Ocean.

You will be provided with a pre-departure package which will include all necessary information that you will need for your trip including materials such as vouchers, maps, train tickets (if relevant) etc.

Enjoy a private transfer in a luxury vehicle with a professional guide who will meet you in the International Reception Lobby (IRL) located outside of customs.

Tour at your own pace. The Hop-on, Hop-off City Attractions Loop Tour is the easy way to enjoy Vancouver’s most popular areas: Downtown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and more! All stops are fully commentated so you’ll learn what makes Vancouver so special. You will have two full days to explore the city on this hop-on hop-off pass.

At the hub of this international centre of commerce, culture and natural beauty is the cosmopolitan Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*), rising above the Pacific centre's 100 fine shops and featuring the award winning YEW restaurant and bar. The hotel has recently undergone an extensive renovation and reflects the comfortable, elegant style of this quietly sophisticated urban centre with 373 classic, residential guest rooms, including 66 suites, all featuring large windows overlooking the city's stunning scenery and landmarks. The high level of service that you would expect at a Four Season's property is in evidence and the extensive facilities include an indoor-outdoor pool, state of the art gym and garden.

Overnight at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*).


Vancouver
Vancouver
Trolley Tour in Vancouver
Trolley Tour in Vancouver
Four Seasons Vancouver
Four Seasons Vancouver
Day 2 Vancouver

Enjoy a shared introductory tour of Vancouver highlighting the main sights of the city in a small group. The vehicle used is an air conditioned 8-21 passenger sightseeing vehicles and throughout the tour you will be given you the personal attention and level of service that you deserve. Ample time for photo stops and for answering individual questions is given. The driver/guide delights in sharing their extensive knowledge of area history, geography and current events. Places of interest on the tour include: B.C. Place, G.M. Place, Science World (Olympic Sites), Gastown - Historical area of Vancouver, Canada Place - Alaska Cruise ship terminal and home of the new convention centre, Stanley Park - The Totem Poles, Vancouver Aquarium (not included - optional) and Prospect Point as well as English Bay/Vancouver Harbour and Granville Island - which includes a stop at artists' studios, craft galleries, and the Granville Island Public Market. From here the tour continues on to Queen Elizabeth Park before you are brought back to your hotel.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*).


Gastown Steam Clock
Gastown Steam Clock
Day 3 Vancouver

Consider taking a cruise along the harbour, a day trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island, an adventure filled day whale watching, a panoramic flight, or a day trip to Whistler crossing over the Capilano Suspension Bridge and forest canopy walkway. All of these options are available on a private or shared basis. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these interest you.

Includes train station transfer with luxury vehicle and professional driver.

Enjoy an overnight journey by train with VIA Rail - one of the finest train services in the world. There are 3 options to choose from: - Comfort Class is economical and offers a comfortable seat in the coach car where you can stretch out your legs on the footrest, lean back into the headrest, and fall asleep in your plush chair with pillow and blanket (provided). - Sleeper Berth includes a designated armchair next to a picture window to admire the scenery, with an individual sleeping berth (chioce of upper or lower) at night with privacy curtain (most cars have a modern bathroom and shower that is shared). - Private Cabin is the most luxurious, with your own day room to enjoy the journey, a table in the dining car (typically with meals provided), and at night comfortable beds are made up in your cabin, complete with en-suite bathroom.

Overnight at VIA Rail.


Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge
VIA Rail
VIA Rail
Day 4 Jasper

Jasper is a town in western Alberta, the commercial center of Jasper National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies in the Athabasca River Valley. Jasper is 362 kilometres (225 mi) west of Edmonton, 290 kilometres (180 mi) north of Banff. The Icefields Parkway connects Jasper to Lake Louise. Located near Jasper are a number of beautiful lakes. The Jasper Tramway, which takes visitors to Whistlers Summit, and the Marmot Basin Ski Resort, are located near the town center.

Enjoy the scenic overnight train ride from Vancouver to Jasper which Leaves at 8.30pm and arrives in Jasper at 4pm the next day allowing you plenty of time to see the wonderful scenery en route. Wake up to be greeted by the majestic Rocky Mountains slowly emerging from a veil of clouds. Enjoy breakfast (included in touring class) as you gaze out the picture windows with the gentle rocking of the train. Scan the panoramic view for a glimpse of elk moving across the valley as the train takes you through this stunning landscape. (Your train ride from Vancouver includes breakfast and lunch on the journey from Kamloops to Jasper in touring class).

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel (or vice versa) in a luxury vehicle and professional driver.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is nestled between captivating mountains and enchanting lakes and welcomes you to the Grand Rocky Mountain Lodge Experience. Situated in the magnificent Canadian Rockies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the perfect getaway destination for couples, families, and friends alike, by offering luxury lodging, impeccable service, an abundance of wildlife and an excess of leisure opportunities in a remote wilderness setting. Sample local cuisine from their award-winning dining rooms, tee off on Canada's #1 Golf Resort, spend an afternoon quietly fishing on a tranquil lake, or simply relax after a day of adventure among the soaring peaks and rugged pine forests. Consider making use of their Health Club, heated outdoor pool, soak in the hot tub, relax in the steam room, or work out in their newly renovated gym.

Overnight at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge .


Jasper
Jasper
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Day 5 Jasper

There are lots of optional activities to choose from in Jasper; The Jasper Tramway is the highest aerial tramway in the Rockies (1 -3 hrs). The ride up to the top of Whistlers Mountain is breathtaking. Take in the stunning views in the company of a tramway guide who will provide a fully narrated tour during the seven-minute ride to the top. Alternatively, consider a half day scenic train ride from Jasper to Harvey. Helihiking and white water rafting are other options you may consider doing. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you are interested in any of these optional tours.

Enjoy a 3.5 hr shared tour (available in the morning and evening) of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park traveling through the Maligne Valley in search of osprey, eagle, big horn sheep, mountain goat, moose, elk, deer and bear. En route, there will be a stop at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. Here you get to set off on a short walk in the company of your guide to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon, continue to disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.

Overnight at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge .


Jasper Tramway
Jasper Tramway
Wolves in Jasper National Park
Wolves in Jasper National Park
Day 6 Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a hamlet located in the province of Alberta, in Banff National Park. It is named for the nearby Lake Louise. The background of Lake Louise is filled with views of several snow-capped mountains including Mount Temple (3,543 m), Mount Whyte (2,983 m) and Mount Niblock (2,976 m). There are many hiking and canoeing itineraries featuring the natural beauty of Banff National Park which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Enjoy a full day excursion starting in Jasper and ending in Lake Louise. Built in 1940, the famous Icefields Parkway links Jasper and Banff National Parks along one of Canada's highest mountain roadways. Climbing from the low valleys to nearly treeline, experience three life zones, the montane, the subalpine and the alpine. Along the way, enjoy stops at the major viewpoints of Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield, Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake. At the Icefields Centre you will have time to visit the gift shop, the Glacier Gallery or snack at the restaurant, and ride on a Brewster Ice Explorer. Your excursion ends in the beautiful setting of Lake Louise.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the only property located right on the lake itself in the heart of Banff National Park. It is one of Canada's most recognized hotels that have all the lodging and amenities to fulfill your every desire. Satisfy your culinary cravings with their exquisite selection of dining rooms. Pamper both body and soul with a facial, massage, manicure or pedicure in their newly renovated spa. Keep in shape on their trails and ski slopes or in their fully equipped Health Club. Take advantage of all that this treasured Alberta destination has to offer.

Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise .


Lake Louise
Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Day 7 Banff

The town of Banff is the largest within Banff National Park located 126 km (78 miles) west of Calgary and 58 km (36 miles) east of Lake Louise, on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is surrounded by mountains, notably Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain; and situated near the junction of the Bow and Spray Rivers. Banff is one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations, known for its hiking, biking, scrambling and skiing areas within the region. Two ski resorts are located nearby; Sunshine Village and Ski Norquay.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Enjoy a half day touring from Lake Louise to Banff. Begin your journey from beautiful Lake Louise and learn about the natural forces that have shaped the appearance of the lakes and streams found in this area of the Rocky Mountains. Passing alongside Moraine Lake, the tour than crosses the Great Divide to experience Yoho National Park, the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and Takakkaw Falls before returning back to Lake Louise and then onto Banff.

Few hotels in the world rival the majesty, hospitality and grandeur of The Fairmont Banff Springs resort. Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, a National Historical Site, is located in the heart of Banff National Park; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the hotel in 1888 marked the birthplace of tourism in the Canadian Rockies. Where can you play in authentic winter? A place so magical you'll think you awoke in a storybook. Banff is a destination that offers 3 pristine ski resorts and 'many other exhilarating winter activities at your doorstep'. Come to The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel; unwind in luxury before an evening of unforgettable dining experiences. Breathe the crisp mountain air and marvel at some of nature's most awe-inspiring handiwork, at Canada's 'Storybook' Castle, in the Canadian Rockies! The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is just steps away from the Town of Banff. An authentic mountain town offering a great diversity of year round shopping, dining, and night life in addition to art and cultural events. Visit our Mountain Region event calendar for all the events happening in Banff.  Discover all the exciting activities in Banff.

Overnight at The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort.


Banff
Banff
The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort
The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort
Day 8 Banff

Enjoy a shared morning discover tour of Banff which is set amongst the towering mountains of Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade and Norquay. Along with a driver guide, learn about the natural attractions of the wind-shaped Hoodoos which tower majestically over the valley. Visit the classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive. A gentle ride on the Banff Gondola in a four passenger car for 8-minutes takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a 360 degree panorama of the Bow Valley.

There are plenty of activities to choose from in the playground that is Banff! Learn about the people, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights of the renowned mountain town of Banff with the highlight of a trip on the Banff Gondola for a 360 – degree view of six mountain ranges that surround the town (3hrs). Alternatively, enjoy a cruise Lake Minnewanka - a 3 hour tour traveling from the Town of Banff past Mount Norquay, and along the base of Cascade Mountain to take a closer look at Cascade Falls. Then, cross a natural glacial formation to arrive at Lake Minnewanka, Lake of the Water Spirit. On your guided boat motor cruise across the largest body of water in Banff National Park, see the Palliser and Fairholme Mountain Ranges towering above. View Mount Aylmer, Mount Inglismaldie, and the Hoodoo clusters. Keep an eye on the shoreline for big horn sheep, deer, bears and eagles. A return trip to Banff includes the picturesque Two Jack Lake with the majestic Mount Rundle as backdrop. Consider a wildlife tour and cruise, or a 4 hr tour to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Please let your Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these options.

Overnight at The Fairmont Banff Springs Resort.


Banff
Banff
Banff in summer time
Banff in summer time
Day 9 Banff

Enjoy a great day as you travel from Banff to Calgary on a shared tour taking you up to the skies en route! Enjoy the spectacular aerial views of the mountains as you fly high above the peaks. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included) before continuing on to Calgary. Alternatively, if you feel like spending more time viewing spectacular countryside by train, instead of transferring to Calgary from Banff, consider a transfer back to Jasper and enjoy a full day train ride from Jasper to Prince Rupert. From here, you can take a ferry to Vancouver Island and continue exploring. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if this is of interest.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).


Aerial Mountain View
Aerial Mountain View
Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.