5 Day via Rail Tour From Vancouver to Calgary Explore Rockies

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies with this 5-day VIA Rail tour from Vancouver to Calgary. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, from the towering peaks of Jasper National Park to the glistening waters of Lake Louise. With a bilingual driver/tour guide leading the way, you’ll experience guided hikes, glacier walks, and scenic drives that showcase the region’s natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage Site promises an adventure you won’t soon forget. Are you ready to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies?

Good To Know

• A 5-day VIA Rail journey from Vancouver to Calgary, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Canadian Rockies.
• Visits to Jasper National Park, Columbia Icefield, Banff, Lake Louise, and Lake Moraine.
• Includes scenic drives, hikes, and glacier walks, with a bilingual guide providing insights.
• Accommodations in shared rooms for 3 nights and national park admissions are included.
• Minimum of 2 travelers required, with optional activities available for purchase at least 7 days prior.

Tour Overview

The 5-day VIA Rail journey transports travelers from Vancouver to Calgary, enabling them to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies.

Along the way, they’ll explore Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield, Banff, Lake Louise, and Lake Moraine.

This tour traverses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Canadian Rockies, showcasing their breathtaking scenery.

Travelers will embark on scenic drives, hikes, and glacier walks to fully enjoy the region’s natural wonders.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather or road conditions, and a minimum of two travelers is required for the tour to operate as scheduled.

Inclusions

The tour includes a one-way VIA Rail Economy Class ticket from Vancouver to Jasper.

You’ll also get 3 nights of hotel accommodation, sharing a room. Admission to the national parks is included, along with a bilingual driver/tour guide who speaks Mandarin and English.

The tour provides traffic accident liability coverage, GST, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a service fee. Complimentary bottled water and a luggage tag are also provided.

However, meals and personal expenses aren’t included. The tour caters to a minimum of 2 travelers, and the itinerary may change due to weather or road conditions.

Itinerary and Logistics

The tour begins at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, BC.

Travelers must check-in at least 1 hour before the train departs at 3 PM.

The 5-day itinerary through the Canadian Rockies is subject to change due to weather or road conditions. A minimum of 2 participants is required, and the itinerary may change if there are insufficient travelers.

Infants must sit on laps, and guests under 16 need adult accompaniment.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.

Special needs requests must be made 7 days prior to the trip.

Participation Requirements

Confirmation of booking is received within 48 hours.

This tour isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions. Infants must sit on laps, and guests under 16 need an adult companion.

The tour is stroller-accessible but not wheelchair-friendly. Requests for special needs must be made 7 days prior to the trip.

Optional activities with additional fees must be purchased 7 days before departure, and a disclaimer is required for winter activities.

The group size determines the guide arrangements, with a maximum of 50 travelers per tour.

Ensure connecting flights depart after 10:30 PM to accommodate schedule adjustments, and specific bed type requests should be made at booking.

Additional Information

Optional activities with additional fees must be purchased 7 days prior to departure.

Travelers are recommended to obtain travel insurance. A disclaimer is required for optional winter activities.

The tour can accommodate a maximum of 50 travelers, with group size dictating guide arrangements.

Guests should ensure their connecting international flights depart after 10:30 PM to accommodate any schedule adjustments.

Specific bed type requests for hotel accommodations should be made at the time of booking.

Meeting Point and Departure

Travelers meet at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, British Columbia, at least one hour before the train’s 3:00 PM departure. From there, the group boards the VIA Rail train for the scenic 5-day journey to Calgary.

Meeting Point	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Pacific Central Station, Vancouver, BC	3:00 PM	–
Jasper, AB	–	7:40 AM (Day 2)
Banff, AB	–	12:45 PM (Day 3)
Calgary, AB	–	5:00 PM (Day 5)

The itinerary is subject to change without notice due to weather or road conditions. Travelers should plan their connecting flights accordingly, with international departures scheduled after 10:30 PM on the final day.

National Parks and Attractions

The tour’s highlight is its exploration of the Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers will experience the breathtaking landscapes of Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield, Banff, Lake Louise, and Lake Moraine.

The scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway offers stunning vistas of glaciers, mountains, and alpine meadows. Guests can participate in hikes and glacier walks, seeing the natural wonders of this region.

The national park admissions are included, allowing for seamless exploration of these protected areas.

With a bilingual guide, travelers can learn about the unique geology, wildlife, and cultural significance of the Canadian Rockies during this unforgettable journey.

Travel Insurance and Activities

For this tour, travelers can opt for additional activities beyond the included offerings, but they must be purchased at least 7 days prior to departure.

While the tour includes admission to national parks and guided hikes, travelers may want to explore optional activities like glacier walks or winter sports, which require extra fees and advanced booking.

Travel insurance is also recommended, as the tour’s itinerary is subject to change due to weather or road conditions.

Guests should ensure their connecting flights depart after 10:30 PM to accommodate any schedule adjustments.

With a maximum of 50 travelers per tour, the group size will determine the guide arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Temperature During the Tour?

The average temperature during the tour varies depending on the time of year, but generally ranges from mild temperatures in the summer months to cooler conditions in the spring and fall. Travelers should pack appropriate clothing for the season.

What Type of Meals Are Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any meals. Participants are responsible for their own meals and personal expenses during the journey. Complimentary bottled water is provided, but all other food and beverage must be purchased separately.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Alcohol on the Train?

Passengers can’t bring their own alcohol on the VIA Rail train. The tour company doesn’t permit outside alcohol due to liability concerns. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the train’s on-board service if desired.

Is Wi-Fi Available on the Train and in the Hotels?

Wi-Fi is available on the VIA Rail train, but it may be limited or inconsistent. Hotel accommodations generally provide complimentary Wi-Fi, though coverage and speeds can vary. Participants should check with the tour operator for specifics on connectivity during the trip.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Individual Preferences?

The tour may be customized to an extent, but significant changes would require advanced notice and additional fees. Travelers can choose optional activities and make certain accommodation requests, within the tour’s logistics and capacity constraints.

The Sum Up

This VIA Rail tour offers an immersive journey through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Travelers can expect stunning landscapes, guided activities, and unforgettable experiences as they explore Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield, Banff, and more. With a bilingual driver/tour guide, this 5-day adventure provides a convenient and hassle-free way to discover the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.