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6 Day Rocky Mountains Train Explorer
Highlights: Vancouver, Jasper, Banff
Trip start: Vancouver
Trip end: Banff
Price Range from £394,500pp *
* GBP 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 tour of Western Canada is our best value to see the highlights of the Rocky Mountains. First, explore Vancouver, the misty city on the Pacific coast with its spectacular views and laid back culture. Enjoy a guided tour of Vancouver as well as city pass which gives you free access to many of the city's top attractions. Then board a train through the Rocky Mountains featuring panoramic viewing cars and a romantic berth to fall asleep to the clickety-clack of the rails. You'll spend a full day enthralled by the spectacle just outside the train windows, and arrive in Jasper in the afternoon. Avail of any of a number of optional tours while you relax in Jasper. Enjoy a full day of exploring as you are brought along one of the world's most beautiful highways taking time to stop off at scenic falls, Lake Louise and other places of interest before arriving at Banff. You will reluctantly leave this mountain paradise for the nearby city of Calgary.

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
  • Vancouver: Transfer - Private - Airport (with Meet & Greet) - Sedan
  • Dinner (not included)
Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver (3*)
(Alt: Best Western Downtown Vancouver) (B)
Day 2
Vancouver
  • Shared - City Highlights (4-5hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (included)
VIA Rail 
Day 3
Jasper
  • Train - Vancouver - Jasper [Overnight ] - Upper Berth
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Amethyst Lodge  
Day 4
Jasper
  • Jasper: Optional Tours (summer time)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • At Leisure
  • Dinner (not included)
Amethyst Lodge  
Day 5
Banff
  • Transfer - Shared - Jasper - Banff [via Icefields Parkway & Lake Louise ] - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Brewster`s Mountain Lodge  (B)
Day 6
Banff - Calgary
  • Banff: Optional Activities - Summer
  • Transfer - Shared - Banff - Calgary [Airport] - Coach
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Kensington Cares - 2
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.

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.

The Comfort Inn Downtown Hotel (3*) is conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver's vibrant entertainment district and is the perfect starting point for that quest for comfort. Outside the doors of this European-boutique hotel, guests have the best of the city at their feet: from world-class shops, shows and restaurants, to West Coast parks, peaks and beaches. All guest rooms are thoughtfully decorated for the leisure or business traveller and feature modern amenities. You can enjoy a complimentary pass and skip the line at two of the city's night spots, or enjoy the live performances of traditional Irish music in the bar of the hotel which occurs a number of evenings a week.

Overnight at Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver (3*).


Vancouver
Vancouver
Comfort Inn Downtown, Vancouver
Comfort Inn Downtown, 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 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.


Gastown Steam Clock
Gastown Steam Clock
VIA Rail
VIA Rail
Day 3 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).

Amethyst Lodge is located in the heart of Jasper just a short walk from shopping, theaters, rail and bus stations. Amethyst Lodge features 97 nicely appointed rooms and suites that are comfortable and air conditioned. Balconies or patios in most rooms offer spectacular mountain views. At Amethyst Lodge in Jasper you’ll find award winning cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Featuring Anthony’s Restaurant with Southern BBQ cuisine and Mountain View Lounge with an excellent wine list, this Jasper lodge is the perfect place to enjoy a good meal after a long day of shopping or sight-seeing or on the slopes. You’ll also find two outdoor Jacuzzis.

Overnight at Amethyst Lodge .


Jasper
Jasper
Amethyst Lodge
Amethyst Lodge
Day 4 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 time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Amethyst Lodge .


Jasper Tramway
Jasper Tramway
Day 5 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 a full day on a shared tour exploring beautiful areas in the Rockies as you travel from Jasper to Banff. 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 you'll get to stop at the major viewpoints of Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield, (please note that the Icefields closes typically in the first week of October, so it will not be possible to visit), Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake. From May - October you will have time to visit the gift shop, the Glacier Gallery or snack at the restaurant, and ride on a Brewster Ice Explorer. On your way to Banff, experience the breathtaking waters of Lake Louise and the dominate Victoria Glacier before being dropped off in Banff.

The Brewster Family is proud to honour over a century of western tradition by providing guests with premier hotel accommodation in the heart of downtown Banff, surrounded by the splendour of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Handcrafted, custom made log furnishings, western décor, historic photos from the Brewster Family archives and cowboy art define the interior of the lodge. The 68 rooms and 9 suites offer a serene retreat after a day of engaging mountain adventure. Relax in the whirlpool and sauna and enjoy Complimentary Continental Breakfast in the Birds Nest Breakfast Room. Explore a variety of boutiques and shopping on the lobby level or use Complimentary High Speed Internet in your room to send pictures and emails back home. Brewster's Mountain Lodge offers Banff Lodging Packages for all-season Rocky Mountain adventures; horseback riding, hiking, skiing, golf and adventure packages and weekend getaways.

Overnight at Brewster`s Mountain Lodge .


Banff
Banff
Athabasca Glacier
Athabasca Glacier
Brewster's Mountain Lodge
Brewster's Mountain Lodge
Day 6 Banff - Calgary

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.

Enjoy a shared transfer between Banff and Calgary airport. The transfer time is approximately two hours and there are a number of departures throughout the day and evening.

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).


Banff in summer time
Banff in summer time
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.