Skip to main content

Discover the Canadian Rockies by Rail

  • August 23 – August 29, 2025
  • Pre-Tour: August 21 – August 23, 2025
From $6,995

per person based on double occupancy

  • DURATION

    7 Days
  • GROUP SIZE

    45

overview

On board Rocky Mountaineer's all-dome fleet, travel through otherwise inaccessible terrain to unlock the unparalleled beauty of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Canadian Rockies. Journey through breathtaking prairies and revel in the grand landscapes of some of Canada’s most mesmerizing mountain vistas.

tour map

tour highlights

– Discover Vancouver's must-see gems, including Gastown and Granville Island, during a city tour and leisure time to explore. 

– Delight in luxurious GoldLeaf Service on board the Rocky Mountaineer, featuring: bi-level coach with full-length panoramic windows; reclining upper-level heated seats; exclusive access to a private outdoor viewing platform; unlimited beverages (including beer, wine and premium spirits), à la carte meal service in a lower-level dining room; and gourmet meals that feature locally sourced ingredients prepared by an onboard culinary team.

– Admire the scenery from the train’s glass-domed coach and outdoor viewing platforms as you traverse Cananda's countryside through the Rockies.

– Indulge in luxury during three nights in iconic Banff with additional time to soak in the local charm.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S. | Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Day 2: Vancouver
Day 3: Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer | Kamloops
Day 4: Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer | Banff, Alberta
Day 5: Banff
Day 6: Banff | Lake Louise | Moraine Lake
Day 7: Banff | Calgary | Depart for U.S.

full itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

Day 1: En Route from U.S. | Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Saturday, August 23, 2025 (R)

Upon arrival to Vancouver International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.

As with many Fairmont properties, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver carries a rich historical legacy having welcomed dignitaries and celebrities since its opening in 1939.

After settling into your room gather with fellow travelers for a special welcome reception.

Day 2: Vancouver

Sunday, August 24, 2025 (B)

After breakfast set out for guided touring of Vancouver and Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighborhood. This charming area is best known for beautiful Victorian-style architecture, cobblestone streets and vintage lamp posts. See the iconic whistling Steam Clock and stop into one of the many boutiques and indie art galleries.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore Granville Island at leisure. This inviting oasis was once an industrial manufacturing area that transformed into a thriving marketplace and cultural district. Wander the colorful aisles at Public Market to discover an array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, international delicacies and local crafts. Visit a myriad of studios and galleries to witness skilled artisans at work, creating everything from handcrafted jewelry and ceramics to glass art and textiles.

With its location along False Creek, Granville Island provides picturesque waterfront views. The maritime ambiance adds an extra layer of charm to the island experience.

This is also a foodie's paradise—with restaurants and eateries serving everything from gourmet meals to casual snacks. Enjoy a meal with views of the water or opt for a quick bite from one of the food stalls for a true taste of local flavors.

Day 3: Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer | Kamloops

Monday, August 25, 2025 (B,L)

After an early morning check-out transfer to Rocky Mountaineer Station to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Freshly baked scones and a celebratory beverage will be served to toast the beginning of your rail adventure.

The Rocky Mountaineer offers unparalleled hospitality, comfort and unobstructed views. As the train glides through ever-changing landscapes through Fraser Canyon and Thompson Valley settle into plush reclining seats and admire the panoramas passing by. Pristine lakes and dense forests unfold before your eyes, creating opportunities to spot for wildlife that call these rugged terrains home—from majestic eagles soaring above to elk grazing in the valleys.

Following a delicious hand-crafted lunch return to the dome car to listen to expert commentary to gain a deeper understanding of the region's history and natural wonders.

Arriving to Kamloops disembark the train for dinner on your own in town and an overnight at a local hotel.

Day 4: Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer | Banff, Alberta

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (B,L)

Climb back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer heading east to Banff. Enjoy a lovely breakfast, then step onto the outdoor viewing platform to capture photographs of the enigmatic landscape. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie—where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Your engineers and onboard hosts will be on the lookout for wildlife—animals often spotted along the rail route include grizzly and black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk and eagles.

Throughout the day engage in insightful lectures, participate in a wine tasting, or simply relax and revel in the passing scenery.

The rail journey concludes in Banff where you'll disembark and transfer to your mountain retreat—The Rimrock Resort Hotel—proving an immersive experience amidst the Rockies. The property features a range of dining options, from the upscale Primrose Dining Room, to the laid-back atmosphere of the Larkspur Lounge. Savor locally inspired dishes crafted with precision and care, all while enjoying the breathtaking views that surround the hotel.

Day 5: Banff

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 (B)

After breakfast ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain during a scenic gondola ride. Each fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin provides endless views of six magnificent mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff. At the top visit the interactive interpretive center and the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, capture photos from the observation deck or grab a snack at one of the restaurants.

Returning to the base of the mountain by gondola enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Peruse the quaint shops and boutiques along Banff's charming Main Street or take a dip in the thermal waters at Banff Hot Springs.

Following an exciting day of exploration take advantage of the hotel's luxurious amenities including a fitness room and indoor pool and hot tub.

Day 6: Banff | Lake Louise | Moraine Lake

Thursday, August 28, 2025 (B,L,D)

This morning set out on a picturesque excursion to renowned Lake Louise—a pristine setting world famous for its turquoise lake and marvelous glacier peaks. Walk along the lakeshore before entering the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a delicious lunch.

Continue to Moraine Lake in the rugged Valley of the Tean Peaks, another postcard-perfect setting ideal for photography enthusiasts.

This evening rejoin fellow travel companions for a special farewell dinner to reflect upon this indelible Canadian rail adventure.

Day 7: Banff | Calgary | Depart for U.S.

Friday, August 29, 2025 (B)

After breakfast guests departing during the suggested time take the complimentary group transfer to Calgary International Airport for flights home.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 5 nights accommodations in 4-star hotels and 1 night comfortable lodging in Kamloops
  • 2 full days on board the Rocky Mountaineer in premium GoldLeaf Service
  • A special welcome reception, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and a farewell dinner
  • Full guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director
  • All activities listed on the 7-day itinerary
  • Private deluxe motor coach transportation with air conditioning and reclining seats
  • Luggage porterage
  • Gratuities for Orbridge Travel Director, Rocky Mountaineer staff, drivers, porters, housekeeping and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

rates

Category Rate*
GoldLeaf: $6,995
GoldLeaf Deluxe: $8,295
GoldLeaf Single: $11,295
GoldLeaf Single Deluxe: $12,695

*Special group rate; limited offer. Rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.

optional pre-tour

Victoria

Enjoy two nights in delightful Victoria—British Columbia’s picture-perfect capital. Savor the island's relaxing pace as you explore vibrant gardens, admire historical architecture, and take in the city's friendly ambience.

Activity Level: 2

Full Itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

Day 1: Arrive in Victoria, British Columbia

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Settle into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Explore some of Victoria's most beautiful downtown sites, including: Christ Church Cathedral, with its gothic stone architecture, magnificent stained glass windows and Helmuth Wolff organ; Craigdarroch Castle, a stunning Victorian mansion; Bastion Square, site of the original Fort Victoria, with its spectacular views of the local harbor; or the renowned Royal British Columbia.


 

Day 2: Victoria

Friday, August 22, 2025 (B,L)

After a light breakfast join your guide for an easy walking tour of Victoria, featuring samplings of delicious local foods while learning about important sites along the way. As your guide reveals the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria, enjoy stops to sample local specialties such as chocolate, cheese, tea and other treats.

The afternoon is open for additional opportunities to explore more of this charming city. Enjoy a walking tour of the downtown to appreciate its history and culture or a whale-watching cruise to see the wildlife-filled waters off the coast. Take time for a carriage ride or stroll through some of Beacon Hill Park's 200 acres. There is an endless array of ways to fill your day. You may even choose to end the day with a renowned haunted Victoria tour or a visit to one of the many craft breweries in town. Your local guide or hotel concierge can help set up a day perfect for you.

Day 3: Depart Victoria | Vancouver | Main Program Begins

Saturday, August 23, 2025 (B)

Following breakfast meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Victoria through Chinatown and past the Parliament Buildings.

Continue to world-famous Butchart Gardens—a national historic site of Canada replete with lush greens and colorful blooms. Blossoming for more than 100 years, it offers 55 acres of gardens with 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners who create a wonderland of beauty everywhere you look.

Afterward take a short 20-minute ride to the ferry terminal to cruise over to mainland Vancouver—a passage providing unlimited scenery with a likelihood of spotting various marine wildlife. 

After arriving in Vancouver for the main program join fellow travelers at the hotel for a welcome reception.

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 2 nights at the Fairmont Empress (or similar) 
  • 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch
  • A guided walking tour and panoramic city tour
  • Admission to Butchart Gardens
  • 1.5 hour ferry cruise from Victoria to Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia
  • Gratuities to Orbridge Travel Director, local guides, drivers, porters, housekeeping and wait staff for included meals
  • Private group airport transfer for guests arriving at the suggested times

Rates

Category Rate**
Double: $1,295
Single: $1,795

Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.

Travel Insurance

Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Information regarding an insurance program will be sent to you directly from your alumni association. You also may wish to visit your alumni association’s travel website at https://obu.meyerandassoc.com/travel-insurance/ for more information.


Booking Flights

Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.

your guide(s)

Orbridge Travel Director

Every departure is accompanied by one of our premier Travel Directors, all of whom have extensive knowledge and experience as guides.

Enriched by their accompaniment and enthusiasm, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation.

guest feedback

FAQS

Orbridge looks forward to welcoming you on tour. Find frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your travels.

NOTE: For guests confirmed on this tour, important Program Documents will be sent to the email address provided during the reservation process approximately four to five months prior to your departure date. Final Documents will be emailed and shipped via FedEx approximately two weeks prior to your departure date.

If you have questions about those documents or have questions not addressed below, contact Orbridge Guest Services at (206) 855-6929 or via email at guestservices@orbridge.com.

ABOUT THE TOUR

The majority of the program's activities will take place outdoors, and you can expect a fair amount of walking on varying terrain. Many of the parks visited have dirt trails, but they are usually fairly smooth for walking. Some have paved pathways and boardwalks. We expect that guests on this program can enter and exit a motor coach without assistance and be sure-footed on inclines and varying terrain. Guests should also be comfortable boarding and disembarking trains without assistance, walking and moving between coaches while the train is in motion, and navigating stairs to the upper level of the coach.

If you can walk a moderately paced mile, you will be able to enjoy all of the excursions. Keep in mind that you will experience altitudes of up to 7,705 feet, of which you may not be accustomed. It will be important to keep hydrated, get plenty of rest, and not overexert yourself.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

A visa is not required.

A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally.

Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps, and that it is valid for six months after the date of your return from this tour. U.S. passports issued to citizens 16 years of age or older is valid for 10 years.

Send a copy of your passport photo page to Orbridge at least 90 days prior to departure.

If you are a dual Canadian citizen, you will require a valid Canadian passport for travel to Canada. Check with your second country of citizenship for re-entry requirements for dual citizens.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are traveling abroad for tourism purposes, you will require a passport from your country of citizenship. You may require a visa, depending upon your country of citizenship's requirements for visiting countries on this tour. Check your visa status with those countries you will visit during your travel program and obtain visas, if needed.

Should you need the assistance of a visa specialist, we recommend using G3 Global Services. Along with the cost of the visa, a fee is charged for their service. Learn more here.

The Canadian dollar (CAD) is Canada's legal currency. We recommend securing Canadian dollars in the U.S. prior to departure. However, local currency can be obtained at Canadian ATMs with a debit card. Note that the value of foreign currency fluctuates based on the current exchange rate.

Major credit cards are widely accepted, however merchants may require a minimum purchase. Credit card purchases may be subject to a higher exchange rate versus purchases using local currency.

Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted by local merchants.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

Temperatures in the Canadian Rockies can range from the mid-40s °F in the evenings to the mid-70s °F during the day. Temperatures also vary by elevation.

Forest fires often occur between July and September in this region. Smoke from the fires can cause poor air quality, which may affect travelers with sensitivities or compromised respiratory systems. Click here for air quality information, and click here for a map of areas affected by smoke.

Check the forecast for the dates of your stay on www.weather.gc.ca to help you prepare.

All properties visited on this tour are equipped with standard North American 120-volt electrical outlets.

Cell phone service is often available in cities and towns but not always reliable. On the train, cell service can be limited, and internet service is not available. Telephone and internet service are available at all properties on this program.

Your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

You will spend three days touring by motor coach and two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

When traveling by motor coach, your daily activities begin with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning and/or afternoon activity. Your guide will provide information and tips about where to eat when lunch and dinner are on your own.

When traveling by train, you will depart the hotel in the morning to board the train, followed by breakfast from an à la carte menu of gourmet, locally sourced options. Lunch will be served aboard the train in the lower-level dining car. Unlimited beer, wine, and premium spirits are included aboard the train.

Each evening, disembark for dinner and an overnight at a hotel.

Porterage for one piece of luggage is included in the program price. We recommend limiting luggage to one medium-sized piece and one small carry-on per person.

Due to the limited space on the motor coach, your medium bag should not exceed 50 pounds or 30 x 21 x 11 inches. The motor coach’s overhead compartments are designed only for small items (i.e. purse, camera bag, small backpack). We suggest bringing along a small daypack, bag, or purse that will easily fit by your feet while you travel aboard the train.

There is no overhead storage aboard the train, and since you will not have access to your larger luggage until arriving at the hotel in the evening, we recommend packing the following in your carry-on bag:

  • medications
  • toiletries
  • camera
  • warm clothing
  • boots
  • any other necessities you may need upon arrival

We recommend traveling light. Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate for this tour. Dress in layers to help transition between warmer temperatures and cooler environments at higher elevation.

Consider packing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A sweater or fleece
  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Collapsible hiking poles

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

ABOUT MY RESERVATION

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.