8 Days by Rail: A Scenic Journey from Vancouver to Banff aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer season goes from April to October. The train only operates in daylight hours, so travelers can fully experience the scenery of the Canadian Rockies, sometimes with bear, elk and deer sightings along the way. Evenings are spent off-train in hotels, with luggage transfers handled seamlessly by the tour operators. Itineraries can be customized by length, destination, hotel choice and travel direction from east to west — Calgary to Vancouver — or vice versa. I’ve chosen the west-to-east Vancouver to Calgary route with stops in Kamloops, Lake Louise and Banff.

Railbookers works with each client to book hotel accommodations and transfers that are incorporated into the total cost of your package. First-time visitors can take advantage of the activities that Railbookers offers like hop-on, hop-off city bus tours and passes to the top of Vancouver Lookout. Foodies can explore the vibrant dining scene, featuring ten Michelin-starred restaurants including Anh and Chi and Fable Kitchen. The city also boasts 16 winners of Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award, which recognizes exceptional cuisine and value. The hottest newcomer is Gary’s, known for its easygoing, affordable French country cooking.

Board the iconic navy and gold carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer and settle into your choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf service. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard, served by Rocky Mountaineer hosts who are trained in guest service and safety protocols. Spend the night in Kamloops.

Get ready for another day of stunning scenery onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. One of the highlights of any journey is the personal perspectives of the hosts, many who bring their own knowledge and experiences to their tour narrations. Hosts are generally assigned no more than 4–5 guests each. Disembark in Lake Louise and check in to your hotel for the two-night stay.

Railbookers arranges on-the-ground sightseeing options which are incorporated into your package. One of the most popular options in Lake Louise is the summer gondola ride to the top of Mount Whitehorn. No trip is complete without stopping at the Whitehorn Bistro for stunning views of the soaring glaciers and emerald-green waters. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Travel one and a half hours by air-conditioned coach along the Bow Valley Parkway to Banff. Though The Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t directly connect Lake Louise and Banff, this scenic drive through Banff National Park offers a quiet, nature-immersive alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway. For accommodations, consider the Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa or Banff Ptarmigan Inn. Overnight in Banff.

Start the day with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, followed by a cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Nicknamed a "photographer's paradise," dramatic peaks frame Lake Minnewanka, making it the perfect spot for camping, hiking or bird-watching. Or relax in the soothing waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs, a favorite among visitors and locals.

End the trip with a two-hour bus ride to Calgary’s Heritage Train Station, just 16 miles from Calgary International Airport. Many itineraries include airport transfers, making it easier for travelers to transition seamlessly from the train station to their next destination.