Alberta/British Columbia
The Best of the Rockies by Rail: Western Canada's Splendor
Program No. 3748RJ
Journey to the heart of the Canadian Rockies by train — and glass-enclosed gondola! — discovering ancient glaciers, unique wildlife, isolated towns and stunning alpine views.
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12 days
11 nights
26 meals
11B 8L 7D
1
Arrive Calgary, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Calgary, Alberta
2
Calgary History, Explore Calgary, Transfer to Banff
Banff, Alberta
3
Banff Geology, Cave & Basin, Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Banff, Alberta
4
Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake
Banff, Alberta
5
Whyte Museum, Moore Home, Afternoon Tea, Free Time
Banff, Alberta
6
Icefields Parkway
Jasper, Alberta
7
Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake, Maligne Canyon
Jasper, Alberta
8
Rocky Mountaineer Train to Kamloops
Kamloops, British Columbia
9
Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
10
History of Vancouver, Museum of Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
11
Vancouver Walking Field Trip, Free Time, Farewell Dinner
Vancouver, British Columbia
12
Program Concludes
Vancouver, British Columbia
At a Glance
Experience the wonder of the rugged, beautiful Canadian Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia. Journey through green valleys, past sapphire rivers and wide, jade lakes as you head into the heart of the mountains. Visit the soaring resort town of Banff, where you can explore the hot springs that have made this place famous. See Lake Louise’s famed emerald waters, born of the glaciers that overlook it. Complete your adventure with three nights in the cosmopolitan coastal city of Vancouver.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain, some stairs will be encountered. Elevations of 4,500-8,041 feet.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy some of the world’s most magnificent stretches of railway aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
- Ride a glass-enclosed gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies.
- Journey along the famed Icefields Parkway through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
General Notes
Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less. Due to hotel staffing constraints, the hotel in Kamloops will not be known until 3-7 days prior to arrival.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Kirsten Schmitten
Kirsten Schmitten has spent over 30 years exploring, researching, writing and working in the Canadian Rockies. From her career as a park naturalist to her adventures with her warden husband, Kirsten’s love and knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Jasper makes her a captivating and sought after speaker. She is the owner of All Things Wild, a company specializing in connecting people to the natural and cultural history of Jasper National Park.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Kirsten Schmitten
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Kirsten Schmitten has spent over 30 years exploring, researching, writing and working in the Canadian Rockies. From her career as a park naturalist to her adventures with her warden husband, Kirsten’s love and knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Jasper makes her a captivating and sought after speaker. She is the owner of All Things Wild, a company specializing in connecting people to the natural and cultural history of Jasper National Park.
Cory Gross
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Cory grew up in the Calgary area, living both in the city and on the ranches where his father worked. In 2005 he received a bachelor’s in Museum and Heritage Studies from the University of Calgary and currently works as an educator at the Glenbow Museum. Cory is also a volunteer with the Western Art Gallery at the Calgary Stampede and with several other heritage organizations throughout the city.
Brent MacDonald
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Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.
Andrea McPherson
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Originally from Ontario, Andrea has settled into Calgary. Her love of travel has taken her around Canada and around the world. Andrea loves introducing visitors to the wonders of her home country of Canada and the vast range of experiences it has to offer. She is just as happy in the heart of a downtown metropolis as she is in the middle of the wild. From whale-watching to dog-sledding, from walks in downtown metropolises to the Rockies, Andreas has done it all.
Greg Allemang
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Growing up in the military has brought Greg across Canada and given him a real taste of everything the country has to offer. Finally settled now in the Calgary area, Greg has followed his passions for his country to study travel management and become a certified hiking instructor. Greg also enjoys climbing and enjoying the beautiful wilderness that surrounds his home. His love of nature has fueled his passion for connecting people to their environment and showing off his country to visitors.
Routes Adventures Mobile Phone
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Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of the Rockies by Rail: Western Canada's Splendor
Program Number: 3748
Scats and Tracks of the Rocky Mountains: A Field Guide to the Signs of 70 Wildlife Species
Scats and Tracks of the Rocky Mountains will help you determine which mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have passed your way and could still be nearby. Clearly written descriptions and illustrations of scats, tracks, and gait patterns will help you recognize seventy Rocky Mountain species
Vancouver Then and Now
In Vancouver Then and Now archival images have been paired with new photos of the same scenes as they appear today to reveal over a century of dramatic change in this beautiful city.
Rocky Mountain Natural History, Grand Teton to Jasper, A Trailside Reference
Offers in-depth scientific information on the natural world found between Grand Teton, Wyoming, and Jasper, Alberta. It is beautifully illustrated with color photographs and line drawings, covering a thousand species of plants, animals, fish, birds, and insects found in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Northern Rocky Mountain Wildflowers, Including Glacier, Waterton Lakes, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, and Yoho
This field guide features more than 300 species found in the northern Rockies of Montana, Idaho, Washington, and adjacent British Columbia and Alberta, including Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks. Packed with vivid photos and informative text, this field guide will help you identify and appreciate the varied flora of these wooded mountains, deep valleys, and rugged canyons.
Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
Geology, plants, animals, history and recreation from Waterton/Glacier to the Yukon.