Escorted Rockies Escape By Rail

Tour Information

Escorted Rockies Escape is a circular tour travelling on two spectacular Rocky Mountaineer rail routes, all in only eight days. You’ll start and end in Vancouver, first travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer to overnight in Kamloops in the heart of the Rockies. Enjoying the luxurious Gold Leaf service, you’ll head back on board to travel to Jasper via the spectacular Yellowhead Pass. Next you’ll transfer to coach to drive down the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise to stay in style at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Next up the tour will take you to Banff via Yoho National Park, with a night at the equally-impressive Fairmont Banff Springs, both hotel’s originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1800s. Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff to travel back west on a different route to Kamloops, crossing the Continental Divide on the way. After a night in this bustling logging town it’s back across the Coast and Cascade Mountains to Vancouver.

Day 1

Fly from UK to Vancouver
On arrival tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at The Sutton Place Hotel in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Meet your Tour Escort and travel companions at the welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight in Vancouver at the Sutton Place Hotel. D.

Day 2

Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior, while enjoying the added comforts and amenities of GoldLeaf Service. Watch panoramic views of the spectacular scenery through dome windows and enjoy gourmet meals in the GoldLeaf Dining Room. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River, before the train winds along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops.
Overnight in Kamloops. B, L, D.

Day 3

Kamloops to Jasper
Once again you will be surrounded by dramatic scenery as you follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park.
Overnight in Jasper at Jasper Park Lodge. B, L.

Day 4

Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. While in Lake Louise you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll.
Overnight in Lake Louise at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 5

Lake Louise to Banff
This afternoon, a half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff.
Overnight in Banff at The Fairmont Banff Springs.

Day 6

Banff to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey takes you through a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass and Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.
Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 7

Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.
Tonight, reflect on the highlights of your tour of western Canada during your farewell dinner at the Sutton Place Hotel.
Overnight in Vancouver at the Sutton Place Hotel. B, L, D.

Day 8

Vancouver Departure
Your holiday ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.

Day 9

Arrival back to the UK early afternoon.

What's Included

• 2 day Rocky Mountaineeron Dome and GoldLeaf Service
• 2 day Rocky Mountaineer Escorted Service
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
• 7 nights hotel accommodation
• Services of a Tour Escort throughout
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• Welcome reception
• Icefields Parkway Tour, including Ice Explorer, Jasper to Lake Louise
• Guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Yoho Park Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper and Banff
• Luggage handling and National Park Pass