6 Day VIA rail from Vancouver to Jasper Banff Icefield Bus Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Vancouver to Jasper VIA Rail
1 stop
1
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies aboard VIA Rail, traversing from ocean to mountains. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on the train and convenient amenities, including washrooms and showers. Private washrooms are available for cabin passengers. The train departs at 15:00, so please be at the station at least one hour prior to departure. With a total travel time of 19 hours, expect to arrive in Jasper around 11 am the following day.
19 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
VIA Rail arrive Jasper & free explore
1 stop
2
Jasper National Park
Expect to arrive in Jasper around 11 am today. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Jasper and enjoy the afternoon self-exploring the area at your own pace. Or you can opt to enhance your experience with a sightseeing tour of Medicine Lake and Malign Lake, including a cruise (Open from June 6 – October 14) (extra fee).
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Free explore & Jasper to Banff Transfer
1 stop
3
Jasper National Park
In the morning, you have the option to explore Jasper town at your own pace or choose to add on the Jasper Sky Tram for (extra fee). At 1:20 PM, please wait at the hotel lobby for the shuttle bus to Banff town. Along the journey, you'll pass by the stunning Icefields Parkway, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Moraine Lake - Lake Louise - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge
6 stops
4
Moraine Lake
(Open from June 1 to Oct 14), Moraine Lake , renowned for its vivid blue waters and the awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. A perfect blend of nature's landscape and tranquility invites you to capture the postcard-perfect moment, creating memories that will last a lifetime
1 hour • Admission ticket included
5
Marble Canyon
(Alternative to Moraine Lake from Oct 15 - May 31) Explore Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder sculpted by Tokumm Creek. With towering cliffs and turquoise waters, it offers unforgettable views. Spanning the creek are six bridges, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty from different angles.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
Lake Louise
Lake Louise, a turquoise gem nestled in the heart of Banff National Park. Marvel at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Resort while taking in stunning views of Victoria Glacier at the foot of the snow-capped Mount Victoria. A perfect photo opportunity awaits you at the pristine shores of this glacial lake.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
7
Lunch stop at Lake Louise Village or Lake Louise Ski Resort: Enjoy your choice of lunch at your own expense.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
8
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, with its striking emerald-green waters and mountain vistas. Whether you're strolling along the shoreline. Don't miss the picturesque wooden bridge for stunning photo opportunities.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
9
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park, sculpted by the relentless force of the Kicking Horse River over thousands of years. This breathtaking limestone arch spans the river, captivating visitors with its sheer beauty and grandeur.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Banff Gondola/Upper Hot Springs - Bow Falls - Surprise Corner - Banff Town - Lake Minnewanka - Johnston Canyon
8 stops
10
Banff Gondola
Take a thrilling ride on the Banff Gondola, ascending 698 meters (2,292 feet) to Sulphur Mountain's summit in just 8 minutes. At the top, immerse yourself in sweeping panoramic vistas of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the charming town of Banff. Explore further along the boardwalk to visit the Cosmic Ray Station - a National Historic Site of Canada, and Sanson's Peak, where you can delve into the rich history of Canada's inaugural national park. (Your option of Banff Gondola or Upper Hot Springs/Gondola ticket not included)
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
11
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Treat yourself to unparalleled relaxation at the Upper Hot Springs, where you can luxuriate in mineral-rich, warm waters. Enveloped by the majestic peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains, soak in the outdoor pool amidst captivating natural beauty. Entry to the Banff Upper Hot Springs is on a first-come, first-served basis, with tickets can be purchased at the reception. Your admission fee covers a locker token, and swimsuits and towels are available for rent onsite. (Your option of Banff Gondola or Upper Hot Springs/Entry ticket not included)
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
12
Bow Falls
Discover the beauty of Bow Falls, a captivating natural marvel in Banff. Towering at 9.1 meters tall, these falls showcase the unadulterated splendor of nature, with water cascading elegantly over rugged cliffs.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
13
Surprise Corner
Surprise Corner is a spot in Banff where you can get a beautiful view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the scenic Spray Valley. It's a great place to take photos and enjoy the stunning scenery.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included
14
Banff Avenue
(Lunch stop at your expense) Explore Banff Avenue's shops and galleries, indulge in local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and relax in the surrounding natural beauty for breathtaking towering peaks.
1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket included
15
Two Jack Lake
Popular for its clear blue waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka, just fifteen minutes from Banff town, is surrounded by majestic mountains. Known as "Lake of the Spirits" by the indigenous Stoney Nakoda First Nations. Strolls along the easy walking trail or boating on the lake are excellent options in the area. In winter, it becomes a breathtaking ice skating rink, often showcasing fascinating ice bubbles formed by trapped methane gas.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
17
It's famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and stunning hiking trails. As you walk through the canyon, you'll be surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. The trail leads you past several beautiful waterfalls, including the Lower Falls and Upper Falls, which cascade down into turquoise pools below. It may be replaced by Marble canyon in Winter
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Bow Lake - Columbia Icefield - Peyto Lake - Banff Hidden Gem
6 stops
18
Icefields Parkway
Travel along the Icefields Parkway, renowned as one of the world's most scenic drives, winding through the Canadian Rockies. From the serene Bow Lake to the stunning Peyto Lake and the majestic Athabasca Glacier, each stop presents a new marvel to behold.
Admission ticket free
19
Crowfoot Glacier
The Crowfoot Glacier, visible from the Icefields Parkway, showcases its distinctive "toes," resembling a crow's foot. Two of these formations remain visible today, highlighting the glacier's retreat due to melting.
Admission ticket free
20
Bow Lake
Bow Lake surrounded by lush forests and overlooked by Crowfoot Mountain, it offers a serene and picturesque setting for relaxation
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
21
The Columbia Icefield, located along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies, stands as the largest icefield in North America's Rocky Mountains, spanning the border of Alberta and British Columbia. This natural wonder offers visitors a chance to experience a glacier firsthand, providing a rare opportunity to witness the raw beauty and grandeur of nature up close. Journeying onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard specialized vehicles called Ice Explorers allows visitors to traverse its icy surface and immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscape. With its unparalleled beauty, accessibility, and educational value, the Columbia Icefield is an unforgettable destination. (add-on experience of snowcoach at your expense)
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
22
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Perched 280 meters (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rugged mountains, deep valleys. (add-on experience of skywalk at your expense)
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
23
Peyto Lake Trail
Situated along the Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake beckons with its mesmerizing turquoise waters and distinctive maple leaf shape, framed by the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. Ideal for a brief hike, it treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of the lake and its mountainous backdrop.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The sequence of the itinerary may change depending on the travel date

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