Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park

  • British Columbia + 14 more
  • Rail Holidays, USA & Canada Combo Rail Holidays, VIA Rail,
  • 26
from  £5,799pp
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Introduction

Embark on this scenic 25-day rail journey with the knowledge that you’re going to experience some of the most iconic sights in North America. From the majestic Canadian Rockies to the wondrous Niagara Falls and the stunning beauty of Glacier National Park, this immersive journey will have you marveling at the jaw-dropping scenery. Begin in the vibrant Canadian city of Vancouver and from there, journey across Canada on VIA Rail, Canada’s impressive rail system, taking in the beautiful alpine towns of Jasper and Banff before heading east to Toronto and Niagara Falls. On the second half of your journey, make your way across the US, from New York City to Seattle, with memorable stops in Chicago and the majestic Glacier National Park. This epic journey is one for the bucket list!

Trip Highlights

⭐ Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Vancouver
⭐ Admission to the Vancouver Lookout
⭐ Admission to the Jasper Skytram
⭐ Sightseeing tour of the Icefields Parkway from Jasper
⭐ Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls Tour in Banff
⭐ Admission to the CN Tower in Toronto
⭐ Sightseeing tour of Niagara Falls from Toronto
⭐ New York City CityPASS®
⭐ Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of New York City
⭐ Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Chicago
⭐ Chicago CityPASS®
⭐ Two Medicine Valley Boat Cruise of Glacier National Park
⭐ Big Sky Circle Tour in Glacier National Park
⭐ Seattle Harbor Cruise
⭐ Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Seattle
⭐ Admission to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit in Seattle

 

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Itinerary

Day 1: Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver! Travel on your own to your hotel and start exploring this nature lover's paradise, where the majestic mountains meet the serene coast. (Overnight in Vancouver)

Day 2: Vancouver

Today's full day of sightseeing begins with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour that will take you to all of Vancouver's most popular attractions, including Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, and more! The tour will feature live commentary, so you will get to learn what makes Vancouver so special. Feel free to hop on and off at any of the stops to explore them at your own leisure. Today also includes admission to the Vancouver Lookout, which towers hundreds of feet over the city. Sweeping 360-degree views of Vancouver await you at the top! (Overnight in Vancouver)

Day 3: Overnight on board VIA Rail

Spend the morning discovering more of Vancouver before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian train for your departure to Jasper and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the beautiful views and comfortable accommodations while onboard. (Overnight onboard VIA Rail)

Day 4: Jasper

Wake up on the train to gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies as you make your way to Jasper. Upon arrival in Jasper, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and begin discovering the beautiful alpine town. Take the Jasper Skytram for incredible bird's eye views of the area - the experience of being gently transported into Jasper National Park's alpine tundra will captivate all ages and is merely the beginning of a truly memorable experience. Jasper Tramway is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and the only guided aerial ropeway in the Canadian Rockies. Have your camera ready for some amazing pictures. (Overnight in Jasper)

Day 5: Jasper - Banff

Depart Jasper for a leisurely drive out to Banff, one of the most scenic towns in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy the wildlife, pristine lakes, and breath-taking mountain peaks along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. Visit the natural wonder of Columbia Icefield, one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Step onboard the Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure of the Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy unobstructed views on a glass-floored observation platform extending out over the Sunwapta Valley at the Glacier Skywalk. (Overnight in Banff)

Day 6: Banff

Enjoy an immersive tour of the area today that offers glimpses of the natural forces and evolution of land that form the glistening Banff area lakes and streams found in this area of the Canadian Rockies. Some of the incredible sights you will come across include the unforgettable Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, Moraine Lake and the magnificent Takakkaw Falls, all surrounded by soaring mountain peaks. A picnic lunch at the iconic Chateau Lake Louise is included. Journey across the Great Divide and experience the wonder of Yoho National Park before returning back to Banff in the afternoon. (Overnight in Banff)

Day 7: Banff - Jasper

Enjoy the morning in Banff wandering the local shops and eateries downtown or walking along the Bow River to Bow Falls. This afternoon, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Jasper for another overnight stay. (Overnight in Jasper)

Days 8-10: Overnight on board VIA Rail

Travel to the VIA Rail station today and board the Canadian to continue your three-day journey eastbound to Toronto. Unwind on the train in a cosy sleeper cabin and enjoy delicious meals and spectacular scenery onboard. (Overnight onboard VIA Rail)

Day 11: Toronto

Arrive in Toronto today and get ready for a full day of sightseeing. Discover top Toronto sights such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Harbourfront, Eaton Center and Chinatown, among others. Use you included admission to the CN Tower to experience sweeping views of Toronto from high above the city. (Overnight in Toronto)

Day 12: Toronto - Niagara Falls - Toronto

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a full day tour to one of the top wonders of the natural world, Niagara Falls. Highlights will include a meal overlooking the falls, a boat ride getting you up close and personal with the Falls, free time in both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a winery tour and tasting. After your full day of touring, your bus will drop you back off at your hotel for a relaxing evening. (Overnight in Toronto)

Day 13: New York City

Check out of your hotel and board the train this morning for your journey to New York City. Enjoy scenic daytime views as you head into the US. Arrive in New York City later in the evening and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. (Overnight in New York City)

Day 14: New York City

Discover all of New York City's top attractions such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum with your New York CityPASS, which includes admission to these and many other popular sights. This is the perfect way to enjoy the “Big Apple”. (Overnight in New York City)

Day 15: New York City

Discover even more of the city today with your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour! Your onboard guide will point out the city's major landmarks and attractions and give you some history and background on this sprawling metropolis. Visit all the must-see attractions you haven't experienced yet! (Overnight in New York City)

Day 16: Overnight on board Amtrak

Board Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited today for the overnight journey to Chicago. Rest up and relax as the train winds its way west. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Day 17: Chicago

Breeze into the Windy City this morning and begin to explore Chicago! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and set out to discover the city. Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to take in all the city's most popular landmarks, including Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and much more! (Overnight in Chicago)

Day 18: Chicago

Spend the day at your leisure today enjoying Chicago. Take a walk down the Magnificent Mile for world class shopping, dining, and attractions. Enjoy some famous Chicago-style pizza and take in some live music at one of the many jazz or blues clubs in the city. (Overnight in Chicago)

Day 19: Overnight on board Amtrak

Take the morning to enjoy more of Chicago's sights before making your way to Union Station and boarding Amtrak's iconic Empire Builder for the comfortable and scenic overnight journey to Glacier National Park. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Day 20: Glacier National Park

Welcome to Glacier National Park! Upon arrival, check in at the Glacier Park Lodge for a three-night stay and begin to discover your gorgeous surroundings. (Overnight in Glacier National Park)

Day 21: Glacier National Park

Today, you'll explore more of the serene sights of Glacier National Park on a scenic boat cruise of Two Medicine Valley. Enjoy the relaxing cruise while listening to the Blackfoot Indian folklore surrounding this gorgeous area. Later, take the shuttle back to Glacier Park Lodge.

Day 22: Glacier National Park

Today, discover more of Glacier National Park on the Big Sky Circle Tour. Drive over the breath-taking Maria's Pass and stop at Goat Lick for some wildlife viewing. Venture along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a windy-mountain thoroughfare that spans 50 miles through the park. Don't forget your camera today as the views are spectacular! (Overnight in Glacier National Park)

Day 23: Overnight on board Amtrak

Enjoy a relaxing day at the Glacier Park Lodge before heading over to the East Glacier station for your train trip to Seattle onboard the Empire Builder. Relax and enjoy your overnight accommodations onboard the train. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Day 24: Seattle

Welcome to Seattle, the ‘Emerald City'! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Your stay in the city includes a visit to the iconic Space Needle, a scenic harbor cruise, and admission to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit. (Overnight in Seattle)

Day 25: Seattle

Get to know Seattle even better today with your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, including stops such as the Seattle Aquarium, the Museum of Pop Culture, and more! Also, don't miss Pike Place Market, Seattle's Great Wheel and many more popular destinations while in the city. (Overnight in Seattle)

Day 26: Seattle

Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your holiday with additional nights in a particular destination, or if you're interested in taking this holiday in reverse, one of our Travel Specialists can help with all the arrangements.