Compare A Canadian Rockies Adventure by Smithsonian Journeys vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Option, Small Group With Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver

Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Vancouver by midafternoon. Check in to the hotel, then gather with fellow traveler and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a welcome reception and opening remarks on your adventure. A group dinner will follow.

Westin Grand Vancouver

Day 2: Vancouver

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This morning, take time to enjoy downtown Vancouver at leisure, followed by a tour of the city. Stop at Stanley Park, a Pacific Northwest rain forest and oasis in the city. Take in scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Stop at Gastown known for its British charm and unique steam clock. See the spectacular Lions Gate Bridge, Prospect Point and English Bay. The tour ends with dinner at a local restaurant.

Westin Grand Vancouver

Day 3: The Rocky Mountaineer

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Kamloops

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. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into Kamloops. *This evening disembark for your overnight stay in Kamloops, BC. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Hotel to be announced prior to departure. 

Rocky Mountaineer

Day 4: The Rocky Mountaineer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Step back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for breakfast, and prepare to enjoy the second half of your journey by rail into the Canadian wilderness, following the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today’s adventure culminates with the train’s climbing ever nearer to the high peaks of the Continental Divide and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Late in the afternoon watch for the spectacular view of Mount Robson, highest point in the Canadian Rockies. Our train odyssey ends at Jasper. Tomorrow we begin our exploration of three of Canada’s most scenic national parks.

Rocky Mountaineer

Day 5: Jasper

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast depart to explore Jasper National Park. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on one of the largest glacier-fed lakes in the world, Maligne Lake. Marvel at the snowcapped peaks, which cast themselves brilliantly across the water surface and take in the pristine natural beauty Spirit Island. Lunch is on your own this afternoon. Late in the day return to the hotel. Gather for a reception and remarks by your Smithsonian Journeys Expert followed by dinner at the hotel.

Mount Robson Inn

Day 6: Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Board your private motor coach for the drive south through Jasper National Park with its spectacular scenery along the Icefields Parkway to Banff National Park. A naturalist joins us for narration while you look for wildlife such as deer, elk, mountain goat and grizzly bear. Arrive at the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. At the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center meet your experienced guide and board your specially outfitted ice coach to venture on to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of ice over three miles long and at points over a half mile wide. Return to the center for lunch and a chance to browse the many exhibits. Continue to Lake Louise, often called the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" and your home for the next two nights.

Mountaineer Lodge

Day 7: Moraine Lake, Spiral Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, drive along the Bow Valley Parkway for amazing views of Castle Mountain and the Sawback Range. Stop at Moraine Lake, located in the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks. This afternoon, cross Kicking Horse Pass, entering the province of British Columbia and Yoho National Park. The Canadian Pacific Railway was built through this pass across the Rockies in 1887, but steep grades made its operation inefficient. In 1909 the railway was rebuilt with gentler grades made possible by the now-famous Spiral Tunnels, which we will stop to view. Later we will visit Emerald Lake and  dramatic Takakkaw Falls. Tonight we gather for a festive farewell dinner.

Mountaineer Lodge

Day 8: Calgary / Depart

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart by motor coach for Calgary International Airport for flights home. Participants should schedule their departing flights for after 1:00 this afternoon.

Day 1: Welcome to Banff

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Banff

Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.

Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start

Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start

Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.

Day 5: Glacier Adventure

Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper

Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start

Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 8: Board the Rocky Mountaineer

This morning, start your spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Journey and get transferred back to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey on this luxurious train begins westward bound through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades experience, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food as you indulge in this unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that make up the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. This evening you will disembark in Kamloops where you will overnight at your inviting hotel.

Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey

Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. Airport arrival time is between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.