Western Canada’s ever-changing landscape flaunts its unspoiled beauty as you travel through its very heart, much of the way aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. The train features large glass-domed windows for unobstructed views of the rugged Canadian Rockies, deep river canyons and unexpected desert-like terrain. Revel the crème de la crème and experience a bucket list visit to iconic Lake Louise together with nearby marvels of Yoho National Park, Takakkaw Falls and the enchanting Emerald Lake. A panoramic tour of Banff adds historical insight.
NOTE: This program starts in Calgary, Alberta. Arriving flights must be into Calgary International Airport (YYC).
NOTE: Use this itinerary for suggested timings as they may change. Rocky Mountaineer will provide you with a Welcome Letter when you arrive in Calgary, which will have the most up-to-date timings and meeting information. Refer to that Welcome Letter throughout the program.
DAY 1
Upon arrival at the Calgary International Airport, you will be met by a representative that will assist in your transfer to the Hyatt Regency Calgary Hotel (or a similar hotel) located in the heart of downtown Calgary. After check-in at 12:00pm, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own. If you have an early-arriving flight, you may store luggage with the hotel concierge until check-in at the hotel.
NOTE: Rocky Mountaineer requires arrival flight details at least 3 months in advance. If your flights are not booked through Oceania Cruises, kindly make sure that we have these details so that the transfer can be arranged accordingly.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will meet your tour director and set off of an exclusive Oceania Group full-day tour ending in Banff.
You will stop for photos of scenic sights along the way to Banff. Once in the Banff area, highlights will include Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. You will also ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a stunning bird's-eye view of six majestic mountain ranges.
In time, you will check in at the Rimrock Resort Hotel or a similar hotel for the evening. Dinner is included at your hotel.
DAY 3
Following an early-morning group breakfast, you will set out for an awe-inspiring full-day of sightseeing in the surrounding mountainous landscape. Highlights will include a visit to Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls and lunch at Fairmont Lake Lodge.
Afterwards, you will return to Banff, where the remainder of the day and evening will be at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own.
Note: A complimentary shuttle stops at the Rim Rock Hotel, which can take you on the short drive into the town of Banff. Here you will find an array of restaurants and unique shopping opportunities. Shuttle schedules are available at the hotel’s reception and concierge desks.
DAY 4
Following an early-morning shared motor coach transfer to the Banff Rail Station, you will board the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train. A gourmet breakfast will be served onboard shortly after departure.
The Rocky Mountaineer will head west through the majestic Canadian Rockies to your overnight destination of Kamloops. Highlights include passing by Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885 – the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
On arrival at the Kamloops station, you will transfer by shared motor coach to your overnight accommodations (the exact hotel will be confirmed by Rocky Mountaineer approximately 7 days prior to departure and is subject to adjustment). The evening will be at leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 5
After re-boarding the Rocky Mountaineer, you will enjoy another gourmet breakfast on board and continue west along the banks of the Fraser River as it winds to the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver.
Along the way, you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the BC Interior, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains and into the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.
At Vancouver's Rocky Mountaineer Station, you will board a shared motor coach and transfer to the Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver or a similar hotel. Dinner will be on your own.
Note: Please be aware that rail travel in Canada is subject to unforeseen delays. The expected arrival time in Vancouver will be between 5:30pm and 7:00pm.
DAY 6
After breakfast, depart for a half-day panoramic driving tour of Vancouver. Highlights will include Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park and Granville Island. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.
DAY 7
Following a group breakfast at your hotel, you will enjoy an exclusive Oceania Group tour across Lions Gate Bridge and into North Vancouver with a driver-guide. Admission to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and a sky gondola ride to the peaks of Grouse Mountain, two of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions, is included.
Originally built in 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches high above Capilano River. The 27-acre park also includes Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway that clings to the granite cliff above Capilano Canyon. Treetops Adventure and seven suspension bridges through the evergreens above the forest floor will offer a unique perspective of the forest. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Grouse Mountain made history in 1949 with the world’s first double chair lift, which replaced a long trek to the summit for hikers and skiers. In 1966 the 45-passenger Grouse Mountain Sky Ride was opened, which whisks passengers to a mountain station that includes two restaurants and a gift shop.
This is North America’s largest aerial tramway and the views from the top are spectacular. Unfolding around you will be the city of Vancouver, majestic mountain ranges, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf Islands in the distance.
DAY 8
Following a group breakfast at your hotel, you will enjoy the scenic beauty of Vancouver’s waterfront on your own. The tour director will escort you to the cruise ship for embarkation later in the afternoon.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details are subject to change. The timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be issued by Rocky Mountaineer when you arrive in Calgary. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments and meeting information.
Accompanying our exclusive group will be a professional tour director that will handle every aspect of the tour so that you can truly relax and enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The tour director will check in and out of each hotel on your behalf, ensure that your luggage is in the right place at the right time, double-check all aspects of the tour and be available during daylight hours to assist you.
If you book extra nights on your own because your flight arrives before the first day of the program, transfers are not included. At this time, extra nights cannot be booked through Oceania Cruises or Rocky Mountaineer.
DAY 1
Arrive at Calgary International Airport
A Rocky Mountaineer representative will assist in to your transfer to the Hyatt Regency (or similar hotel) in Calgary.
Check-in is at noon. Although every effort will be made for rooms to be available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own.
DAY 2
7:00am-9:00am Group Breakfast
9:30am Full-day tour en route to Banff
1:00pm Ride up the Banff Gondola
3:00pm Arrive at your hotel in Banff
6:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Rimrock Resort hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
7:00am-8:00am Group breakfast
8:30am Depart for sightseeing
Lunch included
2:00pm Return drive to Banff
3:00pm Arrive back at your hotel
Afternoon at leisure
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Rimrock Resort Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
6:45am Shared transfer from your hotel to Banff station
7:25am Check in at Banff station
7:40am Board the train – Gold Leaf Service
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks served on board
7:00pm Arrive in Kamloops (Expected arrival is between 7pm and 9pm)
Transfer to your Kamloops hotel for the evening. Dinner on your own
Hotel is TBA
DAY 5
6:45am Shared transfers from your hotel to Kamloops train station
7:30am Board the train – Gold Leaf Service
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks served on board
5:30pm Arrive in Vancouver (Expected arrival is between 5:30pm and 7pm)
Transfer to your hotel for the evening
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver (or a similar hotel)
DAY 6
7:00am-9:30am Group breakfast
10:00am Half-day sightseeing tour of Vancouver
3:00pm Return to the hotel, rest of day at your leisure.
DAY 7
7:00am-9:30am Group breakfast
10:00am-5:00pm Northshore Vancouver sightseeing with Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge
DAY 8
7:00am-09:30am Group breakfast
10:00am Remainder of the day at your leisure
4:00pm Cruise embarkation
Gold Leaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer Includes:
• On board hosts and culinary team (Michelin Star chefs)
• A refreshing welcome aboard toast
• Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches
• Morning scones and afternoon wine and cheese service
• Meal service in the private lower-level dining room of your dome coach
• Custom-designed bi-level dome coach with an upstairs seating area
• An exclusive outdoor vestibule to enjoy the fresh mountain air
• Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and gourmet snacks served throughout your journey
• Complimentary baggage delivery to your hotel
• Deluxe hotel accommodation in Banff and Vancouver
• Moderate (3-star) hotel accommodation in Kamloops
Expected Weather
The Rockies. Average high from May through September: 14-22 °C / 57-71°F
Kamloops. Average high from May through September: 14-23°C / 57-72°F
Vancouver. Average high from May through September: 13-18°C / 55-64°F
Luggage: The Rocky Mountaineer train allows for two pieces of luggage per person (total not to exceed 60 lbs.). Your airline policy may differ, so if you have excess luggage you may wish to consult a luggage-shipping firm and have your bags shipped from your home to the cruise terminal in Vancouver.
As a Gold Leaf Service guest, your checked luggage will travel separately from the train and will be waiting for you at your various hotel locations. There is no overhead or under-seat storage. Your carry-on bag must fit at your feet.
What to Bring: Sweaters, pants, light raincoat, lightweight summer wear, flat-soled shoes, medication, travel documents, sunglasses, camera and video camera, warm jacket and gloves for shoulder-season months.
Accessibility and Dietary Restrictions: The Rocky Mountaineer Trains and hotels are fully accessible, however advance notice of any mobility issues should be communicated when making your booking. Should you have any dietary restrictions, these will need to be communicated to Oceania Cruises in advance so that we may advise Rocky Mountaineer. Most diets, with advance notice, can be accommodated with the exception of kosher meals.
Local Currency: Canadian dollars, although U.S. dollars are accepted at most locations.
Electricity: 120V / 60Hz — same wall sockets as in the United States. Guests traveling from overseas with electric equipment should bring a travel converter.
Documents and Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens require a passport to travel into Canada. Please check your local Canadian Embassy for visa entry requirements.
Hotels
Hyatt Regency Calgary or similar
700 Centre St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6
Phone: 403-717-1234
Rimrock Resort or similar
300 Mountain Avenue, Banff, AB, T1L 1J2
Phone: 403-762-3356
Kamloops Hotel – TBA
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver or similar
845 Burrard St , Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K6
Phone: 604-682-5511
*Rocky Mountaineer will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified in advance of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
• Meet and Greet at Calgary Airport and airport transfer (group charter for a minimum of 20 passengers with flights within a 60-minute range. Flights outside will be provided with taxi vouchers.
• Services of a dedicated tour director from hotel check-in at Calgary until check-out in Vancouver
• One night in Calgary at the Hyatt Regency Calgary or similar in a standard room
• Two nights in Banff at the Rimrock Resort or similar in a premium room with two queen beds
• One-night moderate (3-star) hotel accommodation in Kamloops, hotel TBA
• Three nights in Vancouver at the Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver Hotel or similar in a Sutton Room
• Daily breakfast and lunch onboard the train and as specified in the itinerary
• Shared transfers to or from the stations in Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver
• Two days on the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer with breakfast, lunch, snacks and
alcoholic- and non-alcoholic drinks. Gold Leaf Service.
• Gratuities for the onboard train hosts
• OCI private group tours (provided a minimum of 20 passengers are booked for a departure) of Banff including Banff Gondola with driver-guide
• OCI private group tour of Vancouver (provided a minimum of 20 passengers are booked for a departure) including Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain
• Mountains, lakes and waterfalls full-day tour including a visit to Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake with lunch
• A dedicated professional tour director for the entire journey (not a guide)
Transfers: Group Airport transfers are for flights within a 60-minute waiting time of each other and for a minimum of 20 passengers. Otherwise, taxi vouchers will be provided. All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up-to-date flight details. At this time extra nights cannot be booked for this program through OCI or Rocky Mountaineer.
Program Excludes for guests:
• Gratuities for motor coach drivers, guides and tour director. Gratuities are at the sole discretion of each guest
• Any meals aside from those specified within the itinerary
• Beverages during dinner in Banff
• Airport porterage, airport departure fees, passport or visa fees
• Admission to attractions other than those specified within the itinerary
• All items of a personal nature such as room service, mini bar, telephone calls and other incidentals
Please Note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces that may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change.
Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodations and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
