Journey ThroughThe Clouds Self-Drive

Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own.
Overnight in Vancouver.

Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC 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 into Kamloops.
Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Your journey continues north and east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. 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, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Pyramid Falls, and the climb over the Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Your rail journey ends this evening on arrival in the resort town of Jasper.
Overnight in Jasper. B, L.

Collect your rental car this morning and enjoy a day touring at your leisure in Jasper National Park. Among the area’s highlights are Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon, Miette Hot Springs, Maligne Lake and Whistlers Mountain.
Overnight in Jasper.

Travel south to Lake Louise via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Allow time to visit highlights along the way, including Athabasca Falls, Bow Summit, and Crowfoot Glacier. If you would like to take the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, we recommend you book a time slot in advance. With sightseeing stops, we suggest allowing at least eight hours for today’s drive.
Overnight in Lake Louise.

Today, drive the scenic one-hour journey from Lake Louise to Banff. Along the way, watch for wildlife and travel under the specially constructed wildlife bridges over the highway. Alternatively, take a more leisurely drive along the Bow Valley Parkway for views of Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon (requires a short walk). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the shops, restaurants, pristine scenery and plentiful wildlife of magnificent Banff National Park.
Overnight in Banff.

Travel through Kananaskis Country and the western ranching regions of Alberta at your own pace before arriving in Calgary's downtown core.
Overnight in Calgary.

Drop off your rental car in downtown Calgary or at Calgary International Airport (YYC), where your journey ends.