6-Day VIA Rail Rockies Summer Tour from Vancouver: Jasper, Banff & Yoho National Parks + Famous Lakes & Columbia Icefield

In the morning, we depart from Vancouver and journey through the picturesque Fraser Valley Highway, entering the beautiful town nestled in a semi-desert region.
After lunch, we head to visit the renowned VQA Brewery. Then, we pass by Okanagan Lake and proceed to Kelowna, the fruit capital of British Columbia, where you can also enjoy the stunning changing lake views upon arrival in Vernon.

【VQA Brewery】
We specially arranged a visit to the VQA wineries to taste and purchase various reds, whites, and ice wines, experiencing the unique aroma and charm of Canadian wines. Vintners Quality Alliance, or VQA, is a regulatory and appellation system which guarantees the high quality and authenticity of origin for Canadian wines made under that system in British Columbia and Ontario. It is similar to regulatory systems in France (AOC), Spain (DO), Italy (DOC), and Germany (QmP).
【Okanagan Lake】
Later, we pass by the picturesque Okanagan Lake, which is said to be unfathomable. Legend has it that there is a lake monster called "OGOPOGO" in the lake, according to ancient indigenous legends. The legend tells of an evil spirit that possessed a man, who then killed the revered chief of the tribe. As punishment, the gods turned it into a giant serpent in the lake, known as Ogopogo. The Kelowna city government offers a reward of two million Canadian dollars for anyone who finds the legendary lake monster Ogopogo.
【Revelstoke】
Revelstoke has its roots as a railway town. Rail, forestry and natural resources are the industries that built and sustained the town for more than 100 years. Revelstoke was once one of the largest and most prominent communities in the interior of the province, mostly due to its importance as a railway centre. Steamboat traffic from the south connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway making this an important transportation center. While we no longer see steamboat traffic up the Columbia, those industries are still a big part in the economy and personality of the area. Revelstoke is home to the Revelstoke Dam, one of the largest generators of power in BC. Revelstoke area is home to lots of other large mammals including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, cougars, wolverines, moose, martens, coyotes, lynx, deer and mountain goats.

Travel through the Roger's Pass—a high mountain pass through the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia used by the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans-Canada Highway to Yoho National Park.

【YOHO National Park】
Named for a Cree expression of awe and wonder, Yoho lies on the Western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
【Lake Louise】
This beautiful lake is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. Famous photo-taking location.
【Moraine Lake/Ten Peaks Valley】
Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glacier melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. (stop for about 60 minutes)
*Moraine Lake open from (Late May or early June to early Oct).
【Banff National Park】
Canada first National Park, one of the world's premier destination spots.
【Bow Falls】
Location of the film "The River of no return" in 1960's.
【Banff Sulphur Mt Gondola (Optional)】
Go up to the top of the mountain and enjoy a 360o view of Banff. After tour, enjoy free at leisure in Banff Town with all the shops and restaurants.
 

Continue your journey to Jasper National Park, the biggest National Park in Canada.
【Icefield Parkway】
One of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destinations. Stretching 232km through the heart of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, this world-class journey offers access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys. (pass through)
【Bow Lake】
It is the headwaters of the Bow River that runs south through the city Calgary and onto the Oldman River ultimately to Hudson Bay. (stop for about 20 minutes)
【Columbia Icefield】
Snocoach and Skywalk (Optional) $$: Visit the Canadian Rockies and tour over the Athabasca Glacier in a giant Ice Explorer. A once in a lifetime experience. Next, enjoy a breathtaking view of the glacier from The Glacier Skywalk. (stop for about 3.5 hours)
【Athabasca Falls】
It is not one of the highest waterfalls, However, it is rather known for the shear amount and force of the water that flows through it from the Columbia Glacier. (stop about 30 minutes)
【Jasper Town】
It is the heart of Jasper National Park. 2nd biggest town in the Canadian Rockies. (stop time – your own arrangement)

Today, continue your journey in the Jasper National Park.
【Maligne Lake (Optional - Lake Cruise) $$】
It is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. You can take an optional cruise to enjoy the scenery of the lake. (stop for about 100 minutes)
【Maligne Canyon】
It is carved into the Palliser Formation, a layer of limestone deposited in a shallow tropical sea by lime-secreting plankton about 365-million years ago. (stop for about 30 minutes)
After lunch, you can enjoy your free day at lesiure at the Jasper town.

Today, taking the VIA train, we left the city's hustle and bustle and ventured into the mountainous area to experience breathtaking natural landscapes. While you're in Jasper National Park, don't forget to catch a glimpse of the first peak, Mt. Robson (3954m), which appears on the left side of the train. As the train continues its journey, the scenery gradually transitions from dusk into night, and a bit later, we'll pass through Kamloops before heading towards Vancouver.

**The VIA train is scheduled to depart Jasper at 09:30 AM. Please confirm the exact time with VIA Rail before your departure at 1-800-681-2561.
**Meals and beverages are available for purchase on the train. Breakfast and lunch are included for sleeper class or above.
**Optional: Upgrade to Sleeping class for a more comfortable and relax trip on the train

Get your fill of nature in British Columbia and enjoy breathtaking sceneries: majestic mountains, spectacular waterfront, peaceful rainforests, fishing villages... The rail journey to Vancouver is unique in its beauty.

**Around 08:00AM Vancouver Pacific Center Train Station (1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC). Please verify the departure time with VIA rail (1-800-6812561).
**Economy class does not include any meals but they do sell meals and drinks on the train. You may upgrade to sleeper class, which includes meals.