Duration: 8 nights
Best months: April–September
Country: Canada
Region: Vancouver · Kamloops · Hells Gate · Fraser Canyon · Thompson River · Banff · Lake Louise · Bow Lake · Icefields Parkway · Calgary
A Journey from Pacific Coastline to the Canadian Rockies
This itinerary pairs two Canada icons in one smooth story: the energy of Vancouver, the legendary rails of The Rocky Mountaineer, and the alpine drama of Banff—before finishing with the urban pulse of Calgary. EscapeXperts® designs the route with private support and smart pacing so you can focus on the scenery, not the scheduling.
At EscapeXperts®, your planning/design fee is translated into deliverables: a discovery session, curated options (stays + experiences), iteration rounds to refine the flow, and a final trip plan with checklists—plus support for changes as details evolve.
Vancouver to Kamloops: The Rocky Mountaineer’s “First Passage to the West”
Begin in Vancouver, where parkland, waterfront views, and the North Shore Mountains frame the city’s laid-back confidence. You’ll settle in at Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver—perfectly positioned for easy exploration and a calm start.
When you’re ready to shift gears, board The Rocky Mountaineer for The First Passage to the West. From your seat beneath a glass-domed roof, the landscape becomes the main event. You’ll pass Hells Gate in the Fraser Canyon, then trace the riverbanks and rock sheds along the Thompson River—with time to step out onto the viewing deck for crisp air and wide-open views. As the light softens, you’ll arrive in Kamloops for a restful overnight.
A front-row seat to Canada’s changing landscapes
Banff: Alpine Lakes, Big Views, and a Private-Car Rhythm
A new day brings another spectacular stretch by rail—this time into the heart of the Rockies and on to Banff, Canada’s oldest National Park. You’ll check in to the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs, where mountain air and warm interiors set the tone for your next chapter.
To keep everything flexible, you’ll have a private car so your family can explore at your own pace. Lake Louise is a must—especially with time for a canoe outing for those classic, mirror-water views. Add the Banff Gondola for a sweeping perspective, then weave in Bow Lake and the Icefields Parkway for one of the most photogenic drives in North America.
Calgary: Food, Culture, and a Stampede Finale
After a few nights in Banff, your route turns south toward Calgary, passing Lake Minnewaka and more mountain scenery as the landscape gradually shifts from wilderness to city. You’ll settle in at Kensington Riverside Inn, Calgary, ideally placed for a relaxed, neighborhood feel along the Bow River.
Calgary is a brilliant close to this journey—best enjoyed through taste and local energy. Take a food tour through the city’s colorful farmers’ markets, then explore the museums and galleries that give Calgary its creative edge. Your finale is a high-energy night at the Calgary Stampede—a classic slice of the old West brought to life with rodeo, horseshows, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate.
Signature Experiences
- A stylish start in Vancouver at Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver
- The Rocky Mountaineer’s The First Passage to the West with glass-domed views
- Scenic moments at Hells Gate in the Fraser Canyon and along the Thompson River
- Overnight in Kamloops between rail days
- Banff National Park exploration with a private car for flexible touring
- Lake Louise canoe time plus Banff Gondola viewpoints
- Bow Lake and the Icefields Parkway drive for classic Rockies scenery
- Calgary markets and culture, ending with the Calgary Stampede
Ready for Something Extraordinary?
EscapeXperts® designs Canada with calm precision—private support, trusted partners, and pacing that works for real travelers (including families). We curate the best routes, simplify transitions, and deliver a final plan with checklists and responsive change support, so your journey feels effortless from Vancouver’s coast to the Rockies and beyond.
Why Travel to Canada with Escape Xperts
Canada rewards travelers who get the sequence right—especially when you’re blending cities, rail, and wilderness. EscapeXperts® curates the route and orchestrates the logistics so your 8 nights flow smoothly from Vancouver to Kamloops, into Banff, and on to Calgary—with private support where it matters most. We prioritize the details that protect your time: the right stays, smart touring windows, and family-friendly pacing that keeps kids engaged without exhausting adults. The result is a polished, high-comfort journey that still feels adventurous, spacious, and deeply memorable
