Canadian Rail Holidays

Introduction

Our train holidays take you through the Canadian Rockies on the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer. Four spectacular rail routes highlight the diverse beauty of Canada’s West as guests relax and enjoy the renowned service and gourmet cuisine onboard. Whether it’s a passion for historical adventure, an appreciation for natural wonders, or a desire to visit world-class destinations, we have a holiday experience to suit everyone’s taste.

The Canadian train holiday packages are designed to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. You'll experience the splendour of luxury rail travel, explore awe-inspiring parks and wildlife and enjoy the comfort of knowing all the planning has been done for you.

Why not extend your Rocky Mountaineer holiday and enjoy a City Stop from our collection of the most popular Canadian destinations including Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler and Tofino.  Explore Canada's West!

Photos courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer ®  

Overview

Travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is an unforgettable experience, considered by many to be a trip of a lifetime. The entire journey takes place during daylight hours to ensure you enjoy every minute of the breathtaking scenery of glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountains and ferocious rivers. 

There are three routes to choose from, as shown below...

First Passage to the West

Day 1 Vancouver to Kamloops

Depart at 07.30am this morning a travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops in British Columbia’s interior. En route you will pass through the fertile Fraser Valley and the scenic Fraser Canyon. At Hell’s Gate you will view water pass through the walls of the canyon at its narrowest point. This is one of the canyon’s true natural treasures. When leaving the Fraser Canyon, the train will follow the Thompson River to the city of Kamloops. Overnight in a Kamloops hotel. (Arrive Kamloops at 5.35pm)

Day 2 Kamloops to Banff or Calgary

Depart at 06.15am and continue your journey east to the Canadian Rockies. First, you will travel through ranchlands to Shuswap Lake. Next, pass Craigellachie, where the “last spike” was driven completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Beyond Craigellachie is Rogers Pass with its tunnels, glistening glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Before crossing over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park, & through the unique Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. End your tour in Banff this evening or continue to the Stampede City of Calgary (Arrive Banff at 7.20pm or Calgary at 9.40pm)

Journey also operates from Calgary or Banff to Vancouver

Journey through the Clouds - Jasper

Day 1 Jasper to Kamloops (Yellowhead Route)

Leaving Jasper at 7.45am onboard the Rocky Mountaineer you will pass by Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the train will follow the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains and along rolling plateaux until it reaches the Kamloops in British Columbia’s interior. Overnight in Kamloops. (Arrive Kamloops at 4.10pm)

Day 2 Kamloops to Vancouver

Leave this morning at 07.30am & continue your journey west from Kamloops and travel along the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon. At Hell’s Gate you will pass through the walls of the canyon at its narrowest point. This is one of the canyon’s true natural treasures. When leaving the Fraser Canyon, the train will journey through the fertile Fraser Valley to the city of Vancouver. End your journey in Vancouver at 5.35pm

Journey also operates from Vancouver to Jasper

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Day 1 Whistler to Quesnel

Depart at 7.10am and travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the four-season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel the gateway to the North Cariboo. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and Glacial fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination. (Arrive at 7.30pm)

Day 2 Quesnel to Jasper

Your journey this morning begins at 7.10am and continues eastward today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George and then travels west through the forests of Northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres. And through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey ends on arrival into the resort town of Jasper at 8.30pm this evening.

Journey also operates from Jasper to Whistler


There are two classes of travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, which are described below...

RedLeaf Service

RedLeaf Service provides you with spacious, comfortable, reclining seats, picture windows and a non-smoking, air-conditioned environment. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and bring your camera along to photograph some of the ever-changing scenery.

The onboard attendants specialise in service with a smile. They will entertain you with commentary and anecdotes, serve your meals and provide you with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (a wide selection of spirits and wines are available for a nominal charge).

A selection of cold breakfasts and luncheons are served to you at your seat, airline style. You may have local delicacies such as BC salmon and Alberta beef, & you will be delighted by the local beers and award winning wines. On arrival into Kamloops or Quesnel, you will be transferred to your hotel and the evening is free for you to explore (or in Kamloops you can join the optional Rhythm of the Rails evening Show)

GoldLeaf Service

For that extra measure of luxury, take the GoldLeaf service. You will travel aboard an air-conditioned, full length Dome Coach, dine in elegant surroundings and take in the mountain breezes from a large observation platform.

The onboard staff provide you with the highest level of service. They are gracious, energetic, pleasant and attentive, and will keep you informed of the history and sights along the way.

You will enjoy fine cuisine amidst the elegant ambience of the GoldLeaf dining lounge. You won’t be able to resist the Chef’s creations which feature local delicacies such as BC salmon, accompanied by fresh fruit & vegetables.

As your first day aboard the GoldLeaf Dome Coach draws to a close you will enjoy a comfortable night’s rest at a hotel in Kamloops or Quesnel, or alternatively, in Kamloops, enjoy the unique evening show. (Please ask for further details) 

 

Essential Information

Climate

The southern coast of British Columbia is one of the mildest regions in Canada, with warm summers and relatively mild winters - hence Vancouver Island's coastal rainforests and Victoria's palm trees. Summers in the province's interior are hot. Heavy snowfalls occur in the mountains.

 

Visa

Visas are not generally required for British Citizens visiting Canada for short periods.  However, other categories of British nationals should check requirements before making firm plans.  If in any doubt contact the Visa Section of the Canadian High Commission.

It is recommended that you should have a passport with a minimum of six months validity remaining.

 

Health

For up-to-date health advice for Canada, please consult your GP.

 

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.

Pick & Mix

If you are keen to extend your holiday before or after your journey onboard, why not consider exploring some of the wonderful cities and attractions that Canada can offer. Take a look at the below highlights, then Contact Us with your ideas and wishes and allow us to create a personalised holiday itinerary especially for you.

Vancouver

The natural geography of Vancouver makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The backdrop of the mountains and the harbour front setting are scenic and are a focal point of everyday life. Ranked by many as their favourite city, it has many attractions and a wealth of restaurants, nightlife and shopping opportunities.
Experience the splendour of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour that begins at Stanley Park. Visit Chinatown and the waterfront area and end your day in Gastown, Vancouver's turn-of-the-century pedestrian mall filled with pubs, restaurants, art galleries, specialty stores, and the world-famous steam-powered clock.

Vancouver Island

A scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver brings you to Vancouver Island and Victoria, the provincial capital since 1871, which continues to resemble the outpost of the British Empire as it once was. Victoria will charm you with its colonial heritage, beautiful world famous gardens and its inner city harbour. The Parliament Buildings overlook the harbour which is a bustle of activity year round.
Vancouver Island stretches along the western coast of British Columbia. The rugged west coast is cut deeply by fjords lined between high mountains with many communities located along the shores of protected bays.
The island is the perfect place to relax or to enjoy some water based activities - fishing and bear watching are popular, as well as boat and zodiac trips out to spot the Gray Whales of the Pacific Rim National Park or the Killer Whales in the Johnstone Strait.

Bear Watching

October and May are the best times to see Brown or Spirit bears in Canada. In October they come down to the river to feed on spawning salmon as they swim upstream and in May they return to the river after hibernation with their cubs to feed from the river banks. For further information about Bear Watching Holidays in Canada, please click here.

Alaska Cruise

More than twice the size of Texas, Alaska is the largest state in the US by area and is situated in the North West extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the East.
With snow covered peaks, thick pine forest, turquoise lakes and stunning rivers, this dream holiday destination comes highly recommended by Medway Travel, whether you are looking for adventure or romance on your long haul holiday. A vast area with gold mining and plenty of outdoor activities, Alaska is also one of the top cruise destinations in the world, so if your idea of a once in a lifetime holiday has always been a luxury cruise then let us take care of the details leaving you free to marvel at Alaska's spectacular glaciers.
The longest river of ice in North America, the Hubbard Glacier is also one of the most active glaciers of its kind in Alaska. Also, since the ships that cruise this part of our world are designed to provide guests with the best viewing possible, you'll be able to see this massive natural wonder, with its 1,350 square miles of blue ice, from just about anywhere on your ship.
For further information about holidays to Alaska, please click here. 

Banff

Banff was Canada's first National Park and is world renowned for its towering peaks, pre-historic glaciers and cool canyons. Visit the museums and galleries, the Cascade Mountains, Cave and Basin National Historic Site or stroll along Banff Avenue. Banff is also the perfect base to explore from. Visit Lake Louise, the "Jewel of the Rockies" or Moraine Lake with the Valley of the Ten Peaks - the list is endless.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise, with its blue-green water set against the stark backdrop of Victoria Glacier, probably one of the most photographed scenes in the Canadian Rockies. Banff and Lake Louise offer a wide rnage of sightseeing and adventure based excursions. From city tours to horseback rides, and grizzly bear tours to lake cruises, there really is something here to suit everyone.

Jasper

Jasper's combination of wildlife, startingly blue-green mountain lakes, soaring peaks and broad forested valleys rank it as one of the world's premier national parks. The vast wilderness of the park is one of the few remaining places in Southern Canada that is home to a wide rnage of wildlife including grizzly bears, mountain lions and elk.

Whistler

Nestled in Canada's spectacular Coastal Mountains, the world famous mountian village of Whistler is one of Canada's premier resort areas. The resort is a charming European style village and has many restaurants, bars and nightclubs, all which are nestled around cosy cobblestone plazas and open air squares.

Calgary

Calgary is a city with a distinct difference, it is a 'cowboy town' at heart and one of the city's highlights is the annual "Calgary Stampede", a spectacular rodeo event which is renowned around the world. The focal point of the skyline is the 190 metre Calgary Tower which has an observation deck giving spectacular views of the City.