TouringForLess

Cosmos Tour Map

click map to enlarge

Cosmos Western Canada by Rail (8930)

9 days from Calgary to Vancouver 
Create a lifetime of incredible memories traveling through the unforgettable Canadian Rockies! Take an Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, travel across British Columbia on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and enjoy scenic ferry crossings to/from Victoria—these are just a few of the many highlights on this memorable Western Canada by Rail tour. You’ll overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Victoria. Along the way, witness spectacular scenery and explore western Canada’s most famous cities. Two nights in both Banff National Park, one of Canada’s favorite resorts, and Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest national park, give you time to be amazed at the majestic scenery, hike, explore on your own, or take optional outings, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, stop in Lake Louise and marvel at this world-famous location with its glacial waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You’ll also stop for a highlight of this western Canada tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Another highlight of this western Canada tour is a 2-day, all-daylight journey from Jasper National Park to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. This train ride through breathtaking scenery takes you back to a time when getting to your destination was part of the fun. Along the way, pass Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountain; wild rivers; majestic mountain ranges; and beautiful Hell’s Gate. More scenery awaits on your ferry crossing from Vancouver through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. In Victoria, enjoy world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. This is an unforgettable, value-minded vacation with an amazing itinerary full of beautiful scenery and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1CALGARY
 Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
 The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
Day 3BANFF NATIONAL PARK
 Today is at leisure. Play golf, horseback ride, hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is the perfect place for wildlife watching, and you may spot some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The most commonly seen are deer and big horn sheep.
Day 4BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
 First stop is Lake Louise, with its cold waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. Late this afternoon, join our optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Accommodation for the next two nights is in Jasper National Park.
Day 5JASPER NATIONAL PARK
 Join the optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. On the return journey, you’ll be mesmerized by dramatic Maligne Canyon. With much of the afternoon and evening free, consider hiking or exploring Jasper’s local charm. While exploring the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies keep an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
Day 6JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–KAMLOOPS
 An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Free time in Kamloops this evening. (B,L)
Day 7KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER
 Reboard your train and head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. Continue through the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate. After an early evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 8VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
 Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver’s Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles.
Day 9VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER
 Morning departure for Vancouver. The trip ends at Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 1:30 pm.

Included Cosmos Meals

On Rocky Mountaineer—2 breakfast, 2 lunches

Related Cosmos Tours

8934 - Add an Alaska Cruise to Your Vacation

Cosmos Pricing Details

Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.

Any applicable Goods and Service Tax (GST) and/or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) for Canada are additional.

Taxes will be calculated and listed at the time of booking, prior to payment being collected.

Click Quote for a Cosmos Tour Date for our low price tour quote


Cosmos Tour Dates


Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour Land StartCosmos RetailRequest Quote
Guaranteed Departure 06/11/2024 $3,823.00
Guaranteed Departure 07/02/2024 $4,001.00
Guaranteed Departure 07/16/2024 $4,001.00
Guaranteed Departure 07/30/2024 $4,001.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/06/2024 $4,001.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/20/2024 $4,001.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/27/2024 $4,001.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/17/2024 $4,001.00
05/13/2025 $4,109.00
05/20/2025 $4,209.00
05/27/2025 $4,209.00
06/03/2025 $4,209.00
06/17/2025 $4,409.00
07/15/2025 $4,409.00
07/22/2025 $4,409.00
07/29/2025 $4,409.00
08/05/2025 $4,409.00
08/19/2025 $4,409.00
08/26/2025 $4,409.00
09/02/2025 $4,409.00
09/09/2025 $4,409.00
09/16/2025 $4,409.00
We Sell the Same Escorted Tours. What makes us different is we sell to you for LESS!