Canada Scenic Rail Adventure: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Winnipeg & Churchill - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver (BC), Self-Guided City Walk

Welcome to the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver, fringed by the Pacific Ocean and backed by the Coastal Mountains. When you arrive, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your downtown accommodation. After checking in and freshening up, head out for a little exploration. A good introduction to the city is Granville Island, which you can access by public transport or on a scenic ferry ride across False Creek. Stroll the Granville Island Public Market to browse the stalls filled with gourmet delicacies such as local cheeses, freshly baked goods, and artisanal chocolates.

You can also visit Chinatown, which is rich in history and architecture. This area east of downtown has a central commercial district running around six blocks, where you'll find plenty of classic Asian specialty stores, with their wares piled by the sidewalk for perusing, as well as dim sum restaurants and apothecaries. In the evening, eat at a restaurant overlooking the water or head to Gastown, the city's historic district and find a trendy neighborhood restaurant, and don't forget to stop at the Gastown Steam Clock, which whistles every 15 minutes.

Day 2: Day Trip to Vancouver Island: Cowichan Tribe, Butchart Gardens & Victoria

Leave the city behind for the day and catch a 1.5-hour ferry from the Horseshoe Bay terminal to Nanaimo, a charming town on the east side of Vancouver Island. When you arrive, a member of the Cowichan Tribe will take you on a tour of the area and teach you about their First Nation community and culture. Admire the towering totem poles as you head to the Quw'utsun Syuw'entst Lelum' Culture and Education Centre in Duncan. Step inside and peruse the exhibits showcasing the Cowichan Tribe's art, language, and traditional practices. 

After the tour, head to Butchart Gardens to wander the 55 acres (22 ha) of meticulously designed gardens. Then, it's time to discover British Columbia's capital, Victoria, on the island's southern tip. Visit some of Victoria's landmarks, like the Royal BC Museum and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. End the night with dinner along the Inner Harbour's waterfront, where you can find seafood eateries, casual bistros, and fine dining restaurants. When you're ready, catch a bus or taxi to the Swartz Bay terminal 30 minutes out for a 1.5-hour return ferry to Vancouver. 

Day 3: Visit Grouse Mountain, Unwind in Harrison Hot Springs

Spend your last day in Vancouver exploring more of the city and its natural surroundings, starting with a self-guided tour of Grouse Mountain, just 15 minutes away. Take a scenic gondola ride to the top, enjoying panoramic views of Vancouver's skyline, the glittering ocean, and the towering mountains. From here, you can access a range of activities, including hiking trails, catching a logger show, visiting a wildlife refuge, ziplining through the treetops, or skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter. 

If you want to unwind after a day of outdoor activities, make your way to Harrison Hot Springs, two hours east of the city. Soak in the mineral-rich waters overlooking the pristine Harrison Lake and surrounding mountains. Those who want to stick a little closer can visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park instead, as it's just five minutes away from Grouse Mountain. Cross the 450-foot (137 m) long swaying bridge and discover the array of walking trails, treetop adventures, and exhibits that showcase the region's flora, fauna, and First Nations culture before returning to the city. 

Day 4: Rocky Mountaineer Train to Kamloops

Say goodbye to Vancouver today as you board your 7:30 am Rocky Mountaineer train at the Pacific Train Station to venture northeast to Kamloops, situated at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. Snag a window seat to watch the passing peaks, forests, and waterfalls. You'll also catch glimpses of the mighty Fraser River and lush Fraser Canyon throughout the journey. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included and feature local ingredients and flavors.

When you arrive in Kamloops between 6:15 and 7:30 pm, head to your hotel to check in and unwind after the long journey. You might opt to walk along the city's riverfront, then, sample locally-grown food in one of the many downtown restaurants.

Day 5: Hike the Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos Trail, Explore Kamloops

Lace up your hiking boots and set off on a self-guided trek along the Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos Trail, just 20 minutes outside Kamloops. Set off down the 1.1-mile (1.8 km) path through open grasslands and sagebrush, pausing as you spot otherworldly geological formations like the distinctive hoodoos: tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion over millions of years. After the moderate to challenging hike, return to Kamloops to continue exploring the area independently. Head to Riverside Park to wander down the shaded pathways if you're not too tired or enjoy a picnic on the grass.

Alternatively, check out the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park to learn about the Secwépemc people. Peruse the diverse collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits and discover the Secwépemc way of life, from hunting and gathering practices to spiritual beliefs. Wander through the outdoor Heritage Park to see recreations of a traditional underground dwelling and sweat lodge. Then, end your night at one of the restaurants overlooking the Thompson rivers. Kamloops is known for its freshwater salmon, particularly sockeye salmon, so you may want to try a smoked or grilled version for dinner.

Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer Train to Banff (Alberta)

Get ready for an early start to catch your 6:30 am Rocky Mountaineer train farther east to idyllic Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the innovative Spiral Tunnels. When you cross the provincial border into Alberta, the towering mountains and rolling foothills will greet you. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard as you'll arrive in Banff between 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm. 

Day 7: Guided Tour of Banff, Horseback Ride the Sundance Loop

Join your guide for a five-hour tour of Banff's landmarks, starting at Bow Falls to watch the mighty Bow River cascade over rugged rocks. Continue to the nearby Hoodoos Viewpoint for another look at the fascinating rock formations, this time set against the backdrop of Mount Rundle and the Bow River Valley. Your next stop is the aptly named Surprise Corner Viewpoint, where you can enjoy panoramic views of lush forests, the cold and fast-flowing river, and the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs. Head to the glacial Lake Minnewanka next, the largest lake in Banff National Park.

Admire the crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountain peaks, then sit down for lunch before transferring to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where Canada's first national park, Banff, was established. End the tour with a stop along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to admire the Canadian Rockies.

Afterward, you'll explore more of the area, this time from the saddle on a two-hour horseback ride along the 6.2-mile (9.9 km) Sundance Loop. Pass thick marshes, grassy meadows, and the tranquil Bow River as your horse trots up Sulphur Mountain to the Windy Knoll Viewpoint before returning to the stables.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Lake Louise & Moraine Lake, Evening Walking Tour

Start your day with a guided 4.5-hour tour of the iconic Lake Louise, 40 minutes outside Banff but still within Banff National Park. When you arrive, wander along the shoreline and admire the emerald waters framed by majestic peaks and the towering Victoria Glacier. Admire the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, then transfer an hour south to Moraine Lake, nestled in the lush Valley of the Ten Peaks. Follow your guide down the well-maintained Rockpile Trail and listen as they weave tales of the early mountaineers who fell in love with the area in the 1890s. 

When you arrive at the scenic viewpoint, enjoy uninterrupted views of the glacial waters and surrounding mountains before transferring back to Banff.

Join a sunset and stars walking tour within the national park in the evening. See the sun dip below the horizon, transforming the sky into hues of orange, pink, and gold, then follow your guide down the trails lit only by your headlamps and look out for nocturnal creatures like owls, coyotes, and foxes. Don't forget to look up to see the sky full of stars uninterrupted by city lights.

Day 9: Guided Tour of Yoho National Park

Immerse yourself in nature today with a guided visit to Yoho National Park, home to thundering waterfalls, dramatic mountain landscapes, and pristine alpine lakes. Start with a 45-minute transfer to the park, then follow your guide to Emerald Lake to stroll along the lakeshore and admire the glacial waters. Continue to Wapta Falls, where you can watch the Kicking Horse River cascade over a rocky ledge from the scenic viewpoint. Then, head to Takkakaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada at 833 feet (254 m), and feel the misty spray that fills the air.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories about the region, but you'll also have free time to discover each destination at your own pace. Your last stop is the Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint to see the innovative tunnels that were built to accommodate the Canadian Pacific Railway and address the challenges of navigating the Rocky Mountain's steep grades and tight curves. Watch the trains traverse the impressive loops before returning to Banff after eight hours in the national park. Freshen up at your hotel, then walk over to Banff Avenue for dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Day 10: Transfer to Calgary, Fly to Winnipeg, Explore Manitoba's Capital

Skip the train and meet your driver outside your hotel this morning for a 1.5-hour transfer to Calgary International Airport, where you can catch a two-hour flight to Winnipeg, the small capital of Manitoba. After settling into your hotel, venture out to explore the city on your own. Forks Market is an excellent place to start, housed in a renovated horse stable overlooking the Assiniboine River and Red River. Wander through the mazelike corridors, discovering quaint boutiques, specialty food stalls, and cozy cafés before continuing to the nearby Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

Step inside and journey through the galleries that cover topics like rights for First Nations communities, LGBTQ+ people, and women. If you want to visit one more cultural institution, consider the Winnipeg Art Gallery to admire the impressive collection of artwork spanning from historical to contemporary periods. End your day in the Exchange District, a historic neighborhood of brick warehouses that reflect the area's past as a bustling commercial hub. Today, the 20th-century buildings house galleries, theaters, restaurants, and boutiques, so you can shop for souvenirs or grab dinner.

Day 11: Visit the Manitoba Museum, Overnight Train to Churchill (Day 1)

Before you say goodbye to Winnipeg to catch the noon train north, you have some time to visit the Manitoba Museum on your own to learn more about the province. Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, the museum features immersive exhibits that showcase the province's geological, biological, and human history. Peruse the galleries, which include displays on First Nations communities, early European settlers, and the development of Manitoba's cities. 

Day 12: Overnight Train to Churchill (Day 2) via Thompson

Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard in the dining car on day two of your train journey across Manitoba. Afterward, relax with a good book or look out the window at the ever-changing landscape. Watch prairie grasslands, and trees give way to boggy muskeg as you roll into Thompson, one of the major stops where you can spend an hour exploring the town as other passengers join you onboard. From there, you'll continue to Churchill for your final train leg, spending one more night aboard before chugging into town around 9 am.

Day 13: Arrive in Churchill, Guided Tour of the Town's Landmarks

Hit the ground running when you arrive in Churchill with a guided tour of the area, starting at the Polar Bear Holding Facility. Also known as "Polar Bear Jail," polar bears who have wandered too close to town are held here until they can be safely transported away from populated areas. Take a few pictures of the facility and the polar bear mural adorning the exterior, then sit down for lunch at a family-run restaurant in town. After lunch, your next stop is the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, which has in-depth displays detailing Churchill's wildlife and history.

You'll also have the chance to learn about the area's cultural significance to First Nations communities, like the Inuit and the Cree, and gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life. End the tour at the Polar Bears International House, an educational facility focused on polar bear ecology, climate change impacts, and conservation efforts. Watch a short presentation about polar bears and how they're being impacted worldwide by climate change before returning to your hotel to check in and freshen up for a group dinner. 

Day 14: Tundra Buggy Adventure

Day 15: Fly to Winnipeg, Visit Assiniboine Park & Zoo

Your penultimate day in Canada takes you back to Winnipeg on a 2.5-hour flight. Spend the day exploring more of the city with a trip to Assiniboine Park, home to plenty of gardens, picnic areas, and even a zoo. Follow the nature trails through the park to see the colorful flowers, fountains, and picturesque pond. Don't miss the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, home to over 300 bronze sculptures by the renowned Ukranian-Canadian sculptor Leo Mol. If visiting the Assiniboine Park Zoo, head to one most popular exhibits, Journey to Churchill, to observe arctic animals from Churchill, like polar bears and seals, swimming and playing, complete with underwater viewing areas.

Alternatively, visit the Royal Canadian Mint to learn how coins are produced for 70 different countries. When in doubt, you can always soothe those tired muscles from your long trip at Themea Spa. Enjoy this Nordic-inspired spa's various thermal pools, steam rooms, and hot saunas before going to bed early.. After a day in the park, return to the city center and choose from the array of casual eateries, fast-food chains, or upscale restaurants for dinner. 

Day 16: Depart

If you have time before your flight, you might like to head to Osborne Village, a bohemian neighborhood of charming boutiques, vintage stores, and art galleries. Pop in and out of the shops for any last-minute souvenirs, or sit down for one final Canadian meal. Although poutine (crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy) originated in Québec, you can try it here before you go. When it's time, head to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!