From Peaks to Painted Deserts: Two Rocky Mountaineer Journeys

Itinerary Highlights

Travel on two Rocky Mountaineer routes, pairing Canada’s peaks with the USA's red rock landscapes
Explore Vancouver’s waterfront, coastal parks and vibrant food scene with curated experiences
Follow wild rivers into Jasper and Banff, enjoying lake activities, spa time and alpine exploration
Discover iconic national parks from Denver to Moab, with guided tours revealing the dramatic desert
Best time to travel May to October

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Domestic Flights
International Flights

14 nights from £8,699 per person

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Travel Specialist

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This extraordinary rail holiday pairs Canada’s towering mountain landscapes with the dramatic colours of the USA’s Southwest. You travel in style aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer not once but twice, combining two different routes in one itinerary. It’s ideal if you appreciate Michelin-star-level service, remarkable scenery and the pleasure of slow travel without compromise.

Begin in Vancouver, where your luxury boutique base places you moments from the waterfront. Over two days, you have time to explore the city’s coastal parks, discover its creative neighbourhoods and, if you wish, enjoy a privileged culinary tour at Granville Island Market. A scenic seaplane flight to Victoria for tremendous whale watching is also available.

From here, your first rail journey transports you from the Pacific Coast into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. With panoramic views from your seat, you follow winding canyons and wild rivers to Jasper, where you’re surrounded by mountain peaks and glacier-fed lakes. Kayaking, spa relaxation or an optional cruise to Spirit Island allow you to take full advantage of the setting. Continue south to Banff, where alpine days are yours to shape on a small-group tour or savour the local dining.

A short flight brings you to Denver for your second Rocky Mountaineer route, which is a striking contrast to Canada’s forested peaks. Red rock walls rise around you as the train follows the Colorado River to Moab, your gateway to iconic national parks. Guided tours reveal the dramatic contours of Arches and Canyonlands, which have been shaped by millennia of sun and wind.

Throughout the trip, the private transfers, premium hotels and expertly curated options ensure your holiday is completely tailored around you, with exceptional scenery every step of the way.

Please note, the excursions mentioned on this itinerary are optional.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver

After flying from the UK and landing in Vancouver, enjoy a private transfer to Azur, A Legacy Collection Hotel – your elegant boutique base close to the waterfront. Spend the afternoon unwinding, perhaps enjoying a cocktail or taking a refreshing dip in the pool with harbour views. When you’re ready, you could even walk to Canada Place to get a glimpse of the coastal setting.

Staying at

Day 2 | Vancouver

Begin your second day with an optional VIP Granville Island Market Foodie Tour, which allows you to explore artisan stalls and sample over 20 signature Canadian delicacies. You’ll learn culinary tips from local chefs and secure ingredients for a leisurely lunch afterwards. In the afternoon, consider strolling or cycling through Stanley Park to take in views of the forested trails and beautiful coast.

Staying at

Optional

Day 3 | Vancouver

Spend a relaxed morning getting to know Vancouver, whether you stroll through its characterful neighbourhoods or dip into a few local galleries. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you could take a seaplane over to Victoria and head out on a whale-watching cruise on the coast—an opportunity to spot orcas, humpbacks and other marine life. You’ll be back in Vancouver by the afternoon.

Staying at

Day 4 | Rocky Mountaineer | Vancouver – Kamloops

Kamloops

Board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for the first of your two-day rail journey. Travel through the fertile Fraser Valley, following the winding river into the desert-like interior, and pause to admire Hell’s Gate. As the train continues along the Thompson River, take in panoramic views of the forests and canyons. Arrive in Kamloops in the early evening and transfer to Kamloops Downtown Hotel.

Included

Journey Through the Clouds Rocky Mountaineer view

Views Journey Through the Clouds Rocky Mountaineer

GoldLeaf onboard service Rocky Mountaineer

Day 5 | Rocky Mountaineer | Kamloops – Jasper

Continue your Rocky Mountaineer journey along the North Thompson River, stopping for vistas of Pyramid Falls. Travel through Yellowhead Pass, passing teal-green lakes and keeping watch for wildlife. Admire Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, as the train climbs into the mountains. Cross into Alberta and transfer to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge after arriving.

Staying at

summer outdoor pool at fairmont jasper park lodge

Junior Suite Lake View at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Included

Day 6 | Jasper

Enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery around the lodge. You may choose to kayak on the lake or unwind in the spa. Alternatively, join a guided excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. Walk above Maligne Canyon’s rugged walls and explore the ‘disappearing’ Medicine Lake. The cruise offers spectacular photo ops, with mountains and glaciers forming a dramatic backdrop.

Staying at

Optional

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise. Photo Credit: Pursuit Collection - Mike Seehagel

Day 7 | Banff

Transfer south to Banff on a small-group tour, travelling along the Icefield Parkway, the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You will pass sweeping glaciers, immense waterfalls and shimmering mountain lakes. Stops are made at Athabasca Falls, the Weeping Wall, Bow Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier. Four hours are spent at Columbia Icefields, where you will take part in the Glacier Adventure Tour and explore the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. On arrival in Banff, settle into the Mount Royal Hotel, your base in the heart of the Rockies.

Day 8 | Banff

Start your day with a potential open-top tour of Banff, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and town landmarks. Then continue to the Banff Gondola for a ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic vistas of the Rockies stretch as far as the eye can see. Pause for a relaxed dinner at the mountaintop restaurant before descending back to town.

Day 9 | Banff

Take a full day at leisure in Banff, allowing you to explore the town and surrounding landscapes at your own pace. Wander the streets to discover boutique shops, art galleries and cafés or take a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway. Optional activities include hiking nearby trails, visiting the Banff Park Museum or simply relaxing at your hotel and taking in the mountain views.

Day 10 | Banff – Calgary – Denver

Denver

After breakfast, transfer privately to Calgary for your flight to Denver. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to The Crawford Hotel, located in the city’s vibrant downtown. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore Denver’s historic Union Station, boutique shops or acclaimed dining. Take time to relax and settle into your luxurious accommodation after the morning’s travel.

Day 11 | Rocky Mountaineer | Denver – Glenwood

Glenwood Springs

Board the Rocky Mountaineer for your first day on the Rockies & Red Rocks route. Enjoy panoramic views of the Colorado River Valley, red rock formations and soaring cliffs from the comfort of your private rail carriage. Watch for wildlife and take in the scenery as the train winds through canyons and rolling landscapes. Arrive in Glenwood in the late afternoon and transfer to Downtown Hotel.

Day 12 | Rocky Mountaineer | Glenwood to Moab

Moab

Continue your Rockies & Red Rocks journey as the train follows the Colorado River into the heart of Utah’s red rock country. Marvel at the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic desert vistas, keeping a lookout for wildlife along the way. You’ll arrive in Moab late afternoon, before transferring to Hoodoo Moab Curio by Hilton. The rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy at your own pace.

Day 13 | Moab

Moab

Spend today discovering Canyonlands National Park. Take to the skies on a small-aircraft tour for sweeping views of deep canyons, towering mesas and the winding Colorado River (a remarkable way to appreciate the scale of this wild desert terrain). Prefer to stay grounded? Explore scenic viewpoints and gentle hiking trails instead. Then return to Moab later in the afternoon to unwind.

Day 14 | Moab

Moab

Take in some of the world's most extraordinary sandstone formations on a guided tour of Arches National Park. Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock feature as iconic landmarks, so stop as and when you can for photo opportunities along the way. Enjoy the striking desert scenery and the dramatic shapes sculpted over millennia. Return to Moab in the afternoon with time to relax at your own pace.