VIA Rail & Icefields Parkway

Ride the rails with VIA! Travelling from Prince George to Jasper “via” rail gives you a unique, fun and inspiring journey through areas steeped in natural and cultural wonders, sparkling lakes, rustic hamlets and sawmills. You will be treated to some of BC’s most spectacular views. Combined with the Icefields Parkway, a visually spectacular drive, a beautiful Maligne Lake cruise and Banff National Park, one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain destinations, and you have a winner of a vacation!

 

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 – WILLIAMS LAKE, BC

Travelling the Okanagan Valley and the Cariboo Highway, we follow much of the historic Cariboo Wagon Road and the Gold Rush Trail of the 1860’s before arriving in Williams Lake.

DAY 2 – PRINCE GEORGE, BC

Get a firsthand glimpse of BC’s rich rail history at BC Railway & Forestry Museum. There are over sixty pieces of rolling stock, historical buildings and artefacts on this eight acre site. It’s a rail fan’s delight!

EXPERIENCES & HIGHLIGHTS

In 1883, three railway workers stumbled upon a cave full of hot mineral springs water.  Little did they know that they were helping create Canada’s first national park – the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Rated one of the top drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway is dotted with over 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires and emerald-colored lakes. This 232 km stretch of highway features abundant wildlife so keep your camera ready.

DAY 3 – JASPER, AB

All aboard Canada’s only passenger rail service, VIA Rail, as we begin our journey from Prince George to Jasper.  Great stretches of wilderness, lakes, and wildlife are outside your window. Spectacular views that can only been seen from your seat on board. Enjoy your evening, surrounded on all sides by breathtaking snow-capped mountain peaks.

DID YOU KNOW?

Via Rail operates over 500 trains per week across eight provinces and 12,500 km of track. Via Rail has moved over 5 million passengers since 1977.

DAY 4 – JASPER

Discover world-famous Spirit Island onboard a Maligne Lake Cruise.  Learn of the history, geology, wildlife, flora and fauna while taking in the spectacular scenery.  Return to Jasper to enjoy the downtown.

SPOTLIGHT

An image recognized around the world – Spirit Island.  What makes this island so rare is that it is surrounded on three sides by the same mountain range.

DAY 5 – CANMORE, AB

Experience one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Admire the great Columbia Icefields, the towering Canadian Rockies and wonder at Mt. Wilson’s Weeping Wall.

SPOTLIGHT

The Weeping Wall is home to two of the most sought-after waterfall ice climbing routes anywhere.

The Icefields Parkway is dotted with over 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires and emerald-colored lakes.

DAY 6 – CANMORE

Soak in the incredible Rockies while exploring the township of Banff and its surroundings. Enjoy your final evening in Canmore.

DAY 7 – KAMLOOPS, BC

Explore the beauty of Lake Louise enroute towards Kamloops. Enjoy your final evening at the Hampton Inn and take in a relaxing evening.

DAY 8 – RETURN HOME