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Alberta/British Columbia

The Best of the Rockies by Rail: Western Canada's Splendor

Program No. 3748RJ

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Discover the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies on an immersive journey through Banff and Jasper national parks, where glacier-carved valleys, turquoise lakes, and soaring peaks define the landscape. Begin in Calgary with expert insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, and human history, then venture along the famed Icefields Parkway into the heart of the Rockies. Visit iconic alpine settings including Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Maligne Canyon, and ascend Sulphur Mountain by glass-enclosed gondola for panoramic views across the Bow Valley. Then, begin a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, taking in breathtaking vistas from its glass-domed cars of the dramatic mountain passes and river canyons. Your adventure concludes with two nights in Vancouver, where you’ll explore the city’s iconic neighborhoods like Stanely Park, Chinatown, Gastown, and False Creek.

Best of all, you'll...

Board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, enjoying panoramic views from glass-domed railcars as you travel through mountain passes and river valleys toward the Pacific coast.
Ascend Sulphur Mountain by glass-enclosed gondola, taking in sweeping views of Banff, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding Rocky Mountain ranges.
Journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, exploring Pyramid Lake and Maligne Canyon while learning about glaciers, wildlife, and alpine ecosystems.

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General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less. Due to hotel staffing constraints, the hotel in Kamloops will not be known until 3-7 days prior to arrival.

Featured Expert

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Kirsten Schmitten

Kirsten Schmitten has more than 30 years under her belt as a researcher, writer, and guide in the Canadian Rockies. She has worked as a professional park interpreter and lived in remote wilderness stations with her warden husband. Kirsten was awarded a Master Level Interpretive certification by the guiding community. She is a co-owner of All Things Wild, a company dedicated to connecting people to the stories unfolding in Jasper National Park.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Kirsten Schmitten

Cory Gross

Cory Gross grew up in the Calgary area, living both in the city and on the ranches where his father worked. In 2005, he received a bachelor’s in museum and heritage studies from the University of Calgary and currently works as an educator at the Glenbow Museum. Cory is also a volunteer with the Western Art Gallery at the Calgary Stampede and with several other heritage organizations throughout the city.

Brent MacDonald

Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.

Greg Allemang

Greg Allemang is an Alberta-based outdoor guide and educator with a global perspective. A lifelong adventurer, he has explored five continents and lived across Canada and in South Korea. Greg is certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, the Interpretive Guides Association, and the Outdoor Council of Canada, with advanced wilderness first aid training. Since 2012, he has led hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing trips in the Canadian Rockies, and has been a group leader with Road Scholar since 2014.

Wesley Wenhardt

Wesley Wenhardt is a storyteller and explorer whose career has taken him around the world, planning, opening, and revitalizing cultural attractions. Bilingual in French and English, he now calls Vancouver, British Columbia home. He loves getting outdoors rain or shine, in the mountains, hiking, skiing, cycling, and flyfishing.

Linda Craig

Linda Craig was born in Vancouver and grew up in Calgary. She worked for 17 years with WestJet Airlines, gaining invaluable experience in customer service. She more recently worked as a concierge and valet team manager at two prestigious Calgary hotels. Linda loves to explore the outdoors, whether in her kayak or on her Harley.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain including pavement, sidewalks and boardwalks; several sets of stairs. Standing between 4 to 6 hours per day. Program will require approximately 9 miles of walking over 12 days. Getting on/off a motorcoach and train. Up to 5 hours on a motorcoach; extended time on train. Elevations over 8,000 feet. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

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Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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