Explore the two neighbouring provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and enjoy the lively sights of Calgary, Banff and Jasper National Parks, the interior of British Columbia as well as the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. The Rocky Mountaineer train will bring you through a dramatically-changing countryside while travelling through valleys, canyons and mountain passes. See lush forests, marvel at pristine lakes, and take in the sight of the magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountains! In both Vancouver and the Rockies, local sightseeing tours are included to enhance the experience. The Mountain Rails progamme operates westbound from Calgary or eastbound from Vancouver.

Calgary

Set in the rolling foothills of Alberta against the majestic Canadian Rockies to the west and the great plains to the east, Calgary offers visitors the best of two exciting worlds - stimulating big city life and wilderness adventure. Calgary's visitor attractions, sophisticated shopping, symphony ballet, opera and professional sports teams are guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. To catch Calgary and some western hospitality at its best, take in "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," as the Calgary Stampede takes place every July. Experience the excitement of a young, richly vibrant city in the heart of the west - a combination of unspoiled mountain playground and cosmopolitan style.

Banff

Located 130 km (80 mi.) west of Calgary, Banff National Park currently occupies 6,641 square km (4117 square mi.) of mountain wilderness within the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The town of Banff is a thriving, four-season resort community that combines the alpine beauty of the Rockies with luxurious modern conveniences. Facilities within Banff include first class accommodation, world class ski resorts, attractions, restaurants and services, all situated amidst the most spectacular scenery in the world. If you are seeking an outdoor or eco-adventure, heritage learning opportunities, relaxation and pampering or a unique blend of each, Banff will exceed your expectations.

Vancouver

Vancouver is the largest city on Canada's Pacific coast, the center of the third largest metropolitan area in Canada, and the nation's chief Pacific port, with an excellent year-round harbor. Cradled between the ocean and snow-capped mountains, Vancouver's dazzling downtown district fills a narrow peninsula bounded by Burrard Inlet to the north, English Bay to the west and False Creek to the south, with greater Vancouver sprawling south to the Fraser River. Edged around its idyllic waterfront are fine beaches, a dynamic port and a magnificent swath of parkland, not to mention the mirror-fronted ranks of skyscrapers that look across Burrard Inlet and its bustling harbour to the residential districts of North and West Vancouver. Beyond these comfortable suburbs, the Coast Mountains rise in steep, forested slopes to form a dramatic counterpoint to the downtown skyline and the most stunning of the city's many outdoor playgrounds. Small wonder, given Vancouver's surroundings, that Greenpeace was founded in the city.

Rocky Mountaineer Train

Travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is an unforgettable experience, considered by many to be, a trip of a lifetime. The two-day rail journey recaptures the romance of rail travel as it follows the historic train route constructed over 100 years ago through Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies, uniting the country. The entire train ride takes place during daylight hours to ensure you enjoy every minute of the breathtaking scenery of glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountains ranges and ferocious rivers.