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Train Tracks Through The Rockies: The Gold Rush to Vancouver

Bite-sized trip

  • Itinerary:
    Jasper - Quesnel - Whistler - Vancouver (or vice versa)
  • Duration:
    3 days / 2 nights
  • Price:
    from £ 1,985.- per person (excluding flights)
For train enthusiasts and those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the Gold Rush route between Jasper and Vancouver is a smorgasbord of thrilling views of deep gorges, vast ranchland, rocky outcrops, and raging rapids. On this three-day rail trip, you’ll spend the first night in Quesnel, a charming rural town that was the central hub of the Cariboo Gold Rush in 1862. For the second night, you’ll stay in the town of Whistler - famous for its alpine sports and flower-filled meadows.
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Day 1 – Jasper to Quesnel

You’ll arrive bright and early at the station in Jasper, in time to watch from the platform as your train slowly pulls in! Onboard, you’ll settle into your seat from which you’ll be served regionally inspired gourmet meals.

Today, you’ll pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with steep mountains either side, before delving deep into the heart of vast forests. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. By the evening, you’ll arrive into the Gold Rush town of Quesnel where your transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Your time here is your own and we’d recommend finding a spot down by the river for dinner.

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Day 2 – Quesnel to Whistler

The next morning, you’ll depart Quesnel and follow the Gold Rush route towards the famous resort of Whistler. You’ll be served breakfast on board. Today, the landscape changes dramatically and you’ll soon discover a desert-like environment as you pass Fraser Canyon and behold the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate. You’ll also cross one of the highest and most spectacular railway bridges in the world, Deep Creek Bridge. Everywhere you look you will find glacial-fed lakes, lush farmland, and steep gorges.

You’ll arrive into Whistler by the evening where your transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, located right in the heart of the village. You’ll have plenty of free time here, so as well as finding a plethora of places for dinner on your doorstep, you may wish to indulge in the fantastic apres nightlife that is abundant here!

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Day 3 – Whistler to Vancouver

On your final day, you’ll have the whole morning to explore Whistler Village. We recommend soaking up that fresh mountain air by taking a wander along it’s pedestrianised stone walkways, brimming with shops, cafes and restaurants. In the afternoon, you’ll board the train once again and depart for Vancouver.

Finally, you’ll experience a very special highlight of this trip as the train winds its way along the impressive Sea to Sky Corridor, offering spectacular coastal mountain scenery and breathtaking views of Howe Sound. On arrival in Vancouver, it’s time to say goodbye to the Rocky Mountaineer and begin the next part of your Canadian adventure!

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Accommodation

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Train Tracks Through The Rockies: The Gold Rush to Vancouver

For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options

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Option
1

Upgrade to the Goldleaf Service

  • Price:
    From £ 2,925.- per person (excluding flights)
  • Included:
    Accommodation, excursions, transport and meals as described above

If you really want to splash out and travel in luxury, you can upgrade to the GoldLeaf Service. With expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach you will dine on gourmet meals and stay at an In Style hotel.

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This bite-sized trip can be combined well with

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Bite-sized trip

Rambling Through the Rockies

  • Jasper National Park
  • 3 days / 2 nights
  • from £ 388.- per person (excluding flights)
View bite-sized trip
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City skyline Vancouver
Bite-sized trip

Vibrant Vancouver

  • Vancouver
  • 3 days / 2 nights
  • from £ 199.- per person (excluding flights)
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People paddleboarding
Bite-sized trip

Adventures in Sun Peaks

  • Sun Peaks
  • 3 days / 2 nights
  • from £ 137.- per person (excluding flights)
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people canoeing on lake
Bite-sized trip

Snow-Caps & Nature Trails

  • Banff National Park
  • 3 days / 2 nights
  • from £ 299.- per person (excluding flights)
View bite-sized trip
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