5-day, 4-night itinerary
First Passage to the West Excursion
Discover the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains as you travel the rail route that connected Canada as a nation more than 130 years ago. Start your trip in the sparkling metropolis of Vancouver, offering everything from beautiful beach walks to award-winning restaurants, before heading east toward the mountains.
Journey through untouched wilderness and semi-arid desert, alongside Kicking Horse River, and into the iconic Rocky Mountain town of Banff. As the most well-known town in the Rockies, Banff is home to mineral hot springs, the turquoise Bow River, lush parks with postcard scenery and an abundance of outdoor activities. The First Passage to the West journey offers world-class service and unparalleled access to some of western Canada’s most beautiful landscapes.
Highlights of the trip
- Relax in a custom-built, glass-dome luxury train
- Breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glistening waters and towering forests
- All-inclusive, regionally inspired meals, snacks and beverage service
- Engaging storytelling and world-class service from onboard Hosts
- Wildlife sightings like black bears, bighorn sheep and elk
- Explore the iconic Rocky Mountain town of Banff
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver
Day 2: Vancouver to Kamloops
Day 3: Kamloops to Banff
Day 4: Banff
Day 5: Banff
Day 1: Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and spend the day exploring the scenic coastal city famous for its backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glistening ocean waters. Discover Stanley Park, take a short ferry to Granville Island, explore local West Coast food and much more. Stay overnight in the heart of Vancouver before departing from the Rocky Mountaineer station the next morning.
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Day 2: Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. See dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like landscapes of the BC interior. Take in the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River before stopping overnight in Kamloops.
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Day 3: Kamloops to Banff
Continue to wind eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Get up close and personal with nature as you travel through ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Roll through Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels, and experience the iconic glaciers and majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Savor the last moments of your rail journey as you arrive in the idyllic resort town of Banff.
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Day 4: Banff
Enjoy the day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. Banff offers something for everyone, from taking the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, relaxing in the mineral hot springs, exploring the bustling streets in town or embarking on outdoor wildlife adventures. With a National Parks Pass included with your journey, you can discover the turquoise glacial lakes, abundant wildlife and scenic routes Banff is famous for. Stay overnight in the charming mountain town and explore at your own pace.
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Day 5: Banff
Your journey ends upon check-out from your Banff hotel, but there’s so much more to see around this gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Located just outside Banff is the world-famous Lake Louise, one of the most pristine — and photographed — lakes in the world. Immerse yourself in nature and hike around the quiet waters set against a backdrop of rugged peaks and glaciers. Feeling adventurous? Take the Icefields Parkway to Jasper — this 232-kilometer stretch is considered one of the best drives in the world and boasts breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. Or head to the metropolitan hub of Calgary, a youthful city affectionately known as “Cowtown,” and fly out from Calgary International Airport.
Note: All packages go in both directions; you can start or end your journey in Banff or Vancouver.
