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First Passage To The West

The only passenger train to traverse the historic Kicking Horse pass rail route that opened in 1885

Cross the Continental Divide in complete luxury aboard the Rocky Mountaineer’s classic ‘First Passage to the West’ rail excursion. You’ll wind through mountain passes, dramatic steep canyons walls and dense Canadian forests as you make your way between coastal Vancouver and Banff National Park.

Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine, comfortable seating and spectacular Canadian mountain scenery. The Rocky Mountaineer only travels during the day, with hotel stays at night, making this 2-day journey a sightseer’s delight. Voted the world’s best luxury train by the prestigious World Travel Awards, the Rocky Mountaineer is a quintessential Canadian train experience.

from $2,945 CAD per person in SilverLeaf Service
Itinerary/Overview
Inclusions
Travel Details
Options Extras
Itinerary/Overview

Itinerary/Overview

The following itinerary can be customized to add on nights in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff, as well as additional experiences in the Rocky Mountains. The possibilities for customization are endless so please reach out to us with any special requests or for travel inspiration.

Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops

Wave goodbye to the glistening ocean waters of Vancouver as you head into the picturesque Fraser Valley. Here you’ll have your first taste of the top-notch cuisine with a delicious breakfast, served either at your seat (SilverLeaf service) or in the scenic dining car (GoldLeaf service).

As the train crosses the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, you’ll witness a dramatic change in scenery. You’ll pass over the famous Hell’s Gate, an abrupt narrowing of the Fraser River that creates some spectacular rushing whitewater rapids. Listen to entertaining stories about the region as you enjoy a three-course lunch freshly prepared by the onboard chefs and watch as the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley give way to the stark landscape of the British Columbia interior.

Your full day on the train ends in Kamloops where you will enjoy an included night of accommodation in a hotel and have time to explore the town.

Day 2: Kamloops to Banff

Board the train and enjoy another gourmet breakfast as the Rocky Mountaineer winds its way out of Kamloops and through the Shuswap region. You’ll have views of beautiful rocky shores, ranchlands and high mountain passes. Keep watch for wildlife as animals such a bears, moose and bighorn sheep can often be spotted.

This is the only passenger train that operates on the original Canadian Pacific trans-continental line built in 1885. This historic rail line is sometimes known as the Kicking Horse route because of the mountain pass it crosses to get over the Rocky Mountains. Climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and through the famous Spiral Tunnels.

Sit back and enjoy the spectacle as the one-of-a-kind Canadian Rockies come into view. Lunch will be another gourmet three-course affair prepared using local ingredients. After passing through the historic Lake Louise Train Station, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Castle Mountain. Your journey ends in the evening as you arrive in the lively town of Banff.

Inclusions

Included

    SilverLeaf: See the Rocky Mountains in style INCREDIBLE VIEWS. IMPECCABLE SERVICE. Our SilverLeaf service level gives you everything you need and more to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury: panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages brought right to your seat, friendly Hosts and complimentary baggage transfers. And miles and miles of memories.
    Includes:
  • Custom-designed single-level dome
  • Oversized glass-dome windows for taking in the spectacular views
  • Regionally-inspired meals served in the comfort of your seat
  • Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating with ample legroom
  • Attended by up to three Hosts
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Gourmet sweet and savoury snacks
  • Outdoor viewing area
  • Engaging Hosts with stories about historic sites, scenery, and wildlife
  • Luggage delivery to your overnight hotel accommodation in Whistler, Quesnel, Kamloops, and Glenwood Springs
    OR
    GoldLeaf: The Height of Luxury FIVE-STAR COMFORT MEETS FIVE-STAR VIEWS With our GoldLeaf Service, indulge your senses with gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs, and expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies.
    Includes:
  • Bi-level dome with seating above and dining room below
  • Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views
  • Gourmet à la carte meals in the lower-level dining room
  • Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating with ample legroom
  • Attended by four Hosts, plus a full culinary team
  • Signature cocktails, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Gourmet sweet and savoury snacks
  • Large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform
  • Engaging Hosts with stories about historic sites, scenery, and wildlife
  • Luggage delivery to your overnight hotel accommodation in Whistler, Quesnel, and Kamloops
Travel Details

Primary Location

Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff/Lake Louise

Departures

April - October

Pricing Details

Price for First Passage to the West Classic Banff Westbound package per person in CAD, for departure from Banff on April 14, 2024, in SilverLeaf Service with Standard Room accommodation, subject to availability. Accommodation is based on double occupancy. Hotel level applies to hotels in destinations only, not to midpoint hotels. Pricing includes applicable taxes. Additional conditions apply.

The Rocky Mountaineer features three unique rail excursions through the Canadian Rockies. Take a look at our Journey Through The Clouds and Rainforest to Goldrush excursions for more itinerary options. Please note that each itinerary can also be done in reverse.

Options Extras

Optional Extras

    Short Journeys
  • 2 days onboard First Passage to the West
  • 1 night in Kamloops
  • One-way: begin and end in different locations
    Rockies Highlights
  • 2 days onboard First Passage to the West
  • 1 night in Kamloops
  • One-way: begin and end in different locations
  • Experiences
  • Sightseeing tours and/or car rentals in the Rockies
  • 1-2 nights in Vancouver
  • 2-5 nights in the Rockies
    Circle Journeys
  • 4-5 days onboard on First Passage to the West & one other rail route
  • 2 nights in a midpoint hotel
  • Round trip: begin and end in Vancouver
  • Experiences
  • Sightseeing tours and/or car rentals in the Rockies
  • 1-2 nights in Vancouver
  • 2-6 nights in the Rockies
  • See in Banff, Jasper, & Columbia Icefields, with options to see Lake Louise

    Please provide your contact details


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