First Passage To The West

Cross the Continental Divide and wind through mountain passes, dramatic steep canyon walls and dense Canadian forests as you make your way between coastal Vancouver and Banff National Park.

This 2-day rail journey includes two full days on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer and one night in Kamloops.

Pre-Journey

Vancouver

You'll need to arrive in Vancouver at least the day before your Rocky Mountaineer departure. Take time to enjoy some of what Vancouver has to offer.

Spend the day walking along the beach in Kitsilano or visiting the market on Granville Island.

Celebrate your stay in this beautiful coastal location with a dinner out at one of city's many restaurants that showcase local food. Try Forage Vancouver where Chef Craig Sung sources food locally and sustainably.

Enjoy a good nights sleep in one of the city's hotels. You'll be starting your Rocky Mountaineer journey early the next morning.

Please note that activities, accommodations and travel before and after the First Passage to the West route can be added as a package.

Day 1: Rocky Mountaineer

Vancouver-Kamloops

Depart Vancouver early in the morning for a full day of storytelling and scenery aboard Rocky Mountaineer, an award-winning luxury sightseeing train.

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast served as you watch the coast mountains give way to the canyons and valleys of the BC interior.

Enjoy the epic views from the panoramic windows, listen to the entertaining stories told by your Rocky Mountaineer Hosts and enjoy the beverages and gourmet snacks as the sightseeing train makes its way side by side with the Fraser River.

Head outside on the outdoor viewing platforms to breathe in the fresh air. You might spot wildlife on the side of the tracks.

If you are in GoldLeaf Service, you'll head downstairs to the dining room to enjoy your à la carte lunch. If you are travelling in SilverLeaf Service, your gourmet lunch will be served at your seat. The menu is freshly prepared, using locally sourced ingredients.

Upon arrival in Kamloops, your bags will be taken to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the evening in the city.

Kamloops

Kamloops is situated at the meeting place of the North and South Thompson rivers in the heart of British Columbia's southern interior.

You only have one night in the city, with enough time to enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.

Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer

Kamloops-Banff

Rise bright and early for your shuttle back to the train station where you'll board Rocky Mountaineer for your second day of adventure.

Today, you'll be crossing the Continental Divide – which is the boundary that separates the continents river systems – and entering the Rocky Mountains.

This historic route follows the first North American trans-continental rail line. Rocky Mountaineer is currently the only passenger train that travels along this route.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and a variety of gourmet snacks and beverages throughout the journey. If you are seated in SilverLeaf Service, you will be served meals at your seat. If you are in GoldLeaf Service, you will be joining your fellow travellers in the lower level dining room for meals, while snacks and beverages will be served at your seat.

Pass by Craigellachie, a small town in the BC Kootneys, home of the famous "Last Spike" where the east and west coast rail lines were joined in 1885.

Follow the Kicking Horse River into the Canadian Rockies and go through the famous Spiral Tunnels, an engineering marvel designed to allow trains access across the rugged terrain of the mountains.

Enjoy the views of mountain peaks in every direction as the train slowly moves towards Lake Louise and Banff.

You'll arrive in Banff in the evening. After checking into your hotel, enjoy one of the many local restaurants for dinner and soak in the welcoming atmosphere of the town.

Post-Journey

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada's first national park and the flagship of the park system. It is by far the most visited park in the country and the spectacular mountain scenery, turquoise alpine lakes and the serene natural setting are the main attractions.

Whether you're spending a day or a week in Banff after your Rocky Mountaineer trip, you'll find lots of beautiful places to explore.