Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West
Epic 2-Day Rail Journey Through the Canadian Rockies — Vancouver to Banff
Hop aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for “First Passage to the West,” the flagship route that winds you through Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes — from the Pacific coast, through lush valleys and serene rivers, into towering peaks, glaciers and alpine passes. As the only daylight-only luxury rail service on this historic route, it blends comfort, gourmet dining and panoramic glass-domed coaches with unforgettable scenery and a truly immersive rail experience.
Choose either direction — begin in vibrant Vancouver or in mountain-side Banff/Lake Louise — and end in the opposite setting, all while enjoying two days aboard the train, an overnight stay in Kamloops, and a journey that feels as much like a cinematic adventure as a holiday.
Extend your trip up to Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefield and Jasper or down to Calgary. Or we can build an extended trip with car or RV rental for you.
2 Days onboard
Rocky Mountaineer
Tours run on selected dates April - October
Travel either way and can be extended
3 night Rocky Mountaineer tour from £2,499pp including flights
Highlights
Enjoy spectacular scenery that ranges from coastal forests and river canyons to towering Rocky Mountain peaks.
Travel entirely in daylight so you never miss a moment of the incredible views.
Choose flexible start and end points in Vancouver, Banff or Lake Louise to suit your itinerary.
Easily combine the journey with a self-drive, RV adventure or extended Canada holiday.
Your itinerary
Day 1: arrive & explore vancouver
Explore a vibrant coastal city filled with culture, scenery and great food
Arrive in Vancouver and begin your holiday in one of Canada’s most picturesque cities. Spend the afternoon exploring scenic Stanley Park, strolling the cobbled lanes of Gastown or enjoying the waterfront views along Coal Harbour. With world-class dining, lively markets, oceanfront trails and mountain backdrops, Vancouver is the perfect introduction to Western Canada. Enjoy a relaxed evening in the city before your Rocky Mountaineer journey begins the next morning. Ask if you would like us to add additional nights in Vancouver or maybe to explore Vancouver Island.
1 Night in
Vancouver, BC
Arrive &
Explore
Day 2: Vancouver to Kamloops
Witness dramatic canyons, rivers and valleys on your first rail day
Board the Rocky Mountaineer and depart eastward through British Columbia’s lush Fraser Valley. The journey soon enters the Fraser Canyon, where rugged cliffs and powerful rapids create spectacular scenery. Marvel at dramatic landscapes like Hell’s Gate, serene river gorges and expansive forested slopes — all viewed from your glass-domed coach with gourmet meals served at your seat. By early evening, the train rolls into Kamloops, a welcoming lakeside town where you’ll enjoy an overnight hotel stay before continuing deeper into the mountains.
1 Night in
Kamloops, BC
Rail Tour
Day 3: Kamloops to Banff
Climb into the Canadian Rockies with soaring peaks and iconic landmarks
Depart Kamloops early and watch the scenery transform as you ascend into the heart of the Rockies. Today’s route features the glacier-fed Shuswap Lakes, rugged mountain passes and the dramatic ascent over the Continental Divide. Highlights include the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels, the sheer canyon walls of Kicking Horse Pass and sweeping vistas of alpine valleys. As the landscapes grow ever more dramatic, the train glides toward Banff, arriving by evening in one of Canada’s most famous mountain settings. Check into your hotel and enjoy the fresh alpine air and charming town atmosphere. Please ask if you would like more time to explore Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefield or Jasper before you fly home from Calgary
1 Night in
Banff, AB
Rail Tour
Enjoy the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey the way you want to...
Onboard Experience
Rocky Mountaineer offers two travel styles: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. Both include exceptional service, delicious cuisine and panoramic views, while GoldLeaf enhances the journey with even more space, luxury and elevated onboard experiences.
Extend Your Adventure
Every Rocky Mountaineer holiday can be tailored and extended. Add extra nights to relax at either end of your trip, continue your journey with a car or RV rental for even more exploration and freedom on the open road or combine with an Alaskan cruise.
We recommend adding an extra night at the beginning and end of your trip to make the journey smoother and more relaxed. Just let us know if you’d like this included in your quote.
We would expect maximum temperatures to be in the 20°C - 30°C range in the midwest and 25°C - 35°C in the south and southwestern states
Flight times to/from Chicago is around 8 hours and Los Angeles is approx 11 hours. You’ll drive through 3 time zones. Chicago is 5 hours and Los Angeles is 8 hours behind the UK.
Speak to a Travel Expert
Our team have travelled extensively across the USA & Canada to ensure that they can give first hand, unrivalled experience when discussing our holidays.
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