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Rocky Mountaineer · Rail route overview

First Passage to the West

Two-day rail journey Vancouver to Lake Louise through Canadian Rockies

Illustration of First Passage to the West

Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West is a 2-day journey from Vancouver east to either Banff or Lake Louise, passing through the Canadian Rockies on the only passenger rail service on this historic route. The trip departs Vancouver, crosses the Fraser Valley and Hell's Gate on the first day, stops overnight in Kamloops, then climbs through the Shuswap and the Spiral Tunnels on day two, arriving in the high peaks. Onboard Hosts provide narration throughout the journey, and meals including breakfast and a three-course lunch are served each day. The train travels through towering peaks, mountain passes, and dramatic canyons, passing landmarks such as Castle Mountain, Rogers Pass, and the Kicking Horse Canyon. This route suits first-time rail travellers seeking a short, managed introduction to scenic train travel in North America, as well as photographers drawn by the mountain scenery and those eager to experience a legendary Canadian rail route.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is the operator's route overview page, not a single bookable package; Rocky Mountaineer sells multiple itineraries under this route name, ranging from 2-day rail-only to multi-night packages with different comfort levels and add-ons. Confirm the specific package dates, hotels, and inclusions when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Kamloops

    Vancouver to Kamloops

    Depart the Rocky Mountaineer station in Vancouver and travel through the Fraser Valley, watching the landscape transform from fertile greenery to the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains, past the Fraser River and the whitewater of Hell's Gate, with breakfast and a three-course lunch served onboard by the train's Hosts. Disembark in Kamloops for an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2

    Kamloops to Banff or Lake Louise

    Continue eastward through the Shuswap region and climb into the Rockies, passing landmarks such as Castle Mountain, with breakfast and a gourmet lunch served onboard, arriving in Banff or Lake Louise (packages run in both directions).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: depart Vancouver and travel through the Fraser Valley and Hell's Gate, passing the Fraser River and whitewater, with breakfast and three-course lunch served onboard
  • Day 2Day 2: climb into the Rockies through the Shuswap region, pass the Spiral Tunnels and Castle Mountain, and arrive in Banff or Lake Louise with breakfast and gourmet lunch served onboard

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rocky Mountaineer operates the train throughout. Meals (breakfast and lunch) are served onboard by the train's Hosts.
What is the itinerary?
Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops, passing through the Fraser Valley, Hell's Gate, and the Coast Mountains. Day 2: Kamloops to Banff or Lake Louise, climbing into the Rockies via the Shuswap region and the Spiral Tunnels. Packages run in both directions.
How many nights away?
One night, in a hotel in Kamloops. The train journey itself spans two days; no nights are spent onboard.
What is the starting price?
From CAD 2,354 (approximately USD 1,658), though this is the base price for the route family; specific packages may vary.
Is there a guide on the trip?
Onboard Hosts narrate throughout the rail journey. There is no separate tour manager or escort mentioned.
What optional activities are available?
Rocky Mountaineer offers gondola rides, Canadian Rockies tours, whale watching trips, and other add-on tours via trusted partners.

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