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Rocky Mountaineer · Rail vacation package

First Passage to the West Discovery

Nine-day Canadian Rockies train journey from Vancouver to Calgary on Rocky Mountaineer

Illustration of First Passage to the West Discovery

Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West Discovery is a nine-day package that combines train travel with free time and guided exploration across western Canada. The journey starts in Vancouver, where you have two days to explore the coastal city on your own, before boarding Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day eastbound journey through the Fraser Canyon and into the Canadian Rockies, arriving at Lake Louise. The route passes Hell's Gate, the historic Craigellachie, Rogers Pass and the dramatic Kicking Horse Canyon, with onboard meals included on rail days. After Lake Louise (where you have a free day) comes a guided motorcoach tour into Yoho National Park, visiting the Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake, before a free day in Banff. The trip concludes with a guided full-day drive to Calgary, taking in Bow Falls, the Hoodoos and the Banff Gondola (admission included). The package suits those seeking a blend of authentic train travel and independent mountain exploration, with stays ranging from the luxury Fairmont Pacific Rim to solid three and four-star hotels.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary is not a full escorted tour: Days 2, 5 and 7 in Vancouver, Lake Louise and Banff are completely free, with no guided activities included.
  • The Kamloops hotel is described as moderate three-star, while Vancouver and the mountain towns vary in quality.
  • Pricing is per-guest based on double occupancy in a single room; the operator confirms the exact total once a departure date is selected.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver (5-star)

    Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic coastal city on your own - Stanley Park, a small ferry to Granville Island, or much more.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vancouver

    Vancouver (free day)

    Free time to relax or book your own activities at leisure - historic Gastown, Yaletown dining, or the Stanley Park Seawall.

  3. Day 3overnight: Kamloops

    Vancouver to Kamloops

    Depart early morning aboard Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops. Highlights include Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lake Louise

    Kamloops to Lake Louise

    Continue eastward to the Canadian Rockies. Highlights include Craigellachie, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon and the Spiral Tunnels. The rail journey ends this evening in Lake Louise.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Louise

    Lake Louise (free day)

    Free time to relax or book activities at leisure - learn about local wildlife, paddle the lake by canoe, or simply relax amongst the scenery.

  6. Day 6overnight: Banff

    Lake Louise to Banff

    Free morning in Lake Louise; after lunch, a half-day guided motorcoach transfer into Yoho National Park, taking in the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River, ending in Banff.

  7. Day 7overnight: Banff

    Banff (free day)

    Free time to relax or book activities at leisure - the Banff hot springs, exploring the town, or outdoor wildlife adventures.

  8. Day 8overnight: Calgary

    Banff to Calgary

    Full-day guided sightseeing transfer to Calgary, beginning with a Banff sightseeing tour (Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos) and a visit to the Banff Gondola (admission included).

  9. Day 9

    Depart Calgary

    Journey ends upon checkout from your Calgary hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Early morning departure aboard Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver passes through Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and follows the Thompson River eastward.
  • Day 4The train climbs into the Canadian Rockies, passing Craigellachie (where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven), Rogers Pass and the Kicking Horse Canyon before reaching Lake Louise.
  • Day 6A guided half-day motorcoach tour enters Yoho National Park, stopping at the Spiral Tunnels and Emerald Lake, and crossing a natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River.
  • Day 8A full-day guided transfer from Banff to Calgary includes a sightseeing tour of Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, a visit to the Hoodoos and admission to the Banff Gondola.

Included

  • 8 hotel nights: Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary
  • 2 days onboard Rocky Mountaineer, SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service
  • Guided half-day motorcoach tour into Yoho National Park (Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake, natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River)
  • Guided full-day sightseeing transfer from Banff to Calgary via Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos, with Banff Gondola admission included
  • Onboard breakfasts and lunches on rail days
  • Luggage handling and rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Lake Louise

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes two days aboard Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, covering Vancouver to Kamloops to Lake Louise. Onboard breakfasts and lunches are included on these rail days.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
It is mostly independent. You have free time in Vancouver (days 1-2), Lake Louise (day 5) and Banff (day 7). The tour includes guided motorcoach experiences on days 6 and 8.
What hotels are included?
Eight nights across five cities: the five-star Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver (2 nights), a moderate three-star hotel in Kamloops (1 night), hotels in Lake Louise (2 nights), Banff (2 nights) and Calgary (1 night).
What activities are included beyond the train?
A guided half-day motorcoach tour of Yoho National Park (Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge), a full-day guided transfer from Banff to Calgary with sightseeing stops and Banff Gondola admission.
How much walking is involved?
The guided days include stops at viewpoints and attractions accessible by motorcoach. Free days allow you to choose your own activities; options mentioned include lake canoeing, wildlife viewing and hiking.
What is the price?
From CAD 4,378.47 (approximately USD 3,083) per guest based on double occupancy in a single room. The exact price is confirmed once you select a departure date.

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