Search

Rocky Mountaineer · Rail vacation package

First Passage to the West Excursion Banff

Seven-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver to Calgary through Canadian Rockies

Illustration of First Passage to the West Excursion Banff

Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West Excursion Banff is a 7-day, 6-night package that combines two full days aboard Rocky Mountaineer with free time in Vancouver, Banff, and nearby attractions. The journey begins in Vancouver, where you have two free days to explore the city on your own, Stanley Park, Granville Island, or the Seawall are popular choices. On Day 3, you board Rocky Mountaineer early morning and travel through Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and alongside the Thompson River to Kamloops. Day 4 continues eastward through the Canadian Rockies, passing Craigellachie (where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven), Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels before arriving in Banff. A free day in Banff follows, where you can visit the hot springs or explore the town. On Day 6, a guided full-day transfer takes you to Calgary via Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos, and a trip up Sulphur Mountain via Banff Gondola (admission included). This package suits first-time rail travellers seeking a mix of train travel and independent exploration, as well as couples and independent explorers who value unstructured time between guided experiences.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (CAD $3,534) is per guest based on estimated single room with double occupancy; actual pricing is confirmed once you select a date.
  • Hotel names and star ratings are not fully specified except for the Kamloops 3-star property; confirm your preferred accommodation standard when booking.
  • Days 1, 2, and 5 are free time; no guided activities or meals are included on those days unless you book them separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    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: Banff

    Kamloops to Banff

    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 Banff.

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Banff (free day)

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

  6. Day 6overnight: 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).

  7. Day 7

    Depart Calgary

    Journey ends upon checkout from your Calgary hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Rocky Mountaineer departs early morning from Vancouver and travels through Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and along the Thompson River to Kamloops.
  • Day 4Day 4: The train continues eastward through Craigellachie, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels before arriving in Banff.
  • Day 6Day 6: A guided full-day transfer from Banff to Calgary includes Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos, and a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain via Banff Gondola.

Included

  • 6 hotel nights: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Calgary
  • 2 days onboard Rocky Mountaineer, SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service
  • 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 and Kamloops

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes two full days onboard Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, with onboard breakfasts and lunches.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is a semi-guided package. Days 1, 2, and 5 are free for your own exploration. Day 6 includes a full-day guided sightseeing transfer from Banff to Calgary.
Which train do I travel on?
Rocky Mountaineer operates the two-day First Passage to the West route from Vancouver to Kamloops to Banff in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service.
What is included in the package?
Six hotel nights in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, and Calgary; two days on Rocky Mountaineer with meals; luggage handling and station transfers in Vancouver and Kamloops; the full-day guided Banff to Calgary transfer; and Banff Gondola admission.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
Most days include your own pace exploration or optional activities. Day 6 involves a guided sightseeing tour of Banff and a Gondola ride. No strenuous hikes are required.
When does this package run?
Departure dates and seasonal availability are not listed in the package information; contact Rocky Mountaineer for current schedules.

Similar journeys