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Rocky Mountaineer · Rail vacation package

Passage to the Peaks Excursion Banff

Eight-day Canadian Rockies rail journey from Edmonton to Calgary with Rocky Mountaineer

Illustration of Passage to the Peaks Excursion Banff

Rocky Mountaineer's Passage to the Peaks is an eight-day journey from Edmonton to Calgary that combines leisurely mountain town exploration with two consecutive days of scenic rail travel through the Canadian Rockies. The trip begins in Alberta's capital with time to visit museums and the River Valley, then a motorcoach transfers you to Jasper, where you spend two nights and join a half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park, including a ride on the Jasper SkyTram. Day 5 aboard Rocky Mountaineer departs early from Jasper and crosses westward through the Continental Divide, passing Yellowhead Pass, Pyramid Falls, and Mount Robson before reaching Kamloops in British Columbia's Interior. On Day 6, the train reverses course, climbing eastward through Craigellachie, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels, arriving in Banff, where you stay at the Fairmont. The itinerary suits travelers who prefer a mix of guided experiences and independent exploration, with stays at premium Fairmont properties and a choice of GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf rail service.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary cuts off mid-sentence for Day 5 and Day 6; confirm the full route description and all included highlights with Rocky Mountaineer before booking
  • Hotel options in Jasper and Kamloops vary; the final property depends on availability and the selected room tier
  • Pricing shown (CAD 9754.50 from) is based on twin-share occupancy; single-room supplements are not listed in the evidence

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edmonton

    Edmonton at leisure

    Arrive in Alberta's capital city, Edmonton, and spend time exploring this northern city on your own. There is plenty to see in Edmonton, including museums, art galleries, the famous West Edmonton Mall, and the River Valley, featuring paved and natural trails winding through the heart of the city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Jasper

    Motorcoach: Edmonton to Jasper

    Enjoy the morning at your leisure in Edmonton before travelling by motorcoach to your hotel in Jasper in the afternoon. Type and size of vehicle may vary.

  3. Day 3overnight: Jasper

    Jasper at leisure

    Arrive in Jasper and spend time exploring this picturesque mountain resort town at your leisure.

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Jasper National Park sightseeing

    This morning you are free to explore Jasper on your own. In the afternoon, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Jasper National Park on a half-day sightseeing tour, where you'll explore stunning landscapes, look for wildlife, and visit iconic landmarks. Activities: Jasper SkyTram.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Kamloops

    Rail: Jasper to Kamloops

    Departing early in the morning, travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of the British Columbia Interior. As you journey west and south, you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Today's highlights include the climb over the Yellowhead Pass, Pyramid Falls, Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops in the evening.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Banff

    Rail: Kamloops to Banff

    Early in the morning, your journey continues eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and back to the province of Alberta. Once again, you will experience ever-changing scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park with wildlife viewing and access to the Jasper SkyTram
  • Day 5Rocky Mountaineer climbs the Yellowhead Pass, passes Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson while crossing from the Continental Divide into British Columbia's Interior
  • Day 6Rocky Mountaineer travels eastward through Craigellachie, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels before arriving in Banff

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Two full days of travel are aboard Rocky Mountaineer (Jasper to Kamloops on Day 5, Kamloops to Banff on Day 6), with a choice of GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf class. Day 2 uses motorcoach from Edmonton to Jasper.
What is the daily structure?
Days 1 and 3 are at leisure in Edmonton and Jasper. Day 2 is a motorcoach transfer. Day 4 includes a half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park with the Jasper SkyTram. Days 5 and 6 are full rail days.
Which hotels are included?
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton (1 night), Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or Forest Park Hotel in Jasper (2 nights), Kamloops Accommodation in Kamloops (1 night), and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff. Some locations offer hotel options.
When does this trip run?
Departure dates are not listed in the available information; contact Rocky Mountaineer directly for the current schedule.
What are the start and end points?
The trip departs from Edmonton and concludes in Calgary, though it can be reversed (Calgary to Edmonton). The route includes stays in Jasper, Kamloops, and Banff.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
The trip includes a half-day sightseeing tour in Jasper National Park and leisure exploration of towns on foot. Rocky Mountaineer is daylight travel with observation cars; no overnight sleeper cars are used.

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