Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent Tour

Rockies Passage Plus: Westbound

5-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Banff to Vancouver

Rockies Passage Plus: Westbound, a rail journey with Canada Rail (canadarail.ca)

Canada Rail Vacations operates this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation that starts in Banff and ends in Vancouver. After arriving in Calgary and transferring to Banff, the first two days are spent in the mountain resort town, including a guided tour through the Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. The centerpiece of the trip is two full days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, traveling first from Banff to Kamloops past the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Rodgers Pass, then from Kamloops to Vancouver past Hell's Gate on the Fraser River. Hotel nights are booked at each stop, and the final day in Vancouver is left free, with the option to add an extra night and receive a complimentary city tour. This suits travelers who want a short, structured introduction to the Rockies with sightseeing and rail travel already arranged, and who are comfortable handling their own meals outside the train.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 4 meals are included across the 5-day trip, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches, both served onboard the Rocky Mountaineer; other meals are on your own.
  • Vancouver's final day has no included sightseeing; a complimentary Vancouver city tour is provided only if you add an extra night in Vancouver to the package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    Calgary to Banff Scenic Transfer

    Once you arrive in Calgary you will immediately be transferred to Banff. You’ll enjoy views of the mountains as you embark on this short, but scenic transfer. The rest of the day is yours to explore. This charming little mountain town is home to lots of different dining options, walking trails, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs, an outdoor hot pool with a great view of Mount Rundle. Spend the next two nights in your Banff hotel room.

  2. Day 2overnight: Banff

    Banff Sightseeing Tour including Gondola

    Today you’ll be on a 4.5-hour guided tour through the towering Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains. Learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos and experience Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive. Take a gentle gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views, interpretive boardwalks, and photo opportunities. The rest of the afternoon in Banff is yours to spend walking some local trails, playing golf, or relaxing as you choose.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops

    Toast to your first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! Today you’ll pass by the snow-peaked mountains and crystal-clear waters that our country is famous for. Highlights include; the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Rodgers Pass. A dramatic change of scenery will take place as you approach the ranchlands of the interior plateau. Stop and spend the night in your hotel room in the city of Kamloops.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Vancouver

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

    The mountains return and combine with thick fir forests and the mighty Fraser River to create a spectacular setting for your last day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Today, one of the highlights will be passing by Hell’s Gate, a narrow canyon that transforms the Fraser River into a powerful surge of water rapids. Arrive in Vancouver in the afternoon and after checking into your hotel, take advantage of your “Hop On, Hop Off” bus pass to explore the city at your own pace. Spend the night in your downtown Vancouver hotel room.

  5. Day 5rail

    Vancouver Sightseeing and Departure

    If your schedule permits, purchasing “Hop On Hop Off” bus passes is a great way to see the city at your leisure. You may also add a second night in Vancouver to your vacation package and receive a complimentary Vancouver City Tour through Canada Rail Vacations! Your vacation concludes upon checking out of your hotel. Thank you for traveling with us!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A 4.5-hour guided tour through the Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay Mountains, including a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain.
  • Day 3The first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Kamloops, passing the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, and Rodgers Pass.
  • Day 4The second day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Vancouver, passing Hell's Gate, a narrow canyon on the Fraser River.

Included

  • 2-day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches onboard train
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation
  • Complimentary Vancouver tour provided when an additional night in Vancouver is added to your vacation package
  • Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
  • Transfer from Calgary airport or downtown to Banff
  • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (select hotels in Vancouver and Banff only)
  • Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff

Not included

  • Transportation to Vancouver airport (available, please ask for details)
  • Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
  • Gratuities/tip for hotel and transfer staff
  • Canadian sales tax

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, a 2-day Rocky Mountaineer journey in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service from Banff to Vancouver via Kamloops is included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent tour. The final day in Vancouver is free time, while the Calgary-to-Banff transfer, Banff tour, and Rocky Mountaineer travel are pre-arranged.
Which train and class are used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in a choice of SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, for the 2-day journey from Banff to Vancouver.
What else is included besides the train?
A Banff sightseeing tour with the Banff Gondola, a transfer from Calgary airport or downtown to Banff, rail station transfers, 4 nights of hotel accommodation, and 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard.
What is not included?
Transportation to the Vancouver airport, meals other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, gratuities for hotel and transfer staff, and Canadian sales tax.
When does it run?
142 departures, running April to October in both 2026 and 2027.

Similar journeys, different answers