Canada Rail (canadarail.ca) · Independent Tour

Rockies Passage: Westbound

4-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Banff to Vancouver

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

Canada Rail Vacations operates this 4-day, 3-night independent rail vacation from Banff to Vancouver. After a complimentary transfer from Calgary to Banff on day 1, travelers have free time to explore the mountain town before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer the next morning. The first day of rail travel runs from Banff to Kamloops, passing the Spiral Tunnels and Glacier National Park as seen from the train's dome car. The second day continues from Kamloops to Vancouver, passing Hell's Gate, a narrow canyon where the Fraser River turns to rapids, before arriving in the city in the late afternoon. Hotel nights are booked in each of the three stops, and the trip ends once you check out of your Vancouver hotel, with no guided sightseeing built into the schedule. This suits travelers who want the shortest possible taste of the Rocky Mountaineer's two-day route, are comfortable arranging their own city sightseeing, and do not need a longer stay in the Rockies themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 4 meals are included across the 4-day trip, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches, both served onboard the Rocky Mountaineer; other meals are on your own.
  • Beyond the two Rocky Mountaineer travel days and hotel transfers, the itinerary includes no guided sightseeing tours; time in Banff and Vancouver is free and unguided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Banff

    Arrival in Calgary and Scenic Transfer to Banff

    Arrive in Calgary and enjoy the scenery as you leave the city and transfer out to the mountains. The transfer to Banff takes approximately two hours. The resort town of Banff is located within Banff National Park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll have some time to explore before spending the night in this charming mountain town.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Banff to Kamloops

    Today your spectacular train journey commences. After a short transfer to the Banff Station, board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Toast a breathtaking trip through the Rockies with your hosts and enjoy an uncompromised view of the untouched landscapes our country is famous for. Learning about landmarks like the Spiral Tunnels and Glacier National Park as you view them from your dome car will add a sense of awe to your ride. After a full day of mountain peaks, fine dining, and awe-inspiring views, a dramatic change of scenery will take place as you approach the drier environment of the city of Kamloops, your home for the night.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Vancouver

    Rocky Mountaineer Train from Kamloops to Vancouver

    Today the mountains return and combine with thick fir forests and the Fraser River to create a spectacular setting for your second 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 late afternoon and after checking into your hotel, take the time to wander through this incredible city on the west coast of Canada. Overnight in your hotel located in downtown Vancouver.

  4. Day 4rail

    Vancouver Departure

    Your tour ends once you’ve checked out of your hotel. Another incredible bucket list item has been added to your list of world travels. Thank you for traveling with Canada Rail Vacations!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Kamloops, passing the Spiral Tunnels and Glacier National Park.
  • Day 3The 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
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation
  • Complimentary 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; time in Banff and Vancouver is free and unguided, while the Calgary-to-Banff transfer 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 is included?
3 nights of hotel accommodation, a complimentary transfer from Calgary airport or downtown to Banff, rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops, and Banff, and 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches onboard the train.
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.

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