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First Passage to the West

In 1990, Canada's first privately owned luxury passenger train commenced its introductory route into the Canadian Rockies. The train was Rocky Mountaineer, and the path it followed was the First Passage to the West. Over 30 years have passed since this initial expedition, and this route continues to be a favorite of travelers and stun with its immense beauty and authentic look at wild Canada.

Traveling from Vancouver to Banff, with an overnight in Kamloops in between, this train route spans over two comfortable travel days. On the first day, guests board the train in Vancouver and watch as views of the Pacific Ocean and the impressive skyline fade into the distance.

On the second day of travel, the train departs from Kamloops, following the Thompson River past lakes and through the Shuswap region. The distant mountains approach as the train proceeds toward Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885. Travelers enjoy lovely views as the train crosses the Stoney Creek Bridge and passes Canada's Continental Divide. Soon, the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies surround, and the train pulls into the station in Banff - a day's journey of just over 300 miles.

Take in all the scenery from the train's domed-glass railcars or from the open-air observation deck, which provides an even more immersive travel opportunity. Guests may choose to indulge in the experience from either SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service on the train.

A journey on the First Passage to the West route presents the very best of Western Canada.

13 results matching: Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West

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Canadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian Rockies
4.6 stars(202 reviews)
Independent
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

One of our most popular trips through the Canadian Rockies, this 7-day journey through Canada puts gorgeous scenery at every turn. The tour begins with two days of sightseeing in Vancouver, before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for two days of daylight-only travel alongside rivers, canyons, and forests to the beautiful destination of Lake Louise.

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7 days from
$3,895 pp
per person
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Fairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake Louise
Independent
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

Discover beautiful Western Canada on this journey into the Canadian Rockies. Spend two days on the coast, discovering the dynamic city of Vancouver with a range of optional excursions before traveling into the breathtaking Rocky Mountains aboard Rocky Mountaineer. With detailed service, high-end cuisine and spectacular panoramic vistas, the train...

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8 days from
$4,295 pp
per person
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Bow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National ParkBow Lake, Banff National Park
4.5 stars(58 reviews)
Independent
2025Sep
2026MayJulAugSep
Independent

Discover the romance of rail travel on this unforgettable 12-day journey from Vancouver to Toronto, featuring two iconic train experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your adventure aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, where you'll travel through the majestic Canadian Rockies in all-daylight comfort, soaking in stunning views of towering...

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12 days from
$8,795 pp
per person
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Colorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow Falls
4.3 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

Sometimes you just need to get away, even if only for a few days. This 5-day retreat into the Canadian Rockies is the perfect getaway, combining both sightseeing and relaxation, and of course spectacular scenery. Start your trip in Vancouver, where you'll have time to explore on your own. The next day, your train journey starts with a trip to...

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5 days from
$2,995 pp
per person
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Icefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National Park
4.9 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2025SepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent

Snow-capped peaks surrounded by vibrantly hued lakes and emerald-green forests set the scene for this independent journey through Canada's Rocky Mountains. A brilliant combination of rail travel and time to drive through the amazing landscape at your own pace allows for an impressive and thorough introduction to interior Canada. Begin in Calgary,...

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6 days from
$4,295 pp
per person
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Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Escorted
2026MayAugSep
Escorted

A magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. This vacation features stays in the country's grandest hotels and is connected by spectacular journeys with private cabins on VIA Rail's Ocean and Canadian, and the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. From Quebec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac and on to Toronto, Jasper...

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17 days from
$11,495 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
4.4 stars(7 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJul
Escorted

A spectacular discovery of natural wonders awaits on this exploration by land and sea. From the mountain town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies, we marvel at the spellbinding beauty of Lake Louise before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. This fantastic rail journey transports us to Vancouver, where we set sail on an unforgettable cruise. ...

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15 days from
$6,495 pp
per person
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Independent
2026MayJulAugOct
Independent

An unforgettable adventure aboard two of Canada's most iconic trains. Begin with the panoramic luxury of the GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer, followed by a Prestige Class experience aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. Along the way, witness the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies and the vast, ever-changing landscapes of the Canadian plains...

12 days from
$13,595 pp
per person
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VancouverVancouverVancouverVancouverVancouver
4.3 stars(18 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJulAugSepOct
Escorted

Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada on world-famous trains. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast before we enjoy two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in Banff and Jasper, we admire the awe-inspiring Lake Louise and the Athabasca...

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13 days from
$5,795 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
4.9 stars(12 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAug
Independent

 An epic route of towering mountains, glistening glaciers and remote terrain beckons on this remarkable rail and cruise vacation. Start your journey in the Canadian Rockies, venturing west on the renowned Rocky Mountaineer. This train follows a daylight-only route that fully captures the magical landscapes of Western Canada. Arriving in the...

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16 days from
$7,495 pp
per person
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Stanley ParkStanley ParkStanley ParkStanley ParkStanley Park
4.1 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2025SepOct
2026MayJulAugSepOct
Independent

The majesty of the Canadian Rockies awaits on this round-trip tour through western Canada. Begin in the coastal city of Vancouver before you board the first train of your tour, Rocky Mountaineer, early the next morning for the journey to Kamloops. After an overnight, take in more Rocky Mountain scenery on the way to the famed resort town of Banff,...

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9 days from
$6,795 pp
per person
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VIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian FallVIA Rail Moose Lake Canadian Fall
4.6 stars(18 reviews)
Independent
2025Sep
2026MayJulAugSep
Independent

Let the rails guide your adventure on this 17-day coast-to-coast Canadian tour. The journey begins in Vancouver, where you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic ride into the Rockies. Soak in all the beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks and Lake Louise before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-day rail journey to Toronto. After time...

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17 days from
$10,895 pp
per person
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Our customers love our First Passage to the West tours
Canadian Rockies Featuring Banff & Lake Louise
3/Sep
TONITA GUYDON
5 stars
“Great experience! Very well organized.
Collected by Trustpilot
Best of the Rockies
8/Jul
MICHAEL EUGENE SPIKER
5 stars
“Great trip! In addition to beautiful scenery viewed from the train, I enjoyed the historical narrative given by the crew along the route.
Collected by Trustpilot
Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
28 Sep 2024
BARKIN/NEIL JAY
5 stars
“Great combination of land and sea touring
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
1/Sep
LORI HITCHCOCK HANEY
4 stars
“Everything was great except for our final transportation. They went to the wrong hotel to pick us up. Luckily we called right away and was picked up and shuttled to the main bus. The bus then continued to drop us off at the wrong location. He was...
Collected by Trustpilot
Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer
30/Aug
Wesley C. Stephen
4 stars
“Very good experience. Fell in awe of the prodigious mountains of western Canada. Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer was excellent. The onboard staff were knowledgeable and attentive to my dietary needs. Portion sizes, however, were small. The opposite was true about the meals on ViaRail. Facilities onboard ViaRail are dated....
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive
20/Aug
MICHELLE ROGERS
4 stars
“This was an amazing trip! We thoroughly enjoyed it, and saw spectacular scenery. The highlight was the trip on the Rocky Mountaineer. The service level and amazing on-board hosts really were top notch. The only reason I gave this tour 4 stars instead of 5 is that I think you...
Collected by Trustpilot
Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska by Sea
27/Jul
JOSEPH ALLEN SHIVAK
4 stars
“It was a great train ride and cruise. The only issues that we had the train ride was too long. Waiting for other trains added another 4 hours. 12 hours is way too long to be sitting. There was no place to lay down you can get...
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rail Adventure: Rocky Mountaineer & The Canadian
30/Jun
BARBARA ANNE HANSON
4 stars
“The Rocky Mountainer was wonderful, all the hotels were 5stars, the tours were very interesting with knowledgeable guides. The Canadian Via was cold, uncomfortable, and the scenery very boring. Had I known how miserable I would be, I would have flown home from Jasper.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canada Coast to Coast
19 Oct 2024
LINDA OLSEN
4 stars
“I enjoyed the trip very much. Everything worked just the way it was supposed to.
Collected by Trustpilot