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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.

Our customers love our First Passage to the West tours

Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive

06 Nov 2024

CAFEY MILLARD

“The trip went as planned, we did not encounter any problems. One item I would add to the trip information is to obtain a Banff National park pass. We thought we got into the wrong lane, but learned we were in the correct lane because we needed to...

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Canadian Rail Adventure: Rocky Mountaineer & The Canadian

14 Oct 2024

joan

“Beautiful scenery, well organized and executed trip. The Rocky Mountaineer was spectacular in every way. Comfort, staff, meals, all great. The bus trips between overnight stays were very good. The Fairmont hotels we stayed in were beautiful and very comfortable. In spite of 3 consecutive overnights on train, which I would not recommend,...

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Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer

11 Oct 2024

CHANELLE S.

“The Excursion to the Canadian Rockies package was a wonderful experience that everyone should add to their bucket list. You travel through areas that are inaccessible by car; the only means of transportation through some of these beautiful valleys or twisting tunnels is by rail. Our hosts in Car 13...

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Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer

10 Oct 2024

Roxie Hayes

“The staff was amazing, the food fabulous and the views, jaw dropping.

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Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

28 Sep 2024

BARKIN/NEIL JAY

“Great combination of land and sea touring

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Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska by Sea

28 Jul 2024

DIANE RODANHISLER

“Very Relaxing

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Canadian Rockies Featuring Banff & Lake Louise

20/May

JMMA

“For us it was a one time event. The train was a great one time experience. The Gold Leaf service is absolutely the only way to go in our view because of the views. The bathroom was downstairs ( winding staircase)so it was a bit crowded. The service was perfect....

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Canada Coast to Coast

19 Oct 2024

LINDA OLSEN

“I enjoyed the trip very much. Everything worked just the way it was supposed to.

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Best of the Rockies

15 Oct 2024

JAMES GOETZ

“Very confusing information. We went through too many hoops of your staff who “made sure” our group of 3 couples would be linked together. Seating on the Mountaineer was NOT close to each other, like we were shown on a seating map the day we checked in and received luggage...

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First Passage to the West

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