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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
$1,000 off
4.6 stars(191 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSepOct
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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$1,000 off
7 days from
$3,875 pp $3,575 pp
per person
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Fairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake Louise
$1,000 off
Independent
2025AugSepOct
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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$1,000 off
8 days from
$4,245 pp $3,845 pp
per person
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VancouverVancouverVancouverVancouverVancouver
4.1 stars(14 reviews)
Escorted
2025Sep
2026MayJulAugSepOct
Escorted

Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada on this overland journey 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 gorgeous Banff and charming Jasper, we admire...

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13 days from
$6,295 pp $5,795 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
$1,000 off
4.5 stars(58 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSep
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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$1,000 off
12 days from
$8,845 pp $8,345 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
$1,000 off
4.3 stars(24 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOct
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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$1,000 off
5 days from
$2,975 pp $2,775 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
$1,000 off
4.9 stars(12 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOct
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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$1,000 off
6 days from
$4,335 pp $3,935 pp
per person
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Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Save up to $500
Escorted
2025Sep
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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Save up to $500
17 days from
$11,595 pp $11,295 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
Save up to $500
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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Save up to $500
15 days from
$6,995 pp $6,495 pp
per person
View Details
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
$14,123 pp $13,623 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
Last Chance 2025
4.6 stars(18 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSep
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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Last Chance 2025
17 days from
$11,015 pp $10,515 pp
per person
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Stanley ParkStanley ParkStanley ParkStanley ParkStanley Park
Last Chance 2025
4.1 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOct
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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Last Chance 2025
9 days from
$6,985 pp $6,485 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
Last Chance 2025
5.0 stars(11 reviews)
Independent
2025Aug
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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Last Chance 2025
16 days from
$7,525 pp $7,025 pp
per person
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Our customers love our First Passage to the West tours
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
Canadian Rockies Featuring Banff & Lake Louise
5/Jul
SHAWNA DAVIDSON
5 stars
“An excellent trip. All you staff was above 5 stars
Collected by Trustpilot
Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska by Sea
2/Jul
Nancy Allen
5 stars
“Everything was great except for the fact that I paid twice for the motor coach transfer from Whittier to Anchorage and Holland America flatly refuses to refund the over payment. The transfer was included in my package but I mistakenly paid Holland America again directly and they refuse to issue...
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
26/Jun
Gregory Gunder
5 stars
“This excursion exceeded our expectations. The staff is exceptional - helpful, warm & friendly. Staff's stories and history really enhanced this trip. They knew the surrounding areas exceptionally well - pointing out of points of interests and views.
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive
06 Nov 2024
CAFEY MILLARD
5 stars
“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...
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 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
Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer
28/Jun
Eileen Kelly
4 stars
“Unfortunately did not live up to our expectations. Rocky Mountaineer did and was FANTASTIC. Certainly NOT the Canadian part of the trip.
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