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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

Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska by Sea

2/Jul

Nancy Allen

“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...

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Canadian Rockies Featuring Banff & Lake Louise

1/Jul

NANCY KLUESNER

“As a seasoned traveler I can honestly say this is my best experience ever!

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Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer

26/Jun

Gregory Gunder

“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.

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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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Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

28 Sep 2024

BARKIN/NEIL JAY

“Great combination of land and sea touring

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Canadian Rail Adventure: Rocky Mountaineer & The Canadian

30/Jun

BARBARA ANNE HANSON

“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.

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Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer

28/Jun

Eileen Kelly

“Unfortunately did not live up to our expectations. Rocky Mountaineer did and was FANTASTIC. Certainly NOT the Canadian part of the trip.

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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

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