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First Passage to the West - Information & Tours

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.

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

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Canadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian Rockies
Independent
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

One of our most popular Canadian Rockies trips, this journey puts Western Canada on display. Experience the urban ambiance of Vancouver before boarding Rocky Mountaineer for a daylight-only trip alongside rivers, canyons and forests to Lake Louise. From here, the route continues to the resort town of Banff, renowned for its enchanting...

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7 days from
$5,395 pp $5,095 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
Independent
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
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
$3,895 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Escorted
2027AprMayJunAugSep
Escorted

Ever-changing landscapes and remarkable cities beckon this small-group tour across Canada. Enjoy overnight rail travel on VIA Rail's Ocean and VIA Rail's Canadian, as well as the luxury of GoldLeaf Service on Rocky Mountaineer, admiring the scenery from glass-dome train cars and an exclusive outdoor viewing area. Stay in five iconic...

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17 days from
$10,999 pp
per person
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Fairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake Louise
Independent
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
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...

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8 days from
$6,295 pp $5,995 pp
per person
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VancouverVancouverVancouverVancouverVancouver
4.4 stars(107 reviews)
Escorted
2026Aug
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada, traveling through areas of outstanding beauty on world-famous trains. Beginning with a guided tour of Vancouver on the Pacific coast, the journey continues with two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in gorgeous Banff and Jasper, admire...

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13 days from
$7,499 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
Independent
2026AugOct
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. ...

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17 days from
$11,595 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
Independent
2026AugSepOct
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...

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6 days from
$4,895 pp $4,595 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
4.7 stars(73 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027MayJunJulAug
Escorted

Embark on this spectacular discovery of natural wonders by land and sea. From the mountain town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies, marvel at the spellbinding beauty of Lake Louise before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. With two daylight-only journeys, we travel to Vancouver, from where an unforgettable cruise through the Inside...

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15 days from
$7,299 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
Independent
2026Aug
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...

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16 days from
$8,495 pp
per person
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Rocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle Mountain
Independent
2026AugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

The majesty of the Canadian Rockies beckons on this round-trip tour through Western Canada. Begin in the coastal city of Vancouver before you board the Canadian for its overnight journey into the cinematic landscapes of Jasper National Park. From here, follow the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise and Banff, pausing to explore the icy expanses...

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9 days from
$7,295 pp
per person
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Independent
Independent

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies, private daytime tours, and luxurious nights at the best Fairmont Hotels. Start your travels with a night in Vancouver before you begin the train portion of your journey. Head up into the Rockies with Jasper as your destination. You have an entire day free to explore this mountain town on...

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Independent
Independent

An unforgettable adventure aboard two of North America's most iconic trains, this independent vacation offers an incredible introduction to Canada. After staying in Vancouver, begin with the panoramic luxury of the GoldLeaf Service on Rocky Mountaineer, followed by a Prestige Class experience aboard VIA Rail's Canadian. Between rail...

Our customers love our First Passage to the West tours
Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer
12/Jun
Regina New
5 stars
“Ann Marie, our guide was excellent!
Collected by Trustpilot
Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
27/Jun
Steve
4 stars
“Superb itinerary, with good accommodation. The only reason for not being 5* is the flight arrangements.Not being able to choose your seats on the flights in advance when paying this much for a holiday, just isn’t acceptable
Collected by Trustpilot