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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.

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

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Canadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian RockiesCanadian Rockies
GoldLeaf Guaranteed
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4.7 stars(271 reviews)
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
2026SepOct
Independent

One of our most popular journeys into the Canadian Rockies, this itinerary showcases the best of Western Canada. Start in the vibrant Vancouver before boarding Rocky Mountaineer for two spectacular daylight-only trips past rivers, canyons and forests to Lake Louise. Continue to Banff, famed for its breathtaking scenery and charming downtown, to...

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7 days from
$3,595 pp
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Fairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake LouiseFairmont, Lake Louise
GoldLeaf Guaranteed
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4.8 stars(15 reviews)
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
2026SepOct
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
$4,095 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
4.8 stars(16 reviews)
Independent
2027MayJunJulAug
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 captures the magical landscapes of Canada. Arriving in the seaport city...

17 days from
$7,595 pp
per person
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MS Celebrity SummitMS Celebrity SummitMS Celebrity SummitMS Celebrity SummitMS Celebrity Summit
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4.7 stars(90 reviews)
Escorted
2027MayJunJulAug
2028MayJunJulAugSep
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
$6,899 pp
per person
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CanadianCanadianCanadianCanadianCanadian
GoldLeaf Available
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4.4 stars(123 reviews)
Escorted
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
$7,399 pp
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LandmarkLandmark
Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
4.2 stars(17 reviews)
Escorted
2027AprMayAugSep
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 Fairmont...

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17 days from
$10,899 pp
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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
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4.4 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
2026SepOct
Independent

Combine sightseeing and relaxation in Western Canada on this five-day vacation into the Canadian Rockies. After staying in the vibrant city of Vancouver, join a daylight-only journey on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, passing through the Fraser Canyon, riding along the winding Thompson River, and traveling through tunnels to Banff, one of...

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5 days from
$3,095 pp
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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
4.7 stars(18 reviews)
Independent
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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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(15 reviews)
Independent
2026SepOct
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
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Rocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle MountainRocky Mountaineer Castle Mountain
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Independent
2027MayJunJulAugSep
2026Sep
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 of...

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9 days from
$5,595 pp
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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
Canadian Rockies Featuring Banff & Lake Louise
17/Oct
MT
5 stars
“Beautiful views, relaxing travel, awesome service by Kent, Cora and James!
Collected by Trustpilot
Premium Canada Coast to Coast
15/Oct
Mr Robert Chappell
5 stars
“Overall, a great experience, trip went smoothly whilst any train delays were outside GRJ / Tour Managers control. Hotels were mainly exceptional and all excursions added to the experience. The tour was at times 'full on' and 'chill' days to re-cooperate were necessary, there were some very long days. Meals,...
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer featuring Lake Louise
8/Oct
DOROTHY ROACH
5 stars
“This was a wonderful experience. Great staff great sites wonderful food
Collected by Trustpilot
Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
4/Oct
customer
5 stars
“Fabulous tour with incredible scenery and wildlife to see, with the added bonus of amazing good weather! We loved the whole tour, especially the Rocky Mountaineer and the days in and around Banff. The trip was very well organised with a confident and knowledgeable guide, Kerry. We would thoroughly recommend this tour!
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
17/Sep
Gene
5 stars
“hard to beat what mother nature has made glad I got to make the tour
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive
5/Aug
KENNETH MARTIN HOFFMAN
5 stars
“Outstanding from beginning to end!
Collected by Trustpilot
Wonders of Canada & Rocky Mountaineer
29/Oct
Jenny’s mom
4 stars
“The whole trip - as a whole was great. The exception is that we were NEVER in to the towns for the evening(s) at our hotel(s) when we should have been. Therefore - we missed out on exploring these two towns and getting to see them. There...
Collected by Trustpilot
Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska by Sea
9/Aug
customer
4 stars
“The Rocky Mountaineer train and service provided were superb. The crew on the car was attentive and the food and drink good. Our only disappointment was that we were unable to travel by train on the second day from Kamloops to Vancouver due to the fires that were in the...
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