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Summary

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First Passage To The West Rail Discovery Westbound

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Duration

9 Days

Starts In

Calgary

Route

Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Vancouver

This nine-day route offers a leaner, more focused take on the Calgary-to-Vancouver classic — all the same iconic stops, without the extra length of a Jasper detour. A day in Calgary's cosmopolitan energy leads into two nights in Banff, where Lake Minnewanka's cruise and the Banff Gondola set an immediate high bar. Yoho National Park's Emerald Lake and Spiral Tunnels bridge the way to two nights in Lake Louise, unhurried enough for a canoe outing on that famously turquoise water. From there, the Rocky Mountaineer takes over, tracing the Continental Divide and Fraser Canyon on its way to two final nights in Vancouver. It's a tightly paced, highlight-driven alternative for travelers who want Banff and Lake Louise in full, without adding the days a Jasper extension requires.

LAND and RAIL JOURNEY – Scheduled departures – 9-day/8-night package featuring Calgary, Lake Louise, Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver & a luxury rail journey with your choice of Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service. Includes hotel accommodation in Calgary, Lake Louise, Banff, Kamloops and Vancouver, sightseeing tours of your choice, and private arrival and departure transfers.

Includes

Accommodations as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
Train tickets as per the itinerary
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Calgary — Prairie Skyline, City Pace

Arrive in Calgary and spend the day exploring this cosmopolitan prairie city at your own pace. Ride to the top of the Calgary Tower for sweeping views across the skyline toward the distant Rockies, or wander the green paths of Prince's Island Park, tucked into the Bow River just steps from downtown. Calgary blends western heritage with modern energy, offering an easy, low-key start before the mountains take over. However you spend the day, it's a fitting first chapter to a journey that will carry you from open prairie into some of the most dramatic scenery in North America.

Day
2

Day 2: Calgary to Banff — A Cruise, a Canyon, and the Hoodoos

A full-day transfer carries you west from Calgary into the heart of the Rockies, with plenty of scenery built into the drive itself. Cruise the still waters of Lake Minnewanka by boat, take in the tumbling drop of Bow Falls, admire the classic mountain views from Surprise Corner, and marvel at the wind-carved rock formations of the Hoodoos. A visit to the Banff Gondola (admission included) caps the day with a ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain before the transfer concludes with a late-afternoon arrival in Banff.

Day
3

Day 3: Banff — Springs, Streets, and Open Days

A full free day in Banff opens up the town's best-loved experiences to suit your pace. Soak in the historic Banff hot springs, wander the lively streets lined with outfitters, galleries, and cafés, or arrange a guided outdoor wildlife adventure further afield. Banff strikes a rare balance between alpine wilderness and polished mountain-resort comfort, and today is built entirely around discovering which side of that balance appeals to you most. With no set agenda, it's a day to move at whatever speed feels right.

Day
4

Day 4: Banff to Lake Louise — Yoho's Hidden Waters

A morning transfer carries you into Yoho National Park, where some of the Rockies' most striking natural features come into view. Marvel at the engineering of the Spiral Tunnels, admire the vivid blue-green waters of Emerald Lake, and walk across the natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River. The transfer concludes in Lake Louise, leaving the afternoon free to take in the hamlet's postcard scenery — turquoise water framed by the hanging Victoria Glacier — at your own pace. Whether it's a lakeside walk or simply time to unwind, this is a gentler, more contemplative stop after days of travel.

Day
5

Day 5: Lake Louise — Turquoise Water, Quiet Trails

A full free day opens up in one of the most photographed corners of the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise's turquoise waters, framed by the hanging Victoria Glacier, offer a striking backdrop for however you choose to spend the day — paddling the lake by canoe, learning about the region's wildlife, or simply taking in the scenery at an unhurried pace. The hamlet's storied history as a mountaineering hub adds depth to its natural beauty, and the surrounding trails and viewpoints reward even a short walk. This is a day built around stillness, with the mountains doing most of the work.

Day
6

Day 6: Lake Louise to Kamloops — Retracing the Divide

Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a westbound journey through some of the most celebrated rail scenery in the world. The train crosses the Continental Divide, winds through the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels, and threads through Kicking Horse Canyon before climbing Rogers Pass. A stop at Craigellachie marks the spot where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, tying the journey to the railway's storied history. Glacier-capped peaks give way gradually to lakeshores and open ranchland as the day progresses, with arrival in Kamloops timed for evening.

Day
7

Day 7: Kamloops to Vancouver — Desert to Delta

Continue west toward the Pacific, watching the desert-like landscapes of the B.C. Interior give way to winding river canyons, pristine forest, and finally the Cascade and Coast Mountains. The steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing whitewater of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon headline a day of constant, dramatic transformation. As the Fraser Valley's green fields signal the approach to the coast, the rail journey concludes with an evening arrival in Vancouver.

Day
8

Day 8: Vancouver — Seawall, Streets, and Open Days

A full free day opens up Vancouver's best-loved corners at your own pace. Wander the Victorian-era streets of historic Gastown, spend an afternoon among the boutiques and patios of Yaletown, or take an unhurried walk along the Stanley Park Seawall. No matter which direction the day takes, the Coast Mountains and Pacific Ocean remain a constant backdrop — a fitting close to a journey that began on the prairies and ends at the water's edge.

Day
9

Day 9: Vancouver — Journey's End

Check out from your Vancouver hotel, bringing this nine-day journey from the Calgary prairies through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to a close — from foothills and mountain passes, through glacier country and canyon scenery, to the harbor city where the Coast Mountains meet the sea.

Dates & Prices

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Westbound package?

The First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Westbound package includes the following destinations: Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops, and Vancouver. This nine-day itinerary allows travelers to experience the stunning landscapes and iconic sights of the Canadian Rockies, starting from Calgary and concluding in Vancouver.

How many days and nights are spent in each destination on this itinerary?

On this itinerary, the distribution of days and nights is as follows: 1 night in Calgary, 2 nights in Banff, 2 nights in Lake Louise, 1 night in Kamloops, and 2 nights in Vancouver. This allows for ample time to explore each location and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

What is included in the First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Westbound package?

This package includes several key components: - Accommodations as per the itinerary - Meals as per the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner - Train tickets for the Rocky Mountaineer journey - Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance - Sightseeing tours and/or activities of your choice Please note that items of a personal nature, travel insurance, and gratuities are not included.

Are the train tickets for the Rocky Mountaineer included in the package?

Yes, train tickets for the Rocky Mountaineer are included in the First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Westbound package. Travelers can choose between GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service, both of which provide a luxurious experience as you travel through the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies.

Can I customize the sightseeing tours included in this itinerary?

Yes, this itinerary allows for customization of the sightseeing tours. Travelers can choose from various activities and experiences during their stay in Banff, Lake Louise, and Vancouver. Keytours Vacations can assist you in selecting the tours that best match your interests and preferences.

What kind of transportation is provided between destinations on this tour?

Transportation between destinations on this tour includes private transfers and the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Private transfers are provided for arrival and departure, while the train journey offers a scenic route through the Canadian Rockies, connecting Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops, and Vancouver.

Is travel insurance included in the First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Westbound package?

No, travel insurance is not included in this package. Travelers are encouraged to inquire about travel insurance options with their Keytours travel consultant to ensure they are adequately protected during their trip.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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