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Summary

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First Passage To The West Rail Excursion Westbound

Love

Duration

7 Days

Starts In

Calgary

Route

Calgary, Banff, Kamloops, Vancouver

This is the streamlined version of the Calgary-to-Vancouver classic — seven days that move efficiently between the Rockies' biggest headline stop and the Pacific coast. 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, alongside free time for hot springs and wildlife adventures. The Rocky Mountaineer then takes over, tracing the Continental Divide, Rogers Pass, and the Fraser Canyon on its way to two final nights in Vancouver. It's the most direct way to pair Banff's essentials with rail travel and coastal time, without the extra days a Lake Louise or Jasper extension would add.

LAND and RAIL JOURNEY – Scheduled departures – 7-day/6-night package featuring Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise and Calgary & a luxury rail journey with your choice of Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service. Includes hotel accommodation in Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise and Calgary with sightseeing tours of your choice

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

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 Kamloops — Over 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
5

Day 5: Kamloops to Vancouver — Canyon Country to the Coast

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
6

Day 6: 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
7

Day 7: Vancouver — Journey's End

Check out from your Vancouver hotel, bringing this seven-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 Excursion Westbound package?

The First Passage to the West Rail Excursion Westbound package includes the following destinations: Calgary, Banff, Kamloops, and Vancouver. Travelers will start in Calgary and journey through the stunning landscapes of Banff, experience the scenic rail ride to Kamloops, and conclude their trip in the vibrant city of Vancouver.

How many days and nights does this tour last, and what is the itinerary structure?

This tour lasts for 7 days and 6 nights. The itinerary begins with a day in Calgary, followed by two nights in Banff, and then a scenic rail journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops and finally to Vancouver, where travelers will spend two nights before concluding their journey.

What is included in the price of this itinerary?

The price of the First Passage to the West Rail Excursion Westbound package includes: - Accommodations as per the itinerary - Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) - Train tickets for the Rocky Mountaineer - Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance. Please note that items of a personal nature, transfers not mentioned, travel insurance, and gratuities are not included.

Can I customize my accommodations or sightseeing tours during this tour?

Yes, this package offers customization options for accommodations and sightseeing tours. Keytours Vacations can assist you in selecting hotels that fit your preferences and arranging optional tours or activities in each destination. You can discuss these options with your Keytours travel consultant during the booking process.

How do travelers move between destinations in this itinerary?

Travelers will move between destinations primarily via the Rocky Mountaineer train, which provides a luxurious rail experience. Transfers from Calgary to Banff and from Banff to the train station are included, while transfers in Vancouver are not specified and may need to be arranged separately.

What type of travelers is this itinerary best suited for?

This itinerary is ideal for families, adventure seekers, and first-time visitors to Canada. It combines breathtaking natural scenery with opportunities for exploration and relaxation, making it suitable for those who enjoy both active experiences and leisurely days in vibrant cities.

What should I know about travel insurance and personal expenses for this tour?

Travel insurance is not included in the package price, so travelers are encouraged to inquire about options with their Keytours travel consultant. Additionally, personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals not specified in the itinerary, and gratuities for drivers and guides are not included and should be budgeted separately.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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