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Summary

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First Passage To The West Rail Discovery Eastbound

Love

Duration

9 Days

Starts In

Vancouver

Route

Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary

This nine-day route offers a leaner, more direct take on the Vancouver-to-Calgary classic — all the same iconic Rockies stops, reached with one continuous rail day rather than an overnight break in Banff along the way. Two days in Vancouver ease you in before the Rocky Mountaineer carries you clear through the Fraser Canyon, past Craigellachie's last spike, and over Rogers Pass in a single day, arriving directly in Lake Louise for two nights of turquoise water and quiet trails. Yoho National Park's Emerald Lake and Spiral Tunnels bridge the way to two nights in Banff, complete with hot springs and mountain-town energy, before a final day of sightseeing — Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, the Banff Gondola — closes out the mountains ahead of arrival in Calgary. It's a tightly paced, highlight-driven alternative for travelers who want the full Lake Louise and Banff experience without an extra overnight stop along the way.

LAND and RAIL JOURNEY – Scheduled departures – 9-day/8-night package featuring Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff 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, Banff 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
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: Vancouver — Coastal Arrival

Arrive in Vancouver and ease into this scenic coastal city at your own pace. Wander the towering cedars and seaside paths of Stanley Park, or hop a small ferry across False Creek to Granville Island, where a bustling public market and artisan studios make for easy, unhurried exploring. However you spend the day, the backdrop stays constant — mountains rising behind the skyline, ocean stretching out in front of it. It's a soft landing before the rail journey ahead, with just enough to see and taste to make the first day feel like part of the adventure rather than a layover.

Day
2

Day 2: Vancouver — City Time Before the Rails

A full free day opens up more of Vancouver's distinct pockets and personalities. Explore the Victorian-era streets and gas-lit charm of historic Gastown, spend an afternoon among the boutiques and patios of Yaletown, or simply return to the Stanley Park Seawall for an unhurried walk along the water. Two days here allow the city's rhythm to sink in rather than rushing past it — the Coast Mountains and Pacific Ocean remain a constant presence no matter which corner of the city draws you in.

Day
3

Day 3: Vancouver to Kamloops — Fraser Valley to Desert Canyon

Board the Rocky Mountaineer early and watch Vancouver's coastline give way to the greenery of the Fraser Valley, then to canyon walls and river gorges as the train climbs into British Columbia's interior. Hell's Gate churns dramatically below in the Fraser Canyon, while the Thompson River carves a path beneath rock sheds and steep, layered slopes. The landscape transforms hour by hour — lush to arid, forested to sun-baked desert — a preview of just how varied this province can be. As evening falls, the train traces the shoreline of Kamloops Lake into town, closing a day defined by constant, cinematic change.

Day
4

Day 4: Kamloops to Lake Louise — Last Spike to the Divide

The journey turns east today, crossing ranchland and rocky lakeshores before climbing into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. A stop at Craigellachie marks the driving of the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway, before the train tackles Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the engineering feat of the Spiral Tunnels. Glacier-capped peaks and snow-dusted summits dominate the skyline as the rail history of the Rockies unfolds mile by mile. The day closes with an evening arrival directly in Lake Louise, delivering you into one of the most photographed corners of the range.

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 Banff — Emerald Waters and Ancient Rock

The morning is yours to take in Lake Louise's turquoise waters and glacier-framed scenery one last time before an afternoon transfer carries you into Yoho National Park. Highlights include the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels, the vivid blue-green waters of Emerald Lake, and a walk across the natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River. The transfer concludes with arrival in Banff, trading Lake Louise's quiet stillness for the bustle of the Rockies' most iconic mountain town. Note: while departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is approximately 2:00 p.m., standard checkout is 12:00 p.m. — luggage is stored and hotel amenities remain available in between.

Day
7

Day 7: 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 after days of travel.

Day
8

Day 8: Banff to Calgary — Bow Falls, Hoodoos, and the Gondola

A full-day sightseeing transfer carries you from Banff to Calgary, opening with a morning tour of Banff's most striking natural landmarks. Bow Falls tumbles just outside town, Surprise Corner delivers a classic view of the Fairmont Banff Springs against the mountains, and the Hoodoos stand as strange, wind-carved sentinels above the Bow River. Before departing, a visit to the Banff Gondola (admission included) climbs to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a final sweeping view across six mountain ranges. The transfer then continues east, leaving the Rockies behind as the landscape opens into the prairies surrounding Calgary.

Day
9

Day 9: Calgary — Journey's End

Check out from your Calgary hotel, bringing this nine-day journey from the Pacific coast through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to a close — from Vancouver's harbor, through canyon country and glacier fields, to the foothills where the mountains give way to the prairies.

Dates & Prices

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Eastbound package includes five stunning destinations: Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary. Travelers will experience the vibrant city of Vancouver, the scenic landscapes of Kamloops, the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise, the lively mountain town of Banff, and the urban charm of Calgary, all within this nine-day itinerary.

How does transportation work between the destinations in this itinerary?

This itinerary features a combination of rail and road transportation. Travelers will board the Rocky Mountaineer train for a scenic journey from Vancouver to Kamloops and then from Kamloops to Lake Louise. Transfers between Lake Louise and Banff, as well as from Banff to Calgary, are included as part of the sightseeing tours. All transportation details are included in the package, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Are meals included in the First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Eastbound package?

Yes, meals are included in the First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Eastbound package. The itinerary specifies that breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided as per the itinerary. However, any meals not mentioned as included, as well as personal dining expenses, are excluded and should be planned accordingly.

Can I customize my accommodation choices during this tour?

Yes, accommodation choices can be customized during this package. Keytours Vacations offers options for different hotel categories and preferences in each destination, allowing travelers to select accommodations that best suit their needs. It's recommended to discuss your preferences with a Keytours travel consultant when booking.

What sightseeing activities are included in this tour?

This tour includes various sightseeing activities, such as visits to iconic landmarks like Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, and the Banff Gondola. Additionally, travelers will have free days to explore destinations like Lake Louise and Banff at their own pace, with optional guided tours available. Specific sightseeing tours can be chosen based on personal interests, enhancing the overall experience.

Is travel insurance included in this package, and how can I arrange it?

Travel insurance is not included in the First Passage to the West Rail Discovery Eastbound package. Travelers are encouraged to inquire about travel insurance options with their Keytours travel consultant to ensure they are adequately covered during their trip.

What kind of support can I expect during my trip?

Travelers can expect 24-hour emergency assistance from Keytours Vacations during their trip. This support ensures that any unexpected issues or questions can be addressed promptly, allowing for a worry-free travel experience throughout the nine-day journey.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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