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Summary

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First Passage To The West Rail Excursion Eastbound

Love

Duration

7 Days

Starts In

Vancouver

Route

Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Calgary

This is the express version of the classic Rockies route — seven days that hit every essential without the extra length of a Banff overnight. 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. From there, a single sightseeing transfer covers Banff's essentials — Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, and the Banff Gondola — on the way to a final overnight in Calgary. It's the most efficient way to experience Lake Louise and the highlights of Banff without adding an extra day to the itinerary.

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, 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: 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 Calgary — Bow Falls, Hoodoos, and the Gondola

A full-day sightseeing transfer carries you from Lake Louise 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
7

Day 7: Calgary — Journey's End

Check out from your Calgary hotel, bringing this seven-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 Excursion Eastbound package?

The First Passage to the West Rail Excursion Eastbound package includes four stunning destinations: Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, and Calgary. You will spend two nights in Vancouver, one night in Kamloops, two nights in Lake Louise, and one night in Calgary, allowing you to experience the natural beauty and culture of each location.

How does transportation work between destinations in this itinerary?

Transportation between destinations in this itinerary is primarily provided by the Rocky Mountaineer train, which offers a scenic journey through the Canadian Rockies. Additionally, there is a full-day sightseeing transfer from Lake Louise to Calgary that includes visits to Banff's key landmarks. Private arrival and departure transfers are also included for your convenience.

What meals are included in this package?

This package includes meals as per the itinerary, which typically consists of breakfast (B) each day. Specific meal inclusions may vary based on your selected accommodations and services, so please consult your Keytours travel consultant for detailed meal arrangements.

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

Yes, this itinerary allows for customization of accommodations and sightseeing tours. Keytours Vacations offers options for different hotel categories and additional excursions, so you can tailor your experience to fit your preferences. Please discuss your customization options with your Keytours travel consultant when booking.

Is travel insurance included in the First Passage to the West Rail Excursion Eastbound package?

No, travel insurance is not included in this package. It is recommended to inquire about travel insurance options with your Keytours travel consultant to ensure you are covered for any unexpected events during your journey.

What kind of activities can I do during my free day in Lake Louise?

During your free day in Lake Louise, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including: - Canoeing on Lake Louise - Exploring hiking trails with breathtaking views - Learning about the local wildlife - Simply relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery. This day is designed for you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area at your own pace.

How far in advance should I book the First Passage to the West Rail Excursion Eastbound package?

It is advisable to book the First Passage to the West Rail Excursion Eastbound package as far in advance as possible, especially during peak travel seasons. Availability can vary based on your selected travel dates, so contacting a Keytours travel consultant early will help secure your preferred accommodations and services.

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Include Flights?

Yes

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