Select Date

Review Itinerary

Summary

Checkout

First Passage To The West Rockies Refined Rail Journey

Love

Duration

10 Days

Starts In

Vancouver

Route

Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary

This is the Rockies at their most considered — ten days where private touring, glass-dome rail travel, and carefully chosen alpine stays combine into something more intimate than a standard circuit. Two nights in Vancouver open the journey with a private city tour before the Rocky Mountaineer carries you east through the Fraser River corridor and the Spiral Tunnels to Lake Louise, where two nights bring time enough for a lakeshore stroll and afternoon tea against that famously turquoise water. Three nights in Banff follow, anchored by a full day tracing the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk, picnic lunch included. A final private transfer threads through Lake Minnewanka and the Banff Gondola on the way to Calgary, where the journey closes in style. Every transfer, every stay, and every excursion here is private and considered — this is the Rockies for guests who want the full story, unhurried and beautifully arranged.

LAND and RAIL JOURNEY – Scheduled departures – 10-day/9-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, 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 — A Seamless Start

Arrive in Vancouver and settle in with a private transfer to your downtown hotel, where an elevated suite offers a refined first taste of the journey ahead. The rest of the day is yours to explore this coastal city at leisure — a place where mountains, ocean, and urban energy converge in equal measure. It's an easy, polished introduction before the Rockies take over, with nothing on the agenda but your own pace and curiosity.

Day
2

Day 2: Vancouver — A City Tour, Curated

A private guided city tour reveals Vancouver's most compelling neighborhoods and natural scenery, from the historic cobblestones of Gastown to the artisan stalls of Granville Island, the towering evergreens of Stanley Park, and the open ocean views along English Bay. It's a well-paced introduction to a city that balances urban energy with coastal calm. The remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring at your own leisure, whether that means retracing a favorite stop or discovering something new.

Day
3

Day 3: Vancouver to Kamloops — Onto the Rails

A seamless motorcoach transfer delivers you to the Rocky Mountaineer station for your first day aboard the train. The journey traces lush river valleys, dramatic canyons, and the scenic Fraser River corridor as it heads toward the interior of British Columbia. Regionally inspired cuisine and panoramic views from a glass-domed coach make for a refined way to take in some of the province's most striking scenery. Arrival in Kamloops in the evening brings a transfer to your hotel, closing out a day defined by comfort and spectacle in equal measure.

Day
4

Day 4: Kamloops to Lake Louise — Into the Rockies

Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer for a second day of extraordinary scenery, journeying into the heart of the Canadian Rockies past glacier-fed lakes, rugged mountain passes, and the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. Arrival brings a transfer to a stay overlooking the hamlet's famously turquoise waters and the peaks that frame them — one of the most photographed views in the Canadian Rockies.

Day
5

Day 5: Lake Louise — Alpine Stillness

Spend the day exploring Lake Louise entirely at your leisure. Stroll the lakeshore path with the hanging Victoria Glacier as a backdrop, settle in for afternoon tea with a view few destinations can rival, or set out on one of the many scenic trails that begin just outside your door. This is a day built around stillness, with the mountains doing most of the work — a gentle, contemplative pause before the journey continues.

Day
6

Day 6: Lake Louise to Banff — Bow Valley Serenity

A private sightseeing transfer carries you from Lake Louise to Banff, tracing the quiet beauty of the Bow Valley along the way. Arrival brings a stay with dramatic alpine views stretching from your window, setting the tone for the days of mountain scenery still to come.

Day
7

Day 7: Banff — Wide-Open Days

A full free day in Banff opens up the town's best-loved experiences to suit your pace. Wander the charming townsite's shops and cafés, unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or take advantage of the endless outdoor pursuits available throughout the surrounding national park. With towering peaks and pristine wilderness on every side, Banff strikes a rare balance between alpine adventure and polished mountain-resort comfort — today is built entirely around discovering which side appeals to you most.

Day
8

Day 8: Banff — The Icefields Parkway

A full-day private sightseeing tour traces one of the most spectacular mountain routes in the world, the Icefields Parkway. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard an Ice Explorer for a journey onto the Athabasca Glacier itself, then take in sweeping vistas from the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk. A picnic lunch is included, allowing the day's scenery to unfold at an unhurried, contemplative pace rather than a rushed itinerary. The tour returns to Banff by evening, closing out one of the region's signature experiences.

Day
9

Day 9: Banff to Calgary — Gondolas and Glacial Lakes

Depart Banff on a private guided sightseeing transfer east toward Calgary, with sweeping mountain views unfolding for much of the drive. Highlights along the way include a ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and a scenic cruise across the still waters of Lake Minnewanka. Arrival in Calgary brings a stay in an elegant downtown hotel, with the rest of the day free to enjoy the city's vibrant culinary scene and historic architecture at leisure.

Day
10

Day 10: Calgary — Departure

Your journey concludes with a private transfer connecting you seamlessly from your hotel to Calgary International Airport, bringing this ten-day luxury journey through the Canadian Rockies to a graceful close.

Dates & Prices

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the First Passage to the West Rockies Refined Rail Journey?

The First Passage to the West Rockies Refined Rail Journey includes the following destinations: Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary. This 10-day itinerary allows you to experience the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies, starting in Vancouver and concluding in Calgary.

How many nights do travelers spend in each destination on this itinerary?

On this itinerary, travelers will spend the following nights in each destination: 2 nights in Vancouver, 1 night in Kamloops, 2 nights in Lake Louise, and 3 nights in Banff. The journey concludes with 1 night in Calgary, making a total of 9 nights of accommodation throughout the 10-day package.

What is included in the First Passage to the West Rockies Refined Rail Journey package?

This package includes a range of luxurious services and accommodations: - Hotel accommodations as per the itinerary - Meals as per the itinerary, including breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) - Train tickets for the Rocky Mountaineer - Private arrival and departure transfers - Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance - Sightseeing tours and/or activities of your choice. Please note that travel insurance, personal expenses, and gratuities are not included.

Are there options for customizing the itinerary or adding extra destinations?

Yes, this itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. Keytours Vacations can assist you with options such as upgrading accommodations, adding extra nights in any destination, or including additional sightseeing tours. For specific customization requests, it’s best to consult with a Keytours travel consultant.

How do travelers move between destinations during this tour?

Travelers will experience a combination of private transfers and the scenic Rocky Mountaineer train service to move between destinations. Private transfers are provided for airport arrivals and departures, as well as between Lake Louise and Banff, and from Banff to Calgary, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey throughout the itinerary.

What type of travelers is this itinerary best suited for?

This itinerary is ideal for a variety of travelers, including families, couples, and adventure seekers. With a balance of leisure time and guided experiences, it caters to those looking for a refined exploration of the Canadian Rockies, making it suitable for first-time visitors as well as those returning to discover more of this stunning region.

What should travelers know before booking the First Passage to the West Rockies Refined Rail Journey?

Before booking, travelers should be aware that final arrangements, including accommodations and activities, depend on the selected travel date and availability. It's also important to check passport, visa, and health requirements prior to departure. Additionally, while the itinerary includes many private services, gratuities and travel insurance are not included, and travelers may want to inquire about these options with their Keytours travel consultant.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

Help

Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST

Reach us by phone

+1 (800) 576-1784

Reach us by email

info@keytours.com