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Summary

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First Passage To The West Grand Rail Adventure

Love

Duration

10 Days

Starts In

Vancouver

Route

Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise

This is the full arc of the classic Rockies route, threading together every major stop without rushing past any of them. Two days in Vancouver ease you in before the Rocky Mountaineer carries you east through the Fraser Canyon, past Craigellachie's last spike, and over Rogers Pass to two nights in Banff — gondola rides, hot springs, and mountain-town energy included. Yoho National Park's Emerald Lake and Spiral Tunnels bridge the way to two contemplative nights in Lake Louise, before the Icefields Parkway delivers its full spectacle en route to two final nights in Jasper's wilder, quieter corner of the Rockies. It's the most complete overland version of this journey — coast, canyon, and every major mountain town, each given its due before the road runs out.

LAND and RAIL JOURNEY – Scheduled departures – 10-day/9-night package featuring Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper & 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 Jasper, and 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 — Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

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 Banff — Last Spike, First Glimpse of the Rockies

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 arrival in the resort town of Banff by evening, delivering you into one of the most celebrated mountain destinations in the world.

Day
5

Day 5: Banff — Gondolas, Hot Springs, and Wide-Open Days

A full free day in Banff opens up the town's best-loved experiences to suit your pace. Ride the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views across six mountain ranges, soak in the historic Banff hot springs, or wander the lively streets lined with outfitters, galleries, and cafés. Wildlife adventures and guided outings can easily be arranged for those wanting to venture 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.

Day
6

Day 6: Banff to Lake Louise — Emerald Waters and Ancient Rock

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
7

Day 7: Lake Louise — Alpine Stillness

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
8

Day 8: Lake Louise to Jasper — Glaciers Along the Parkway

Continue north on a sightseeing journey through Banff and Jasper National Parks via the legendary Icefields Parkway. Bow Lake's impossible blue, the vast Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk's glass-floored views, and the cascading drop of Athabasca Falls headline a day built for dramatic scenery. At the Columbia Icefield, board an Ice Explorer for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier itself, one of the most accessible icefields in North America, with lunch included at the Discovery Centre. The parkway's grandeur builds steadily before arrival in Jasper by late afternoon.

Day
9

Day 9: Jasper — Wildlife, SkyTrams, and Still Water

Spend the morning exploring Jasper at your own pace — a smaller, quieter counterpart to Banff, with its own devoted mountain charm. In the afternoon, a half-day sightseeing tour reveals the best of Jasper National Park: Patricia Lake's still, glassy waters, sweeping views from the Jasper SkyTram, and the postcard scenery of Pyramid Lake with Pyramid Mountain rising behind it. This is Rocky Mountain wilderness at its most accessible, with turquoise lakes, dense forest, and jagged summits within easy reach of town. Free time remains for shopping, dining, or simply soaking in the surrounding peaks before settling in for the night.

Day
10

Day 10: Jasper — Journey's End

Check out from your Jasper hotel, bringing this ten-day rail journey from the Pacific coast through the full sweep of the Canadian Rockies to a close — from Vancouver's harbor, through canyon country and mountain passes, past three of the range's most iconic destinations, to the wilderness of Jasper National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the First Passage to the West Grand Rail Adventure package?

The First Passage to the West Grand Rail Adventure package includes five key destinations: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. This itinerary allows travelers to experience the stunning landscapes and attractions of the Canadian Rockies, starting from the coastal city of Vancouver and concluding in the wilderness of Jasper.

How long is the First Passage to the West Grand Rail Adventure and how many nights do we spend in each location?

This tour lasts for 10 days and includes 9 nights of accommodation. Travelers will spend 2 nights in Vancouver, 1 night in Kamloops, 2 nights in Banff, 2 nights in Lake Louise, and 2 nights in Jasper. This structure provides ample time to explore each destination without feeling rushed.

Are meals included in this itinerary, and if so, what types?

Yes, meals are included in this package. Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) are provided as per the itinerary. Specific meal arrangements may vary by day, and travelers can also choose from optional dining experiences during their free time.

How do we travel between the different destinations on this tour?

Travelers will journey between destinations primarily via the Rocky Mountaineer train, which offers scenic views and a luxurious experience. Additionally, there will be transfers for sightseeing and travel between locations, such as the transfer from Banff to Lake Louise through Yoho National Park.

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

Yes, this itinerary allows for customization of sightseeing tours and activities. Travelers can choose from a variety of options based on their interests, whether it be wildlife adventures, guided outings, or specific attractions during their free days in destinations like Banff and Jasper.

What is not included in the First Passage to the West Grand Rail Adventure package?

This package does not include items of a personal nature, travel insurance, gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts, or transfers not mentioned in the itinerary. Travelers should also plan for any additional costs for optional excursions or personal expenses.

What kind of support can I expect during the trip?

Keytours Vacations provides 24-hour emergency assistance throughout the journey. Additionally, travelers can rely on the expertise of their travel consultant for any inquiries or adjustments needed before and during the trip, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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