What is the First Passage to the West rail journey?

The First Passage to the West stands out as a Rocky Mountaineer route steeped in both historical and cultural significance. This is the path of the famed Canadian Pacific Railway, which united Canada’s east and west in 1885. As you travel along the tracks, you’ll witness engineering marvels and learn about the determination it took to build a railway through the rugged Rockies.  

The First Passage to the West route passes some of Western Canada's most memorable landmarks, with powerful rivers, dramatic canyons, historic railway sites, and mountain scenery visible throughout the journey. As Rocky Mountaineer travels during daylight hours, you can enjoy these sights in comfort, with spacious seating in a glass-dome coach and panoramic views through the large windows.

The Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Banff journey on First Passage to the West takes 2 days, with an included overnight hotel stay in Kamloops between the two rail days. You can expect to spend approximately 10 to 12 hours onboard each day, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Because Rocky Mountaineer travels during daylight hours, there is no overnight travel on the train. At the end of day one, you disembark in Kamloops and spend the night in a comfortable hotel before continuing into the Canadian Rockies the following morning. Your luggage is delivered to your hotel, making the overnight stop easy and allowing you to enjoy a proper night's rest before day two.

Rocky Mountaineer offers two service levels, GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf, on the First Passage to the West route. While the core rail journey, route and scenery stay the same, the main differences are the coach design, dining experience and level of onboard service.

GoldLeaf is Rocky Mountaineer’s highest level of service, where you get to travel in a bi-level glass-dome coach and enjoy the use of an exclusive dining room and outdoor viewing platform. In SilverLeaf, you travel in a single-level glass-dome coach with meals served at your seat.

*Prices in the table above are for a personalized trip by Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada that includes the First Passage to the West route. As well as the Rocky Mountaineer journey, these trips includes hotel stays, sightseeing excursions, additional destinations, train station and airport transfers, and customer service support from booking through travel.

Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada builds personalized vacations around Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West route, with your rail journey, hotels, transfers and sightseeing arranged in one itinerary. Depending on the trip you choose, this can include:

• Rocky Mountaineer rail travel in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, travelling between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise.

• An overnight hotel in Kamloops between your two days onboard Rocky Mountaineer, with luggage handled for you.

• Hotel stays in Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, with itineraries that can include time in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

• Pre-arranged transfers between the train, hotels and other destinations in your itinerary.

• Sightseeing experiences, such as the Banff Gondola, guided walking tours, lake cruises, and other activities chosen to match your interests.

Canadian Train Vacations offers different First Passage to the West itineraries, from shorter trips such as the Essential Rockies by Train to longer options such as Across Canada by Train, which includes additional time to explore the Rockies as well as a VIA Rail sleeper-train experience. The Rocky Mountaineer Banff route can be travelled eastbound or westbound, depending on your chosen vacation. Your Canadian Insider arranges every detail from start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

If you're considering a one-way journey through the Rockies, explore our one-way Rockies rail tours to see more options

The Rocky Mountaineer dress code is relaxed, with smart-casual clothing recommended onboard. Choose comfortable trousers or jeans with a shirt or blouse, and bring a light sweater or jacket so you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Layers are especially useful when exploring the Canadian Rockies, where mornings can be cooler than the afternoons. A light waterproof jacket, sunglasses and a hat are also useful to have with you.

Pack comfortable, supportive shoes for walking around the train and sightseeing in the Rockies. Canadian Train Vacations can personalize your excursions to match your preferred pace and activity level, so you can choose gentle sightseeing experiences or more active options depending on your interests and mobility.

Packing tips and optional items:

• Binoculars: Perfect for spotting wildlife and appreciating distant mountain peaks.
• Camera gear: Bring a camera with a zoom lens or a smartphone with a high-quality camera to capture the stunning scenery. Don’t forget spare batteries or a portable charger.
• Small backpack or bag: For carrying your essentials, such as snacks, water bottles, and personal items, while keeping them accessible.
• Pack light: The Rocky Mountaineer allows one small bag onboard the train. There is no overhead or under seat storage, so you should pack light and only bring what you need for the day’s journey. Your checked luggage is sent ahead to your overnight hotel.
• Extras: Bring a journal to record your memories and travel guides to enhance your understanding of the areas you visit.

Dining on Rocky Mountaineer 

Dining aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is a celebration of Canada’s culinary heritage. Expert chefs use locally sourced ingredients to craft meals that reflect the regions you travel through. 

Sample Menu Items: 

• Breakfast: Buttermilk pancakes with Canadian maple syrup, or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. 

• Lunch: Alberta beef tenderloin or British Columbia salmon, paired with locally inspired sides. 

• Desserts: Decadent chocolate torte or baked cheesecake. 

Breakfast usually includes pastries and a choice of main. For lunch, there is a starter, choice of main, and a dessert. Special dietary requests, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, are easily accommodated.

Rocky Mountaineer offers two popular routes connecting Vancouver with the Canadian Rockies, and choosing between First Passage to the West vs Journey Through the Clouds largely depends on the destinations and scenery you want to experience.

Both routes can form part of a longer Canadian Train Vacations itinerary, with hotels, transfers, and sightseeing personalized around the places you want to experience.

For more detail on Jasper and rail vacations that include it, explore our train to Jasper guide.

Canadian Train Vacations has helped more than 30,000 guests plan personalized vacations across Canada. In reviews of trips that feature the First Passage to the West route, travellers often highlight the spectacular scenery, attentive onboard service, and relaxed pace of the two-day journey. Read our guest reviews to hear directly from travellers about their experiences.