Retrace the steps of 19th century explorers on a 2-day, all-daylight Rocky Mountaineer train journey; travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by the spot where the Last Spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Book by May 31, 2012 and receive a 3% discount.
Tour Summary
The best-and most luxurious-way to see the Rockies and the interior of British Columbia in just two days! Travel either Eastbound, from Vancouver with an overnight stay in Kamloops and then onward to Banff the following day, or Westbound, leaving from Banff.Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by the spot where the Last Spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Continue towards the majestic snow capped Rocky Mountains and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!
Book this tour with RedLeaf, SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, click here for more details regarding these services.
*This tour can be done in both directions
- Duration
- 2 days, 1 nights
- Departs
-
Vancouver, BC
- Arrives
-
Banff, AB
- Activity Level
- Very Easy
- Accommodation
- Moderate (2-3*) hotel in Kamloops
- Transport
- 2 days Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service® SilverLeaf®, or Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service®
- Meals
- 2 breakfast, 2 lunch
Included
- Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf®, SilverLeaf® or GoldLeaf Service®
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- 1 nights hotel accommodation
- Vancouver Lookout
- Rail station transfers in Kamloops
- Luggage handling and National Park Pass
Not Included
- Transportation from/to Vancouver airport
- Transportation from/to Banff National Park
- Meals, other than specified
- Activities, other than specified
- Gratuities for rail, hotel and transfer staff
- Fuel surcharges
- GST /HST
- Single supplement-please inquire at time of booking
Optional Activities
- Book this rail passage in combination with a Midnight Sun Travel tour and receive a 10% discount on the second tour.
Orcas and Grizzlies: Book now and receive $159.50 off the regular tour price!
Secrets of the Inside Passage: Book now and receive $334.00 off the regular tour price! Please contact us for availability.
First Passage to the West Itinerary
*Eastbound Itinerary
Day 1. Kamloops
Your first day on the Rocky Mountaineer takes you from the Coastal Range of BC’s lower mainland to Kamloops (pop. 87,000), known or for its warm, arid climate and wild west history that includes the fur trade, the gold rush and cattle ranching.
After departing Vancouver you will head north into the Fraser Valley, passing though bedroom communities before the land opens up and broadens into lush vegetable and dairy farms. As the Coastal Mountains approach, you begin your ascent into the Fraser Canyon, winding along river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade mountains. Wildlife here includes black bear, deer, Big Horn Sheep and the elusive cougar. The mighty Fraser River snakes beneath you, a river that is the world’s largest supporter of spawning Sockeye salmon. Pass by the frothing waters of Hell’s Gate and its century old fish ladders before turning west to follow the Thompson River. Approaching the interior of the province, you see the landscape evolve into the ‘wide open spaces’ of ranchland and rolling hills. As the day winds down, you travel along the shores of Kamloops Lake into the Thompson River Valley, home to Kamloops.
Please note: As a RedLeaf Service guest, please pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Kamloops. Your main luggage will be checked through to your final destination and will not be available. Please be sure to carry any medication with you.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: RedLeaf + GoldLeaf guests stay in a moderate (2-3*) hotel in Kamloops. As Redleaf guests luggage will be checked through to Banff, we recommend they pack an overnight bag for this night in Kamloops.
Optional Activities: Kamloops Evening Entertainment – ‘Rhythms on the Rails’
Day 2. Banff
You begin your day by following the Thompson River and then the pristine Shuswap lake before encountering Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1895. The rolling ranchlands and lakeshores gradually yield to the Monashee and Columbia Mountain ranges – harbingers of things to come.
Highlights on this day include the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon and the legendary Spiral Tunnels, built by the CPR in 1909 to prevent runaway trains. Natural wonders also include Glacier and Yoho National Parks and, as we cross into Alberta, the Continental Divide. Along the way, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies are omnipresent, offering startling views and inspiration with every turn in the track. Wildlife viewing opportunities expand to elk, caribou, mountain goats and moose. Your rail journey concludes in the resort town of Banff (pop. 8,700) this evening.
Meals. Breakfast and lunch.
* Westbound Itinerary Starts in Banff and ends in Vancouver-the Reverse of Eastbound Itinerary
