Canadian Rockies & the Wild West Part 3: First Passage to the West

Do you ever get a feeling you were meant for another era? The Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West is your chance to step back in time and retrace the steps of Canada’s 19th-century explorers through the majestic Rocky Mountains. 

This is our most popular Rocky Mountaineer route and the only passenger rail service on the historic Canadian Pacific track – famous for uniting Canada from east to west over 130 years ago.

 

You have the choice of beginning or ending your trip in Vancouver, BC, Lake Louise, or Banff, Alberta. 

This legendary route traverses part of the Continental Divide between the USA and Canada and guides you past many monumental landmarks from the early days of the National Railway.

From the sparkling sea of Vancouver to the resort town of Banff, you will be greeted with postcard images at every bend.

 

Highlights

Aside from awe-inspiring views of the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, major highlights of the First Passage to the West include:

• Kicking Horse River and Kicking Horse Canyon
• Spiral Tunnels
• Craigellachie (where the last spike on Canadian Pacific Railway was driven)
• The climb over Rogers Pass
• Coast Mountains
• Fraser River Valley
• Hell’s Gate in Fraser Canyon

 

Where the wilderness and luxury meet

 

Onboard this iconic Canadian train you will witness rich Aboriginal heritage and remnants of a pioneering past, all the while enjoying unparalleled luxury and impeccable service that the early explorers could have never imagined.

The Rocky Mountaineer has a 100% unwavering commitment to ensuring their guests are happy.

Whether you choose GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service, your Hosts will go above and beyond to ensure you feel comfortable and make the most of this magical odyssey.

 

First Passage to the West Vacation Packages

When booking your First Passage to the West journey you can choose from an array of exciting vacation packages offering several combinations of different itineraries and accommodation including:

• Classic First Passage to the West Vancouver – Banff 2016 (4 days/3 nights)
• Spectacular West (4 days/3 nights)
• First Passage to the West Discovery Drive 2016 (6 days/5 nights)
• Classic First Passage to the West Vancouver – Lake Louise 2016 (4 days/3 nights)
• Classic First Passage to the West with Pre-Tour Cruise (12 days/ 11 nights)

If you are dreaming on embarking on a life-changing adventure the First Passage to the West will not disappoint. You will be happy to know that we have extended our Rocky Mountaineer Peaks & Perks Promotion. This means that there are even more fantastic reasons to start planning your 2016 Canadian Rockies rail vacation now.

 

Previously we explored the Canadian Rockies & the Wild West Part 2: Rainforest to Gold Rush.