Rocky Mountaineer: First Passage to the West

You have a free morning in Banff today to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll around town, looking at the tempting stores or pay a visit to the Hot Springs where you can have a warm dip with mountain views! After lunch you will be picked up by your motorcoach for the onward journey to Lake Louise via Yoho National Park. 

Taking its name from a First Nations world expressing awe and wonder, it’s easy to see why this name applies to the Park. You travel through a wonderland of soaring peaks, waterfalls and glacial lakes as well as other highlights such as Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lakes and a rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River. On arrival at Lake Louise, you can check in at the lovely Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (or similar) for your overnight stay.

Today is the day that you board the Rocky Mountaineer! Shortly before 8am you will take your first steps onto the train and the excitement will build as the train pulls away into instant stunning scenery. The journey will take you through glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, over mountain passes and through tunnels that are incredible feats of engineering. Some of the main attractions along the way are the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Canyon. Breakfast and lunch are provided on board the train and on arrival in Kamloops you can check into your hotel before spending the evening having a look around the town. Please note, accommodation in Kamloops will be assigned closer to departure and is of a moderate standard.

You will re-board the train at Kamloops early this morning and continue your journey west. There will be dramatic changes in the scenery to take in as you wind through river canyons and remote forests on your way to the coast, from the Cascade Mountains to the gorgeously green fields of the Fraser Valley. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board whilst looking out for some of today’s highlights; the rock sheds and steep slopes along the Thompson River and the gushing waters of Hell’s Gate, deep within the Fraser Canyon. You arrive into Vancouver between 6:00pm and 7:30pm Pacific Time. 

On arrival, check in at the Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Vancouver is surrounded both by mountains and water and due to this closeness to nature, residents have a love for the environment as well as a laid back charm and friendliness. You will have a full day today to explore all this Pacific Coastal city has to offer. It is the largest city in the state of British Columbia and is a superb place of cuisine, culture and bohemian sophistication. You have included in your holiday admission to the Vancouver Lookout, which gives you a 360 degree panoramic view of the city, surrounding area and distant mountains – don’t miss it! 

Leave Vancouver today for your onward rail journey or flight. Remember, you can also take this tour in reverse, starting in Vancouver or extend your stay in British Columbia. You can even complement your trip with an Alaskan Cruise. Please call for details.