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Summary

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First Passage To The West Rockies Refined Rail Journey

Love

Duration

10 Days

Starts In

Calgary

Route

Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops

This is the Rockies at their most considered — ten days where private touring, GoldLeaf rail travel, and carefully chosen alpine stays combine into something more intimate than a standard circuit. Three nights in Banff allow real depth: gondola views, a Lake Minnewanka cruise, and a full day tracing the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk, picnic lunch included. Two nights in Lake Louise bring a quieter register, with time enough for a lakeshore stroll and afternoon tea against that famously turquoise water. From there, GoldLeaf Service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer carries you west in comfort, tracing the Thompson and Fraser Rivers to the coast, where a private city tour and two final nights in Vancouver close things out. Every transfer, every stay, and every excursion here is private and considered — this is the Rockies for guests who want the full story, unhurried and beautifully arranged.

LAND and RAIL JOURNEY – Scheduled departures – 10-day/9-night package featuring Lake Louise, Kamloops and Vancouver & a luxury rail journey with your choice of Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service. Includes hotel accommodation in Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops and Vancouver, sightseeing tours of your choice, and private arrival and departure transfers.

Includes

Accommodations as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
Sightseeing: per itinerary
Train tickets as per the itinerary
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance

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: Calgary — A Seamless Start

Arrive in Calgary and settle in with a private transfer to your downtown hotel, where an elevated suite offers a refined first taste of the journey ahead. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Calgary at leisure — a city that pairs a thriving culinary scene with pockets of historic architecture, all set against a backdrop of distant peaks. It's an easy, polished introduction before the Rockies take over, with nothing on the agenda but your own pace and curiosity

Day
2

Day 2: Calgary to Banff — Gondolas and Glacial Lakes

Depart Calgary on a private guided sightseeing transfer west into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with sweeping mountain views unfolding for most of the drive. Highlights along the way include a ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and a scenic cruise across the still waters of Lake Minnewanka. Arrival in Banff brings a stay with dramatic alpine views stretching from your window, setting the tone for the days of mountain scenery to come.

Day
3

Day 3: Banff — The Icefields Parkway

A full-day private sightseeing tour traces one of the most spectacular mountain routes in the world, the Icefields Parkway. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard an Ice Explorer for a journey onto the Athabasca Glacier itself, then take in sweeping vistas from the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk. A picnic lunch is included, allowing the day's scenery to unfold at an unhurried, contemplative pace rather than a rushed itinerary. The tour returns to Banff by evening, closing out one of the region's signature experiences.

Day
4

Day 4: Banff — Wide-Open Days

A full free day in Banff opens up the town's best-loved experiences to suit your pace. Wander the charming townsite's shops and cafés, unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or take advantage of the endless outdoor pursuits available throughout the surrounding national park. With towering peaks and pristine wilderness on every side, Banff strikes a rare balance between alpine adventure and polished mountain-resort comfort — today is built entirely around discovering which side appeals to you most.

Day
5

Day 5: Banff to Lake Louise — Bow Valley Serenity

A private sightseeing transfer carries you from Banff to Lake Louise, tracing the quiet beauty of the Bow Valley along the way. Arrival brings a stay overlooking the hamlet's famously turquoise waters and the peaks that frame them — one of the most photographed views in the Canadian Rockies. The remainder of the day is yours to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this world-renowned alpine setting, whether that means a lakeside walk or simply time spent taking in the scenery.

Day
6

Day 6: Lake Louise — Alpine Stillness

Spend the day exploring Lake Louise entirely at your leisure. Stroll the lakeshore path with the hanging Victoria Glacier as a backdrop, settle in for afternoon tea with a view few destinations can rival, or set out on one of the many scenic trails that begin just outside your door. This is a day built around stillness, with the mountains doing most of the work — a gentle, contemplative pause before the rail journey resumes.

Day
7

Day 7: Lake Louise to Kamloops — Onto the Rails

A morning motorcoach transfer delivers you to Lake Louise Station, where you'll board the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service for the first day of rail travel. Heading west through the soaring peaks of the Rockies, the journey pairs gourmet onboard cuisine with panoramic views from a glass-domed coach — a refined way to take in some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. Arrival in Kamloops in the evening brings a transfer to your hotel, closing out a day defined by comfort and spectacle in equal measure.

Day
8

Day 8: Kamloops to Vancouver — Rivers to the Coast

Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer for a second day of extraordinary scenery, tracing the Thompson and Fraser Rivers as the landscape shifts from desert-like terrain to the lush forests of the West Coast. Wildlife sightings are common along this stretch, and the onboard service remains as attentive as the day before. A private transfer meets you on arrival in Vancouver, delivering you to a waterfront stay where the journey's rail chapter comes to a close.

Day
9

Day 9: Vancouver — A City Tour, Curated

A private guided city tour reveals Vancouver's most compelling neighborhoods and natural scenery, from the historic cobblestones of Gastown to the artisan stalls of Granville Island, the towering evergreens of Stanley Park, and the open ocean views along English Bay. It's a well-paced introduction to a city that balances urban energy with coastal calm. The remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring at your own leisure, whether that means retracing a favorite stop or discovering something new.

Day
10

Day 10: Vancouver — Departure

Your journey concludes with a private transfer connecting you seamlessly from your hotel to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), bringing this ten-day luxury journey through the Canadian Rockies to a graceful close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the First Passage to the West Rockies Refined Rail Journey?

The First Passage to the West Rockies Refined Rail Journey includes the following destinations: Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Kamloops, and Vancouver. This 10-day itinerary allows travelers to experience the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies, with ample time in Banff and Lake Louise to explore the breathtaking scenery.

How many nights do we spend in Banff and Lake Louise during this package?

During this package, travelers will spend three nights in Banff and two nights in Lake Louise. This extended stay in Banff allows for in-depth exploration, including activities like the Banff Gondola and a full-day tour along the Icefields Parkway. In Lake Louise, guests can enjoy leisurely strolls along the lakeshore and the serene beauty of the area.

Are airport transfers included in this itinerary?

Yes, airport transfers are included in this itinerary. Upon arrival in Calgary, travelers will receive a private transfer to their hotel. Additionally, a private transfer will be provided at the end of the journey from the hotel in Vancouver to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), ensuring a seamless travel experience.

What meals are included in the First Passage to the West Rockies Refined Rail Journey?

This package includes meals as per the itinerary, which typically consist of breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D). Specific meals may vary based on the day's activities and locations, but travelers can expect a mix of gourmet onboard dining during the rail journey and local cuisine during their stays.

Can I customize my accommodations or activities in this tour?

Yes, accommodations and activities can be customized based on your preferences. Keytours Vacations offers options for different hotel categories and can assist in arranging additional excursions or experiences that align with your interests. It's recommended to discuss your customization options with a Keytours travel consultant when booking.

What kind of rail service is provided during the journey from Lake Louise to Vancouver?

The journey from Lake Louise to Vancouver is conducted aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, featuring GoldLeaf Service. This service includes gourmet meals served onboard and panoramic views from a glass-domed coach, allowing travelers to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Thompson and Fraser Rivers in comfort.

What support is available during the trip if I need assistance?

Travelers can rely on Keytours' 24-hour emergency assistance during the trip. This support ensures that guests have access to help if any issues arise while traveling, providing peace of mind throughout the journey. Additionally, private guided tours and transfers are designed to enhance the overall experience.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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