Train Vacation | 5-Day Canadian Rockies Tour - First Passage to the West - Vancouver Round Trip

From Vancouver to Kamloops on a Scenic Rail Journey

• Fraser Valley: The lush, fertile plain east of Vancouver, known as the "breadbasket" of BC. It features rich farmland, berry fields, and wineries, framed by the Coast Mountains (morning journey)
• Fraser Canyon: Steep rock walls and rushing waters carving through ancient formations (mid-morning)
• Hell's Gate: A dramatic, narrow gorge in the Fraser Canyon where the massive Fraser River is forced through a 35-meter-wide passage, creating powerful rapids. Explorer Simon Fraser called it "the gates of Hell." (late morning)
• Thompson River Canyon:Located in BC's dry interior, this canyon features arid, desert-like hills and scrubland. The train follows the river, showcasing a dramatic transition from coastal forest to semi-desert (afternoon)
• Kamloops Lake: Serene views as the train travels along the shoreline approaching your evening destination (late afternoon)

※ Service Level Options

• ★ Luxurious bi-level glass-domed coach with panoramic views from the upper level
• ★ Elegant dining room on the lower level serving gourmet à la carte meals created by award-winning chefs
• ★ Dedicated team of four professional Hosts providing personalized service
• ★ Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included throughout the journey
• ★ Access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform for fresh air and unobstructed photo opportunities
• ★ Premium hotel accommodations in Kamloops

• ★ Comfortable single-level coach with oversized dome windows for impressive views
• ★ Delicious meals served at your seat, featuring regional ingredients and flavors
• ★ Attentive service from up to three dedicated Hosts
• ★ Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the journey
• ★ Access to an outdoor viewing area
• ★ Comfortable hotel accommodations in Kamloops

Climbing Into the Canadian Rockies

Journey Highlights

• Craigellachie: The historic site where the "Last Spike" completed the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 (late morning)
  
• Rogers Pass: A spectacular mountain pass once considered impossible to traverse by rail (midday)
• Spiral Tunnels: An ingenious engineering solution that enables trains to navigate the steep grade through Kicking Horse Pass (early afternoon)
• Mountain Ranges: Witness the dramatic peaks of multiple mountain ranges including the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains (throughout the journey)
• Glaciers: Glimpse ancient ice formations clinging to mountain sides as you approach Banff National Park (late afternoon)

ICEFIELD PARKWAY & COLUMBIA ICEFIELD – GLACIERS, ALPINE LAKES & MOUNTAIN VISTAS

Journey Highlights

• Icefield Parkway: Travel along this world-famous scenic highway connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks, featuring breathtaking mountain vistas, glaciers, and turquoise lakes (scenic drive)
• Bow Lake: Experience the most visited lake on the Icefield Parkway, where the reflection of Crowfoot Mountain on the mirror-like water creates a serene atmosphere perfect for photography.
  During summer, this area serves as a natural habitat for wildlife, including bears (stop for about 20 minutes)
• Columbia Icefield: Explore the largest ice mass south of the Arctic Circle in North America aboard a specialized Ice Explorer vehicle that travels directly onto the glacier surface (optional$$).
  This ancient ice sheet is the source of numerous glaciers and serves as a valuable record of climate history (stop for about 2.5 hours)
  * Seasonal attraction: Closed before the 1st Saturday of May. During closure periods, this activity is replaced by Lake Minnewanka visit (20 minutes)
  
• Peyto Lake: Marvel at one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, famous for its ever-changing turquoise colors. The high concentration of glacial minerals in the water creates a vivid blue appearance that sometimes looks almost unreal (stop for about 20 minutes)
  *If not accessible, this will be replaced with a visit to Waterfowl Lake
• Crowfoot Glacier:  Observe this remarkable glacier named for its original three extensions resembling crow's claws. Due to climate change, one of these extensions collapsed in the early 20th century, making this site both breathtaking and educational about environmental changes (stop for about 15 minutes)

Lake Louise, Valley of the Ten Peaks & Rogers Pass History
The journey continues through the heart of the Canadian Rockies with visits to the legendary Lake Louise and Summer-exclusive Moraine Lake. This spectacular day features some of the most photographed landscapes in Canada, from the turquoise waters of Lake Louise set against Victoria Glacier to the emerald-hued Moraine Lake nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Journey Highlights

• Lake Louise: Admire the breathtaking turquoise waters of this iconic alpine lake named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, with time to explore the shoreline and capture perfect photographs. (Approx. 2hrs stop)
  *Optional Upgrade Available$$: Deluxe lunch at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
  
• Moraine Lake (Seasonal, Early June to Early October): Discover the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks featuring one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies. Its vivid turquoise color is created by light reflecting off glacial rock flour. (Approx. 45min. stop)
  **If Moraine Lake is closed, the stop will be replaced by Vermilion Lakes. For customers choose to upgrade one night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the pervious night, they will not visit Vermillion Lakes.
  
• Rogers Pass: Travel through this historic and scenic mountain pass, a designated National Historic Site that played a crucial role in connecting Canada by railway and highway. (Approx. 20min. stop)
  
• Dutchman Farm Ice Cream: Take a delightful break at Dutchman Farm, where you can sample fresh, creamy ice cream made with local ingredients—a sweet taste of the Okanagan countryside. (Approx. 20min. stop)

• Okanagan Lake: Pass by the stunning, deep Okanagan Lake, the heart of the valley. Hear the fascinating ancient First Nations legend of the serpent-like creature, Ogopogo, that is said to inhabit its depths. The local government even offers a CA$2 million reward to anyone who can prove its existence. (Approx. 60min. stop)
  
• VQA Winery & Icewine Tasting: Experience the charm of Canada’s wine country with a visit to a certified VQA winery. Taste premium reds, whites, and Icewines while learning about the Vintners Quality Alliance, Canada’s appellation system ensuring authenticity and world-class quality. (Approx. 90min. stop)
  
• Merritt Town: Known as the “Country Music Capital of Canada.” This welcoming community in the Nicola Valley blends small-town charm with a rich musical heritage. (Approx. 20min. stop)