Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West (Calgary/Banff to Vancouver & reverse)

Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West. Enjoy Canadian train travel and retrace the steps of 19th century explorers. Journey through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by the spot where the Last Spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This historic event is one of the most important in Canadian history as it united Canada from east to west. You’ll also transverse the Continental Divide and be inspired by spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. If you’re a history-buff this route is for you.

 

 First Passage to The West 

 

 

The story of the transcontinental railway is one marked with amazing architecture, and human determination. First Passage to the West, towards Banff, weaves its way through the towns and villages that grew around and supported the construction of this crucial railway. Experience the exceptional service Rocky Mountaineer is known for while taking in the legendary landmarks, architectural feats, and natural wonders that echo with the spirit of Canada’s West.

 

With an overnight stay in Kamloops, at the junction of the mighty Fraser and the Thompson River, this two-day, all daylight, rail experience, ensures that not a moment of this spectacular journey will be missed

 

 

 

Day 1 Banff to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey offers you a spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie – where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 2 Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver

 Highlights:

Fraser Canyon - Marvel at the Fraser Canyon as you exit the Coast Mountains. This deep canyon is a natural wonder that extends all the way to the town of Hope, with steep sides soaring up to 600 metres (1980 feet) above the water.

The Last Spike – A symbol of determination.  You will pass the stone cairn of Craigellachie where the last railroad spike was driven linking Canada’s railway from coast to coast. The landmark is named after a large rock in Banffshire County, Scotland where Donald Smith, who drove in the last spike, had grown up.

Spiral Tunnels – A unique architectural wonder built over 20 months starting in 1907, the Upper and Lower Spiral Tunnels were constructed through Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain, to improve safety by reducing the grade. It is fascinating to watch lengthy freight trains as they snake their way through these tunnels.

Stoney Creek Bridge – One of the most important bridges of its time, the beautiful Stoney Creek Bridge spans 147.6 metres (484 feet) and towers 99 metres (325 feet) above the creek bed.

Hell’s Gate - The thundering waters of the renowned tourist attraction, Hell’s Gate, are a fascinating sight.  Located at the most narrow and intimidating point in the Fraser River, as much as 909,218,000 litres (200 million gallons) of water surge through the 33.53 metre (110 foot) gorge each minute.

Rogers Pass – Tunnels, such as the remarkable Mount MacDonald Tunnel, snow sheds and glistening glaciers characterize this pass through the Selkirk Mountains. The pass is named after the man who discovered it, Major A.B. Rogers, a surveyor and locating engineer working for the Canadian Pacific Railway.