A traveller’s guide to Rocky Mountaineer’s routes

First Passage to the West 

This is the most popular and historically significant route, and for many travellers it's the obvious first choice. Following the original Canadian Pacific Railway line opened in 1885 – the very tracks that united a nation – First Passage to the West route carries emotional and historical weight alongside its stunning scenery. 

For those who wish to start the journey in Vancouver, the train traces the scenic Fraser and Thompson River valleys, transitioning from lush coastal forests into the dramatic canyon landscapes of British Columbia's interior. After an overnight in Kamloops, day two takes you through the Rockies in earnest: the Stoney Creek Bridge, the Continental Divide, Morant's Curve, and finally the mountain majesty of Banff National Park, one of Canada's most beloved destinations. 

Wildlife sightings are common on this route, with bald eagles, ospreys, black bears, and occasionally grizzlies spotted along the way. 

Best for: First-time visitors to Canada, history enthusiasts, those planning a Banff holiday, couples celebrating a special occasion, and anyone wanting the most iconic Rocky Mountaineer experience.

The route: Vancouver - Kamloops - Banff (or Lake Louise on select packages) Journey time: 2 days by train with an overnight in Kamloops

Direction: Can be travelled eastbound or westbound 

Journey through the Clouds 

Journey through the Clouds follows the Canadian National Railway line through the Rockies, arriving not in Banff but in the wilder, less-commercialised national park town of Jasper. This route offers a slightly different flavour to First Passage to the West – the landscapes are arguably more remote, the wildlife more abundant, and the overall atmosphere that bit more rugged. 

If you begin your journey in Vancouver, the train follows the Fraser River Valley into the arid canyon landscapes of the BC Interior before the scenery shifts dramatically on day two. Highlights include Pyramid Falls and the towering presence of Mount Robson. It’s the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at nearly 4,000 metres, and so large it has its own weather system). You’ll also experience the extraordinary wilderness of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 11,000 square kilometres. 

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, travellers who prefer a quieter, less-touristy feel, those planning a Jasper holiday, and anyone drawn to truly raw, untouched wilderness. 

The route: Vancouver - Kamloops - Jasper Journey time: 2 days by train with an overnight in Kamloops Direction: Can be travelled eastbound or westbound 

Canyon Spirit 

For travellers tempted to extend their North American adventure beyond Canada, Rocky Mountaineer's American Southwest experience – operated under the Canyon Spirit brand – offers a completely different but equally dramatic landscape. Travelling between Denver and Moab, with options extending to Salt Lake City, Canyon Spirit winds through sculpted canyons, desert plateaus, natural arches, and the vivid rock formations of Utah and Colorado. 

Best for: Canyon Spirit is a compelling option for travellers who have already experienced one or more of the Canadian routes and are looking for something completely different – swapping snow-capped peaks and alpine forests for sculpted red rock canyons, vast desert plateaus, and natural arches. It suits the adventurous traveller who likes their luxury travel served with a sense of exploration and discovery. 

The routes: Denver - Glenwood Springs - Moab Journey time: 2 days by train with an overnight in Glenwood Springs Direction: Can be travelled eastbound or westbound 

Denver - Glenwood Springs - Moab -Salt Lake City Journey time: 3 days by train with overnights in Glenwood Springs and Moab

Direction: Can be travelled eastbound or westbound.