Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver to Banff - First Passage to the West - Unravel Travel TV
First Passage to the West is Rocky Mountaineer most popular route through the Canadian Rockies, famous for uniting Canada's East and West. Travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and pass by Craigellachie, the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This is the only passenger rail service on this historic route, celebrated for connecting Canada from East to West. Traverse the Continental Divide and be inspired by spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. If you’re a history buff, this route is for you.
Amazing Sights Along the Way include:
Cisco Crossing - Find yourself where the CP and CN rail tracks overlap. The orange truss arch bridge, one of two bridges, is the largest single span bridge on the CN line at 247 metres (812 feet) long.
Black Canyon - Black Canyon features a unique dark shale rock wall that towers above the tracks, providing a stunning contrast against the dark blue water below and the sandy hills that roll away above.
Hoodoos - Don't mind the hair raising feeling as you pass by the Hoodoos, legend has it these formations are people turned into pillars through witchcraft.
Craigellachie - Though you're moving forward on the tracks, you're actually going back to 1885 and the site of the 'Last Spike' where Canada's East and West were united by 3,200 kilometres (1,988 miles) of railway track.
Kinbasket Lake - Pass by Kinbasket Lake, an upgraded reservoir on the Columbia River just past Golden. Kinbasket's calm, blue-green waters are the perfect back drop for your photos as the train twists along the shore.
Kicking Horse River - From here on, you'll be following the Kicking Horse River deep into the Canadian Rockies. Lucky for you, there aren't any bucking broncos to worry about.
Spiral Tunnels - Twist your way through a Swiss engineering marvel that was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and 1,000 men. The tunnels have been impressing (and disorienting) rail travellers since opening in 1909.
Castle Mountain - Tall, dark, and pretty darn big, Castle Mountain, named in 1858 for its castle-like shape, is a monster of a mountain at just over 2,766 metres (9,074 feet).
Banff - Whether you're interested in outdoor adventure, prefer soaking in Banff's famous sulphurous hot springs or simply want to take in the stunning views at the top of the gondola, Banff is the ideal Canadian destination. Located in Canada's first National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff offers breathtaking vistas, culinary adventures, and thriving wildlife. Throw in a castle for good measure and you'll see why Banff is described as uniquely magical.
Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver to Banff - First Passage to the West
Unravel Travel TV