Bow Lake | Credit: Travel Alberta
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First Passage to the West Rockies Discovery
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Bow Lake | Credit: Travel Alberta
Castle Mountain | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Goldleaf Service | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Banff | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Lake Louise Station | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Credit: Destination Vancouver
Canada

First Passage to the West Rockies Discovery (Tour code: 12888)

Starts and Ends
Vancouver to
Calgary
Travel Periods
13 Apr 24 - 05 Oct 24
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Packages
Embark on the legendary First Passage to the West with Rocky Mountaineer and unlock the secrets of the Canadian Rockies, where every twist and turn reveals a new discovery of awe-inspiring beauty.

Highlights

Take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff

Experience the premium luxury of GoldLeaf service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer

View the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies

Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Yoho National Park

9 days
From
AUD 6,228
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Commence your journey in Vancouver, a coastal gem nestled between mountains and ocean, which captivates with its cosmopolitan charm, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant cultural tapestry that beckons visitors from around the world.

Board the Rocky Mountaineer in Goldleaf Service and travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels, traverse the Continental Divide, and be inspired as you wind through mountain passes and dramatic canyons. 

Arrive into Lake Louise, the jewel of the Rockies.Lake Louise offers amazing picturesque views. The sparkling blue-green alpine lake is nestled at the foot of the Victoria Glacier, creating an epic backdrop no matter the time of day. Enjoy ample free time in Lake Louise to explore on your own.

From Lake Louise you will enjoy a half day tour into Yoho National Park before ending in Banff. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventure, prefer soaking in Banff's famous hot springs or want to take in the 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. 

The package will then conclude in the Stampede city of Calgary for your last overnight.

Inclusions

1 night in Calgary at the Delta Calgary Downtown
2 days onboard Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service
1 night in Kamloops
2 nights in Vancouver at the Georgian Court Hotel
2 breakfast, 2 lunch (Eastbound)
2 nights at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
2 nights in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Full day sightseeing tour between Banff and Calgary
National Parks Pass
Onboard train gratuities
Banff Gondola Admission
Station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Lake Louise
Yoho National Park Tour between Lake Louise and Banff

Rail Onboard Rocky Mountaineer - GoldLeaf Service

GoldLeaf Service Inclusions:

  • Bi-level dome with seating above and dining below
  • Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views
  • Gourmet à la carte meals in the lower-level dining room
  • Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating
  • Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Attended by up to four Hosts, plus a full culinary team
  • Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Gourmet sweet and savoury snacks
  • Large exclusive outdoor viewing platform
  • Luggage handling
Breakfast, Lunch
Onboard Rocky Mountaineer - GoldLeaf Service
Goldleaf Service | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Day 1 Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic coastal city on your own. That could be discovering Stanley Park, taking a small ferry to Granville Island, or much more. 

Overnight in Vancouver at the Georgian Court Hotel.

Vancouver
Stanley Park | Credit: Destination Vancouver / Kazutoshi Yoshimuri

Day 2 Vancouver

Enjoy the day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. Vancouver has activities for all interests, including visiting historic Gastown, dining in lively Yaletown, or enjoying a walk on the Stanely Park Seawall. No matter what you choose to do, the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean surround you.

Overnight in Vancouver at the Georgian Court Hotel.

Vancouver
Gastown | Credit: Destination Vancouver

Day 3 Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver Kamloops

Travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia's interior.

On today's journey, you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like landscapes of the BC interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day ends as the train travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into the town of Kamloops.

Overnight in Kamloops.

Breakfast, Lunch
Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver → Kamloops
Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Day 4 Rocky Mountaineer: Kamloops Lake Louise

Your journey continues eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta.

Once again, you will experience ever-changing scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in Lake Louise.

Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Breakfast, Lunch
Rocky Mountaineer: Kamloops → Lake Louise
Lake Louise | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Day 5 Lake Louise

Enjoy the day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. With its unique history and picturesque scenery, Lake Louise will not disappoint. Learn about the local wildlife, paddle the lake by canoe, or simply relax amongst the beauty.

Overnight in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Lake Louise
Lake Louise | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Day 6 Lake Louise Banff

This morning you are free to explore beautiful Lake Louise on your own. After lunch, a half-day transfer takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Banff.

Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 2:00 p.m., scheduled checkout time is normally 12:00 p.m. Your luggage will be stored upon checkout, and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.

Overnight in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

Lake Louise → Banff
Yoho National Park | Credit: Destination BC/Dave Heath

Day 7 Banff

Enjoy the day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. Banff has activities for all, from relaxing in the Banff hot springs, and exploring the bustling town, to outdoor wildlife adventures.

Overnight in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa.

Banff
Banff Gondola | Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Day 8 Banff Calgary

Today you will enjoy a full-day sightseeing transfer concluding in Calgary. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Banff. Among the points of interest are Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. Before leaving Banff, you will enjoy a visit to the Banff Gondola.

Overnight in Calgary at the Delta Calgary Downtown.

Banff → Calgary
Calgary | Credit: Kelly Hofer Tourism Calgary

Day 9 Calgary

Your journey ends upon check out from your Calgary hotel.

Accommodation

Georgian Court Hotel

Vancouver
Located steps from the highlights of the city, the Georgian Court Hotel is one of the finest boutique hotels in Vancouver, BC. Conveniently located just steps from BC Place Stadium, Rogers Arena, trendy Robson Street, and many of the city’s main attractions, the Georgian Court blends timeless style and service with modern elegance.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta's Banff National Park. Discover endless outdoor recreational activities including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and river rafting.

Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

Banff
Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a great steakhouse restaurant and a full service spa, all in one outstanding location. This ideal vacation spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Calgary
Renowned for its genuine hospitality, the Delta Calgary Downtown is ideally located in downtown Calgary at the intersection of the city's business and cultural districts. Enjoy convenient access to all venues through the Calgary Skywalk system and public transportation, which makes exploring our city that much easier. When you return at the end of the day, expect the comforts of home.

Additional information

Official language
French & English
Local currency
Canadian Dollars

2024 Departures

  • April - 13, 20, 27
  • May - 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
  • June - 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
  • July - 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
  • August - 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
  • September - 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28
  • October - 5

Please note that pricing is based on a “from price” which varies on each departure and is subject to change without notice. Please contact our friendly team for exact pricing, availability, and upgrade options.

We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means we may need to offer an alternative hotel of equivalent or better quality. Our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Transportation from Vancouver airport
  • Transportation from Banff
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
INDUSTRY ACCREDITED
AWARD WINNING
TRAVEL SUPPORT
50 YEARS EXPERIENCE
HANDPICKED SUPPLIERS
UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCES