If the wild nature of western Canada is calling to you, now is your chance to explore.
Rocky Mountaineer announced a new train tour itinerary called “Passage to the Peaks,” which will journey between Jasper and Banff, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in some of the most iconic landscapes of Canada. The journey will be available for a limited time in the summer of 2026, in June and July.
“This experience takes you exclusively through the breathtaking highlights of the Canadian Rockies and is our only route that doesn’t travel to the West Coast. Beginning and ending in the iconic mountain towns of Banff and Jasper, this journey is for those who want to immerse themselves in the evergreen forests, sparkling glacial lakes, and towering mountains that define the region,” Rocky Mountaineer says on its website.
Rocky Mountaineer is routinely earns a spot in Travel + Leisure‘s annual World’s Best Awards and snagged the No. 1 spot in 2025.
The route can be taken either eastbound or westbound, starting or ending in Banff or Jasper. Travelers beginning in Banff will be able to explore Banff National Park and the surrounding town, where the Cascade Mountain looms overhead. The route then continues to Lake Louise, where travelers can see the clear mountain waters and the historic Fairmont Chateau. Some routes don’t include Lake Louise, which can’t be viewed onboard the train.
The journey continues to Mount Rundle in Banff National Park, with its rushing waterfalls and glaciers, before continuing on to the panoramic views of Castle Mountain, named after its fortress-like appearance. Guests will stay overnight in the quiet town of Kamloops in British Columbia.
Travelers continue on to see Pyramid Falls from a viewing platform that is impossible to access by car, and only able to be reached by the train. Participants will also see Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, before arriving in Jasper National Park where they can experience local hiking trails, hidden lakes, and the famous Jasper Park Lodge.
“Passage to the Peaks will be available on select dates in 2026 due to the FIFA World Cup taking place in Vancouver during June and July. With the city expected to welcome a significant number of visitors, we’re excited to offer an alternative route for those seeking a quieter experience,” the website states.
The trip can be expanded with add-ons and is able to last anywhere from one night to nine nights. Travelers can find the travel package that works best for them on rockymountaineer.com.
