Where Rivers Meet
Known as the meeting place of the North and South Thompson rivers in sunny Interior British Columbia, Kamloops basks in over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year - making it the perfect spot for serene moments and outdoor adventures alike.
Photo credit: Candace Lewis
British Columbia’s Hidden Gem
Hidden away in the heart of British Columbia, nestled halfway between the West Coast and the Canadian Rockies, Kamloops beckons guests with stunning lakeside landscapes and rugged natural beauty. Imagine a place where rolling hills meet the sparkling waters of the Thompson River, creating a picturesque backdrop filled with tall clay hoodoos and peaks.
Wind through arid farmland peppered with sagebrush and take in the craggy mountain peaks emerging all around you. Kamloops serves as the gateway to the diverse landscapes of British Columbia and onwards into the Canadian Rocky Mountains, providing a unique opportunity to witness the province's breathtaking beauty from a new angle.
Rail Route Highlights
Learn more about the sights and scenes you’ll find along the route to Kamloops on the First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds rail routes.
Kamloops Lake
Journey through the stunning Shuswap region, with sparkling lake views nestled into lush forest valleys.
Fraser River
Follow the longest river in British Columbia as it winds its way from Vancouver to Kamloops, following the path taken by early trailblazers.
Wildlife
Catch glimpses of local British Columbia wildlife, including deer, osprey, ground squirrels and chipmunks, black bears, elk, marmots, and bald eagles.
Hell’s Gate
See the surging waters of Hell’s Gate, the narrowest part of the Fraser River. Named in 1908 for its “gates of Hell”, visitors can take in the excitement by riding the AirTram across the gorge.
Source: Shutterstock / Mile Post Monthly
Thompson-Okanagan Region
Find yourself in a dry, arid, desert-like landscape – a far cry from the coastal rainforests of the West Coast. Watch as the land softens into eroded valleys and golden grasslands.
Discover Kamloops on Two Unique Rail Routes
First Passage to the West
- Vancouver
- Kamloops
- Banff
Our only route that travels to Banff and Lake Louise, journeying between Vancouver and the untouched wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.
Board Rocky Mountaineer in the urban oasis of Vancouver and journey through the farmlands of the Fraser Valley.
The scenery undergoes a dramatic shift as you find yourself amid a desert landscape peppered with sagebrush, winding alongside the idyllic Kamloops Lake.
Stop in the quiet town of Kamloops BC, where you will overnight at a hotel.
Continue east into Glacier National Park and cross the stunning Stoney Creek Bridge, getting a bird’s-eye view over 250 feet above the valley below.
Take in the brilliant mineral waters of Lake Louise - a global symbol of the Rockies and home to the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Note: Only some packages end in Lake Louise.
The lake is not viewable from the train.
Catch glimpses of the famous Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle as you enter the Rocky Mountains, gazing at cascading waterfalls, icy glaciers, and peaks towering above the train windows.
Located in Banff National Park, this famous mountain town offers everything from healing hot springs and gondola rides to a thriving culinary & shopping scene. The famous Cascade Mountain towers over the town no matter where you are.
Journey Through The Clouds
- Vancouver
- Kamloops
- Jasper
Board in Vancouver and cut through the Rockies to Jasper, passing majestic Mount Robson and endless natural wonders.
Depart from our Vancouver station and follow the scenic Fraser River eastbound. Soon, you’ll be out of the city and moving into the wilderness.
Stop in the quiet town of Kamloops BC, where you will overnight at a hotel.
Step onto our outdoor viewing platform and feel the cool spray of Pyramid Falls on your face. Access to the falls is impossible by road - but our train takes you right up to this glacier-fed waterfalls.
Before gliding past the teal-green lakes in Jasper National Park, look up in awe at Mount Robson – the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. At almost 4,000 metres, this mountain is so large it has its own weather system.
You’ll want to explore every corner of this quaint mountain town. Pop into a local pub or restaurant, explore the many local hiking trails, take a dip in Pyramid Lake, or treat yourself to an evening at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
What’s Included with our Rail Journeys
From the moment you step foot onboard, your journey to Banff will be as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
Glass-Dome Coaches
Custom-designed train coaches provide panoramic views of stunning landscapes. Or, get a bit closer by stepping into the outdoor viewing area.
Gourmet Dining
Dine on delicious, regionally-inspired cuisine that features local ingredients and flavours while our world-class onboard Host team takes care of your every need.
All-Daylight Train
See the sights by day, sleep in a hotel at night. There are no sleeper cars onboard – stay in comfortable accommodations at each destination.
World-Class Hospitality
From refilling your wine glass to sharing stories and helping with special requests, our Hosts provide an unforgettable onboard experience.
Start Planning Your Journey
Inspired to learn more about our routes and destinations? Download our digital brochure to start planning an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Explore More Destinations
Discover more must-see destinations along our routes through Western Canada and the American Southwest.
Vancouver, British Columbia
A vibrant metropolis situated against a backdrop of endless mountains and glistening ocean.
Banff, Alberta
Canada's first National Park and the crown jewel of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Lake Louise, Alberta
A picture-perfect paradise in the heart of the Rockies.
Jasper, Alberta
A quaint town set beneath mountain peaks in the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Moab, Utah
Utah's adventure capital and gateway to the Mighty Five National Parks.
Denver, Colorado
Experience 300 annual days of sunshine in Colorado's "Mile-High" city.
