Known as of Canada’s premier luxury sightseeing train. The Rocky Mountaineer travels through the Rocky Mountains during daylight hours maximizing viewing of the spectacular peaks and rugged landscapes. In comparison to the Canadian, the Rocky Mountaineer’s routes are primarily a tourist train experience. Overnight stays are in hotels as opposed to sleeping onboard.
Tickets
The most direct way to book is with Rocky Mountaineer directly and 1-877-460-3200 (Canada and USA).
Fares
The Rocky Mountaineer offers several packages to help travellers decide based on their budget and travel time. Package costs range from $2,354 to $15,645 and are all inclusive including meals, hotel stays, and connecting bus. The more direct routes over one (1) night (Vancouver – Kamloops – Banff) are the most affordable. Whereas the Grand Adventure Circle Journey over elven (11) (Vancouver – Kamloops – Banff – Jasper – Quesnel – Whistler – Vancouver) is the most expensive.
Guests can choose between the SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service. SilverLeaf service is in single-level cars with glass dome views, gourmet meals and drinks. GoldLeaf service takes this to the next level with bi-level cars. The upper level features panoramic glass views to the roof. One the lower level guests can take in the sights from outdoor viewing platforms and enjoy gourmet meals in the dedicated dining area.
Services
The Rocky Mountaineer routes can be divided into three (3) services:
Rail
- First Passage to the West (Vancouver – Kamloops – Banff)
- Journey through the Clouds (Vancouver – Kamloops – Jasper)
- Rainforest to Gold Rush (Vancouver – Whistler – Quesnel – Jasper)
Destinations
The Rocky Mountaineer’s main hub for passengers is in Vancouver next to Pacific Central Station. As the First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds service travel into the interior of B.C., the overnight stop in Kamloops, next to the Rocky Mountaineers maintenance facility. Major stops also include Whistler for the Rainforest to Gold service. The tourists town in the national parks, Jasper and Banff are located at their historical train stations. in Jasper, the train stops at Jasper Station, interchanging with VIA Rail’s Canadian.
Baggage
The Rocky Mountaineer’s Luggage policy lays out what guest can travel with. Pack a day bag to keep accessible during the day.
Each guests is allowed a maximum of two (2) pieces of checked luggage. This will be given to your hotel room at the end of each day.
If guest are travelling with luggage that doesn’t need to be access during the journey (i.e. don’t need in the hotel room), the Rocky Mountaineer will direct express luggage through to the final destination.
Classes
Pros
- One of the world’s greatest scenic rail journeys.
- Designed to maximize viewing the Canadian Rockies scenery by travelling entirely during the day.
- The focus on daytime sightseeing trips makes this a more reliable option compared to the Canadian (which can be subject to delays).
- Excellent photography opportunities with panoramic glass domes and an outdoor viewing area.
- All-inclusive experience with gourmet foods, hotels, luggage transfers.
Cons
- Primarily a sightseeing experience rather than transportation (although travellers can use this as a way to travel between Vancouver and Calgary / Edmonton in luxury).
- Seasonal operation (no winter service).
- No sleeping accommodation on the train.
- Packages that involve multiple itinerates involve long motorcoach bus rides.
- Very expensive compared to VIA Rail’s Canadian.
Notes
- Dress for the elements! As the climate of Western Canada varies greatly depending on the time of year, elevation, coastal, and latitude ensure to dress for the season. Bring a light jacket to provide oneself from the elements and cooler mountain weather.
- The train operates during the Spring-Summer-Autumn season. There is no winter service.