Rocky Mountaineer: An Overview [VIDEO]

Rocky Mountaineer is the ultimate Canadian Rockies rail vacation. The train travels between Vancouver and either Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper and the options for customization are endless. The Canadian Rockies mountain range spans the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. With jagged, ice-capped peaks, including towering Mt. Robson. The region is dotted with alpine lakes, home to diverse wildlife and is an outdoor recreationists dream.

The Routes

The First Passage to the West

On this route, the train travels between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise with one overnight stay in Kamloops. Over 125 years ago, this rail route united Canada and along it you will see mountains and wilderness, much of it unchanged from the early days of the explorers. The First Passage to the West is perfect for the history buffs. Highlights include Hell’s Gate, Cisco Crossing, Castle Mountain, Mount Rundle and Craigellachie, where the last spike marked the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway line.

Journey Through the Clouds

The two-day route takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies with nature’s beauty on full display. The train travels between Vancouver and Jasper and is a popular choice among nature lovers and photographers. Highlights along this route include Hell’s Gate, Cisco Crossing, Yellowhead Pass, Moose Lake, Mount Robson and the famous Pyramid Falls. Just like the first passage to the west, you will spend the night in Kamloops.

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Unlike the first two, this route includes three days on the train and two overnight stays. One night in Whistler, co-host of the 2010 Olympic Games, and one night in Quesnel, Canada’s gold rush capital. This route travels farther north than the other two, ultimately ending in Jasper. Highlights of this route include Howe Sound, Anderson and Seton Lakes, Moose Lake, Painted Chasm and Mount Robson. Consider this journey if you are an adventure seeker or simply want more time on the train!

The Onboard Experience

The Rocky Mountaineer experience is available in two different classes of service: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. Before we look at the differences though, let’s cover what they have in common.

Domed Coaches: Each train car has been customized designed to Rocky Mountaineers specifications. Whether in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf, you will be traveling in a domed rail car with unobstructed views in all directions.

World-Class Service: All Rocky Mountaineer guests are treated like royalty with service as unparalleled as the views.

Chef-Prepared Cuisine: Each day on the train will include two meals: breakfast, and lunch. Each menu is inspired by the diverse flavors and local ingredients of western Canada.

Snacks and beverages: Complimentary cocktails, local wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are always available throughout the journey along with a selection of gourmet snacks.

An on-board host: There is nothing like a good story and your onboard host will tell intriguing tales about the history of the area as you pass through the enchanting landscape.

The key differences between the two classes of service can be found in the coach design, the onboard offerings, and the hotels along the route.

• SilverLeaf guests travel in a single level domed car with meals served at your seat while GoldLeaf guests travel in a bi-level domed car with seating above and a private dining area below.

• In SilverLeaf, two hosts and one culinary team member accompany the guests in the car, while in GoldLeaf three to four hosts and a full culinary team travel with the guests. Creating a more elevated onboard experience.

• The SilverLeaf breakfast and lunch menus are more limited with one hot entrée at breakfast and the choice of a main course at lunch. GoldLeaf guests indulge in gourmet, a la carte offerings for both meals.

• SilverLeaf guests have a small, outdoor viewing platform, while the GoldLeaf passengers have a large, exclusive outdoor viewing area, perfect for photographers and wildlife lovers.

• Overnight accommodations in SilverLeaf v include a standard room at a comfortable hotel with restaurants on-site or just a short walk away. GoldLeaf guests stay at a premium hotel with room upgrade opportunities available. Restaurants and other amenities are usually on site. Keep in mind that accommodations in Kamloops and Quesnel are more moderate, simply because luxury accommodations are not available.

Although the services differ in many ways, one thing is for sure, regardless of which service you travel, the experience onboard will be unforgettable.

WHEN TO GO

The Rocky Mountaineer train operates between late April and early October.

Start of the Season: April and May

The start of the season is perfect for wildlife lovers, as animals will be waking from hibernation and are active scavenging for food. Warmer temperatures mean higher water levels from melting ice, and rivers and waterfalls will be at their fullest

Summer: June, July, and August

Summer is the most popular time of year and prices on the train are historically higher during this period. These are the longest and warmest months in the Canadian Rockies, you can expect daylight until 11:30 PM! Baby animals are born during the summer months and the striking differences in the landscape are even more pronounced.

Fall: September and October

Cooler temperatures settle in and the salmon begin to spawn. However, nothing beats the first colors of autumn as you travel through the beautiful Canadian landscape!