The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, ensuring visitors get the best views of the Canadian countryside. The Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Jasper connects British Columbia with Alberta, with three different sightseeing routes. Stops include Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Banff, Kamloops, and Quesnel. The Rocky Mountaineer operates between mid-April and mid-October, and is one of the best ways to travel from Vancouver to Jasper by train.
The Rocky Mountaineer runs eastward from Vancouver to Jasper, or travellers are able to reverse the route and start in Jasper.
The driving distance from Vancouver to Jasper is approximately 795 kilometres (493 miles). Travellers cover between 900 and 1200 kilometres (559 and 745 miles), depending on the Rocky Mountaineer train route they choose. There are two train routes between Vancouver and Jasper.
The first option takes two full days and includes a hotel overnight stop in Kamloops, British Columbia. Visitors see dramatic changes in scenery while rolling through the Fraser Valley, past the Coast and Cascade mountains, to the desert-like landscape of BC’s interior. Visitors travel from Kamloops to Jasper on the second day. The train takes the travellers across the Continental Divide and climbs over Yellowhead Pass.
Second is the Rocky Mountaineer train route that takes three days and includes two hotel nights along the way. The first day is from Vancouver to Whistler. It is a half day on the train, and then travellers get to spend the afternoon exploring Whistler village. The second day of the train journey is from Whistler to Quesnel, where visitors travel past canyons, farmland, lakes, and rolling hills. The train crosses Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. The final day of this route takes you through the forests of northern British Columbia, before arriving in Jasper National Park after an overnight stay in Quesnel.
[ Explore: Fun Facts about Jasper National Park ]
Several Canadian train vacations include the Rocky Mountaineer routes between Vancouver and Jasper, such as the Complete Canadian Rockies by Train or the Circle the Canadian Rockies by Train. Both trips and train routes allow travellers to add additional nights in the Rockies or sightseeing tours.
The journey takes the guests past the spectacular Pyramid Falls before continuing until the mountain views envelop them. Listen to the history of the railway and the area while savouring the gourmet lunch on the way to Jasper National Park, which includes Mount Robson. The stunning sight is the highest mountain peak in all the Canadian Rockies. The journey ends at the town of Jasper, where you are free to explore.
Choose between Silverleaf service and Goldleaf service for the Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Silverleaf service involves travel in a single-level glass-dome coach. The oversized windows give spectacular views of the scenery. Goldleaf service includes a bi-level dome coach. The addition of an upper level is a truly stunning way to experience the panoramic views. Silverleaf and Goldleaf levels of service include gourmet meals and exquisite storytelling from onboard hosts during the train journey. Silverleaf guests are served meals at their seats while travellers opting for Goldleaf Service eat their meals in a window-lined dining car.
[ Explore: Difference between RockyMountaineer SilverLeaf vs Service ]
Hotel options for stopovers are assigned by Rocky Mountaineer. Visitors are encouraged to view the details of the accommodations on their boarding pass. Hotels are clean, comfortable, and provide high-quality service for every need.
Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver to Jasper (2 days)
- Miles on Train: 559
- Days on Train: 2
- Nights on Train: 0 (overnight hotel stay in Kamloops)
Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver to Jasper (3 days)
- Miles on Train: 707
- Days on Train: 3
- Nights on Train: 0 (overnight hotel stays in Whistler and Quesnel)