Rainforest to Gold Rush: Why This Route is Unmissable

Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush route is one of Canada’s most diverse and breathtaking train journeys. This multi-day rail adventure takes you from coastal rainforests to historic gold rush towns and into the majestic Canadian Rockies.

This journey is a three-day, all-daylight train experience that begins in Vancouver, passes through Whistler and Quesnel, and ends in the heart of Jasper National Park. Along the way, you’ll cross deep river valleys, witness the legacy of the Cariboo Gold Rush, and travel through Yellowhead Pass, a spectacular gateway into the Rockies. 

Route Highlights: 

• Lush Coastal Rainforests – Towering cedars and misty fjords of British Columbia’s Pacific Coast. 
• Historic Gold Rush Towns – Follow the path of fortune seekers in the Cariboo region. 
• Epic Mountain Scenery – Jagged peaks, glaciers, and emerald lakes of Jasper National Park. 
• Wildlife Viewing – Opportunities to spot bears, bald eagles, elk, and mountain goats. 

The local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada are experienced in planning personalized train trips that include Rocky Mountaineer. We can help you decide which Rocky Mountaineer train route is right for you, as well as create a customized itinerary that includes unique excursions, luxury hotels, train station transfers, and more. Choose the experiences that best match your interests and have the perfect Canadian train trip. 

Rocky Mountaineer(1) is known for delivering a world-class rail experience, where luxury, comfort, and breathtaking scenery come together. With spacious seating, panoramic windows, and attentive service, every detail is designed to enhance your journey. 

Guests on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route enjoy: 

• All-daylight travel – ensuring you don’t miss a single view. 
• Onboard gourmet dining – fresh, a-la-carte meals inspired by the landscapes you pass through. 
• Engaging storytelling – onboard hosts share history, geology, and wildlife facts. 

[Explore: Rocky Mountaineer Train Tours]

Rocky Mountaineer offers three train journeys in Canada, taking guests between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. The Rainforest to Gold Rush route (2) offers the most varied scenery and is Rocky Mountaineer’s longest route, so includes more time on the train, as well as a stop in Whistler.

The Rainforest to Gold Rush route spans three days, each offering new landscapes and experiences. Each evening, after 10-12 hours on the train, guests are transferred to a comfortable hotel for an overnight stay. 

Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler 

• Depart Vancouver and travel through the lush Fraser Valley, known for its fertile farmlands and vineyards. 
• Pass along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, with breathtaking views of Howe Sound. 
• Arrive in Whistler, a world-famous mountain town, for an overnight stay. Enjoy free time in Whistler.  

Day 2: Whistler to Quesnel 

• Enter the remote Cariboo region, famous for its gold rush history. 
• Travel through deep river canyons and dense forests, home to diverse wildlife. 
• Overnight in Quesnel, a small town that was once the center of the Cariboo Gold Rush. 

Day 3: Quesnel to Jasper 

• Journey through Yellowhead Pass, a stunning natural corridor into the Rockies. 
• Travel along the Fraser River, passing by the towering Mount Robson. 
• Arrive in Jasper, ready for more Canadian Rockies adventures. 
   

This route can also be taken in the reverse direction, from Jasper to Vancouver (via Quesnel and Whistler). One of the main differences in the directions is the time you arrive in Whistler. If you are travelling from Vancouver, you arrive in Whistler around lunchtime, so will have the afternoon to explore the area independently. For the reverse direction, you arrive in Whistler on your second evening and have the following morning to explore, before you board the train for the final part of your trip to Vancouver. 

Day 1 - Highlights of the Coastal Rainforests 

The journey begins in British Columbia’s temperate rainforest, home to towering cedar, fir, and spruce trees draped in moss. This lush ecosystem is teeming with wildlife. During spring and summer, you can admire the rushing rivers and waterfalls in full force. In the fall, there are increased chances of spotting bears as they prepare for winter.  

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: 

• Bald eagles – Seen soaring over rivers and hunting for fish. 
• Black bears – Often spotted near Whistler and along rivers.

Day 2 - The Journey into Historic Gold Rush Territory 

In the mid-1800s, fortune seekers flooded British Columbia during the Cariboo Gold Rush and the Fraser River Gold Rush, shaping the history and culture of the region. Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush route passes through heritage towns and abandoned mining sites, bringing this history to life. 

• Lillooet: Known as “Mile 0” of the Cariboo Wagon Road, the gateway to gold country. 
• Quesnel: A former gold rush hub that still retains its frontier-town charm.

Day 3 - Spectacular Mountain Scenery of the Canadian Rockies 

The final stretch of the journey takes you deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, delivering some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. This day is all about the transition from rolling foothills and river valleys to the glacial lakes and towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. 

Notable Landmarks: 

• Fraser Canyon – Deep, dramatic cliffs carved by the Fraser River. 
• Mount Robson – The tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. 
• Yellowhead Pass – A historic and scenic route through the mountains. 

Vancouver: A Beautiful Coastal City

The starting point of the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, Vancouver is a city that perfectly blends modern urban energy with breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Coast Mountains, Vancouver is consistently ranked as none of the most livable cities in the world. 

Before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer, take time to explore the city’s oceanfront parks, bustling markets, natural attractions, and vibrant culinary scene. Vancouver is the perfect place to begin (or extend) your Canadian rail journey. 

Things to do in Vancouver before or after your train journey: 

• Walk the Stanley Park seawall and stop at Brockton Point to admire the First Nations totem poles 
• Take a food tour of the Granville Island Public Market and taste artisan cheese, gourmet bread, local coffee, and more 
• Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge and look down at the Capilano River, surrounding by towering cedar and fir trees 

Whistler: A World-Class Mountain Resort Town

While Whistler is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, this alpine village is a four-season playground that offers outdoor adventure, fine dining, and cultural experience year-round. As the first overnight stop on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, Whistler gives travellers a taste of mountain luxury and adventure before they continue deeper into British Columbia’s wilderness. 

Activities you can do in Whistler during your half day there: 

• Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whisler and Blackcomb Mountains for breathtaking views. At the summit of each mountain, you can enjoy scenic walking trails and dine at mountaintop restaurants. 
• Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about Indigenous history and culture through engaging displays and music performances. Complimentary guided tours are usually available on the hour. 

Jasper: Your Mountain Adventure Hub 

The journey ends in the charming town of Jasper, a rugged and less crowded alternative to Banff. The townsite of Jasper sits within Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves. There are endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Spend some time in Jasper and choose from a range of exciting activities and excursions, including wildlife tours, boat cruises, canoeing, hiking, and guided sightseeing along the Icefields Parkway.

While Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of service on other Canadian routes, only GoldLeaf service is available for Rainforest to Gold Rush. GoldLeaf is Rocky Mountaineer’s highest level of service and provides guests with a luxurious and comfortable journey through Western Canada’s most stunning landscapes.  

Here is a quick summary of GoldLeaf service: 

• Custom-designed bi-level coach with lounge seating on the upper level and a dining room on the lower level 
• Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views upstairs 
• Large picture windows in the lower-level dining room 
• Gourmet a-la-carte meals served in private GoldLeaf dining room 
• Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seats with ample leg room 
• 3-4 onboard hosts, plus a full culinary team 
• Engaging commentary with stories about historic sites, scenery, and wildlife 
• Large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform 
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Dining aboard the Rainforest to Gold Rush route is as much a part of the journey as the breathtaking scenery. Each meal is freshly prepared by executive chefs, using locally sourced ingredients that showcase the best of Canadian cuisine. GoldLeaf guests enjoy an exclusive dining room experience in the lower level of the bi-level glass-dome coach.

Sample Menu Onboard  

Breakfast Selections (Served with fresh fruit, pastries, and gourmet coffee/tea.) 

• Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs – Served with roasted breakfast potatoes and fresh herbs. 
• Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup – Topped with fresh fruit compote. 
• Greek Yogurt and Granola Bowl – Mixed with honey and seasonal fruit. 

Lunch Selections (Served with artisan bread or other starter, BC wine options, and choice of dessert.) 

• Grilled Alberta Beef Tenderloin – With garlic mashed potatoes and a red wine jus. 
• West Coast Salmon – Fresh BC salmon with lemon-dill sauce and roasted vegetables. 
• Rocky Mountain Power Bowl – Mushrooms, yams and tofu with tahini sauce. 

Dietary Accommodations: Vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options are available with advance notice. It’s best to communicate these requests at the time of booking.  

As you journey from the coastal rainforests into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, you’ll pass through territories of many Indigenous Nations, including the Squamish, Lil’wat, Secwepemc, and Métis communities.

Rocky Mountaineer acknowledges these lands and incorporates Indigenous storytelling into the onboard experience, sharing historical perspectives and cultural traditions. You can also visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler to learn about Indigenous history, art, and customs.

The Rainforest to Gold Rush route is available between April and October, usually departing once a week from Vancouver and Jasper respectively.  Each season offers a unique experience: 

Spring (April – June): 

• Best time for wildlife viewing (bears emerging from hibernation and birds nesting). 
• Rushing waterfalls from melting snow. 
• Flowers starting to bloom and lakes beginning to thaw. 

Summer (July – August): 

• Warmest temperatures and long daylight hours for photography. 
• Peak wildflower bloom in the alpine meadows. 
• Best time to see the turquoise glacier-fed lakes. 

Fall (September – October): 

• Stunning autumn foliage in the Cariboo and Fraser Valley. 
• Fewer crowds and crisp mountain air. 
• Chance to see snow on the mountains. 

It’s recommended that you wear several light layers and comfortable shoes onboard the train, no matter what season you’re travelling in. The temperature can fluctuate throughout the day as you travel through various climate regions. A hat and sunglasses are recommended for sunny days, through you are protected from UV rays while onboard the train.

Your checked luggage is sent ahead to your overnight hotels, so you must pack everything you need for each day in a small bag or backpack. It’s best to bring a small bag that can fit at your feet as there is no overhead storage on the train.

If you’re interested in riding the Rocky Mountaineer, we recommend booking at least 6-12 months in advance to secure the best availability, especially in summer. 

Speak to one of the local experts at Canadian Train Vacations to get more information about Rocky Mountaineer, personalized train trip itineraries, and exclusive add-ons that let you explore more of the Canadian Rockies. From Jasper, you could head down the Icefields Parkway on a sightseeing tour, take a helicopter flight over ancient glaciers, spend time in Banff or Lake Louise, and more.

Conclusion  

The Rainforest to Gold Rush route is one of Rocky Mountaineer’s most unique and diverse rail experiences. From coastal forests to alpine peaks, every mile is filled with history, breathtaking scenery, and five-star service. 

Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Book with Canadian Train Vacations and let our Canadian Insiders create the perfect itinerary for you!