The Best Rocky Mountaineer Trips

Travel through the Canadian Rockies on a daylight train

The Rocky Mountaineer showcases rugged alpine terrain and wildlife you can only see by rail, paired with comfy carriages, exquisite meals and excellent service. We’ll help you choose the right train trip, then personalize your time in the Canadian Rockies. Comfort, scenery and a dash of adventure? Yes, please!

Canada's iconic daylight train only travels from sunrise to sunset. With routes to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Whistler, and Vancouver, you'll enjoy spectacular views and impeccable service along the way.

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Guests enjoying wine before lunch in GoldLeaf dining room onboard the train

Quick facts about Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer connects BC and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops
The train runs from mid-April until mid-October
The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities
The routes are designed with an overnight break about mid-way, where guests are transferred to a comfortable hotel
Chef prepared meals and local BC wines are included on the train as well as gourmet snacks
Attentive onboard hosts provide full storytelling throughout your journey

Train Experiences

These are some suggested experiences for your Canadian adventure

Couple enjoys the view from the GoldLeaf service outdoor viewing platform.

Rocky Mountaineer

Daylight Train

The Rocky Mountaineer connects British Columbia and Alberta, with stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel and Kamloops. The train runs from mid-April until mid-October. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.

Prestige luxury train cabin with double bed facing a window

Luxury Train Service

GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer train connects Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. The train runs by daylight and operates from mid-April to mid-October. Prestige class sleeper service on VIA Rail Canadian train operates year-round and you can travel all the way from Vancouver to Toronto or vice-versa. Both luxury train services provide spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities.

Rocky Mountaineer Routes

Rocky Mountaineer offers three stunning daylight routes connecting British Columbia and Alberta. We can personalize your trip around one of these train journeys or combine them together.

Route map for the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to the Rockies

First Passage to the West

Vancouver → Kamloops → Lake Louise or Banff

This route connects Vancouver and Banff and is the line the company first established when it was founded in 1990. The Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train to travel along this famous, historic section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Memorable spots along the way include the charming train station at Lake Louise, the Stoney Creek Bridge, the dramatic Fraser & Thompson River Canyons and the location where the Last Spike was added to the railway in 1885.

Journey through the Clouds

Vancouver → Kamloops → Jasper

This route traverses the later of the two main Canadian trans-continental railways: The Canadian Northern Line, which dates back to 1917. It travels between Jasper and Vancouver, taking the breathtaking Yellowhead pass through the mountains. The highlight of the trip is the view of snow-covered Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies.

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Vancouver → Whistler → Quesnel → Jasper

This route connects North Vancouver and Jasper, with stops in Whistler and Quesnel. It was previously known as the "Fraser Discovery Route" and the focus is on discovering British Columbia's wild timber country and Gold Rush history. The train passes through the Fraser River Canyon and it's not uncommon to spot black bears, bald eagles, ospreys and even grizzly bears.

Levels of Service on the Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer offers two enticing service levels — Goldleaf and Silverleaf — to spoil every traveler. We can help you decide which service level is right for you.

Couple takes photos from the GoldLeaf dome

GoldLeaf Service

Imagine soaking up Canada's soul-stirring landscape from a bi-level glass-dome luxury coach while feasting on gourmet meals created by Executive Chefs. Sound like a dream come true? It is!

The GoldLeaf cars are double-level, and your assigned seat will be on the top floor, right underneath the dome window where you will have 360-degree views of the scenery around you. Downstairs is the dining room, where you will be served a la carte meals prepared onboard. GoldLeaf cars also feature an outdoor viewing platform where you can step outside for some fresh mountain air.

Chef serving breakfast seat-side in the SilverLeaf coach of the Rocky Mountaineer train

SilverLeaf Service

Carving through the Canadian Rockies onboard a luxury coach, you'll come face to face with magnificent scenery that's so perfect, you might just ask to be pinched!

Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches served at your spacious seat means you won't have to miss a moment of the splendour out your window. Nor will you miss a moment of the latest historical tidbit from your onboard Host. SilverLeaf cars also feature outdoor vestibules between the cars where you can step outside and feel the cool mountain breeze on your face.

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Places To Visit

From the shimmering waters of Vancouver to the fresh mountain air of Jasper, the Rocky Mountaineer train travels through many of Canada's best scenery and cities. Your Canadian Train Vacation Advisor can help personalize a trip for you that includes the best places to visit in Western Canada.

Couple walking with bikes on seawall. Floatplanes in background.

Vancouver

British Columbia

Vancouver is a delightfully liveable city throughout the year, but it really shines in the summertime. You'll have the best of both worlds - the culture, dining and shopping of a world class metropolis and mountains and hiking trails right on the doorstep. The climate of Vancouver is also ideal in the summer — not too cold, but also not scorching hot. It's just the right temperature to treat yourself to some ice cream as you wander around the city.

Here at Fresh Tracks Canada, we have gourmet globetrotters, tranquil train-travellers, bold backpackers, and nature lovers. But what ties us together is that we're all passionate travellers. When we're not helping people plan vacations to Canada, we're getting together to plan our own adventures.