Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf

Rocky Mountaineer takes guests through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. The luxury sightseeing train has been running since 1990, with SilverLeaf service being introduced in 2012. The train only runs during the day, from sunrise to sunset, between Vancouver and Banff, Jasper, or Lake Louise. Along the way, guests enjoy delicious meals, breathtaking scenery, engaging commentary, and attentive service. SilverLeaf is one of the two service levels on the train and offers an amazing travel experience. 

The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations know all about the SilverLeaf Rocky Mountaineer train experience. We can help plan your trip through the Canadian Rockies and discuss what trains, hotels, and tours best match your interests and needs. 

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail 

Our bestselling Canadian Rockies train trip! This 8-day itinerary includes the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Jasper, then one night in Lake Louise and two nights in Banff. You can choose your activities and explore the highlights of the Rockies at a leisurely pace. SilverLeaf is included in the Comfort and Superior levels of this trip. 

Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour 

The Vancouver to Toronto Train Tour includes two different train experiences. Take the Rocky Mountaineer daylight sightseeing train from Vancouver to Banff, then after exploring the Canadian Rockies, hop onboard VIA Rail’s sleeper-train for a multi-day journey between Jasper and Toronto. This 11-day trip across Canada is packed with amazing photo opportunities. SilverLeaf is included in the Comfort and Superior levels of this trip.  

Essential Rockies by Train 

Experience the best of the Canadian Rockies in six days! Relax on the Rocky Mountaineer as you make your way from Vancouver to Lake Louise and soak up the splendour of the mountains. See glaciers, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife on your choice of small-group tour in Banff National Park. SilverLeaf is included in the Comfort and Superior levels of this trip. 

SilverLeaf service on Rocky Mountaineer Train has several features and inclusions. Here is a quick summary: 

• Pre-assigned seats in a single-level glass-dome train car 
• Reclining, comfortable seats with ample leg room 
• Oversized windows offering spectacular views  
• Hot gourmet breakfast and lunch served at your seat each day 
• Complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day 
• Engaging Rocky Mountaineer hosts who provide commentary on the historic sites, scenery, and wildlife 
• Up to three hosts per train car 
• Small outdoor viewing area  
• Luggage delivery to your accommodation in Kamloops

In SilverLeaf car, your seat is in a single-level glass-dome train car. If you are curious about the details of the Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf seating plan, then here is some information. There are 56 seats in each SilverLeaf car, with two on each side of the aisle, so a total of four seats in each row. You will have the same seat for your entire Rocky Mountaineer train journey. For example, on day two when you re-board the train, you will go back to the seat you had on day one.  

Your seat is pre-assigned, and the seat number will be listed on your boarding pass. Your boarding pass is given to you by Rocky Mountaineer at check in. 

Some mobility and accessibility needs can be accommodated on SilverLeaf train trips. For more information, please ask your Vacation Advisor at the time of booking. 

Both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf train cars have outdoor viewing platforms. In SilverLeaf service there is a small outdoor viewing area. This viewing area is between the train cars and has space for 2-3 people.  

In GoldLeaf, there is a large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform that has space for more people. Having access to this large outdoor area is one of the perks of GoldLeaf, if you choose to upgrade. 

SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf outdoor areas allow you to get closer to the scenery and take fantastic videos and photos. Many guests like to stand in these outdoor areas when they know a scenic highlight or iconic landmark is coming up soon, like Pyramid Falls or the Cisco Bridges. Rocky Mountaineer hosts announce upcoming sights so you can get your camera ready.

When you travel in SilverLeaf, you’ll be in a single-level glass-dome coach. The train is custom-built for optimal viewing and one of the features is the oversized glass-dome windows. The windows are designed to give clear, unobstructed views of the outside, which means you’ll be able to take great photos of key sights throughout your journey. These windows allow you to catch panoramic views of the stunning scenery from the comfort of your seat inside the train.  

On one of the train routes, Rocky Mountaineer takes guests from Vancouver to Banff. Guests can choose to end their journey in Lake Louise instead of Banff. Lake Louise is one of the most famous destinations in the Canadian Rockies and it’s worth the visit. You can admire the glistening turquoise lake, impressive Victoria Glacier, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.  

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits in front of the lake and an overnight stay here is on many travel bucket lists. There are 539 elegant hotel rooms and some feature incredible views of the lake and mountains. The property has superb amenities for guests, including a spa and salon, activity centre, shops, and restaurants.

The area’s attractions include Lake Louise gondola, Lake Agnes Tea House, Moraine Lake, and more. Popular summer activities in Lake Louise include hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. Our Essential Rockies train trip includes the Vancouver to Lake Louise Rocky Mountaineer route.

[ Explore: Best Canadian Rockies Train Tours ]

The delicious cuisine on Rocky Mountaineer is inspired by the areas the train passes through and the menu changes depending on the day and route. You’ll notice that some dishes feature locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, so you can taste the flavours of Western Canada. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Desserts

Breakfast and lunch are served on the train. There will usually be a starter for both breakfast and lunch, then a choice of main. Dessert is available at lunchtime. A sample menu is below: 

Breakfast: Fresh baked croissants with jam and fruit salad AND one of the following mains 

Smoked salmon scramble, apple caramel French toast bake, or field berry parfait 

Lunch: Golden beet salad AND one of the following mains: 

BC wild salmon or Alberta beef short ribs  

Dessert: Lemon tart with blueberry compote 

Other examples of breakfast options include spinach and cheese frittata or golden sugar waffle. Other lunch examples include Greek salad, pork shoulder, and lemon and herb roasted chicken breast.  

Dietary requirements can be accommodated by Rocky Mountaineer with advance notice.

SilverLeaf service is available on two Rocky Mountaineer train routes in Canada.

The journey between Vancouver and Banff takes two full days and includes an overnight stop in Kamloops. See the green fields of the Fraser Valley, winding river canyons and mountain peaks, as well as the desert-like landscape of British Columbia’s interior. Other highlights include Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, and the Spiral Tunnels. You can choose to start or end your trip in Lake Louise or Banff. 

This Rocky Mountaineer train journey takes guests between Vancouver and Jasper in two days. There is an overnight stop in Kamloops. The train winds through the varied landscapes of British Columbia and follows the North Thompson River past the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Then, it crosses the Continental Divide and climbs over Yellowhead Pass into Jasper National Park. Other memorable sights on this journey include Pyramid Falls and Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak!  

Seasonal Highlights

You can take the Rocky Mountaineer in spring, summer, or fall and each season has its own special charm! The First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds routes are available between April and October each year, though they do have different departure dates. While the Canadian Rockies are spectacular in every season, you can expect to see different wildlife and scenery depending on when you choose to travel.

Spring (April, May, early June):

Snow lingers on the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, frozen lakes start to thaw, and glacial melt fills rivers and waterfalls. This is one of the best times for wildlife viewing as it’s when bears come out from hibernation.

Summer (June, July, August):

If you want to enjoy warm, sunny days, then the summer months are for you! Brilliant-blue lakes and vibrant wildflowers decorate the alpine landscapes surrounding Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise.  

Fall (September, October):

Larch trees turn from green to gold and these beautiful yellow and orange hues can only be seen for a few weeks each September. Fall is also elk rutting season and salmon spawning season, so another great time for wildlife viewing — at a safe distance, of course!

SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf are the two service levels on Rocky Mountaineer in Canada. Both service levels have unique features, and your vacation advisor can help you decide which is right for you.  

In SilverLeaf, you’ll be assigned a seat in a single-level glass-dome train car with oversized windows. Breakfast and lunch are served at your seat, and complimentary beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. There is a small outdoor viewing area, too. Friendly hosts will walk up and down the train car and supply commentary throughout. 

If you choose GoldLeaf service, then your seat will be on the upper level of a bi-level glass-dome train car. The windows reach to the ceiling, offering panoramic views. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in the GoldLeaf dining room, which is on the lower level of the train car, and complimentary beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. There is a large outdoor viewing platform so you can get close to the scenery.

The dress code on Rocky Mountaineer is smart casual. As you’ll be on the train for 10-12 hours per day, the key is to wear something comfortable. It’s a good idea to bring a range of layers, including a lightweight jacket, as temperatures can fluctuate during the day. Some guests may find the air conditioning too cold or not cold enough, so it’s best to have layers that you can easily take on and off.  Flat, comfortable shoes are necessary for walking around on the moving train.  

Note that you will not be able to access your checked luggage when on the train, so you’ll need to pack everything for each day in your carry-on baggage.

The Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing train only runs during daylight hours. As it is not a sleeper train, each evening of your train journey, you will disembark and stay at a hotel.  

At Canadian Train Vacations, we will plan all your hotels and train experiences for your trip to Canada. Your vacation advisor will choose the hotels that match your preferences and needs. Typically, we pair SilverLeaf on the Rocky Mountaineer with three- or four- star hotels.  

An exception to the above would be the hotels at the Rocky Mountaineer stopover locations. In Kamloops, accommodation is assigned by Rocky Mountaineer and options are limited. Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Kamloops hotels tend to be moderate two- or three- star properties.