GoldLeaf versus SilverLeaf Service: what is the difference?

Both include assigned seating, breakfast and lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, onboard commentary and luggage transfers.

*Prices in the table above are for a personalized trip by Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada that includes a Rocky Mountaineer journey. These trips includes hotel stays, sightseeing excursions, additional destinations, train station and airport transfers, and customer service support from booking through travel.

Yes. SilverLeaf Service offers strong value because it includes many of the features that make Rocky Mountaineer special, including panoramic views from a glass-dome coach, gourmet meals, attentive onboard service and daylight-only rail travel.

• SilverLeaf includes:
• A single-level glass-dome coach with oversized panoramic windows
• Assigned reclining seats with comfortable legroom
• Gourmet breakfast and lunch served directly at your seat
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Snacks served throughout the rail day
• Attentive onboard hosts and live commentary
• Access to an outdoor viewing area
• Daylight-only rail travel, with hotel accommodation between rail days

For travellers who want the signature Rocky Mountaineer experience without the additional GoldLeaf features, SilverLeaf delivers a high level of comfort, service, dining and sightseeing.

Both GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf are popular choices for older travellers, but each offers a different type of convenience.

SilverLeaf is entirely single-level, so there are no stairs to navigate within the coach and meals are brought directly to your seat.

GoldLeaf is bi-level, with a spiral staircase connecting the upper glass-dome seating area with the lower-level dining room. There is an elevator for guests who prefer to avoid stairs, so they can move comfortably between levels.

On both services, checked luggage is handled separately and Rocky Mountaineer operates during daylight hours. Rather than sleeping onboard, guests spend each night in a hotel. The best choice therefore depends on your preferred pace, dining style and onboard experience.

GoldLeaf is worth the upgrade if you want Rocky Mountaineer’s most premium onboard experience, with a bi-level glass-dome coach, more space, additional viewing areas and an elevated dining experience.

With GoldLeaf Service, you get:

• upper-level seating beneath full glass-dome windows offering panoramic views
• plated, multi-course meals served in a dedicated lower-level dining room
• a wider selection of dishes and beverages, and a more restaurant-style dining experience
• a large outdoor viewing platform for a different perspective on the scenery
• more space and additional vantage points throughout the coach
• more onboard hosts per train coach

By comparison, SilverLeaf Service uses a single-level glass-dome coach with oversized panoramic windows, and gourmet meals are served directly at your seat. It offers the core Rocky Mountaineer experience, but does not feature a separate dining room, bi-level layout or large outdoor viewing platform.

Both service levels are available on First Passage to the West and Journey Through the Clouds routes. You travel through the same landscapes in either service level; the main difference is the onboard experience. GoldLeaf is especially worth the upgrade if you’re looking for the most luxurious Rocky Mountaineer experience, celebrating a special occasion, or simply value elevated dining, extra space and more ways to take in the scenery.

The hotel tier is not a fixed rule, but GoldLeaf itineraries are typically paired with 4 to 5-star hotels, while itineraries that include SilverLeaf tend to use comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels. This reflects the overall experience level guests often choose alongside each service class.

The exception is the midway overnight during your Rocky Mountaineer journey. In Kamloops and Quesnel, guests stay in comfortable, moderate 3-star hotels arranged by Rocky Mountaineer, with the specific property assigned based on availability.

Outside of these midway stays, Canadian Train Vacations can customize your hotel selection as part of the itinerary. If you prefer GoldLeaf rail with more modest hotels, or SilverLeaf rail with a luxury mountain resort, your Canadian Insider can show you the available options.

GoldLeaf typically costs around $800 to $1,100 CAD more per person than SilverLeaf for the same route and departure date. The exact difference varies by route, travel date and availability.

Pricing also changes throughout the season. April and early May often have lower starting prices, while June through September is peak season and generally comes with higher fares.

For the most accurate comparison, a Canadian Insider can check the current GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf pricing for your preferred route and dates and show you the difference before you book.