What is Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service?

The GoldLeaf upgrade is typically in the range of $800 to $1,100 CAD per person over SilverLeaf, though the exact figure varies by route, departure month and the specific departure date. The table below sets out the key differences between the two service classes. 

Prices shown in the table below are the lowest prices for a personalized itinerary by Canadian Train Vacations. These itineraries include Rocky Mountaineer, hotel stays, sightseeing excursions, train station and airport transfers, and more.

SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf services include complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertaining commentary, and baggage handling in Kamloops, Quesnel and Whistler. 

GoldLeaf Service is ideal for travellers who value extra space, a luxury “restaurant on rails” experience, outdoor viewing, and enhanced onboard comfort. If you're primarily travelling for the scenery, SilverLeaf Service offers the same spectacular route at a lower starting price. Your Canadian Insider can explain the differences and help you choose the service level that best suits your travel style and budget.

• Dining: GoldLeaf meals are multi-course and plated, served at your table in the lower dining room. The Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf menu includes gourmet meals prepared onboard by the culinary team, using locally‑sourced ingredients inspired by the region. Each meal highlights local Canadian ingredients, combining fine dining with the comfort of home-style cooking. Breakfast includes pastries, fruit, and a choice of hot dishes, like buttermilk pancakes or Eggs Benedict (menu items vary by route and season). Lunch features premium mains such as Alberta striploin steak or a chickpea‑and‑cauliflower nourish bowl, along with other region‑inspired dishes (menu varies by route and season). Each meal includes a starter and dessert course. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary throughout the day.
  
  
• Dress code: Smart casual is the accepted standard. There is no requirement for formal attire, and no pressure to dress up. Most guests travel in comfortable layers suitable for the air-conditioned coach and the outdoor viewing platform. Flat-soled shoes are recommended for the spiral staircase in the glass-dome observation coach and for the natural movement of the train. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, so the priority is comfort.
  
  
• Seating plan: The spacious bi-level glass-dome coach layout provides panoramic views, generous legroom, and exceptional comfort for every traveller. The GoldLeaf seats are on the upper level of the bi-level glass-dome train car. Seats are reclinable and turn 180 degrees, so families or groups of four are able to face each other. There are 72 seats in each GoldLeaf car, with two on each side of the aisle, totalling four seats in each row. Each seat is pre-assigned and listed on your boarding pass, which Rocky Mountaineer gives upon check-in. Passengers have the same seat for all days they are on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
   
• The rhythm of the day: The day begins when you board at the station in the morning and take your assigned seat on the upper level of the glass-dome coach. As the train moves through the landscapes of Western Canada, hosts circulate with beverages, snacks and commentary on the scenery, historic sites, and wildlife outside. Breakfasts and lunches are served in the lower dining room at a relaxed pace. As the dining room seats 36 people at a time, meals are served in two sessions. The outdoor platform is available for use throughout the journey.

The train maintains a moderate average speed (about 30‐35mph) to allow passengers ample time to enjoy the scenery and observe wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to spot bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzlies, elk, and other wildlife from the train. Travellers spend about 10 to 12 hours on board the train each day.

The hotels included with GoldLeaf Service are comfortable accommodations in mid-point destinations, such as Kamloops, Quesnel and Whistler. Each overnight stay is carefully selected to provide comfort, convenience, and quality service. Guests receive luggage handling service between train and hotel. Checked luggage is transported to the partner hotels at locations such as Kamloops or Quesnel (mid‑route).

Personalized trip itineraries that include GoldLeaf service often feature 5-star hotels in the Canadian Rockies, such as the Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, among others. The properties are among the best railroad hotels in Canada, known for their elegant settings, scenic surroundings, and outstanding hospitality. Hotel standards vary by package level and room category, in all cases, luggage transfers and on‑ground coordination are included as part of the service.