Q: What's the experience like on Rocky Mountaineer, and what are the differences between service levels?

Rocky Mountaineer is an all-daylight luxury train , offering breathtaking views of the scenery between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. You’ll enjoy gourmet meals, world-class service, and commentary on the wildlife, landscapes, and historic sites. You’ll stay in a hotel at night , then rejoin the train the next morning, refreshed and ready for more stunning scenery. Service Levels: SilverLeaf: Travel in a single-level glass-dome coach with oversized windows, assigned seats, and meals served at your seat. SilverLeaf coaches offer great wildlife viewing opportunities at eye-level. GoldLeaf: Travel in a bi-level glass-dome coach with lounge seating on the upper level, a dining room on the lower level, and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. GoldLeaf features taller coaches for unobstructed views above the treeline. For more information and a detailed comparison of the Rocky Mountaineer service levels, please speak to one of our local travel experts.

Q: What are the accommodations like on a small ship cruise?

Accommodations range from comfortable private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and picture windows to full suites. These well appointed ships feature delicious cuisine, common lounges for mingling and evening presentations, as well as kayak launch docks for the days of adventure ahead.

Question 1

Will I be travelling with a tour group, or is this an independent trip?

Accepted Answer

As our trips are personalized just for you, there's no fixed group schedule or rigid itinerary. You'll be travelling independently, with the freedom to explore at your own pace, and can choose the scheduled activities that match your interests. Our local experts help plan and coordinate your travel details and offer guidance and support throughout your trip.

Question 2

Can I modify or customize this trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We personalize all our guests’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs:

Add extra days: Spend more time at locations you’d like to explore.
Modify the route and stops: Omit areas that don’t interest you, add destinations and iconic landmarks, or adjust the direction of your itinerary.
Pick your experiences: Choose from our vast selection of small-group sightseeing tours and unique local activities.

Simply discuss your travel goals with our local travel experts and they'll ensure your trip aligns with your preferences and budget.

Question 3

What types of hotels will I stay in, and what are the options for comfort levels?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of carefully selected hotels to suit your preferences for comfort, location, and experience. Our accommodation options are typically categorized as follows:

Comfort Level: Quality 3-star hotels with great locations and excellent service.
Superior/Boutique Level: Upscale 4-star properties that offer additional character and charm, providing a memorable experience without the premium price.
Deluxe Level: Luxurious 5-star properties, often iconic Fairmont hotels with rich history, exclusive amenities, and unforgettable views.

Sometimes we use the same hotel for more than one category and distinguish the room by size, floor level, or view. Our team can help you choose the ideal hotel level based on availability, your preferences, and the experience you’re looking for. For more examples, check out the accommodation section of the trip page or ask one of our Canadian Insiders for recommendations.

Question 4

How can I find the total cost for this trip?

Accepted Answer

Because each of our trips is fully customized, the total cost depends on your travel dates, preferred accommodations, train service level, and chosen activities.

To ensure you get an accurate estimate, our local experts will take the time to understand your preferences and specific needs. Based on this information, they’ll provide you with a personalized quote that clearly outlines what’s included.

Question 5

What are the transportation arrangements for airport transfers and local travel?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the trip class level you choose, you could have a mix of motorcoach journeys, small-group sightseeing tours, and private transfers. Once you've booked your trip, we will provide more information about where each driver will meet you.

Question 6

What's the experience like on Rocky Mountaineer, and what are the differences between service levels?

Accepted Answer

Rocky Mountaineer is an all-daylight luxury train, offering breathtaking views of the scenery between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. You’ll enjoy gourmet meals, world-class service, and commentary on the wildlife, landscapes, and historic sites. You’ll stay in a hotel at night, then rejoin the train the next morning, refreshed and ready for more stunning scenery.

Service Levels:

SilverLeaf: Travel in a single-level glass-dome coach with oversized windows, assigned seats, and meals served at your seat. SilverLeaf coaches offer great wildlife viewing opportunities at eye-level.

GoldLeaf: Travel in a bi-level glass-dome coach with lounge seating on the upper level, a dining room on the lower level, and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. GoldLeaf features taller coaches for unobstructed views above the treeline.

For more information and a detailed comparison of the Rocky Mountaineer service levels, please speak to one of our local travel experts.

Question 7

What meals are included on Rocky Mountaineer?

Accepted Answer

Meals (breakfast/lunch), snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included onboard Rocky Mountaineer. You'll get to taste a variety of dishes made with regional ingredients, like Alberta Beef or B.C Salmon. Offerings vary by day, route, and direction. The drinks menu features local wines, craft beer, tea, coffee, and more.

Most dietary requirements can be accommodated by Rocky Mountaineer with advance notice. Please let us know if you have any allergies, special requests or requirement at the time of booking.

Question 8

What is the small ship cruise experience like?

Accepted Answer

Small ship cruises are much more flexible than a typical large ship cruise. Your onboard team will decide on the best adventures of the day based on weather, wildlife sightings, and the interests of the group. The agile vessels are able to access secluded inlets, bays, and channels where you have higher chances of seeing wildlife.

Question 9

What are the accommodations like on a small ship cruise?

Accepted Answer

Accommodations range from comfortable private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and picture windows to full suites. These well appointed ships feature delicious cuisine, common lounges for mingling and evening presentations, as well as kayak launch docks for the days of adventure ahead.

Question 10

What meals are included on the small ship cruise, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks are included on your small ship cruise. The onboard chefs create fresh, sustainable meals from locally sourced ingredients.

Dietary requirements, food allergies and other preferences can be accommodated with advance notice. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs at the time of booking.

Essential Rockies with Alaska Cruise

Combined small ship Alaska cruise and Rockies train trip

Spectacular rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train

Choice of adventures in the Canadian Rockies

Explore beautiful Vancouver

Explore Alaska on a small ship vessel

Whale watching, glacier viewing, kayaking, hiking, and more

Expert guides, hosts, and activity coordinators on your cruise

See inside the train and cruise ship

Enjoy a 2-day train journey on Rocky Mountaineer

Glass-domed upper level on Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service

GoldLeaf’s dedicated lower dining room

Oversized glass-dome windows in Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf service

SilverLeaf’s in-seat meal service

Explore Alaska's coast in an agile, small ship vessel

Navigator Cabin on the Safari Endeavour

Pathfinder Cabin on the Safari Endeavour

Upscale amenities on the Safari Endeavour

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be travelling with a tour group, or is this an independent trip?

Can I modify or customize this trip?

What types of hotels will I stay in, and what are the options for comfort levels?

How can I find the total cost for this trip?

What are the transportation arrangements for airport transfers and local travel?

What's the experience like on Rocky Mountaineer, and what are the differences between service levels?

What meals are included on Rocky Mountaineer?

What is the small ship cruise experience like?

What are the accommodations like on a small ship cruise?

What meals are included on the small ship cruise, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Sample Itinerary

Your adventure begins – Calgary to Banff

Explore Banff

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train

Onboard Rocky Mountaineer

Vancouver to Sitka

Cruise embarkation from Sitka, Alaska

Discover Alaskan wildlife

Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows

Deeper into Alaskan wilderness

Venture into whale territory

Discover Glacier Bay

Explore North America’s deepest fjord

Depart with fond memories

Sample Itinerary

Your adventure begins – Calgary to Banff

Explore Banff

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train

Onboard Rocky Mountaineer

Vancouver to Sitka

Cruise embarkation from Sitka, Alaska

Discover Alaskan wildlife

Neva Strait and Sergius Narrows

Deeper into Alaskan wilderness

Venture into whale territory

Discover Glacier Bay

Explore North America’s deepest fjord

Depart with fond memories

Download Itinerary

Prices

Accommodations

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Personalize This Itinerary

Celebrate an occasion

Travel in a private group

Visit Victoria, BC

Explore on a self drive

What Our Customers Say

It was a great trip!

You helped make memories for a life time

The entire experience was awesome!

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

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