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.

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

Are there accessible options for those with mobility needs?

Accepted Answer

About one in five of our travelers requires mobility-related support, so we’re experienced in making adjustments to suit a range of needs. While some activities and transportation are more flexible than others, our Canadian Insiders will recommend the best options for your mobility and activity level, ensuring you have a comfortable and unforgettable trip.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

Accepted Answer

Our personalized trips include much more than just train tickets. When you book with Fresh Tracks Canada, you receive expertly curated hotel accommodations and excursions tailored to your interests, plus airport, train and hotel transfers — ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

What types of activities or excursions are offered on this trip?

Accepted Answer

Our trip itineraries allow you to choose your preferred activities and excursions in each location. You can pick from a range of small-group and private sightseeing experiences, including guided hiking and walking, food tours, lake cruises, helicopter flights, and sightseeing by vehicle.

Some of our guests are very active, while others simply want to relax. Let us know your interests and physical activity level and we will find the best excursions for you.

Essential Rockies by Train

The perfect short Rocky Mountaineer train trip

Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver to Lake Louise

Unique small group tours in Banff National Park

See glaciers, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife

Stop over at beautiful Lake Louise

See inside the train

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

GoldLeaf’s dedicated lower dining room

GoldLeaf’s outdoor viewing platform

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

SilverLeaf’s in-seat meal service

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?

Are there accessible options for those with mobility needs?

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?

Can I purchase an individual train ticket?

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

What meals are included on Rocky Mountaineer?

What types of activities or excursions are offered on this trip?

Sample Itinerary

Arrive in Vancouver

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Lake Louise

Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff

Explore Banff National Park

Depart from Calgary

Sample Itinerary

Arrive in Vancouver

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Lake Louise

Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff

Explore Banff National Park

Depart from Calgary

Download Itinerary

Prices

Accommodations

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Azur Legacy Collection Hotel

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Personalize This Itinerary

Celebrate an occasion

Travel in a private group

Great Bear Rainforest

Visit Victoria, BC

Explore on a self drive

What Our Customers Say

It was a great trip

You are truly a superior travel organization!

An amazing experience we will remember forever!

Traveling by train was fantastic

We immensely enjoyed our two day Rocky Mountaineer train trip

Insider Tips

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

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