The Rocky Mountaineer is like a wild stallion of the railroads. It gallops through the rugged mountains and valleys of Western Canada, taking you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever lay eyes on.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Before you board the Rocky Mountaineer, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, it's not your typical commuter train. This isn't the kind of train you take to work unless your job is "professional sightseer." The Rocky Mountaineer is all about the journey, not the destination. It's like the ultimate road trip, but with the added convenience of not having to drive or navigate.
Where did it all start?
This Rocky Mountaineer has been travelling through the Canadian Rockies since 1990, showcasing some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. And with over 1.5 million guests and counting, it's safe to say that it's won over the hearts (and Instagram feeds) of travellers from all over the globe.
The story behind this majestic train ride is as fascinating as the scenery itself. Picture this: a visionary British Columbia-based entrepreneur named Peter Armstrong sees the potential of the jaw-dropping landscape of the Canadian Rockies and decides to create a train ride that will take tourists on a journey that lets them marvel at the beauty of the mountains and the surrounding wilderness. And so, the Rocky Mountaineer Train was born, with its very first route, the First Passage to the West, taking passengers from Vancouver to Banff.
Since then, The Rocky Mountaineer has expanded its routes over the years, offering passengers the chance to see other spectacular locations, such as Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler.
Your comfort is top priority
The comfort onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is nothing short of luxurious. The train has two classes, SilverLeaf service and GoldLeaf service. SilverLeaf is the more budget-friendly option, but don't let that fool you. The service is still top-notch, with comfortable seating, delicious meals, and stunning views from the large windows.
GoldLeaf, on the other hand, is the ultimate luxury experience. You'll be treated like royalty, with gourmet meals, private outdoor balconies, and panoramic dome cars that give you a 360-degree view of the scenery. In both classes, the seats are plush and designed to provide optimal comfort, even on longer journeys. The train also has private washrooms and a wheelchair-accessible car.
The staff onboard are friendly and want to make your journey as comfortable as possible. They take care of your every need and make sure your trip is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The train also features a dome car with a special seating area, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies in a comfortable and relaxed setting. It's one of the most comfortable ways to explore the Canadian wilderness, whether you're in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf class.
Your comfort is top priority
The comfort onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is nothing short of luxurious. The train has two classes, SilverLeaf service and GoldLeaf service. SilverLeaf is the more budget-friendly option, but don't let that fool you. The service is still top-notch, with comfortable seating, delicious meals, and stunning views from the large windows.
GoldLeaf, on the other hand, is the ultimate luxury experience. You'll be treated like royalty, with gourmet meals, private outdoor balconies, and panoramic dome cars that give you a 360-degree view of the scenery. In both classes, the seats are plush and designed to provide optimal comfort, even on longer journeys. The train also has private washrooms and a wheelchair-accessible car.
The staff onboard are friendly and want to make your journey as comfortable as possible. They take care of your every need and make sure your trip is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The train also features a dome car with a special seating area, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies in a comfortable and relaxed setting. It's one of the most comfortable ways to explore the Canadian wilderness, whether you're in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf class.
The best sights from the Rocky Mountaineer
As I've mentioned, and will keep mentioning, The Rocky Mountaineer takes passengers on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. These include Stoney Creek, Morant's Curve, and Bow Lake.
Stoney Creek is a natural wonder that can only be seen from the Rocky Mountaineer. As you ride through the canyon, you're treated to views of the rushing creek, which is surrounded by towering trees and rugged cliffs.
Morant's Curve is famous for its panoramic views of the Rockies. This location is so picturesque that it has become a popular spot for photographers, who flock to capture the train as it winds its way around the curve. And with the Rocky Mountaineer's glass-domed coaches, you'll have a front-row seat to this amazing spectacle.
Bow Lake, located in Banff National Park is a glacier-fed lake which is a breathtaking shade of turquoise and is surrounded by towering peaks. As the train makes its way past, you'll have plenty of time to absorb the views and snap some photos.
Wonderful wildlife
You'll have the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife too. On a journey through the Canadian Rockies, you might catch a glimpse of majestic elk and moose grazing in the fields, or a black bear foraging for berries in the forest. If you're lucky, you might even spot a pack of wolves or a herd of bighorn sheep.
Passing through the valleys, you might see a beaver dam or a family of river otters playing in the streams. And if you're on the right route, you might even see a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but it's always an exciting possibility - just keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.
Here's a bit more detail about some of the wildlife you might see.
The Canadian Moose
These majestic creatures are the largest members of the deer family and are known for their impressive antlers, long snouts, and shaggy brown coats.
These endearing but strange creatures are fast movers, good swimmers, and fierce protectors of their young. If you're lucky enough to spot them during your journey, you'll be treated to a fascinating sight. You may see them grazing on water plants that grow in the lakes and streams, or chomping on the branches of willow, birch, and aspen trees in the forests.
Moose sightings are most common in the early morning or late evening. If you do spot one of these iconic animals, take a moment to appreciate their beauty and power. They're a symbol of the Canadian wilderness and a highlight of any journey on the Rocky Mountaineer Train.
Bears
The Canadian Rockies are home to a diverse range of bear species, including black bears, grizzly bears, and the rare Kermode (or "spirit") bear.
It's important to remember that bears are wild animals, and should be treated with respect and caution. The Rocky Mountaineer Train takes every precaution to ensure the safety of its passengers, including strict rules about approaching wildlife.
If you do have the opportunity to see a bear from the train, it's an unforgettable experience.
Bald Eagles
The national bird of America can often be seen soaring majestically above the jagged peaks of the mountains, and these impressive birds are a sight to behold.
Bald eagles are sea eagles, and are usually found near large bodies of water as they mainly feed on fish. Despite their name, they are not actually bald. Rather, their name derives from an old word meaning 'white-headed', referring to the distinctive white feathers on their heads.
These magnificent birds have wingspans up to 2.3 meters, and are a true symbol of strength and freedom.
When and how to ride the Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer runs during the peak tourist season, from April to October. To make sure passengers get the best views of the stunning scenery, the train travels during the day, so you have plenty of time and light to soak up the views of the majestic Canadian Rockies.
One of the best things about the Rocky Mountaineer is that it's a great way to see a lot of different places in a short amount of time. You can choose from a variety of routes, depending on your budget, how much time you have, and what you want to see.
As the train pulls out of Vancouver and heads towards its overnight stop in Kamloops, your eyes will be treated to the most magnificent lakes and valleys of British Columbia. Further down the route to Banff, you'll be completely immersed in the raw beauty of the Canadian Rockies, with its rugged peaks and untamed wilderness.
On our Rocky Mountaineer train tours, you can explore loads more of Canada's highlights as well as travelling on this incredible train.
All in all, taking a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer is like nothing else in the world. It's a luxurious, exciting, and unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Just don't forget your camera! Because trust me, you'll want to capture every single moment of this wild ride through the mountains.
Check out all our Rocky Mountaineer train tours.
