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Rocky Mountaineer rail holidays
Step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train
Welcome aboard Rocky Mountaineer, your passport to the spectacular landscapes of the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest. Comfortable, luxurious carriages, exquisite food, knowledgeable Onboard Hosts and views of sprawling forests, snow-capped mountain peaks and rugged red rock canyons – it’s all part of the journey.
There are four Rocky Mountaineer routes available, three in Canada and one in the USA. We can build in any of Rocky Mountaineer’s 2-day and 3-day rail journeys into a tailor-made holiday itinerary created just for you. Alternatively, opt for a tour – we offer both independent and escorted group tours.
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Where can I go on the Rocky Mountaineer train?
As the name suggests, Rocky Mountaineer focuses its attention to the Rocky Mountains. There are three routes in Canada, which travel between Vancouver and either Jasper or Banff. The USA route goes between Colorado’s capital city, Denver, and Moab, in Utah. These are bookable as standalone rail journeys or as part of a variety of extended independent and escorted touring itineraries.
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Where does the Rocky Mountaineer route start and end?
Exploring both the US and Canadian sides of the rail trip is easy. In the USA you can start in Las Vegas and tour the majestic Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks before joining the train from Moab to Denver. In Canada, you can fly into either Calgary or Vancouver, ride one (or more!) of the classic Rocky Mountaineer routes, enjoy free days to explore the resorts of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, and see all the sightseeing highlights along the stunning Icefields Parkway. Our Cruise & Tour holidays combine Rocky Mountaineer with an escorted tour and a cruise to Alaska.
Keep in mind that these are only the inclusions for the train journey – if you’re travelling on one of our escorted tours, there’ll be plenty more included in the price.
You can see the full breakdown of inclusions for our Rocky Mountaineer tour holidays, including our nationwide return chauffeur service, expert tour managers and excursions, on the individual itinerary pages.
Impeccable service comes as standard on Rocky Mountaineer, but there are a few differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf carriages.
SilverLeaf includes:
A seat in the single-level Dome Coach, with a large viewing area. Spacious reclining seats which can rotate to accommodate groups of four.
Freshly prepared breakfasts and lunches served at your seat.
Complimentary wine or beer with lunch, plus complimentary non-alcoholic drinks served throughout the day.
Luggage delivered to your hotel in Kamloops.
GoldLeaf includes:
A seat in the Dome Car, with a reclining seat which can rotate to accommodate groups of 4, and a spectacular 360º view from the full-length dome windows.
Access to the open-air vestibule.
Complimentary snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served at your seat throughout the day.
A menu of freshly prepared gourmet breakfasts and lunches served in the dining room on the lower level.
Luggage delivered to your hotel room in Kamloops.
In Canada, SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf are available on the ‘First Passage to the West’ and ‘Journey Through the Clouds’ routes, while it's GoldLeaf only on the three-day ‘Rainforest to Gold Rush’.
In the USA, you’ll have a choice of SilverLeaf or an upgraded SilverLeaf Plus.
Key Rocky Mountaineer travel information
No, the Rocky Mountaineer is not a sleeper train. It operates exclusively during the day, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies and beyond. Each evening, you'll disembark and stay in a hotel arranged as part of your tour. This ensures you can rest well and be refreshed for the next day's journey.
The duration of the journey depends on the route you choose. Most trips range from one to three days. For example, the classic route between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper typically takes two days, while some shorter routes can be completed in a single day.
There are four Rocky Mountaineer rail routes – three in Canada and one in the American Southwest.
Canadian routes:
First Passage to the West – Travel between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise, passing through Kamloops. This historic route is known for its breathtaking scenery and engineering marvels like the Spiral Tunnels.
Journey Through the Clouds – Travel from Vancouver to Jasper, with an overnight stop in Kamloops. This route highlights the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the untouched beauty of western Canada.
Rainforest to Gold Rush – Travel from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, with overnight stays in both. This route offers a diverse landscape, from coastal rainforests and deep canyons to historic gold rush towns.
US route:
Rockies to the Red Rocks – Embark on a journey between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. Enjoy spectacular views of red rock formations, canyons, and the winding Colorado River.
No, smoking is not permitted onboard, including vaping and e-cigarettes. This applies throughout the train, at stations, and on platforms.
There is no Wi-Fi onboard, as much of the route passes through remote areas with limited mobile signal. However, you'll have access to service at key overnight stops like Kamloops, Quesnel, Whistler, and Glenwood Springs. For the best reception during the journey, try the outdoor viewing area. Depending on your mobile plan, you may want to enable airplane mode or turn off data roaming.
No, the Rocky Mountaineer operates seasonally from April to October, taking advantage of longer daytime hours to maximise sightseeing. Spring, summer and autumn each have their own highlights, from blooming wildflowers and chances to spot wildlife to the vibrant colours of autumn. The train does not run in winter due to shorter days and limited visibility.
Yes, all Rocky Mountaineer train coaches are equipped with clean, well-maintained bathrooms for you to use. In both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf Service, toilets are located within each coach and are easily accessible throughout the journey.
Absolutely. The train offers a welcoming and comfortable environment where you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Many solo travellers find it easy to meet others on board, especially in dining and lounge areas, but you’ll also have plenty of space to relax and enjoy your journey privately. Plus, the attentive staff are always available to assist, making it a hassle-free experience whether you’re travelling alone or with others.
Throughout your journey, you may encounter a variety of wildlife native to the Canadian Rockies and surrounding regions. Common sightings include elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and both black and grizzly bears. You might also spot eagles, osprey, and other birds of prey. Be sure to keep your camera ready!
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