Rocky Mountaineer Holidays

First Passage to the West

The First Passage to the West is a historic rail route via Kamloops through the Canadian Rockies, connecting Vancouver with Lake Louise and Banff. It is the first route operated by the Rocky Mountaineer train and retraces the steps of 19th-century explorers.

Highlights of the route include the mighty Hell’s Gate, Craigellachie, where the final spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, Castle Mountain and the engineering marvel, the Spiral Tunnels. 

Experience spectacular and dramatically changing scenery as you travel through lush green fields, forests and winding canyons, along rocky lakeshores and raging rivers, and of course the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Journey through the Clouds

The Journey through the Clouds route follows the First Passage to the West from Vancouver to Kamloops, but instead of continuing to Banff, it soars up to the charming mountain town of Jasper.

After sun-kissed Kamloops in British Columbia’s interior, you’ll follow the banks of the North Thompson River through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Along the way, you’ll see the spectacular Pyramid Falls, mountains stretching to the sky and the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson (3,954 m).

Your Rocky Mountaineer train journey ends in Jasper. Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Rockies and is known for its outstanding natural beauty, magnificent peaks, and abundant wildlife.

Rainforest to Gold Rush

On the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, your Rocky Mountaineer train journey will take you from Vancouver to Jasper with two overnight stops, one in the world-famous mountain resort Whistler and one in Quesnel.

Climb the spectacular Sea to Sky route between Vancouver and Whistler, marvelling at the scenic fjords of Howe Sound. Between Whistler and Quesnel, dive into the Gold Rush history, retracing the steps of the gold prospectors while winding your way through dramatic canyons.

On the last stretch of this breath-taking rail route, you will witness the majestic Mount Robson (the highest mountain peak in Canada). Once you reach Jasper, you’ll be treated to stunning National Park scenery and a friendly centre.

Rockies to the Red Rocks

The newest route operated by the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train will take you on an unforgettable journey through the scenic American Southwest.

Available in both directions, you can choose to start or end your journey in Moab or Denver. Travel through red sandstone mountains and rock canyons carved over millions of years by the Colorado River.
Upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus service onboard for extra comfort. The train stops at Glenwood Springs, where guests spend the night in hotel accommodation. Make sure to try the world-famous hot springs of the resort. 

With our itineraries you can enjoy the Rockies in Denver and use Moab as a gateway to explore the national parks of Utah as well, with Arches National Park being just five miles from Moab.

World-class cuisine onboard

On board the Rocky Mountaineer train, the team of award-winning chefs produce meals worthy of the finest restaurants, all in the carriage of a train. It’s a feat to behold. You’ll be kept well-fed throughout your journey, with breakfast and lunch provided alongside tempting snacks throughout the day.

The food is all locally sourced from the Pacific Northwest, and the wine list is second to none. Expect deep pink salmon steaks, golden BC wines and sumptuously decadent desserts.

Wildlife and storytelling

When you go on Rocky Mountaineer holidays, your charming hosts onboard not only keep you thoroughly entertained, but they also make sure you don’t miss a thing. Each new turn of the track brings a new story, whether it’s about local Gold Rush history or driving in the last spike of the 100-year-old track. 

The hosts know these routes and trails intimately. They also make sure you always have your camera ready when wildlife appears, as they pre-warn you of bears, eagles and ospreys spotted along the way.

Extending your holiday

Vancouver is often the start or end of Rocky Mountaineer’s routes, and the vibrant city begs for extra time spent here. Add on a few days to explore the shopping, dining and parks that Vancouver has to offer.

Alternatively, if you are starting or ending your journey in Banff National Park, you might enjoy some extra time staying at the Banff Springs or Fairmont Lake Louise hotels or visiting famous sights like Moraine Lake, the Bow River Valley and the Hoodoos. 

Just call our Canada Experts saying you would like to extend your rail holiday, and they will advise you on our great Vancouver holidays, as well as the other amazing destinations mentioned here.

Tours and excursions

Spending your Canada holidays on the Rocky Mountaineer can be just the beginning of your adventure. These extras add the cherry on top of your fabulous Rocky Mountaineer experience. Ride the Banff Gondola for some of the best views in the Rocky Mountains while you’re in the area.

After you arrive in Jasper, enjoy a tour of the Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier. Or, if you’re flying to or from Calgary, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a helicopter ride in the Rockies. 

Some excursions are included in our packages but speak to us and add any in for you.

Panoramic views of the Rockies

The GoldLeaf Service boasts full-dome windows with panoramic views on the upper level of a bi-level carriage. This means the carriage is almost entirely glass, with a discreet lighting strip at the top of the domed windows.
The oversize dome coaches in SilverLeaf Service do not curve right overhead. Being at the top level also guarantees the best views as you are above the treeline. Your deluxe reclining seat can swivel around, allowing you to sit in a group with your travel companions.

GoldLeaf à la carte meals

Whereas SilverLeaf Service serves delicious meals to your seat, GoldLeaf Service enjoys the use of a separate dining carriage on the lower level of the bi-level coach. The large picture windows here still offer great views as you dine, and the carriage creates the impression of dining in a first-rate restaurant. 

Choose your gourmet à la carte meals from the embossed menu while a host offers you a choice of wine and appetisers and is on hand to refill your glass.

A seamless holiday experience

While onboard Rocky Mountaineer, your hosts take care of every little detail to ensure you can enjoy a smooth and fuss-free ride. You’ll find transfers between stations and hotels taken care of, not to mention a luggage porter service. When you add on a cruise, you’ll receive the same seamless experience.

Hotel-to-cruise terminal transfers are provided in Vancouver, and you’ll find every detail of your cruise cabin and itinerary carefully looked after.

Find out more

Alaska destinations

Your cruise will take you to a host of Alaska destinations just waiting for you to discover their riches. The town of Juneau is home to the massive Mendenhall Glacier which begs for a port excursion, not to mention the Juneau Icefields on the town’s back doorstep. Skagway is bursting with Klondike-era boardwalks and saloons, while Ketchikan is characterised by the deep, lusciously green fjords surrounding it. Don’t forget the highlight of Glacier Bay to see Alaska’s giants.