Rocky Mountaineer Holidays

The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in all the world – the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Our Rocky Mountaineer holidays are often a bucket list holiday for many travellers as it takes you to iconic Canadian towns in the Rockies like Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise and more!

The Rocky Mountaineer is a privately owned, luxury train that runs on selected routes through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Visitors to Canada will often book a Rocky Mountaineer journey as part of their holiday package and spend some time either end of their rail journey in either Vancouver, Seattle, Jasper, or Banff. The Rocky Mountaineer Train runs between April and October each year and departs twice weekly. The running dates of the Rocky Mountaineer is to ensure travellers get the most out of their journey as daylight is needed to enjoy the epic views!

The Routes

The Rocky Mountaineer completes 4 different routes:

Rainforest to Gold Rush - From Vancouver up to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel.

Journey Through the Clouds - Vancouver to Jasper via Kamloops.

Coastal Passage – Seattle to Banff via Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper and Lake Louise.

First Passage to the West - Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops, or from Vancouver to Lake Louise via Kamloops.

Each Rocky Mountaineer route takes you through the Canadian Rockies and you will be treated to amazing sights no matter which route you decide!

The Views

To see the amazing views onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, the train has 2 service levels for passengers to choose from – SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. In SilverLeaf passengers will have huge windows on both sides of the train to allow for fantastic viewing of the surrounding areas the Rocky Mountaineer Train goes by. GoldLeaf passengers will have access to two levels: level 1 contains the dining room and level 2 the seating. On level 2 you will be sat above the tree line and alongside huge windows each side of the carriage, GoldLeaf carriages have glass domed roofs to allow for unobstructed, panoramic views of the outside wilderness! GoldLeaf passengers will also have access to an outdoor viewing platform!

These impressive windows will allow you to see all kinds of wildlife; black bears, grizzlies, ospreys, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, elk and even cougars have all been spotted by passengers onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train! Travellers are also able to spot epic scenery such as huge canyons, waterfalls and rapids, turquoise lakes and snow tipped peaks. There really is nothing quite like the Rocky Mountaineer when it comes to enjoying the natural landscape and local wildlife!

The Rocky Mountaineer runs at a steady 35mph so you won’t be zipping by all these wonderful landscapes; instead, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the outside world – maybe even take a picture or two!

Hotels and accommodation

Unlike other Canadian rail services like VIA Rail, there is no option to sleep onboard the Rocky Mountaineer overnight. The Rocky Mountaineer Train only operates in daylight hours to ensure passengers do not miss any of the stunning views and scenery around them.

When you book your package holiday with Charter Travel, we will organise your hotel accommodation along the route of your Rocky Mountaineer journey. In the towns you will stop at there are plenty of hotels that suit every budget; from the luxury Fairmont Hotels to the more rustic-style lodges and apartments. Simply speak to your Travel Advisor about which hotel option is best for you on your Rocky Mountaineer holiday.

Meals onboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Like many other luxury trains around the world, meals are indeed included and provided onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. You will be treated to amazing dining and service for breakfast and lunch whilst onboard the Rocky Mountaineer – dinner will be yours to arrange in the towns you stop over in. Many hotels will have restaurants within them, or you could venture out into the town and find a local place to eat where they will serve the traditional dishes of the Rocky Mountains, mainly including venison, elk, and bison!

SilverLeaf passengers will be able to enjoy their delicious meals onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from their seat – this way, you’ll never miss anything out your window! GoldLeaf passengers will be able to enjoy their meals from a separate dining car on level 1 of the Rocky Mountaineer – from your table you will be able to choose from a three-course, à la carte menu and enjoy fabulous, gourmet dining! Don’t fear, the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf dining car also has massive windows on each side of the carriage to continue enjoy the stunning scenery outside – after all, that’s what the Rocky Mountaineer is all about!

Snacks and drinks are also provided throughout your journey and are sourced from local produce. Canadian Okanagan wines are also on offer!

On the Coastal Passage – Seattle to Banff, dinner will be provided on the Seattle to Vancouver portion of the trip as the journey runs into the evening.

So, what are you waiting for? To book your Rocky Mountaineer Canada holiday, call us on 01635 551011, email us at holidays@chartertravel.co.uk or enquire here via our website. A member of our dedicated Canada sales team will then get back to you!