Canada's Rocky Mountaineer: A Luxurious Journey through the Clouds

When it comes to Canadian Rockies train trips, there are two things on every traveler's to-do list: choosing which route to take and mapping out the itinerary. With so many options available, some questions going through your head can include “where should I go?” and “what’s the best route to take?”

Canada's Rocky Mountaineer: A Luxurious Journey  through the Clouds

Planning your holiday may seem daunting, but we can help remove the stress for you! In this blog, we’ll guide you so you can make the most of your journey through Canada’s rocky mountains.

What is Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer?

The Rocky Mountains are one of Canada’s most beautiful spots, and a true sight to behold. The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train that lets travelers embark on an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies in the Pacific Northwest. If you can get a seat on the train with your Canada travel deals, you’re in for a treat.

The train travels along different routes, which offer various luxury and sightseeing opportunities. The trip will help you appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Canadian outdoors.

Passengers can choose from two-day to five-day trips depending on their needs. When you decide to experience this sightseeing opportunity, make sure to book your hotel rooms in advance so you travel to-and-from partner hotels and train stations easily.

The Different Routes of Rocky Mountaineer

There are four main packages offered by the Rocky Mountaineer: Coastal Passage, First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds, and Rainforest to Gold Rush. Each one provides a unique experience with different stops along the way.

First Passage to the West

One of the most popular routes is the First Passage to the West route, which leaves from Vancouver and travels through Kamloops and Banff National Park.

It takes two days, with an overnight stop in Kamloops. The journey includes a trip over the Kicking Horse Pass and follows the route of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Highlights include Spiral Tunnels and Hell's Gate.

When you choose this route, you'll get your first glimpse of Canada's iconic Rockies as you travel through Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, and Glacier National Park, passing Lake Louise and Revelstoke.

It also includes an optional stop in Lake Louise before continuing to Jasper. This trip takes about two days with overnight stays in Kamloops or Banff if you wish to experience an additional night in the mountains.

Rainforest to Gold Rush

The Rocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold Rush route travels from Vancouver to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Sick back and enjoy the ride as you witness some of the world's most spectacular scenery along the way!

The first day onboard will be spent traveling through British Columbia to Whistler where you’ll witness the stunning view that Howe Sounds provide. Once you get to the Canadian Rockies, you will be welcomed by enormous cliffs, deep canyons, and snow-capped mountains signaling your arrival at Whistler. Here, you can spend the day relaxing in the mountain resort and breathe in the fresh air.

From Whistler, the train will head towards Quesnel where you will see the Anderson and Seton Lakes. You then end your day by passing through the Fraser River footbridge and the city’s rustic charm. This destination is a historic sight because Quesnel is Canada’s gold rush capital.

The last day of your Goldrush route will take you to Jasper, a world-renowned destination for its scenery and beauty. As you reach the National Park, you will be greeted by vast mountains, pristine lakes, and majestic waterfalls.

Journey Through the Clouds

The Journey Through the Clouds route is the most popular in Rocky Mountaineer. This itinerary is a two-day journey by train spanning from Vancouver to Jasper. On your first day, you will travel from Vancouver to Kamloops, a riverside city embraced by tall canyons. After this stop, you'll continue north to Jasper on the second day of your trip.

With this path, you will see some of British Columbia's most breathtaking regions and landscapes, including Fraser Canyon and Cariboo Plateau with spectacular views of rivers and mountains.

Taking this journey will let you appreciate the highest elevations along the Mountaineer can offer. This means that even during the summer, you will be able to witness snow-covered mountain peaks during your ride.

If you’re a fan of wildlife, Journey Through the Clouds will help you spot the Canadian wildlife from your seat. You will end your journey as you reach Jasper — a part of the UNESCO world heritage site and home to more incredible wildlife and landscapes.

Which Package Should You Choose?

Your experience on the Rocky Mountaineer will depend on your itinerary and budget, so make sure to check out the best Canada travel deals available. Some of the most iconic services provided by the Mountaineer include:

● Glass-domed coaches

● Local and exquisite dining

● World-class hospitality

● Daylight train adventure

You can choose from two classes of service: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. Most guests choose GoldLeaf Service for its two-level glass-domed cars, where they can enjoy gourmet meals and unobstructed views of the scenery from their windows.

Also, guests can enjoy a single-level glass-domed coach with oversized windows and plenty of legroom. You will also receive a hot breakfast and lunch served in a separate dining room and a delicious snack in the afternoon.