The Rocky Mountaineer is like a wild stallion of the railroads.It gallops through the rugged mountains and valleys of WesternCanada, taking you on a journey through some of the mostbreathtaking scenery you'll ever lay eyes on.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Before you board the RockyMountaineer, there are a few things you should know. First andforemost, it's not your typical commuter train. This isn't the kindof train you take to work unless your job is "professionalsightseer." The Rocky Mountaineer is all about the journey, not thedestination. It's like the ultimate road trip, but with the addedconvenience of not having to drive or navigate.
Where did it all start?
This Rocky Mountaineer has been travelling through the CanadianRockies since 1990, showcasing some of the most stunning naturallandscapes in the world. And with over 1.5 million guests andcounting, it's safe to say that it's won over the hearts (andInstagram feeds) of travellers from all over the globe.
The story behind this majestic train ride is as fascinating asthe scenery itself. Picture this: a visionary BritishColumbia-based entrepreneur named Peter Armstrong sees thepotential of the jaw-dropping landscape of the Canadian Rockies anddecides to create a train ride that will take tourists on a journeythat lets them marvel at the beauty of the mountains and thesurrounding wilderness. And so, the Rocky Mountaineer Train wasborn, 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 overthe years, offering passengers the chance to see other spectacularlocations, such as Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler.
Your comfort is top priority
The comfort onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is nothing short ofluxurious. The train has two classes, SilverLeaf service andGoldLeaf service. SilverLeaf is the more budget-friendly option,but don't let that fool you. The service is still top-notch, withcomfortable seating, delicious meals, and stunning views from thelarge windows.
GoldLeaf, on the other hand, is the ultimate luxury experience.You'll be treated like royalty, with gourmet meals, private outdoorbalconies, and panoramic dome cars that give you a 360-degree viewof the scenery. In both classes, the seats are plush and designedto provide optimal comfort, even on longer journeys. The train alsohas private washrooms and a wheelchair-accessible car.
The staff onboard are friendly and want to make your journey ascomfortable as possible. They take care of your every need and makesure your trip is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The trainalso features a dome car with a special seating area, where you cantake in the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies in acomfortable and relaxed setting. It's one of the most comfortableways to explore the Canadian wilderness, whether you're inSilverLeaf or GoldLeaf class.
Your comfort is top priority
The comfort onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is nothing short ofluxurious. The train has two classes, SilverLeaf service andGoldLeaf service. SilverLeaf is the more budget-friendly option,but don't let that fool you. The service is still top-notch, withcomfortable seating, delicious meals, and stunning views from thelarge windows.
GoldLeaf, on the other hand, is the ultimate luxury experience.You'll be treated like royalty, with gourmet meals, private outdoorbalconies, and panoramic dome cars that give you a 360-degree viewof the scenery. In both classes, the seats are plush and designedto provide optimal comfort, even on longer journeys. The train alsohas private washrooms and a wheelchair-accessible car.
The staff onboard are friendly and want to make your journey ascomfortable as possible. They take care of your every need and makesure your trip is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The trainalso features a dome car with a special seating area, where you cantake in the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies in acomfortable and relaxed setting. It's one of the most comfortableways to explore the Canadian wilderness, whether you're inSilverLeaf or GoldLeaf class.
The best sights from the Rocky Mountaineer
As I've mentioned, and will keep mentioning, The RockyMountaineer takes passengers on a journey through some of the moststunning 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 theRocky Mountaineer. As you ride through the canyon, you're treatedto views of the rushing creek, which is surrounded by toweringtrees 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 spotfor photographers, who flock to capture the train as it winds itsway around the curve. And with the Rocky Mountaineer's glass-domedcoaches, you'll have a front-row seat to this amazingspectacle.
Bow Lake, located in Banff National Park is a glacier-fed lakewhich is a breathtaking shade of turquoise and is surrounded bytowering peaks. As the train makes its way past, you'll have plentyof time to absorb the views and snap some photos.
Wonderful wildlife
You'll have the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife too. Ona journey through the Canadian Rockies, you might catch a glimpseof majestic elk and moose grazing in the fields, or a black bearforaging for berries in the forest. If you're lucky, you might evenspot a pack of wolves or a herd of bighorn sheep.
Passing through the valleys, you might see a beaver dam or afamily of river otters playing in the streams. And if you're on theright route, you might even see a majestic bald eagle soaringoverhead. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but it's alwaysan exciting possibility - just keep your eyes peeled and yourcamera ready.
Here's a bit more detail about some of the wildlife you mightsee.
The Canadian Moose
These majestic creatures are the largest members of the deerfamily and are known for their impressive antlers, long snouts, andshaggy brown coats.
These endearing but strange creatures are fast movers, goodswimmers, and fierce protectors of their young. If you're luckyenough to spot them during your journey, you'll be treated to afascinating sight. You may see them grazing on water plants thatgrow in the lakes and streams, or chomping on the branches ofwillow, birch, and aspen trees in the forests.
Moose sightings are most common in the early morning or lateevening. If you do spot one of these iconic animals, take a momentto appreciate their beauty and power. They're a symbol of theCanadian wilderness and a highlight of any journey on the RockyMountaineer Train.
Bears
The Canadian Rockies are home to a diverse range of bearspecies, including black bears, grizzly bears, and the rare Kermode(or "spirit") bear.
It's important to remember that bears are wild animals, andshould be treated with respect and caution. The Rocky MountaineerTrain takes every precaution to ensure the safety of itspassengers, 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 soaringmajestically above the jagged peaks of the mountains, and theseimpressive birds are a sight to behold.
Bald eagles are sea eagles, and are usually found near largebodies of water as they mainly feed on fish. Despite their name,they are not actually bald. Rather, their name derives from an oldword meaning 'white-headed', referring to the distinctive whitefeathers on their heads.
These magnificent birds have wingspans up to 2.3 meters, and area true symbol of strength and freedom.
When and how to ride the Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer runs during the peak tourist season, fromApril to October. To make sure passengers get the best views of thestunning scenery, the train travels during the day, so you haveplenty of time and light to soak up the views of the majesticCanadian Rockies.
One of the best things about the Rocky Mountaineer is that it'sa great way to see a lot of different places in a short amount oftime. You can choose from a variety of routes, depending on yourbudget, how much time you have, and what you want to see.
As the train pulls out of Vancouver and heads towards itsovernight stop in Kamloops, your eyes will be treated to the mostmagnificent lakes and valleys of British Columbia. Further down theroute to Banff, you'll be completely immersed in the raw beauty ofthe Canadian Rockies, with its rugged peaks and untamedwilderness.
On our Rocky Mountaineer train tours, you can explore loads moreof Canada's highlights as well as travelling on this incredibletrain.
All in all, taking a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer is likenothing else in the world. It's a luxurious, exciting, andunforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to lasta lifetime.
Just don't forget your camera! Because trust me, you'll want tocapture every single moment of this wild ride through themountains.
Check out all our RockyMountaineer train tours.
