4 ways to experience the best of the Rocky Mountaineer

Grab the best seat in the house for an endless, ever-changing panorama of turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, rainforest vistas or undulating desert rocks, all with first-class service.  

The iconic Rocky Mountaineer took its inaugural trip, gliding through the timeless beauty of the great Canadian Rockies in 1990. Since then, it’s become renowned as one of the best and most luxurious rail experiences in the world. Now offering four unique routes through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Canada and the US, sit back and take in the views.  

Choose your level of service from GoldLeaf Service where gourmet meals are prepared by executive chefs, with access to bi-level glass dome coaches and exclusive outdoor viewing platforms, to the award-winning at-seat service of SilverLeaf Service. Add sightseeing tours before, during or after your journey. And with overnight stops at partner hotels, and travel only during daylight hours, you’ll never miss a minute of the spectacular vistas as the Rocky Mountaineer makes its way through three iconic routes in Western Canada, and now, the American Southwest too. It’s an experience like no other.  

This legendary journey between Vancouver, Lake Louise and Banff is, put simply, iconic. Retrace the footsteps of the pioneers as you traverse the Continental Divide, ride past azure lakes and travel through high mountain passes and dramatic canyons on this celebrated route that first connected Canada from East to West.  

As the only passenger rail service permitted to use this historic rail line, you’ll be able to soak in the scenery during a two-day, all-daylight luxury tour through Yoho National Park and the tunnels, glaciers and canyons of Rogers Pass. You won’t want to move from your window seat as the train makes its way through unique spiral tunnels on its way through the West.   

Begin your journey in Vancouver, where the Pacific Ocean and the mountains border a bustling downtown. Head through the Fraser Valley as you dine on a gourmet breakfast freshly prepared by onboard chefs. Watch the landscape give way to snow-capped peaks and white-water rivers as you hear stories of the region on your passage to overnight in charming Kamloops. Wake on your second morning to vistas of expansive lakes and hear about the history of the railway as you continue to the famed mountain town of Banff and neighbouring Lake Louise, where hot springs, turquoise lakes and mountain gondolas await.  

Spectacular doesn’t quite do the scenery justice on this picturesque route between Jasper and Vancouver. Spellbinding views of cascading waterfalls accompany you on this two-day all-daylight journey along the Thompson River, between one of the jewels of the Rockies and the enigmatic west coast.  

Pass Mount Robson, the highest peak in North America; its imposing 4000m pyramid-shaped peak towers high above the surrounding mountains, even generating its own weather system. This isn’t known as the Journey Through the Clouds for nothing. Turquoise lakes and the veil-like beauty of the Pyramid Falls mean you’ll want to have your camera ready.  

Overnight in Kamloops and take in peaks that stretch to the sky as you indulge in a gourmet menu of fresh local ingredients from braised beef to local berries. Relax in bi-level glass dome coaches that allow you to see these views from a full 360 degrees, from valley floor to towering peak. Listen to knowledgeable guides give insightful commentary about the potent history and wildlife of western Canada’s Yellowhead Route and past the Cariboo and Monashee Mountains. The only other thing you need to do is sit back and relax.  

The fringes of Canada’s dramatic west coast and towering coastal mountains are calling. Home to one of the world’s most important – and most pristine – temperate rainforests, let the Rocky Mountaineer transport you to terrain otherwise unreachable.  

This epic three-day ride into the rainforest delivers you from Vancouver to the famed ski town of Whistler, on through the picturesque Pemberton Valley to Quesnel, ultimately ending in the inimitable setting of Jasper. Wind your way along the fjords of Howe Sound, follow the Fraser River Valley, and be ready for a diverse array of scenery as the forest transforms to fertile valleys, desert-like canyons, and on to the splendor of the Rocky Mountains.   

The route from Whistler to Quesnel is gold rush country, where hopeful prospectors once journeyed to mineral-laden mountains in search of riches. Pass through lands that have been home to Indigenous communities for millennia.  

This is the longest route aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, with overnight stops in both Whistler and Quesnel enroute. That’s more time to savour the exceptional on-board service, while the incomparable scenery rolls by.  

Witness the unseen wild west as the Rocky Mountaineer forges a path between the epic desert and red rock landscapes between Moab and Denver. Cross from Utah to Colorado on a two-day voyage on this new route past natural archways, enchanting hoodoos, crossing the Continental Divide to green pastures and mountain peaks on your way to the mile-high city. 

Highlights of this otherworldly terrain – best viewed from the train – include Ruby Canyon, the 25-mile red rock canyon carved by the mighty Colorado River, where steep, stepped plateaus descend to expansive green waters. Watch the landscape transform as the dry peaks of Mount Garfield rise above a flat desert floor. Sip on signature cocktails as you roll into your overnight stop in the desert resort town of Glenwood Springs.  

The Rockies to Red Rocks is available in SilverLeaf Service, where delicious meals and beverages are brought right to your seat. Or enhance your journey with SilverLeaf Plus with exclusive access to a lounge car, locally sourced wine pairings and hand-crafted cocktails. Head to the exclusive small outdoor viewing platform as you pass through the most dramatic spots on the route, from Mount Garfield to Ruby Canyon.  

About the experts

First Class Holidays is proud to offer over 28 years of exceptional service with a personal, friendly approach that’s led the company to becoming an industry leader in delivering memorable, tailor-made holidays. First Class Holidays has won several awards and all of its trips are ABTA and ATOL protected. Their team of experts can provide first-hand knowledge on everything, from flights and hotels to sightseeing and excursions. 

Thinking of travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer? Contact First Class Holidays at enquiries@fcholidays.com or 0161 8885628.