Travel Through The Heart of The Rockies – Up Close + Personal
Are you more of a history buff, or a wildlife watcher? Do you yearn to follow the route of gold-seeking pioneers of the 1860s, or is spotting a soaring eagle or a handsome bear top of your list? A Luxury Travel Authority premier suppler, Rocky Mountaineer, offers three distinctively unique, luxury train travel routes connecting the Pacific city of Vancouver with the Canadian Rocky Mountains. No matter which you choose, as you sink into your roomy reclining seat with a glass of wine, you’ll enjoy an inspiring mix of nature’s greatest hits, storytelling that brings your surroundings to life, and impeccable service. Live out new dreams!
Explore the Journeys
First Passage to the West
This two-day route rolls along the historic tracks of the country’s first coast-to-coast railway between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise, with an overnight stay in Kamloops.
Pass by the twin rail bridges of Cisco Crossing and the snarling rapids of Hell’s Gate. Named for explorer Simon Fraser’s assertion that “surely these are the gates of Hell”. Between Kamloops and Banff, you’ll see the site of the “last spike” driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 at Craigellachie. Experience the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. As you travel through Banff National Park you’ll stay awed by views of towering Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle.
Journey through the Clouds
Another two-day trip, travel between Vancouver and Jasper, traversing some of the most remote landscapes in Canada. The scenery and wildlife are largely untouched by humans. This rail route also passes the rushing Hell’s Gate and Cisco Crossing, traveling along both the Fraser and Thompson rivers.
Between Kamloops and Jasper, you pass the glacier-fed, three-tiered Pyramid Falls, Mount Albreda, and Mount Robson—the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 meters (12,972 feet). Mount Robson is so big that it often forms its own weather patterns. Its clouds envelop the peak while the rest of the sky is blue. Jasper National Park, a Dark Sky Preserve is replete with wonders. Stargazing, wildlife around every corner, and some of the best outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies.
Rainforest to Gold Rush
Want to delve further into Western Canada’s history and diverse landscapes? Or looking forward to spending more time on the train? This lovely three-day route takes a northerly path between Vancouver and Jasper, uncovering the stories of those seeking their fortune. This rail route also boasts the most trestle bridges, making it a favorite with train fans. You have two overnights in Whistler and Quesnel. On the journey, you’ll climb through the rainforest into the alpine alongside the southern fjord of Howe Sound. Pass the deep turquoise waters of Seton and Anderson Lakes. Travel along the desert-like Cariboo Plateau, cross the historic Cottonwood River Bridge and take in Mount Robson. With two of Western Canada’s best outdoor adventure hubs on this train journey, Whistler and Jasper, this rail route is the perfect fit for adventurers who love exploring nature.
The Beautiful Details of Unique Luxury Train Travel
All three rail routes are available in both directions. Start in Vancouver and head east, or from the Rockies west towards the Pacific. You can kick off your vacation with Vancouver sightseeing and dining at the hottest restaurants. Or plan for mountaintop adventures and a drive along the Icefields Parkway. You travel only during daylight hours. You can be sure that you’re not missing a moment of those picture-postcard views that you want to see. And whether you opt for SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service, you’ll enjoy freshly-prepared cuisine, wine pairings or local craft beer. As your onboard Hosts bring the scenery to life, you swap stories with your new lifelong friends.
Can’t decide which journey is for you? Combine rail routes for a Circle Journey, giving you up to five nights on the train. What’s more, Rocky Mountaineer works with local tour operators and travel experts to curate custom packages. They feature tours, activities, and extended stays in the destinations, so you can experience even more of Western Canada. After you’ve booked your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, the most pressing decision left will be whether to have the Alberta beef or the wild Pacific salmon for lunch.
Gastronomy on the Train
Your taste for adventure isn’t the only thing indulged on a Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Traveling between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, what you’ll find on your plate is almost as impressive as what’s outside the glass-dome windows. Enjoy delicious multi-course breakfasts and lunches each day on the train. Everything is freshly prepared by Rocky Mountaineer’s professional culinary team.
The first indication that this is going to be one delicious journey comes before you even leave the station. Raise your glasses for a toast as you’re all welcomed on board! Those traveling in GoldLeaf Service have two divided meal seating groups per rail coach and head downstairs to the dedicated dining room. Perusing the menu, you can choose from five different main courses at each meal. Those in SilverLeaf Service choose from two main courses served at your seat. This really is restaurant-quality dining executed on the rails. All while you pass through some of the most remote parts of Western Canada.
Unique Meals & Luxury Train Travel
Breakfast on board is serious business—you have a full day of “oohing” and “ahhing” to prepare for—and could include options such as a smoked salmon and egg scramble or cinnamon French toast with Canadian maple syrup, all served with freshly baked pastries and seasonal fruit. At lunch, you might find yourself making the tough choice between Alberta beef and wild Pacific salmon. Luckily for you, every choice is the right one.
Meet The Culinary Team
Executive Chef Jean Pierre Guerin and his team create the menu each season, showcasing local ingredients and the cultural influences of the area while taking inspiration from the landscapes that Rocky Mountaineer travels through. As you connect with other guests over your meal, there’s also a true sense of connection with what you see outside. Freshly sourced seasonal ingredients are from British Columbia and Alberta—in fact, some of the routes pass right by the farms that supply Rocky Mountaineer, such as Desert Hills Ranch in Ashcroft, just west of Kamloops.
Illustrating the culinary team’s commitment to fine dining cuisine, the vast majority of the food is prepared on the train, with stocks and soups made in the commissary kitchen and brought onboard. The galley for each GoldLeaf Service rail coach is home to three members of the culinary teams, preparing three-course meals for 70 guests each day, with a slightly smaller team preparing dishes for those traveling in SilverLeaf Service. Because culinary creations happen onboard, the team is highly adept at accommodating those with dietary restrictions when given adequate notice. In fact, every menu includes at least one vegetarian choice, and many items on the menu are gluten-free.
Spirits Complete The Experience
To complement your meals (or just your conversation), premium British Columbia wines from the Okanagan Valley, local craft beers, and a selection of high-end spirits are offered complimentary onboard throughout the journey along with gourmet snacks. Does a plummy merlot pair better with snowy mountain peaks, or are the crisp, citrus notes of a sauvignon blanc more to your liking? The only way to know is to try them for yourself.
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