Rocky Mountaineer is not just a train. It is a wonderful experience encompassing scenery, history and people along its route traveling almost 960 km (600 miles) through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
During your Canada train trip, you'll travel at a leisurely pace during all daylight hours. This provides you with plenty of exceptional photo opportunities in a relaxing atmosphere.
Each Canadian Rockies train excursion extends two-days long. You'll find yourself in the middle of amazing scenery you wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to see.
From snow-capped mountain crests to crystal blue lakes, every minute of your journey will bring a new appreciation for the great outdoors. To ensure you enjoy as much of your Canada train trip as possible, the Rocky Mountaineer travels only during daylight hours. At night you'll be provided with comfortable hotel accommodation in Kamloops.
Departing from Vancouver on day one will offer a wide variety of nature scapes to view as you make your way toward the Canadian Rockies. Train travel is the perfect mode of transport for taking in all the beauty of the lush green Fraser Valley and steep, rocky terrain of the Fraser Canyon.
Equally as stunning is the drier, desert-like region found as you approach your stop, Kamloops. Overnight stay in Kamloops at the junction of the mighty Fraser and the Thompson River ensures you don't miss a moment of this spectacular journey.
During day two, the train travels through mountainous terrain along scenic valleys, rolling plateaus and finally snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Train trips spanning two-days are part of every Rocky Mountaineer train tour. Longer tours (up to 16-days) are also available.
Your Canada train trip can take one of three routes. Kicking Horse route runs between Vancouver and Banff or Calgary, Yellowhead route between Vancouver and Jasper and the new Fraser Discovery route between Whistler and Jasper. Each trip also runs in the opposite direction leaving from Calgary, Banff or Jasper.
When traveling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, you have a choice between two levels of service - Gold Leaf Service and Red Leaf Service. Each coach on this Canadian Rockies train is assigned an onboard attendant who will provide you first-class service throughout the railroad journey.
The first Rocky Mountaineer train pulled out of the Vancouver station on May 27, 1990?
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations ™ operates a fleet of 60 rail coaches plus five locomotives?
All Gold Leaf dome coaches are custom-built, made with shatterproof glass on the overhead dome and with fully equipped stainless steel kitchen galleys?
Red Leaf coaches are classically styled railcars built in 1950's? They were used originally by Canadian National Railway's transcontinental passenger rail route.
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Rocky Mountaineer.
1. What is the best time to travel through the Canadian Rockies?
Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, every season offers its own unique advantages. June is ‘Springtime in the Rockies’ with snow on the mountaintops and flowers beginning to bloom. April, May and October offer tremendous cost savings. July and August are the most likely months to have warm, sunny weather and thus have the most travelers.
2. How far do we travel on the Rocky Mountaineer?
About 450 kilometres (280 miles) each day—all in daylight. You can look forward to spending two full relaxing days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
3. Does the Rocky Mountaineer have sleeper cars?
No. All daylight rail tours through the Canadian Rockies are scheduled to show you all of the spectacular scenery. After a day onboard the train, you overnight in either Kamloops or Quesnel, British Columbia.
4. How can I get updated information on your tours?
Our most up to date information can be found at: www.lloydstravel.com or by calling 1-800-800-7252.
5. What are the advantages to travelling these routes by rail?
There are many unique features to rail travel. You will enjoy an extremely comfortable seat with ample legroom and have the freedom to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air while in the vestibules. Combined with attentive service and outstanding commentary, this type of leisurely paced travel will ensure that you know you are on vacation. One of the greatest advantages, however, is the ability to travel through areas simply not accessible by foot, car, or motorcoach. The routes you will travel on are described as engineering marvels and you will follow rushing rivers, pass beside towering waterfalls, and ride through spectacular river canyons. To truly appreciate the nature and scenery in this part of the world, the Rocky Mountaineer offers the very best vantage point.
6. What speed does the train travel?
The advantage of the train is that we are able to slow down at the most scenic areas to offer you the best viewing and camera opportunities. While there are areas the train reaches up to 90kph (60mph), the average speed is approximately 50 kph (30mph).
7. Is smoking permitted on the train and in the hotel rooms?
To ensure the preservation of the fragile environment of the areas in which we travel and for the comfort of all guests and employees, there is no smoking onboard Rocky Mountaineer. This includes the vestibules between the coaches and restroom facilities. The hotels do have limited smoking rooms available so please make sure you indicate your preference when you book your tour.
8. Are souvenirs available for purchase?
A full range of souvenirs are available for purchase onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
9. How long has Rocky Mountaineer been in business?
2010 represents the twentieth year of operation. Rocky Mountaineer welcomed the one-millionth guest onboard in 2008.
10. Is Rocky Mountaineer more than the train trip?
Indeed! The two-day all daylight Rocky Mountaineer train trip is only one part of what we can offer. Rocky Mountaineer is a vacation provider offering sightseeing, attractions, hotels, rental cars, and meal plans. Lloyds Travel offers one stop shopping and can assist in every aspect of planning your Canadian travel experience.
11. Why does the Rocky Mountaineer only operate between April and October?
We offer all daylight tours meaning you stay overnight in comfortable accommodation in Kamloops and Quesnel, the halfway points of the rail journeys. Travelling during this time of the year ensures that we take full advantage of the daylight hours and the spectacular scenery during the time of year when the regions show their full colours.
12. What is the “Ice Explorer” described in the tour itineraries?
The Ice Explorer is an ice and snow terrain vehicle specially designed to tour the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield, offering a 5-kilometre (3-mile) round-trip journey including commentary on the formation of glaciers.
13. What is the GST?
The Goods and Services Tax is applicable to all purchases made in Canada.
Before you Travel
1. What will the weather be like and what should I pack?
Temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and season, from a low of 10°C (50° F) to a high of 30° C (90° F). Kamloops and Quesnel, in particular, may be very warm in the summer. Plan to bring a sweater and slacks as well as lightweight summer wear. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk in the mountains. Flat-soled shoes should be worn on the train. Comfortable, casual attire is welcomed on the Rocky Mountaineer and many of our guests carry their sunglasses with them onboard the train. In spring and fall, include a light coat or warm jacket if you’re travelling to high altitudes.
2. Are you able to handle special group requests?
Absolutely! If you are looking for a customized itinerary for a group of 10 or more, Lloyds Travel can provide you with an opportunity to offer your group a unique and memorable experience.
3. Can children travel on the Rocky Mountaineer?
Yes. However, the Rocky Mountaineer trip is a minimum of two 9-hour days onboard the train, which may be long for some children.
4. Do your facilities accommodate people with special needs and/or disabilities?
Rocky Mountaineer will make every effort to meet any special needs, including the requirements of our disabled guests. Some of the Rocky Mountaineer coaches are wheelchair accessible. GoldLeaf Dome Coaches have elevators for guests who have problems using the spiral staircase. Please inform us at the time of booking if any assistance is required.
5. Can I arrange for a car rental or hotel in Vancouver or Calgary?
Absolutely! We at Lloyds Travel would be happy to help you arrange for your car rental needs. As well, we can arrange for further sightseeing excursions and extra hotel nights in Canada’s West – everything you need to make your vacation the best ever.
6. What currency should I carry when travelling in Canada and on the train?
The currency used in Canada is Canadian dollars. Transactions onboard the train may be paid with traveller’s checks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and Diner’s Card. We can also accept US currency at close to the current exchange rate, but we recommend that conversion to Canadian dollars take place prior to the train departure.
7. Am I able to bring my pet along?
Please note that all pets or animals (excluding guide dogs) are prohibited from travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
8. Should I plan connecting transportation on the day of the Rocky Mountaineer’s arrival?
Passenger rail travel in Canada is subject to unforeseen delays. While the Rocky Mountaineer is treated as a priority by the railways it uses, occasional delays do occur. For that reason, we ask that you please do NOT arrange connecting transportation on the day of your scheduled arrival in any destination.
10. Passport Requirements
Please be advised that effective January 23, 2007, all passengers including Canadian and U.S. citizens will be required to present a valid passport when travelling by air between Canada and the United States. Foreign nationals should contact their governments for further details.
Onboard Experience
1. What wildlife will I see?
There are wonderful opportunities for viewing wildlife from the train and during your stay in the Canadian Rockies including bears, elk, deer, moose, bald eagles, osprey, salmon, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. However, “wildlife are wild” and as such, sightings are never guaranteed. If you do come into contact with animals please act responsibly, maintain a safe distance, and never feed any wild animals.
2. Are we able to move within the Rocky Mountaineer?
One of the advantages of train travel is the spacious room afforded to all guests. RedLeaf Service guests are able to move through their own coach and enjoy fresh-air vestibules. Access to the two levels onboard the GoldLeaf dome coaches is limited to those guests riding in GoldLeaf Service.
3. Are both the RedLeaf and GoldLeaf coaches accessible by wheelchair?
We do have wheelchair facilities for both services. There are areas where a wheelchair can be secured in place and have very easy access to the wheelchair accessible washrooms. Wheelchair lifters are available at all stations and the GoldLeaf dome coaches are equipped with interior ADA-style elevators. All we ask is that we are informed at the time of booking of the extent of the disability so we can ensure that all plans are in place to ensure the vacation experience is a pleasant one.
4. Can I use my laptop computer and cell phone on the train?
We do not have plugs at the seats for laptop use. Depending on your battery life, we suggest that you charge you computer at night during your hotel stays for use onboard the train. It goes without saying that you will have a better chance of seeing all the scenery without working on your laptop computer. Throughout much of the train route, the train will be out of cell phone range, however, cell phones may be easily used in the major areas that our tours visit.
5. Can you address my dietary concerns onboard the train?
Absolutely. All we ask is that you provide your booking agent at Lloyds Travel or Rocky Mountaineer with 72 hours notice regarding your specific need. We will do everything possible to make your trip on the train memorable.
6. Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are not included in prices (unless indicated) for onboard attendants, driver-guides, transfers, hotel porterage or Red Cap porters. You may, however, choose to recognize good service in a tangible manner at your discretion.
For those who don't have the time to travel through the Canadian Rockies, train travel is still possible. The Whistler Mountaineer offers alternative, shorter train trips. This new train service was introduced in 2006 and provides a breathtaking three-hour rail excursion between Vancouver and Whistler.