Thinking of conquering the Canadian Rockies? 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 on top of your list?
Canada’s luxury train company, Rocky Mountaineer, offers three distinctive rail routes connecting the Pacific city of Vancouver with the Canadian Rockies. 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 Rocky Mountaineer’s legendary service.
The Canadian Rockies First Passage to the West
The two-day First Passage to the West 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 snarling rapids of Hell’s Gate—named for explorer Simon Fraser’s assertion that “surely these are the gates of Hell”—and the twin rail bridges of Cisco Crossing. Between Kamloops and Banff, you’ll witness the site of the “last spike” driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 at Craigellachie and experience the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. As you travel through Banff National Park, be awed by the views of towering Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle.
Lake Louise
Journey through the Clouds in the Canadian Rockies
Also two days long, Journey through the Clouds travels between Vancouver and Jasper, traversing some of the most remote landscapes in Canada, with scenery and wildlife largely untouched by humans.
Like First Passage to the West, the rail route passes the rushing Hell’s Gate and Cisco Crossing, traveling along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. Between Kamloops and Jasper, the train passes 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 weather patterns, with clouds enveloping the peak while the remaining sky is blue. Jasper National Park is a Dark Sky Preserve known for stargazing, wildlife around every corner, and some of the best outdoor adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper National Park
Canadian Rockies Rainforest to Gold Rush
For those who want to delve further into Western Canada’s history and diverse landscapes and spend more time on the train, the three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush 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.
With overnights in Whistler and Quesnel, on this 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 perfect if you love exploring nature.
All three rail routes are available in both directions: starting in Vancouver and heading east, or from the Rockies west towards the Pacific, so 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.
Culinary Delight Onboard
The freshly-prepared gourmet meals served onboard Rocky Mountaineer is as much a part of the experience as the stunning scenery and award-winning service.
Executive Chef Kaelhub Cudmore and his team create menus inspired by seasonal ingredients, our rich tapestry of cultures, and the bountiful regions we travel through.
Dishes such as Lois Lake Steelhead Salmon, Verjus & Brown Butter Gnocchi, Spinach & Fennel Sauce with Purple Beet, and desserts like Lemon & Caramelized Stone Fruit Posset with Shortbread Biscuit and Lavender showcase his ingredient-driven approach, supporting local agriculture and artisans in Rocky Mountaineer’s kitchens.
Below is a selection of recipes that have defined this iconic journey for over 30 years.
Braised Alberta Beef Short Ribs
Sir Sandford Fleming Eggs Benedict with Tarragon Hollandaise
Lightly Roasted Wild BC Sockeye Salmon
Every Rocky Mountaineer rail journey travels only during daylight hours, so you can be sure that you’re getting all the moments of those picture-postcard views that you’ve come to see. And whether you opt for SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service, you’ll enjoy freshly-prepared cuisine paired with a glass of wine or a local craft beer as your onboard Hosts bring the scenery to life and you swap stories with your new lifelong friends.
Need help deciding which journey is for you? Combine rail routes for a Circle Journey, giving you up to five nights on the train. Let me help you curate custom packages that feature tours, activities, and extended stays in the destinations so that you can experience even more of Western Canada. After booking your rail journey, the most pressing decision will be whether to have the Alberta beef or the wild Pacific salmon for lunch. Let’s chat!
Produced by Inspired Travel Designs with Rocky Mountaineer