Rocky Mountaineer: Three Rail Routes into the Canadian Rockies
Would you call yourself a history buff, or are you a wildlife watcher? Do you yearn to follow along the route of gold-seeking pioneers of the 1860s, or does spotting a soaring eagle or a handsome bear top your travel adventure list? Canada’s luxury train company, Rocky Mountaineer, offers three distinctive rail routes connecting the Pacific city of Vancouver with the Canadian Rocky Mountains. No matter which you choose, you can sink into your roomy reclining seat with a glass of wine and enjoy it all. Thrill to an inspiring mix of nature’s greatest hits, storytelling that brings your surroundings to life, and Rocky Mountaineer’s legendary service.
Luxury Travel Journey of History and Wildlife
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.” It was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 at Craigellachie, and today you’ll experience the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. As you travel through Banff National Park be awed by views of towering Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle.
Trek by Train Through Stunning Landscapes
Also two days long, the 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 both the Fraser and the 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 own weather patterns, with clouds enveloping the peak while the rest of the sky is blue. Jasper National Park is a Dark Sky Preserve known for stargazing, wildlife around every corner and some of the best outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies.
For those who want to delve further into Western Canada’s history and diverse landscapes—as well as spending 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 who sought their fortune here. This rail route also boasts the most trestle bridges, making it a favourite with train enthusiasts. With overnights in Whistler and Quesnel, on this journey you’ll climb through a rainforest into the alpine area alongside the southern fjord of Howe Sound. You’ll 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 if you love exploring nature.
Vancouver Sightseeing, Hotels & Dining
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. Every Rocky Mountaineer rail journey travels only during daylight hours so you can be sure that you’re not missing a moment 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 soon to be 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 that 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, your most pressing decision left will be whether to have the Alberta beef or the wild Pacific salmon for lunch.
Choose the right destination and customize your travel with Fernweh Luxury Travel Advisors
Fernweh Travel provides customized and unique experiences keeping the travelers’ desires and needs in mind. Whether it is Weddings, Honeymoons, and Romantic getaways, Luxury Cruising, Tours & Customized travels, we strive to offer our clients the very best experiences possible. As members of the world-leading consortium, Virtuoso Travel, Fernweh Travel offers a world of travel expertise, perks, and access to a portfolio of the best brands in luxury and group travel. Visit us at fernwehluxurytravel.com, email info@fernwehtrvl.com or call us at 888-594-5205 for more information.
