If you’re anything like most Australians, the Rocky Mountaineer is likely one of your bucket list trips.
Even if you’re not a train nerd, this is a journey rather than just a way to get from A to B.
I was lucky enough to travel Gold Leaf on the 'Journey to the Clouds' from Vancouver to Jasper in May 2023, and it’s certainly an experience I won’t forget. Here are some travel tips and advice that will help you make the most of your trip!
The Route
The Rocky Mountaineer offers several different journeys, the most popular is from Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise, Vancouver to Jasper and the new route from Moab to Denver in the USA.
Which “Leaf of Travel”?
Rocky Mountaineer offers Silver and Gold Leaf carriages of travel. Silver Leaf features a comfortable seat, meals delivered to your seat and large windows to view the stunning scenery.
If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend Gold Leaf, which is how I travelled. Gold Leaf features luxurious seats with recline and heating, in a dome glass carriage for uninterrupted views of the scenery. Your meals are served in a beautiful dining carriage downstairs, and there’s also a viewing platform to get wonderful photos and some fresh air.
Gold Leaf carriage with glass dome for uninterrupted scenic views.
Do you want to request a certain seat?
There isn’t a ‘bad’ seat on the train, nor is there one side that has the better views. The only thing I can recommend would be to request a seat towards the front of the carriage as we were right at the back and had a bit of ‘background noise’ of the crew cleaning and stacking dishes and plates.
Which direction is best to travel?
Personally, I think from Vancouver to Jasper/Banff/Lake Louise. The first day in this direction was nice but felt like a ‘warm up’ for what was coming on day two. So I think if you travelled in the opposite direction, you might be underwhelmed by the scenery on day two. Plus, if you’re spending time in the Rockies before the train, viewing the mountains from the train doesn't have as much sparkle as when you’re seeing them for the first time.
What’s the best way to book the Rocky Mountaineer?
There are lots of different ways to book the Rocky Mountaineer, all through your favourite Travel Consultant, of course!
- Book the train journey only
- Book a Rocky Mountaineer package, including accommodation and sightseeing in Jasper/Banff/Lake Louise/Vancouver before and/or after your train journey
- Book an escorted tour that includes the Rocky Mountaineer train. Companies like APT, Scenic and Trafalgar all offer exciting tours that include the Rocky Mountaineer
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While I’m in Western Canada, where else should I include in my itinerary?
There are so many options but here are some of my favourites.
Exploring the Rocky Mountains is a no-brainer so definitely add on some nights in Jasper and Banff. Stay in Lake Louise or do a day trip from Banff to Lake Louise in under an hour each way. If your dates align, definitely add in Calgary during the Calgary Stampede (usually in July) for some boot-scooting cowboy fun! I went several years ago and had a blast.
If you haven’t visited Vancouver before, definitely add a few days to explore. Some of my favourite activities in Vancouver include visiting the Granville Markets and a whale-watching cruise. You can also visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Fly Over Canada and have a wander around Stanley Park. A day trip to Vancouver Island is also recommended so that you can visit Victoria and Butchart Gardens; however, it’s a very long day; the trip I did was about 15 hours. So if you have time, I’d recommend spending a few nights there instead.
You’d be foolish to be in Vancouver and not take the chance at jumping onboard an Inside Passage Cruise. These cruises leave from Canada Place in the heart of downtown. You can choose a roundtrip journey, but I’d highly recommend doing a Cruise and Land tour where you cruise one way from Vancouver to Anchorage and then explore Denali National Park, Mt McKinley and Fairbanks. For the train enthusiasts out there, there is a Direct to Wilderness Alaska Rail Service complete with glass-domed railcars that you won't want to miss.
