Rocky Mountaineer - RainForest To Gold Rush
The Rainforest to Gold Rush is Rocky Mountaineer’s most diverse and adventurous rail route, taking travelers on a remarkable journey from the lush coastal rainforests of Vancouver to the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies in Jasper. Over three days, with overnight stays in Whistler and Quesnel, this route showcases an incredible mix of landscapes — from ocean vistas and alpine passes to desert canyons and gold rush heritage towns.
What makes this journey unique is its variety. Unlike the other Rocky Mountaineer routes, the Rainforest to Gold Rush combines coastal beauty, rich history, and mountain grandeur all in one trip. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to experience Western Canada’s widest range of scenery while enjoying the comfort, storytelling, and world-class service Rocky Mountaineer is known for.
Vancouver → Whistler → Quesnel → Jasper
The Rainforest to Gold Rush is a three-day train journey from the seacoast village of Vancouver to the mountain village of Jasper, traversing some of Western Canada’s most varied landscapes. Unlike the two shorter Rocky Mountaineer journeys, this ride includes two overnight stops en route, giving travelers more time to enjoy the changing scenery.
Day One: Vancouver → Whistler
The adventure begins in Vancouver, and the train rides north through the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Passengers view Howe Sound, scenic coastal cliffs, and waterfalls as they proceed to Whistler, an internationally famous alpine resort village. Overnight accommodations are provided in a hotel reserved by Rocky Mountaineer.
Day Two: Whistler → Quesnel
Away from Whistler, the train moves east through the arid reaches of the Fraser Canyon, across rolling ranchlands, and into areas steeped in gold rush history. Passengers overnight in Quesnel, a small city that once bustled as a thriving center during the Cariboo Gold Rush.
Day Three: Quesnel → Jasper
The final section of the journey winds its way through the Canadian Rockies, over scenic peaks, glacial streams, and dense forest to arrive at Jasper National Park. Jasper is the gateway to some of the Rockies’ most iconic natural wonders, from Maligne Lake to the Columbia Icefield.
The route is the ideal mix for travelers who wish to view a combination of coastal scenery, cultural heritage, and alpine splendour, and provide a dramatic overview of the diversity of Western Canada.
Rocky Mountaineer: Tours & Packages
While the Rocky Mountaineer train journeys are unforgettable on their own, many travelers choose to enhance the experience with Rocky Mountaineer + Coach tour packages. These combined itineraries allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the comfort and luxury of daylight rail travel and the flexibility of guided motorcoach sightseeing.
For the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, there are fewer standard packages compared to Rocky Mountaineer’s other journeys. However, we offer a selection of customized coach tour extensions designed to fit seamlessly with your train itinerary. From Jasper, you can extend your adventure with guided tours through Banff National Park, Lake Louise, or the Columbia Icefield, or continue on to Calgary. Each extension adds more opportunities for wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and exploring Canada’s most iconic landmarks.
By combining rail and coach travel, you’ll get a richer, more immersive experience of Western Canada — moving from panoramic train views to hands-on exploration of the Rockies’ most celebrated destinations.
The best of Our Rocky Mountaineer Tours
Journey Through The Clouds Excursion
7 Days / 6 Nights, Vancouver to Calgary Rail + Coach Tour
- 2-day Rocky Mountaineer train journey
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfasts & lunches onboard the train
- Rail station transfers (Vancouver, Kamloops & Jasper)
- Icefields Parkway tour with Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk
- Yoho National Park tour
- Luggage handling & National Park Pass
Grand Circle
5 Days / 4 Nights, Roundtrip from Vancouver, Rail + Coach
- 2-day Rocky Mountaineer train journey (Vancouver → Jasper)
- Fully guided motorcoach tour of Jasper, Banff & Lake Louise
- 4 nights hotel accommodation
- 5 breakfasts & 2 lunches
- Rail station transfers (Vancouver, Kamloops & Jasper)
- National Parks Pass & toll fee
- Optional hikes through Johnston & Maligne Canyons
Canadian Rockies Rail Excursion
6 Days / 5 Nights, Calgary to Vancouver Rail + Coach Tour
- 2-day Rocky Mountaineer train journey (Jasper → Vancouver)
- 3-day guided motorcoach tour plus independent day in Lake Louise
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- 5 breakfasts & 2 lunches
- Ice Explorer tour, Glacier Skywalk & Gondola ride
- National Park Pass & toll fee
- Services of a dedicated mountain tour guide
Silverleaf And Goldleaf: Rainforest to Gold rush Route
The Rainforest to Gold Rush offers two levels of service — both designed for comfort, luxury, and incredible views. The difference comes down to how you’d like to experience the journey.
- Bi-level glass-dome coach with unobstructed panoramic views.
- Exclusive dining room on the lower level, serving gourmet multi-course meals.
- Spacious reclining seats with extra legroom on the upper level.
- Large outdoor viewing platform for photography and fresh air.
- Expanded wine and beverage menu with dedicated hosts for personalized service.
- Best suited for those who want the ultimate luxury and immersed experience, with the optimal views and top-drawer dining.
- Glass-dome coach single level with large windows for panoramic viewing.
- Reclining seats and hospitable service.
- Meals served right at your seat, with local ingredients and accompanied by complimentary beverages.
- Smaller exterior viewing area between coaches.
- Hosts share stories, history, and insights about the regions you’re passing through.
- Ideal for travelers who want a premium yet slightly more budget-friendly option, without sacrificing comfort or scenery.
Best time to take the Rainforest to Gold rush Route
Like all Rocky Mountaineer routes, the Rainforest to Gold Rush operates seasonally from April through October. Each part of the season offers a different experience, so the best time to travel depends on what you’d like to see and enjoy:
Spring (April – May)
- Snow still caps the mountains, rivers run high with meltwater, and wildflowers start to bloom.
- A less busy and sometimes more economical time to travel, with fewer people onboard.
Summer (June – August)
- Warm weather and long daylight hours provide ideal conditions for sightseeing.
- Prime wildlife viewing — bears, eagles, and other wildlife are more active.
- Peak season, so expect higher demand and premium fares.
Fall (September – October)
- Crisp mountain winds and vibrant fall colors, especially in the Cariboo region and Rockies.
- A favorite among photographers and travelers who enjoy a less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere.
- Slightly better value than the mid-summer rates.
Rocky Mountaineer Pricing: Rainforest to Gold rush
The Rainforest to Gold Rush is a three-day rail journey between Vancouver and Jasper with overnight stays in Whistler and Quesnel. Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of service — SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf — with fares that vary by season.
Packages include meals onboard, hotel nights in Whistler and Quesnel, and luggage handling, with additional coach tours available as extensions.
| Season / Month | SilverLeaf (CAD) | GoldLeaf (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| April | $3,199 | $4,369 |
| May | $3,399 | $4,599 |
| June–August | $3,499 | $3,499 |
| September | $3,499 | $4,799 |
| October | $3,299 | $4,499 |
Rainforest to Gold rush: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rainforest to Gold Rush route?
This is a three-day Rocky Mountaineer journey operating between Vancouver and Jasper, with overnight stops in Whistler and Quesnel. It’s the sole route that combines the Pacific Coast, the old gold rush country, and the Canadian Rockies in one journey.
How many nights are included?
The tour includes two nights hotel stays — one in Whistler and one in Quesnel — which Rocky Mountaineer reserves. The days are full onboard the train and the nights in each town are free to relax.
What kind of scenery will I see?
Some of the highlights include coastal rainforests, the breathtaking Fraser Canyon, the rolling ranchlands of British Columbia’s Cariboo country, and finally the snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes of the Canadian Rockies.
What does the price include?
All onboard meals (breakfasts and lunches), beverages, snacks, overnight hotel stays in Whistler and Quesnel, baggage handling, and station transfers are included. GST, gratuities off the train, and optional tours are extra.
How is this route different from the others?
As opposed to the shorter 2-day journeys, Rainforest to Gold Rush is a longer, more diverse trip, incorporating coastal, desert-like, and alpine landscapes into one itinerary.
When does the train operate?
The tour runs seasonally from April to October, like the other Rocky Mountaineer tours. Spring and fall are quieter and great for value, and summer provides warm weather and wildlife spotting.
Can I extend my holiday beyond Jasper or Vancouver?
Yes. Extra nights in Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, or Lake Louise are available in most packages, and coach tour add-ons to explore the Rockies further, e.g., the Columbia Icefield or Banff Gondola.
Book a Rocky Mountaineer Tour Now
Seats on Rocky Mountaineer sell out quickly — especially during peak summer months. Secure your spot today to lock in the best fares, service level, and travel dates. Don’t wait — book your Rocky Mountaineer tour now and get ready for the journey of a lifetime through the Canadian Rockies.
