Rocky Mountaineer Guidebook
Your Ultimate guide to Rocky Mountaineer Train Tours
Witness the world's most majestic mountain scenery from the comfort of a glass-dome train. Find all you need to plan your journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Explore the official Rocky Mountaineer routes
Every Rocky Mountaineer train journey offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, but each of the three official routes tells its own unforgettable story. Travel along historic rail lines carved into sheer mountainsides, wind through valleys framed by the highest peaks, and pass through diverse wildlife-rich ecosystems.
First Passage to the West
Vancouver ↔ Banff / Lake Louise
Follow the historic Canadian Pacific Railway route through the Rockies, with highlights like the Spiral Tunnels, Castle Mountain, and Craigellachie.
This iconic train journey takes you through Banff and Lake Louise, making it a must for history lovers and travelers seeking Canada’s most famous mountain landscapes.
Journey Through the Clouds
Vancouver ↔ Jasper
Travel north into the Canadian Rockies on a scenic train journey showcasing Pyramid Falls, Yellowhead Pass, and the majestic Mount Robson.
With Jasper National Park’s vast wilderness as the backdrop, this route is ideal for nature lovers seeking dramatic peaks and untouched landscapes.
Rainforest to Gold Rush
Vancouver ↔ Jasper via Whistler
Experience British Columbia’s most diverse landscapes on a train journey from Vancouver to Jasper.
Highlights include the Sea-to-Sky corridor to Whistler, the dramatic Fraser Canyon, and the turquoise lakes of Anderson and Seton. Perfect for travelers seeking varied scenery and world-class destinations.
Save on Your 2026 Rocky Mountaineer Journey
For a limited time, we are offering an exclusive discount on all 2026 Rocky Mountaineer packages. Lock in your adventure at the best price before this offer ends.
Experience Rocky Mountaineer Services: GoldLeaf And SilverLeaf
Experience the Canadian Rockies in style with Rocky Mountaineer’s two service levels: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. Both deliver breathtaking views, exceptional cuisine, and award-winning service—designed to match your personal travel style, whether you want the pinnacle of luxury or outstanding comfort and value.
GoldLeaf Service
GoldLeaf Service is the pinnacle of luxury, offered in a custom-designed, bi-level glass-dome coach. The upper level provides spacious seating with full panoramic windows for 360-degree views, while the lower level features an elegant dining room for gourmet meals. Guests can also enjoy a large outdoor viewing platform, perfect for fresh mountain air and unforgettable photos.
Key Features:
Bi-level glass-dome coach with upper-level seating.
Full panoramic windows for immersive views.
À la carte dining in an exclusive dining room.
Large outdoor viewing platform.
Complimentary premium beverages and snacks.
Service from a team of 3–4 attentive hosts.
Luggage delivered directly to your hotel room.
SilverLeaf Service
SilverLeaf Service delivers an incredible journey in a single-level glass-dome coach with oversized windows for sweeping views. From the comfort of your spacious seat, enjoy hot gourmet meals and complimentary beverages served by attentive hosts. With generous legroom, relaxing seating, and seamless luggage delivery, SilverLeaf combines comfort, service, and value for an exceptional travel experience.
Key Features:
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Single-level glass-dome coach with oversized windows.
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Panoramic windows designed for maximum viewing.
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Hot gourmet meals served directly to your seat.
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Complimentary beverages with snacks.
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Service from a team of 2 attentive hosts.
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Generous legroom and comfortable seating.
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Luggage delivered directly to your hotel room.
Rocky Mountaineer Train Pricing
All Rocky Mountaineer trips (excluding the Rainforest to Gold Rush route) are built around a two-day train journey — either First Passage to the West or Journey Through the Clouds. The prices for the two-day trip are shown below.
2025 2026
| Class | SilverLeaf | GoldLeaf |
|---|---|---|
| April | $2,245 | $3,065 |
| May-Aug | $2,725 | $3,665 |
| Sep | $2,894 | $3,894 |
| Oct | $2,725 | $3,665 |
| Class | SilverLeaf | GoldLeaf |
|---|---|---|
| April | $2,294 | $3,114 |
| May | $2,794 | $3,734 |
| Jun – Aug | $2,834 | $3,904 |
| Sep | $3,004 | $4,004 |
| Oct | $2,774 | $3,704 |
Every Rocky Mountaineer trip is customized to your travel preferences, so your price depends on four key factors:
Service Level – Choose the ultimate luxury of GoldLeaf Service or the comfort and value of SilverLeaf Service.
Trip Length – From a short 4-day getaway to a 12+ day immersive vacation.
Route – Select from three legendary Canadian Rockies train routes.
Travel Season – Spring’s fresh greens, summer’s long sunny days, or autumn’s golden colors.
Browse by Destination
The Rocky Mountaineer’s routes connect the coastal city of Vancouver with key destinations located inside Canada’s renowned mountain parks. These routes to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Whistler and Vancouver offer a different perspective on the landscapes and culture of Western Canada.
Banff National Park & Lake Louise
Banff National Park & Lake Louise
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park
Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops
Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops
Planning your trip: Schedules and best time to travel
The Rocky Mountaineer runs from April to October, when daylight is long enough to enjoy the scenery. Trains usually depart two or three times a week in each direction, leaving in the morning and arriving by evening. Guests spend about 10–12 hours onboard each day, with meals, storytelling, and panoramic views throughout the journey.
Each season offers something unique—from spring waterfalls to summer sunshine and golden autumn colors—so the best time to go depends on the experience you’d like.
Spring (Apr – May)
Valleys turn green while snow still caps the peaks, waterfalls surge from melting snow, and parks are quieter with fewer visitors.
Summer (Jun – Aug)
Warm weather, long daylight hours, vivid turquoise glacier-fed lakes, and abundant wildlife activity make it ideal for sightseeing.
Fall (Sep– Oct)
Cooler temperatures, golden aspen and larch trees in late September, and occasional early snow at higher elevations.
Rocky Mountaineer’s Exquisite Culinary Experience Onboard
Local Flavours. Legendary Views. An Unforgettable Journey.
On Rocky Mountaineer, chef-crafted menus spotlight regionally sourced ingredients, served with attentive hospitality and panoramic, glass-dome views—turning every mile into an elevated, unforgettable dining experience.
GoldLeaf Dining
In GoldLeaf Service, guests are treated to an unparalleled culinary journey, beginning with a lavish à la carte menu served in a dedicated dining car. This unique setting provides a vibrant, restaurant-style atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience with panoramic views and impeccable service. Each dish is meticulously prepared with regionally sourced ingredients, offering a true taste of the Canadian Rockies.
SilverLeaf Service
Meanwhile, guests in SilverLeaf Service enjoy delicious, multi-course gourmet meals and signature cocktails delivered directly to their comfortable seat.Meanwhile, guests in SilverLeaf Service enjoy delicious, multi-course gourmet meals, often featuring regionally inspired dishes and fresh, local ingredients, delivered directly to their comfortable, oversized reclining seats.
Explore Deeper into the Rockies
Enhance your Rocky Mountaineer experience with our exclusive Coach tour extensions. From extra nights in vibrant cities to guided excursions in the Canadian Rockies, these packages let you see and do more beyond the train. It’s a seamless way to turn your rail journey into a complete Canadian adventure.
GRAND CIRCLE
5 Day Roundtrip Rail + Coach tour from Vancouver
- Starts and ends in Vancouver
- 4 nights of hotel accommodation
- 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- Sightseeing in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise
- Fully guided tour
WEST COAST EXPLORER
5 Day Vancouver to Calgary Rail + Coach Tour
- Vancouver to Calgary
- 4 nights of hotel accommodation
- 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- Sightseeing in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise
- Fully guided tour
MOUNTAIN EXPLORER
6 Day Calgary to Vancouver Rail + Coach Tour
- Calgary to Vancouver
- 5 nights of hotel accommodation
- 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- Sightseeing in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise
- Fully guided tour
Frequently Asked questions
Are seats assigned on the Rocky Mountaineer?
Yes, seats are pre-assigned to ensure your party sits together during the scenic train ride. You will receive your seat numbers at check-in. All seats in both service levels are designed for excellent viewing.
Do you get breakfast on the Rocky Mountaineer?
Yes, a complimentary gourmet hot breakfast is included. It is served à la carte in the GoldLeaf dining car or delivered directly to your seat in SilverLeaf.
How much does it cost to ride on the Rocky Mountaineer?
The cost varies based on the route, service level (GoldLeaf/SilverLeaf), package length, and time of year. Packages generally start from around CAD 2,245 per person. Click here for more info on pricing.
Where do you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?
No, you sleep in a comfortable hotel each night. The Rocky Mountaineer is an all-daylight train that stops in a destination town in the evening. There are no sleeper cars on the train; your luggage is delivered ahead to your hotel for you.
Are the rocky mountaineer train prices different throughout the year?
Yes, train ticket prices fluctuate throughout the year. Generally, the prices are higher during the peak season (summer) and comparatively lower during spring and fall. April and October are generally the least expensive months, while July and August are the most expensive months.
What is the difference between SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus?
SilverLeaf Plus is an enhanced service only available on the “Rockies to the Red Rocks” route in the USA. It is not an option on any of our Canadian routes, where the choice is between the excellent SilverLeaf and the ultimate luxury of GoldLeaf.
Which Rocky Mountaineer route is the best?
The “best” route depends on your interests:
- First Passage to the West: Historic, visiting the iconic towns of Banff and Lake Louise.
- Journey Through the Clouds: Features remote peaks and the vast wilderness of Jasper.
Rainforest to Gold Rush: Offers the most diverse scenery, including Whistler and desert-like canyons.
How long is the Rocky Mountaineer train ride?
The journey on the train itself is two or three days, depending on your route. These train days are part of complete vacation packages that can range from four days to two weeks or more, including all hotels and tours.
How to book rocky mountaineer train
You can book online on the official Rocky Mountaineer site—pick your route, dates, and service level, then check out.
Or you can book through Key West Travel & Tours to make it effortless: we’re Rocky Mountaineer specialists trusted by 50,000+ guests, we bundle rail with hotels/transfers/tours into one seamless package, and we help you use current promotions to maximize value.
Why choose the Rocky Mountaineer?
Breathtaking views
Travel only in daylight through routes cars can't access.
Travel in Luxury
Enjoy gourmet cuisine and attentive service in a glass-dome coach.
Relax Completely
We handle every detail, so you can just enjoy the view.
Why do we recommend planning and booking ahead of time?
The Rocky Mountaineer operates only from April to October, and demand is extremely high. Booking early ensures your preferred travel dates, secures a coveted GoldLeaf Service seat, and guarantees top hotel choices in destinations like Banff and Jasper before they sell out.