The Rocky Mountaineer offers a unique way to explore dramatic landscapes without the hassle of driving. So, where does the Rocky Mountaineer train go? This guide outlines its routes through western Canada and the south-west of America, its highlights, and practical details like cost.
Understanding the Rocky Mountaineer Experience
Before exploring the routes, it is important to know how the service works. The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train. This means you travel by day and spend each night in a hotel at a scheduled stop. This ensures you do not miss any scenery while sleeping.
The train features custom-built glass-dome coaches that offer panoramic views of the passing landscapes. Service levels, typically SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf, include onboard storytelling, regionally inspired meals, and spacious seating. It is a great way to see remote wilderness that is often inaccessible by road.
Routes Through Canada
A train through Canada tour with Rocky Mountaineer focuses on the rugged beauty of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. These journeys are the cornerstone of their service, offering unparalleled access to majestic national parks and historic railway passages.
Vancouver to Banff
This is the company's most famous and historic route, tracing the original path of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
- Duration: 2 days.
- Overnight Stop: Kamloops, British Columbia.
- Key Sights: The journey east from Vancouver travels through the Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon, Hell's Gate, and the Thompson River. It features the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels at Kicking Horse Pass before concluding in Banff, Alberta.
- Connecting Service: A transfer is available from Banff to Calgary.
Vancouver to Jasper
This route offers a more northerly perspective through the mountains.
- Duration: 2 days.
- Overnight Stop: Kamloops, British Columbia.
- Key Sights: Passengers experience views of the Pacific Ocean and the rainforests of the Coast Mountains. The highlight is viewing Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, before arriving in Jasper, Alberta.
Vancouver to Whistler
This shorter route is ideal for those with limited time.
- Duration: 1 day (approx. 3 hours).
- Key Sights: The journey follows the Sea to Sky Corridor along Howe Sound, featuring coastal mountains, Shannon Falls, and The Stawamus Chief before arriving at Whistler. You can find some incredible National Parks in British Columbia!
Route Through the American Southwest
In 2021, the Rocky Mountaineer expanded its operations into the United States with a route from Colorado to Utah.
Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah
This two-day journey explores the dramatic shift in geography from the Rocky Mountains to the desert canyon country.
- Journey Length: 2 days.
- Overnight Stop: Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
- Key Sights: The train departs Denver and travels through the Moffat Tunnel, climbing through the Rocky Mountains. It follows the Colorado River, passing through Ruby Canyon, and crosses the Continental Divide. The landscape transforms into the iconic red rock formations of Utah before arriving in Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
For a more extensive Southwest America experience, consider adding excursions from Moab to destinations like Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
Cost of Rocky Mountaineer Train Travel
The cost of a Rocky Mountaineer train journey is a significant factor in planning. Prices are per person and vary widely based on the route, service level, season, and berth availability. They are typically packaged with hotel nights, some meals, and bus transfers.
These are the factors that might impact the cost:
- Route: Longer, multi-day journeys command a higher price than shorter ones.
- Service Level: GoldLeaf service features a bi-level glass-dome coach with an outdoor platform and separate dining area, while SilverLeaf offers single-level dome coaches with at-seat meal service, making it a more affordable option.
- Season: Peak season (typically late spring to early fall) has the highest fares. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) may offer slightly lower prices.
Here are estimated starting prices per person for the most common routes in 2025:
- Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff: Starts at CAD $2,245 for SilverLeaf service.
- Vancouver to Jasper: Starts at CAD $2,245 for SilverLeaf service.
- Rocky Mountaineer train cost Denver to Moab: Starts at CAD $2,300 for SilverLeaf service.
These are base estimates; the final cost can be higher based on the factors mentioned. All prices are subject to change.
What to Expect Onboard
The experience is consistently high-quality across all routes. You can expect:
- Informative Narration: Onboard hosts provide continuous commentary on the history, geography, and wildlife of the areas you are passing through.
- Dining: Meals are prepared by executive chefs and reflect the local regions.
- Comfort: Seats are reserved and spacious, with large windows designed for optimal viewing. GoldLeaf coaches feature an open-air vestibule for taking photos without glass reflection.
For other amazing train journeys, check our our dedicated series.
Ultimately, deciding which route to take depends on whether you seek the classic Canadian Rockies experience, a more remote northern journey, or the striking red rock landscapes of the Southwest. This guide has detailed where the Rocky Mountaineer train goes to help you choose the scenic adventure that best matches your travel preferences.
Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:
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