8 amazing facts about Rocky Mountaineer that you didn't know

Titan Travel is proud to be part of Rocky Mountaineer’s legacy, having offered Rocky Mountaineer packages since they first began back in 1990. We think it’s the perfect way to explore this stunning and expansive wilderness without having to leave the comfort of your own seat. From the panoramic views across shimmering lakes, the alpine shades of ancient forests and the dramatic mountains and canyons, a journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer is unparalleled. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But even though Rocky Mountaineer rail journeys are world-famous, did you know that some of the top wildlife sightings from the train are bears, elks, bald eagles and even a sasquatch - now that would be an interesting story to tell. Or that Rocky Mountaineer is made up of a collection of 58 different coaches and locomotives? We’ve put together some other fun facts that you might not know…

1. You can discover seven mountain ranges from on board

Scaling some of Canada’s most awe-inspiring mountains without having an arduous hike is one of the biggest draws of travelling onboard Rocky Mountaineer. And you’ll be astounded by not one, but seven picture-perfect mountain ranges.

From the gigantic Selkirk Mountains which are home to the ethereal woodland caribou, to the rolling hills alive with bright yellow fauna of the Centennial Range, you’ll sigh at the contrasting scenery of icy peaks, dazzling fjords, sweeping forests and turquoise lakes. From on board the train you can see wildlife including bighorn sheep, elks, grizzly bears and bald eagles.

• Rocky Mountains – jagged peaks and blue lakes

• Selkirk Mountains – rugged mountains and deep forests

• Coast Mountains – coastal views and fjords

• Cariboo Mountains – ice landscapes and alpine trees

• Centennial Range – rolling hills and spring flowers

• Premier Range – crystal clear alpine lakes

• Cascade Range – icy peaks and woodlands

2. There is a lot of cheese eaten on board each season

Each season onboard Rocky Mountaineer sees 1500kg of cheese and 450kg of smoked salmon consumed. That is the equivalent to the combined weight of one grizzly bear and four moose! Clearly, passengers like cheese and smoked salmon…

3. The Rocky Mountaineer has broken world records

Back in 1996, Rocky Mountaineer set the record for being the longest passenger train in Canadian history when it connected 37 coaches together. Not content with one record, it outdid itself in 1999 when it extended to a whopping 41 coaches.

4. The Rocky Mountaineer travels on a historic route

The development of steam powered railways in the 19th-Century revolutionised Canada’s transportation system and contributed to building the nation. In 1867 when the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick came together to form a confederation, they lured British Columbia into joining on the promise of constructing transcontinental railway within 10 years.

After many funding disputes, completion of the railway saw the first passenger train leaving Montréal in June 1886, and arriving in Port Moody, BC, on 4 July. Not only was a great engineering feat, but united the country. Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger rail company to still travel along this historic railroad from Vancouver to Banff.

5. Rocky Mountaineer serves local wine on board

The awesome Okanagan Valley in British Columbia has over 180 wineries and is the second largest producer of the good stuff in Canada. Which stands to reason why all the wine served onboard Rocky Mountaineer is from this wine region, supporting local producers and offering the best in regional wines.

6. Rocky Mountaineer only travels during daylight hours

So that passengers will never miss a second of the incredible landscape and wildlife, Rocky Mountaineer only travels during daylight and stops overnight. It is the only train through Rocky Mountains to do so.

7. The Rocky Mountaineer has travelled an extraordinary distance

For the past 35 years, Rocky Mountaineer only travels from mid-April to October but it has clocked up a remarkable 8 million kilometres - which is the equivalent of travelling more than 150 times around the world!

8. The Rocky Mountaineer is committed to sustainability

Planting trees helps climate change by removing the CO2 from the air, and as part of its sustainability initiative the Rocky Mountaineer has planted over 13,000 trees so far along their route with Tree Canada’s National Greening Program - one tree for each of their employee’s yearly anniversaries! Rocky Mountaineer was even named the Best Sustainable Train Journey by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Awards in 2021.

Want to know more about travelling onboard Rocky Mountaineer? Our tours to Canada and the Rocky Mountains include several days on this iconic train.