Rocky Mountaineer holidays

Although you’ll spend your waking hours aboard the train, you don’t sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer itself – this isn’t a sleeper train. Instead, you’ll spend the nights in a hotel along the route, usually stopping at Kamloops. There are usually multiple options for accommodation for different budgets, although it’s worth knowing that you don’t spend long in the room between transfers to and from the train, so it’s very much somewhere to sleep.

The dress code aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is casual, so there’s no requirement to dress up, even in Goldleaf class. You’re encouraged to wear comfortable clothes with layers to accommodate the changing temperatures throughout the day; early mornings can be cool in spring and autumn, while it’s breezy on the observation platform outside.

There’s air conditioning on the train and heated seats in GoldLeaf class, plus specially treated windows to avoid the carriages becoming too warm on sunny days, but layers mean you should never be chilly or overheated. Sunglasses and a hat are also a sensible option for sunny days.

Flat soled shoes with a decent grip are a good idea to keep you steady as you walk around the moving train, especially when you need to go downstairs in GoldLeaf class.

Yes, whether you’re travelling in GoldLeaf class, which has its own dining car, or SilverLeaf class, where you’ll eat at your seat, all drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – are included. Expect local beers and wines, as well as cocktails featuring local ingredients, plus plenty of soft drinks, from juices and sodas to coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

You won’t be disappointed whichever Rocky Mountaineer route you choose, but your decision will depend partly on the time available and partly on what you’re hoping to see. First Passage to the West, travelling between Vancouver and Banff/Lake Louise, is one of the most popular routes for its classic views of the Rockies, links to Canadian history and some of the railway’s most iconic sights, including the Spiral Tunnels.

The first part of Journey Through the Clouds between Vancouver and Kamloops is the same as First Passage to the West, before travelling on to Jasper past Mount Robson, with its sprawling glaciers and Pyramid Falls, which is accessible only by train.

The longest route, the three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler, is one of the quieter options, travelling through gold-flecked canyons once bustling with prospectors and the fjord-like scenery of Howe Sound.

There’s plenty to tempt you aboard the Rocky Mountaineer throughout the year, although trains don’t run during the winter months, thanks to the short days and harsher weather conditions.

From April to May, there’s a chance to see bears emerging from hibernation, flowers blooming and even some newborn animals in late spring. This is also one of the quietest periods of the year if you’re looking hoping to avoid the crowds, while rivers and waterfalls are full after the snow begins to melt.

Summer is the most popular time; during the peak months of June, July and August you’ll enjoy long hours of daylight, warm days and lush scenery. More baby animals also emerge during June, and it’s a great time to spot wildlife.

Autumn is also popular as the colours change across the mountains, with deep red maples and vibrant yellow larches providing splashes of colour. The weather is cooler but you’ll often get clear blue days and a chance to see more snow capping the peaks. Bears are often active ahead of their hibernation period as well.

Absolutely. This is a true bucket list experience, discovering some of the world’s most magnificent scenery, all in sheer luxury. As you travel between the meadows of the valleys to the rugged, snow-dusted landscapes higher in the mountains, you’ll be passing rivers and waterfalls, journeying through dramatic gorges and past thick forests, looking out for bears, elk and bald eagles among other wildlife along the way.

And best of all, you can enjoy these spectacular views with a side of indulgence; comfortable seats, delicious food, drinks and plenty of tempting snacks, huge windows so you’ll never miss a moment, and on-board hosts who’ll share stories of the early days of Canada, the building of the railway, and some quirky facts about stops on your route.

While both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf class guarantee an indulgently memorable trip, there are a few differences to be aware of. The main variation is with food and drink, with food cooked to order for those travelling GoldLeaf, and a daily changing menu to choose from for breakfast and three-course lunch. Meals are also eaten at tables in the dining car in the lower half of the double-decker carriage, with some premium alcohol options included. SilverLeaf service has fewer options to choose between and meals are brought pre-prepared onto the train and served at your seat, although this is still high-quality cuisine and accompanied by a wide selection of drinks. Both cater for dietary restrictions, although these do need to be communicated in advance.

The other key difference is in the carriages and seating. Both services have panoramic windows to enjoy the wonderful scenery but the double-deck GoldLeaf carriages mean you’ll be seated at a higher level, and have more options to adapt your seat, from lumbar support to footrests and heat levels. These carriages also have a larger observation deck, although the SIlverLeaf class decks still have space for a couple of people, while up to four hosts are on board GoldLeaf carriages compared to a maximum of three in SilverLeaf.

Yes, you’ll receive your seat number on your boarding pass at check-in and that remains your seat for the entire journey. Travellers on the same booking are typically seated across the aisle from each other in pairs or two seats depending on carriage layout, although you can request to be on the same side of the aisle at the time of booking. You can also request to be seated near friends who have booked separately, although this must be done at least 30 days in advance. You can’t request specific seats or carriages.

Numbers vary depending how many carriages are used on that particular journey, with numbers ranging from around 200 people to as many as 900 passengers at the most popular times. As passengers aren’t able to move between carriages, you’ll only be aware of the people in your section of the train; GoldLeaf has space for 72 in its spacious double-decker carriages, while SilverLeaf class has room for 56 passengers.

There is no best side to sit on for the Rocky Mountaineer, with some fantastic views out of each window. On many routes where the train follows a river, the tracks cross over a bridge, so you’ll have the chance to look out over the water at some point. If there’s a particular view you’re hoping to see, you can also head to the observation platform to look out of either side.

Passengers don’t have to stay in their seats during the journey, so if you’re travelling as part of a group, you can easily head to the opposite side to look out, and the friendly, social atmosphere combined with the expansive windows means that you can usually get a glimpse of the scenery across the train, even if you didn’t know your fellow travellers before boarding.