Our Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada

For those seeking a travel experience that blends luxury, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class service, the Rocky Mountaineer is a must.

Last year, Theo and I finally checked off a dream adventure: experiencing the Canadian Rockies aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. If you’re looking for a Canada Rockies train journey that combines breathtaking scenery, luxury, and stress-free travel, this is it.

From the moment we boarded, it felt like having front-row seats to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

First Passage to the West

We chose the First Passage to the West, traveling from Vancouver to Banff. This route is famous for good reason — it winds through snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and dramatic canyons. Highlights like the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Canyon had Theo and me glued to the panoramic windows for hours.

Every twist and turn of the train revealed another jaw-dropping view, making it impossible not to feel awed by the sheer beauty of the Rockies.

The Routes

The Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes, each with its own unique highlights. Here are the main options:

• First Passage to the West: Traveling between Vancouver and Banff/Lake Louise, this is the most famous route. It follows the historic Canadian Pacific Railway and passes through stunning landscapes, including the iconic Spiral Tunnels and the breathtaking Kicking Horse Canyon.
• Journey Through the Clouds: This route also begins in Vancouver but heads toward Jasper. Along the way, passengers can marvel at Pyramid Falls, Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies), and lush alpine scenery.
• Rainforest to Gold Rush: This lesser-known but equally spectacular route takes travelers from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, showcasing British Columbia’s diverse landscapes, from coastal rainforest to the Cariboo Gold Rush region.
• Rockies to the Red Rocks: While not in Canada, this newer route extends the Rocky Mountaineer experience to the American Southwest, traveling between Denver and Moab.

Watch my vlog from the trip here.

We decided to travel in GoldLeaf Service, and honestly, it was like a little slice of heaven. The bi-level glass-domed coach gave us uninterrupted views of the Rockies, and the outdoor viewing platform? Pure magic. We’d hop out for a few minutes here and there, feeling the crisp mountain air on our faces while snapping photos we’ll treasure forever.

Meals were served in a separate dining car, with gourmet dishes inspired by local produce — it felt indulgent without being stuffy. Theo and I spent a lot of our time laughing over our food, pointing out wildlife, and just soaking in the scenery.

Even in SilverLeaf Service, I imagine the experience would still be unforgettable, with spacious seats, oversized windows, and meals served at your seat while you watch rivers, mountains, and forests glide past. But for our special trip, GoldLeaf felt like the perfect choice.

Luxury on Rails: What to Expect

The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, meaning every moment of your journey is dedicated to sightseeing. Passengers can choose between two service levels:

• GoldLeaf Service: Travel in a bi-level glass-domed coach with panoramic views and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. Gourmet meals are served in a separate dining car, offering locally inspired cuisine.
• SilverLeaf Service: Enjoy spacious, reclining seats and oversized windows in a single-level dome coach, with meals served at your seat.

Regardless of the service class, the hospitality is exceptional. The onboard hosts share fascinating stories about the region’s history, wildlife, and landmarks, making the journey as educational as it is scenic.

Every moment counts

One thing I loved about the Rocky Mountaineer is that it’s a daylight-only train. Every moment is spent immersed in the view — no dark tunnels, no missed sunsets. Theo and I found ourselves making little bets on what wildlife we’d spot next: a family of deer by a river, eagles soaring overhead, or even a moose in the distance.

The onboard hosts were fantastic, pointing out landmarks, sharing fascinating history, and making the journey as educational as it was beautiful.

When to go

We travelled in late summer, when the Rockies are lush and vibrant, but I can imagine the spring and autumn trips are just as spectacular. Spring brings rushing waterfalls and snow-tipped peaks, while autumn turns the forest into a patchwork of gold and red — I’d love to come back just to see that.

Overview

For me and Theo, the Rocky Mountaineer was the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, and adventure. So whether you’re planning a Canada Rockies train journey for a family adventure or a special occasion, the Rocky Mountaineer is an experience you won’t forget.

For me and Theo, it wasn’t just a train ride — it was a chance to connect, relax, and witness some of the world’s most incredible landscapes together. If you’ve ever dreamed of luxury train travel in Canada or a Canada Rockies adventure, the Rocky Mountaineer is the way to do it.

Once you’re on board and the mountains start rolling by, you’ll understand why it’s legendary.