Rocky Mountaineer Offers Scenic Train Experiences Across the U.S. and Canada — How to Plan a Trip

For the traveler who understands that getting to their destination can be half the fun, the Rocky Mountaineer train makes for an ideal vacation. While the company’s highly curated itineraries take passengers to several incredible destinations across the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest, the Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a mode of transportation or a scenic rail route. These multi-day rail journeys are all about delivering a luxury experience both on and off the train — something I discovered when I embarked on the route between Colorado and Utah.

Between the beautiful landscapes rolling by outside the panoramic windows, the animated storytelling of the onboard hosts, and the delicious meals, long days on the Rocky Mountaineer seem to fly by. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique North American train experience. 

Related: 13 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

Rocky Mountaineer Routes

Rocky Mountaineer offers four distinct routes, ranging from two to three days. For travelers having trouble choosing just one itinerary, there’s also the option to book a circle journey that combines two routes for a four or five-day adventure. Here are the Rocky Mountaineer routes you can choose from: 

First Passage to the West

This two-day journey starts in Vancouver, Canada. Arrive a few days early to explore the many things to do in this beautiful coastal city before hopping on the Rocky Mountaineer. The first day onboard will start early as the train makes its way through Fraser Valley, with views of majestic mountains, green forests, and raging rivers. After a full day on the train, you’ll arrive in the riverfront town of Kamloops. Stretch your legs with a stroll by the river, explore the art galleries and museums, or participate in one of many outdoor activities. On day two, the train will continue its journey east, passing by mountains and an idyllic lake. The iconic views of Castle Mountain will be the highlight of this day before the train reaches its final destination in Banff. Passengers disembark in Banff and the adventure can easily continue from there with visits to Banff National Park, including the postcard-ready Lake Louise.

Journey Through the Clouds

This two-day itinerary starts with a similar route as the train takes off from Vancouver and stops in Kamloops for the night. On day two, however, the train will head northeast to Jasper. The natural beauty along this route is plentiful, with passengers catching views of the Blue River, Pyramid Falls, and Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Passengers disembark in the charming mountain town of Jasper, which offers easy access to Jasper National Park. 

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Rocky Mountaineer’s only three-day itinerary takes passengers on a different, but equally picturesque, route from Vancouver to Jasper. Day one starts with the train making its way around Horseshoe Bay and the beautiful fjords of Howe Sound before trading the water-filled vistas for the Coast Mountains. The day ends with an overnight stay in Whistler, where you’ll definitely want to take a ride on the Peak-2-Peak gondola for the best views of this mountainous region. On day two, passengers will see a totally different type of Canadian landscape as the train passes through more arid scenery, including canyons where prospectors once searched for gold, and then stops for the night in the small city of Quesnel. Day three brings passengers to the final stop in Jasper after another full day aboard the train, admiring the area’s mountains, lakes, and rivers. 

Rockies to the Red Rocks

Rocky Mountaineer debuted its first U.S. route in the fall of 2021, taking passengers between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. When I embarked on this historic new route, I spent a few days enjoying the sights in Denver before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer. On day one, we left the city skyline behind and immersed ourselves in the Colorado Rockies, crossing the Continental Divide and cutting through the impressive 6.3-mile Moffat Tunnel. By dusk, we were in Glenwood Springs, where a visit to the world's largest mineral hot spring pool is a must. The next day, we continued our journey west, trading the Rockies for the unique red rocks of the Southwest, including incredible views of Mount Garfield and Ruby Canyon. By mid-day, we were in Moab, the perfect home base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands national parks. 

Related: The Best Train Trips to Take Across America

Rocky Mountaineer Classes of Service

Once you’ve decided on your route, it’s time to choose which level of service you’d like on board. For all guests, the Rocky Mountaineer experience includes a comfy seat with plenty of legroom, picture-perfect views outside the expansive windows, beverages and meals, and top-notch entertainment from the hosts who regale guests with their excellent storytelling about the region you’re traveling through. 

The daily schedule for each itinerary varies, but the train only travels during daylight hours to ensure that passengers don’t miss any inch of the jaw-dropping landscape. The Rocky Mountaineer experience includes hotel stays in the towns and cities where the train stops for the night with a variety of options for different budgets. There’s plenty of time to enjoy the destinations at each stop, and it’s highly recommended that guests extend their stay before and after the journey. Rocky Mountaineer even offers full vacation packages that include excursions and trip extensions.

While the Rocky Mountaineer certainly provides a top-notch experience for all guests, there are key differences worth noting as you choose which onboard service level is right for you.

GoldLeaf

GoldLeaf is the top-tier service level that Rocky Mountaineer offers, and it’s easy to tell apart from SilverLeaf because the coach has two levels. On the first floor, guests will find a dining room with large panoramic windows that allow them to take in the views while enjoying meals prepared onboard by the chef. There’s also a large outdoor platform so passengers can admire the scenery and a fresh breeze. Passengers will spend most of their time in the comfort of their assigned seats on the second floor, where dome-shaped windows allow for nearly unobstructed views. 

SilverLeaf

The SilverLeaf coach is only one floor, so guests will enjoy their meals (prepared before departure and warmed up onboard) from comfortable seats, while also admiring the landscapes outside the large panoramic windows. For passengers in this coach, there is a small outdoor viewing area, where one to two people at a time can stand and peek outside an open window.

“When attempting to help prospective guests decide between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf, I try and paint a picture of two great — but different — levels of service,” said Danny Becker, senior manager of sales development for Rocky Mountaineer. “I describe our SilverLeaf experience as a single-level railcar with beautiful large picture windows, great food and storytelling, and ample room between the seats. When describing our GoldLeaf experience, I try to present an image of true luxury with plush leather heated seats, a fully domed railcar with maximum viewing ability, an additional onboard host for enhanced service and more frequent storytelling, and made-to-order cuisine with world-class presentation and taste.” 

“You really can’t go wrong whether you choose SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, both are high-quality, all-inclusive levels of service,” Becker added.

SilverLeaf Plus

Because the Rockies to Red Rocks route passes through several tunnels, the usual two-level GoldLeaf coach is unavailable on this trip. Passengers looking for a more elevated experience can opt for SilverLeaf Plus instead. Like the SilverLeaf service, they’ll enjoy meals at their assigned seats while the stunning vistas roll by outside of large windows. They’ll also have access to a small, standing-only viewing area with an open window, plus a separate lounge car, where they can relax between meals and grab a drink at the bar.