Riding Through the Rockies: My Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer

I’ll be honest, I thought I knew what to expect from a train ride through the Canadian Rockies. Beautiful views, maybe some good photo ops, and a relaxing way to get from point A to point B. But WOW… the Rocky Mountaineer isn’t just a train ride. It’s an experience… a unique way to experience first-class service, postcard views, and to unplug from the world for a few days.

The Routes: More Than One Way to See the Rockies

One of the things I love about the Rocky Mountaineer is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all journey. You can choose from several routes, each offering its own scenery and story:

• First Passage to the West – The classic journey between Vancouver and Banff, with jaw-dropping views of the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Pass.

• Journey Through the Clouds – Linking Vancouver to Jasper, this route winds through waterfalls and mountain passes, including stunning views of Mount Robson.

• Rainforest to Gold Rush – A lesser-known but equally magical trip through coastal rainforests, desert canyons, and into the gold rush history of the Cariboo.

• Rockies to the Red Rocks (U.S. Route) – A newer addition that takes you from Denver to Moab, offering red rock canyons, mountain ranges, and a whole new landscape.

No matter which you choose, the train only travels during the day… so you don’t miss a single view. Evenings are spent in hotels, meaning your “overnight” is on land, not the rails.

SilverLeaf vs. GoldLeaf: Which to Choose?

Here’s where I get a lot of questions: What’s the difference between service classes?

• SilverLeaf Service

  • Panoramic windows along the sides of the single-level coach.

  • Comfortable reclining seats and excellent service.

  • Gourmet meals served at your seat with wine and drinks included.

  • Hosts share history, stories, and wildlife spotting throughout the day.

• GoldLeaf Service

  • The WOW factor: a bi-level glass-domed coach with 360-degree views from the upper level.

  • A dedicated dining room on the lower level with chef-prepared multi-course meals.

  • An exclusive outdoor viewing platform (yes, fresh mountain air while rollingthrough canyons).

  • Even more space and a touch of luxury, from plush seats to curated wines.

 My pick: GoldLeaf. Don’t get me wrong… SilverLeaf is wonderful, and you’ll still have an incredible journey. But GoldLeaf feels like the full Rocky Mountaineer experience: sipping Okanagan Valley wine while gazing through a glass dome at snow-dusted peaks is not something you experience very often. The outdoor viewing platform alone is worth the upgrade.

Life On Board: The Little Things That Make It Special

What surprised me most was how immersive the journey felt. A few highlights:

• The Scenery: From turquoise rivers, to eagles soaring overhead, to the shock of suddenly emerging from forest into towering rock walls. The views were never ending.

• The Food: Think beyond “train food.” We’re talking locally sourced salmon, Alberta beef, fresh-baked pastries, and perfectly paired wines. Every meal was a highlight.

• The Storytelling: Onboard hosts weren’t just attendants… they were storytellers, weaving in the history of the Rockies, Indigenous culture, wildlife, and even a few fun train legends.

• The Unplugged Factor: There’s no Wi-Fi. And it was the best gift I didn’t know I needed. With no distractions, I found myself fully present—chatting with other travelers, playing card games or crosswords, and just soaking in the views.

What’s Included?

Both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf guests enjoy:

• All onboard meals, drinks (including wine, beer, and spirits), and snacks.

• Hotel stays along the route (so no sleeping on the train).

• Transfers to and from hotels.

• Baggage handling (your luggage magically appears in your hotel room).

• Friendly hosts who share stories, serve drinks, and make the trip feel effortless.

The big difference really comes down to space, dining style, and the viewing experience (which is why I always suggest going GoldLeaf if it’s within reach).

How Pricing Works

One thing to know up front: the cost of your Rocky Mountaineer journey depends on two big factors—your service level onboard (SilverLeaf vs. GoldLeaf) and your hotel category at night.

• Service Level: GoldLeaf costs more than SilverLeaf, but you’re paying for the glass-domed upper deck, gourmet dining room, and outdoor platform. If it’s within budget, it’s absolutely worth the splurge.

• Hotel Category: Since you overnight in hotels, not on the train, you can choose from different property levels. “Standard” hotels keep the cost down, while “Premium” or “Deluxe” hotels add extra luxury to your stay in Banff, Jasper, or Vancouver.

So, two travelers could be on the same route at the same time and pay very different prices… simply based on their service class and hotel choices.

Tips for Travelers

A few things I learned along the way:

• Best Time to Go: The Rocky Mountaineer operates from April through October. Spring brings snow-capped peaks, summer is lush and green, and fall offers golden foliage… there’s really no wrong choice.

• Pack Layers: Even though you’ll be cozy inside, the outdoor viewing platform is irresistible. Temperatures can swing quickly in the mountains.

• Camera at the Ready: You never know when you’ll spot an elk, bear, or bald eagle. Wildlife sightings happen fast!

• Book Early for GoldLeaf: These cars fill up quickly, especially on peak summer departures. If it’s on your wish list, lock it in as soon as possible.

• Unplug and Embrace It: With no Wi-Fi on board, bring a book, games, headphonesor simply enjoy uninterrupted conversation. Trust me, you won’t miss your phone.

• Add a Pre- or Post-Stay: Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver are destinations worth exploring before or after your train journey. Don’t just fly in and out—linger a little... because the views are worth it!

Why Choose Rocky Mountaineer?

By the end of my journey, I realized the Rocky Mountaineer isn’t about the destination at all… it’s about slowing down and letting the journey be the destination. It’s luxury in motion, paired with landscapes so beautiful they don’t look real.

If you’re thinking about Canada or even the U.S. Rockies for your next adventure, this is a bucket-list experience I’d recommend again and again. Trust me, you’ll never look at train travel the same way.

Curious about which route and service class is right for you?
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