Image credit: Rocky Mountaineer, Noel Hendrickson
WHY EXPLORE THE ROCKIES BY RAIL
Rocky Mountaineer is synonymous with the Canadian Rockies. Offering three rail journeys, you’ll encounter majestic mountain peaks, dramatic gorges, stunning crystal lakes and rivers, desert-like canyons, rich ranchlands and UNESCO World Heritage national parks. The best part? With highlights best seen by train, you can catch an award-winning daylight luxury train with panoramic views through the heart of it all.
Image credit: Rocky Mountaineer, Noel Hendrickson
MY HOT TIPS
I recommend flying into Vancouver and joining the Rocky Mountaineer either east to Banff or Lake Louise, or north to Jasper. I highly recommend adding on a few days to explore the Rocky Mountain villages of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff and end your holiday in Calgary – all as part of your Rocky Mountaineer itinerary.
It’s essential to always have your camera at the ready, because you never know what wildlife you'll spot around the next corner! You’ll constantly year shouts of "bear", "mamma bear and her cub" and "deer" all along the journey! It's such an exciting time, and the train kindly slows down so everyone has a chance to see
If your journey includes an overnight stop in Lake Louise, treat yourself by upgrading your room type at Fairmont Lake Louise to a Lake View room – the views are absolutely stunning!
The Rocky Mountaineer offers two classes of service: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. The SilverLeaf offers a single storey train car and at your seat dining, however highly recommend the GoldLeaf service which is a two-storey train with fully domed windows offering panoramic views upstairs and a private dining room downstairs.
MY ROCKIES HIGHLIGHTS
The staff onboard are incredibly knowledgeable about the areas through which the train is travelling. You'll hear all about the wildlife and history of the area, including how the tracks were laid back in the 1800's – no mean feat when you see the mountains they had to carve out!
You're on the train from morning to evening (no overnight sleeping on this train) but with the stunning scenery, wildlife watching and the making of new friends, the time just flies by.
The food onboard is exquisitely delicious, and it’s all locally sourced. The salmon is absolutely to die for – my mouth still waters when I think of it! Complimentary alcoholic beverages are also served throughout the journey on the Goldleaf service.
If you find yourself missing a decent flat white, make sure to stop by Stock Food & Drink at the Fairmont Banff Springs: the staff there have perfected it especially for their Kiwi and Aussie guests!
BEST TIME TO GO
The train operates from April to October.
