The Rocky Mountaineer Routes

Exploring Canada’s Landscapes: The Rocky Mountaineer Routes

If you’re seeking a luxurious and awe-inspiring rail holiday, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a choice of journeys that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes North America has to offer. I was lucky enough to take a trip on-board (from Vancouver to Jasper) during my first ever visit to Canada, and it definitely helped cement my love for the country!

Let’s explore the routes…

1. First Passage to the West

A truly historic trip that relives the route that connected Canada from east to west. This two-day journey takes you from Vancouver, where you wind through the spectacular Fraser Canyon, past the waters of Hell’s Gate, and finally it arrives in the mountain town of Kamloops. From there, the journey continues through the Rocky Mountains, passing by iconic landmarks such as Craigellachie and the Spiral Tunnels, before reaching its final destination in Banff, Alberta.

2. Journey through the Clouds

For a journey that truly lives up to its name, the Journey through the Clouds is a must. Departing from Vancouver, this two-day trip takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, taking in the region’s dramatic landscapes, including dense pine forests, beautiful waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. The journey also includes a stop in Kamloops to explore the town. The train then continues on to Jasper, Alberta, passing by the majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

3. Rainforest to Gold Rush

For those seeking a bit of everything, the Rainforest to Gold Rush route will take you through lush rainforests, historic towns, and rugged landscapes. Beginning in Vancouver, this journey takes you through the coastal rainforests of British Columbia. The train then carries on through the Cariboo Mountains, once a hotspot during the Gold Rush era, and eventually arrives in Jasper. Along the way, you can expect to see wildlife such as bald eagles, bears, and deer – a real added bonus of this route for nature lovers!

4. Rockies to the Red Rocks

A  two-day journey between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It features stunning canyons, deserts, archways, and hoodoos. Highlights include Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield, and the Continental Divide crossing. Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train to take guests directly to Moab! Choose to explore a little further by adding on some time in Las Vegas or Salt Lake city.

All routes truly are fantastic so it’s well-worth mapping out your ‘must-sees’ to decide which is best for you (I can help with this too!). With its impeccable service, panoramic views, and unforgettable destinations, a journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is definitely one for your travel bucket list – we can combine it as part of a fabulous multi-stop itinerary too, just drop me a line with your ideas.