Canada Train Travel on the Rocky Mountaineer, BC
Luxury Train Tours Through British Columbia and Alberta
Aug 4, 2009
A relaxing way to really enjoy the Canadian Rocky Mountains is to avoid the airports and try train travel. The Rocky Mountaineer runs luxury train tours through some of the most beautiful areas of BC and Alberta.
Rocky Mountain Rail Tours
Western Canada train travel has gotten much easier since the continuously award-winning Rocky Mountaineer came into town in 1995. The company runs Rocky Mountain vacations where guests can unwind in the comfort of a luxury train car while watching the exceptional Canadian scenery drift past.
The Fraser Discovery Route takes passengers from Whistler, BC, through the dramatic Fraser Canyon and to the Cariboo Plateau for an overnight in Quesnel, BC. The next day, the train passes by the town of Prince George before heading east beyond Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres/12,972 feet) and finally into Jasper, Alberta.
Two other routes include Vancouver departures, overnights in Kamloops and final destinations of Jasper and Banff, AB.
Luxury Train Travel Throughout BC and Alberta
Uniquely, this way of luxury train travel isn’t about riding overnight in order to get sightseeing the next day. The leisurely speed and daylight-only travel means that taking the train is actually the main attraction here, only second to the extraordinary landscape.
The cars are particularly comfortable, with large windows, and the first class car has a domed roof for the ultra in luxury: just sit back and watch as the mountains, valleys and wildlife pass nearby. Staff are part of the concept, too. Their commentary is helpful for visitors who are not familiar with the area and adds interesting information to those who thought they knew the region well.
On top of that, the service is impeccable: the dining car in first class (called Goldleaf Service) is just like having a meal in a four star restaurant, but with one of the most gorgeous backdrops available.
Vacation extras:
- The Rocky Mountaineer can also book sightseeing tours, hotels, car rentals and even Alaskan cruise additions to make each holiday complete.
- Those with physical disabilities can be accommodated, as well as travellers in wheelchairs- just inquire when booking.
- Transfers between accommodations and train stations are taken care of.
- Complimentary meals and beverages are served.
- Luggage is waiting in each hotel room upon the train’s arrival.
Western Canadian Train Travel Fares
As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for” and it’s worth it for these trips. Every small detail is taken care of and the feedback from passengers is near perfect.
For 2009, here are a few sample train fares during the peak summer months, with most trips lasting four days:
- The Fraser Discovery Route from Whistler to Jasper starts at $1,146 CAD.
- The Kicking Horse Route from Vancouver to Banff starts at $1,219 CAD.
- The Yellowhead Route from Vancouver to Jasper starts at $1,199 CAD.
Book Rocky Mountain Train Travel
- Goldleaf Service: the ultra in luxury train travel, this level of service comes with domed window seating in a two-storey car, a dining room for meals (cooked by the onboard chef) and exemplary service by the staff.
- Redleaf Service: the most basic of the tickets, guests are still treated to a luxury train car with reclining seats, generous windows and meals served in-seat. The service remains at the same level as the Goldleaf Service above.
The same company also runs the similar Whistler Mountaineer, another route that takes passengers between Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia.
Call 1-877-460-3200 for reservations or use their international number at 604-606-7245. Booking can also be done online at the Rocky Mountaineer website.
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