Rocky Mountaineer offers four unforgettable rail routes: First Passage to the West, Rockies to the Red Rocks, Journey Through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush. Each journey features breathtaking views, exceptional service and plenty of photo opportunities.
Along the way, friendly Hosts share fascinating stories and history about the regions you travel to. Plus, all routes can be enjoyed in either direction, giving you the flexibility to plan your perfect adventure.
Let’s take a look:
Rocky Mountaineer’s journeys
First Passage to the West
Vancouver ➡ Kamloops ➡ Banff/Lake Louise
The First Passage to the West is a legendary rail journey connecting Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff and Lake Louise. It’s the only passenger service to travel along this historic route, passing through the iconic Spiral Tunnels, the Continental Divide and breathtaking mountain passes and canyons.
The adventure begins in Vancouver, a stunning city framed by snow-capped mountains and sparkling waters. As the train departs, you’ll enjoy views of the lush Fraser Valley, the mighty Fraser River and the dramatic whitewater of Hell’s Gate. A delicious breakfast and a three-course lunch are served onboard, with Hosts sharing stories about the region. By evening, you’ll arrive in Kamloops, a charming riverside town perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Departing Kamloops on day two, the train journeys through the picturesque Shuswap region, offering stunning lake views. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast and coffee as the landscape transforms into towering mountain peaks. As you approach Banff or Lake Louise, savour a locally inspired lunch and marvel at landmarks like Castle Mountain, named for its striking resemblance to a medieval fortress. In Banff, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Rockies, lush parks and incredible wildlife.
Journey Through the Clouds
Vancouver ➡ Kamloops ➡ Jasper
Rocky Mountaineer’s Journey Through the Clouds offers breathtaking scenery between Vancouver and Jasper, showcasing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. This exclusive train route takes you through scenic valleys, past the mighty Fraser River, Hell’s Gate and the stunning Pyramid Falls, with incredible views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies.
Departing from Vancouver, the train follows the Fraser River through lush farmlands and into the wilderness. Enjoy a hearty breakfast as the scenery transitions from coastal rainforest to a desert-like landscape. A three-course lunch is served onboard while Hosts share stories about the region. By evening, you’ll arrive in Kamloops, a charming riverside town perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.
Leaving Kamloops, the journey continues northeast through the Clearwater region alongside the North Thompson River. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as you take in the ever-changing views. Exclusive to this route, you’ll pass Pyramid Falls, which is accessible only by train, and ascend through towering mountain ranges. A gourmet lunch highlights local flavours as you approach Jasper National Park. Before arriving, marvel at the majestic Mount Robson. In Jasper, Canada’s largest national park, explore the quaint town, enjoy a local meal or unwind at the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Rainforest to Gold Rush
Vancouver ➡ Whistler ➡ Quesnel ➡ Jasper
The Rainforest to Gold Rush route connects Vancouver, Whistler and Jasper. This breathtaking adventure takes you through untouched wilderness, hidden lakes, dramatic canyons and rugged mountain terrain. Along the way, discover the history of the gold rush, marvel at Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and enjoy world-class service onboard.
Start your journey in Vancouver and travel along the stunning fjords of Howe Sound and the mountains of Horseshoe Bay. After a delicious breakfast, pass Squamish and journey into the majestic Coast Mountains, arriving in Whistler. Explore this famous mountain resort with its shops, restaurants and the incredible Peak-2-Peak Gondola for unforgettable views.
From Whistler, the train winds through the Fraser River Valley, where rushing rivers meet arid landscapes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast as you travel through gold-rich canyons and learn about the history of Indigenous peoples and early gold prospectors. A three-course lunch accompanies views of vast lakes and towering mountains before arriving in Quesnel, where you can stroll across the historic Fraser River Footbridge.
Leaving Quesnel, the train heads through Northern BC’s wilderness, past serene lakes, waterfalls and towering peaks. Relax with breakfast and a gourmet lunch as the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. Before arriving in Jasper, marvel at Mount Robson, the crown jewel of the Rockies. In Jasper, take time to explore the charming town and its surrounding natural wonders.
Rockies to the Red Rocks
Moab ➡ Glenwood Springs ➡ Denver
The Rockies to the Red Rocks route links Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado. Over two days, you’ll experience extraordinary landscapes, including vast canyons, deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos, all best seen by train. Highlights include Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield and crossing the Continental Divide.
Begin your journey in Moab, travelling the vibrant scenery of the American Southwest. Enjoy dinner and drinks onboard as you pass breathtaking views of Mount Garfield and Ruby Canyon. By evening, you’ll arrive in the resort town of Glenwood Springs, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s beauty in your cosy hotel.
Depart Glenwood Springs and head east toward Denver, taking in the morning light on rugged canyons along the Colorado River. Enjoy a two-course breakfast and a three-course, regionally-inspired lunch as your Hosts share fascinating stories about the region. Cross the Continental Divide through the impressive Moffat Tunnel before arriving in Denver, where the vibrant Mile High City awaits your exploration.
