Is the Rocky Mountaineer worth the splurge? Our honest review of the Vancouver to Banff route (First Passage to the West).
After attending my cousin’s wedding in Vancouver, we decided to take a family trip to Banff National Park in Canada. While Calgary airport is only about a two-hour drive to and from Banff, we had discovered there’s a truly spectacular alternative that transforms the journey into part of the adventure itself: the Rocky Mountaineer train. This luxury rail service offers routes from Vancouver through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with a few itineraries that include stops in Banff or nearby Lake Louise. Since we were already in Vancouver, we decided to take advantage of this exciting train journey to the Canadian Rockies!
Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf vs. SilverLeaf: Which is Right for You?
The Rocky Mountaineer Train features two-level glass-domed cars that provide unobstructed views of the dramatic mountain scenery. Gourmet meals are prepared on board; silver-level guests enjoy their meals at their seats, while gold-level travelers head to the dining car. We booked the GoldLeaf because we were traveling with my parents and felt it offered more comfort, and you have better views from the dining car. In addition to the views and meals, GoldLeaf passengers enjoy all-inclusive cocktails all day, and you can also experience storytelling along the journey from knowledgeable hosts who share the region’s history and geography. The train journey to the Canadian Rockies took us through places that are not accessible by car (or even foot!), and the outdoor platform on each car allowed us to still breathe in the fresh mountain air whenever we wanted, and of course, snap hundreds of photos of the surrounding beauty. Several of our travel companions had taken the Rocky Mountaineer as their vacation destination in and of itself. Since happy hour started at 10 am every day, they were a jovial bunch! Spending the day on the Rocky Mountaineer Trainin was relaxing and enthralling, and we couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous mountains, waterways, and wildlife, which included ospreys, eagles, and herons.
Overnight in Kamloops: Logistical Details and Accommodation
The two-day train journey to the Canadian Rockies included an overnight stop in Kamloops, an old mining town being revived by regular visitors, and we passed several notable sites along the way. But what we raved most about was watching the landscape transform from coastal rainforests to dry prairie to towering mountain peaks, all from the comfort of our seats. Once we arrived in Kamloops, the very well-organized train service delivered our luggage to our rooms. It was already dinner time, so we grabbed a quick bite in the hotel and then hit the sack – we had a super early wakeup call to reboard and continue our train journey, which would end in Banff National Park.
Gourmet Dining Onboard: What to Expect
We were amazed by the quality of the food and drinks on our train journey to the Canadian Rockies, which included breakfasts featuring fluffy pancakes studded with blueberries, egg soufflé, and avocado toast, while lunch dishes ranged from herb-infused risotto, freshly baked focaccia, and handmade gnocchi. Our dishes were paired with mimosas and local wines, and followed by chocolate mousse and macarons. Vegetarians do not worry! As a vegetarian, I felt there was an excellent selection for me on the Rocky Mountaineer Train.
Is the Rocky Mountaineer Train Worth it?
We loved this train journey to the Canadian Rockies! The Rocky Mountaineer Train offers first-class service, and traveling through the Canadian Rockies via train with unparalleled views was the experience of a lifetime. We can’t recommend it more!
