Categories: Travel

Step into this luxury glass-dome train for a scenic ride around the Alberta Rockies

Photo via Rocky Mountaineer/Facebook

Rocky Mountaineer is the perfect ride for those wanting the best view of the Alberta mountains, and trust us, they definitely deliver.

Having started in the 1990s, Rocky Mountaineer remains one of the most luxurious train rides in and out of the Alberta Rockies. In 1999, it even set the record for the longest passenger train in Canadian history at 41 cars. Six months out of each year, you can hop in its spacious glass-dome train coaches and enjoy the delicious cuisine, friendly service, and social atmosphere.

The best part? This train only travels during the day, meaning you’ll always get a chance to see what sights the landscape has to offer.

Routes to take on the Rocky Mountaineer

First, you’ll need to choose what route you’re going to take. As of now, there are four routes that run during their April to October season:

First Passage to the West (Vancouver – Lake Louise or Banff)
Journey through the Clouds (Vancouver – Jasper)
Rainforest to Gold Rush (Vancouver – Jasper, via Whistler and Quesnel)
Passage to the Peaks (Banff – Jasper, via Kamloops)

Dining on the Rocky Mountaineer

While you’re on these routes, there are two types of service you can choose from: GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service. The main differences are that SilverLeaf guests will be served their meals seat-side while GoldLeaf offers a dining area. To add to that, GoldLeaf guests will have a larger team helping them along their journey.

No matter which service level you travel on, though, every journey comes with breakfast and lunch served onboard, coffee, tea, drinks, and snacks throughout the day, large glass-dome windows, photo opportunities, and hosts sharing stories and history throughout the trip. Not to mention, overnight hotel accommodations at their curated partner hotels are always included in your train journey.

Cost and tickets

As for prices, it really varies depending on what type of trip you’re taking, where you’re going, and what kind of add-ons you’re looking to get. I’d just say to expect a price per person within the thousands if you’re looking for the whole package.

Our only suggestion, however, is to book fast. These trips are highly sought after with an incredible reputation behind them. There are going to be dozens of people looking at these seats. You won’t want to miss your chance to hop aboard.

All that to say: it’s definitely worth the money. You won’t find an experience that takes as much care and time into the journey as they do. It’s a sure way to make your next Rockies trip all the more special.