Categories: Travel

You can take a glass-topped train ride through the Rocky Mountains

Image via Rocky Mountaineer Facebook

Road trips are all well and good, but what if you could trade up? This luxury train experience snakes through the Rocky Mountains, and the views are beyond belief. In fact, it made the list as one of the 10 greatest train trips in the world.

The Rocky Mountaineer offers luxury train routes between B.C. and Alberta with glass-topped viewing cars and five-star service. Take your eyes off the road, but keep them glued to the sights as you enjoy local beverages and snacks. Quite the road trip upgrade, we think!

Here’s everything you need to know about this unique Rocky Mountain train experience.

Rail Routes

The Rocky Mountaineer gives you four different routes to choose from. One in the American Southwest, and three that pass through the majestic Canadian Rockies. We’re going to focus on the latter… for obvious reasons.

It is also worth noting that all routes operate in both directions. So you can start in the Rockies and go to Vancouver, or start in Vancouver. Dealer’s choice!

First Passage to the West

This stunning route starts in Banff with a stop in Kamloops and ends in Vancouver. It’s the most popular route offered thanks to its breathtaking sights through the Canadian Rockies.

Journey Through The Clouds

This route takes you on a similar journey, but begins instead with Jasper before going on to Kamloops and ending in Vancouver. It’s great for enjoying the national park and getting up close and personal with some of the most remote mountain views in the West.

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Beginning in Jasper, this rail route will take you through the wilds of Northern B.C. with a stop in Quesnel before finishing in Whistler. This pathway takes you through the historic Cariboo gold rush region and passes through striking and diverse landscapes.

What To Expect

We think the phrase “luxury train ride” kind of says it all. If you’re lucky enough to step aboard, you can expect attentive care from your hosts, rich commentary, and delicious bites along the way. If you’re curious about where you’ll be resting your head for the night, Rocky Mountaineer takes care of all of the details. There will be hotel rooms available at each major stop, so you can sleep, shower, and return refreshed for the next day of adventure.

There are two service levels available if you want to cherry-pick your perks. But no matter what you choose, it’s bound to be an incredible time.

Silver Leaf

The Rocky Mountaineer Silver Leaf experience comes with everything you need to enjoy the ride of a lifetime. On-board hosts handle everything from baggage transfers to informative commentary about the surrounding landscape. Delicious meals and beverages are brought right to your seat, but you’ll be hard-pressed to take your eyes off the oversized windows. Allow yourself to be dazzled by the passing scenery through the glass-dome coaches or the outdoor viewing area.

Gold Leaf

Splurge on the good stuff. This service includes all the stellar service you expect, plus gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs. You’ll also have access to the bi-level glass dome for unobstructed 360-degree views, along with an exclusive outdoor viewing platform to get the most out of your journey.

We won’t lie to you, this luxury experience certainly doesn’t come cheap. Tickets start at a hefty $3,000, but include the train ride, breakfast and lunch, and your hotel accommodations at each stop.

Of course, one could argue that it more than pays for itself. The views are spectacular and offer a whole new way to experience the Canadian Rockies.

Would you try it?