FAQ

We've welcomed aboard nearly 2 million guests since our inaugural journey in 1990.

Guests opting for GoldLeaf Service travel in a bi-level dome coach. In the upper-level, panoramic views are enjoyed through fully domed windows while gourmet meals from regional cuisine are served in the exclusive dining room lined with large picture windows on the lower level. 

Guests opting for SilverLeaf Service while onboard Rocky Mountaineer travel in a custom-designed single-level dome coach with oversized domed windows. Guests enjoy delicious hot entrées served to them in the comfort of their seats.

Both GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service guests enjoy gourmet meals and story-telling by our onboard host team. No matter which class of service is chosen, all guests will get to experience the jaw-dropping scenery and so much more.

Compare all the features and advantages of our classes of service.

As all our journeys are so amazing, there is no better time to travel, but dependent on your interest, the months offer different options. Flora, fauna and wildlife are all beginning to emerge in April and May, where waterways will be rushing and there’s often still snow dusting on the mountain peaks. In May and June, the cruising season begins. If you’re matching up a cruise with this journey, these would be great travel times. July and August are prime summer months, and if you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, most of the trails are open then. This is also the best time for our floral season and Western Maple trees. In September we start to see snow-capped peaks, and the salmon run takes place around this time, which attracts hungry bears and eagles.

See the chart below for monthly average temperature range:

About 450 kilometres (280 miles) each day, all in daylight. Look forward to spending two or more full relaxing days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

There are many unique features to rail travel. You will enjoy an extremely comfortable seat with ample legroom and have the freedom to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air while in the vestibules. Combined with attentive service and outstanding storytelling, this type of leisurely paced travel will ensure that you know you are on vacation.

One of the greatest advantages, however, is the ability to travel through areas simply not accessible by foot, car or motorcoach. The routes we travel on are described as engineering marvels and as we follow rushing rivers, pass beside towering waterfalls and ride through spectacular river canyons, you will understand why. To truly appreciate the nature and scenery in this part of the world, the Rocky Mountaineer offers the very best vantage point.

We offer all daylight tours meaning you stay overnight in comfortable accommodation in Kamloops and Quesnel, the halfway points of the rail journeys. Travelling during this time of the year ensures that we take full advantage of the daylight hours and the spectacular scenery during the time of year when the regions show their full colours.

Please visit our Preparing to Go Section for a complete list of Train Station Locations & Train Station Transfers.

We are proud of our selection of high-quality merchandise items for purchase onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Merchandise catalogues will be available onboard Rocky Mountaineer at guests’ seats. Order placed on the rail journey into Kamloops or Quensel, will be available the following day

No. Our daylight rail tours through the Canadian Rockies are scheduled to show guests all of the scenery. After a day onboard the train through the Rockies, guests overnight in comfortable hotel accommodation in Kamloops, Quesnel or Whistler, British Columbia. 

We partner with a number of hotel properties ranging from comfortable accommodations with restaurants on the property or within walking distance, to luxurious hotels and resorts with premium room categories. 

To ensure the preservation of the fragile environment of the areas in which we travel and for the comfort of all guests and employees, there is no smoking in hotel rooms and onboard Rocky Mountaineer. This includes the vestibules between the coaches and restroom facilities. 

Rocky Mountaineer has secured the best available accommodation in Kamloops and Quesnel for our guests. Guests will stay in moderate two or three star accommodation with essential amenities to make their stay comfortable. Kamloops and Quesnel accommodations will be shown on guests boarding pass. Guests boarding pass will be provided to them when they check-in to board the Rocky Mountaineer train.

If this information is required sooner, please call our Sales Centre at 1.800.665.7245 (Canada and USA) or 604.606.7245 (all international calls) within 30 days of travel. 

All prices are subject to Canadian Goods and Services Tax (GST), currently 5%. Guests who are not residents of Canada are eligible for a rebate of the GST paid on short-term accommodation. If you are purchasing your rail tour from outside Canada, Rocky Mountaineer may claim the rebate on your behalf. The result is a 50% reduction in the tax rate.

When non-resident guests purchase their rail tour while in Canada, Rocky Mountaineer charges GST at the full rate, and any GST rebate to which a visitor to Canada may be entitled must be claimed from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency by the guest. This short-term accommodation rebate is subject to change without notice and does not apply to cruise or overnight rail trips. Other sales taxes vary by province in Canada, therefore applicable taxes may vary for travel departures initiating outside of British Columbia.

We are not able to assist in flight reservations. Any flights will need to be booked independently.

Although not a requirement to enter Canada, it is strongly recommended that whenever you travel outside your country of residence to have adequate medical and trip interruption insurance. Travel insurance not only protects you in the event of a medical emergency, but most insurance providers also offer practical assistance in the event of emergency travel plans such as booking last minute flights and hotels, delayed or lost luggage tracking assistance and of course peace of mind. Whether purchased directly through Rocky Mountaineer or with another travel professional, travel insurance is always a wise decision.

For a quote and details on the Rocky Mountaineer Travel Insurance program as offered through Travel Guard, contact us.

As part of our rail travel package, Rocky Mountaineer guests are served hot, gourmet breakfast and lunches with gourmet snacks and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Additional meals for the entire vacation package may be added with the purchase of a meal plan.  

The recommended activities in and around Victoria are Butchart Gardens. See all recommended tours and excursions. 

A few of the recommended activities in and around Vancouver are Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Lookout and Grouse Mountain. See all recommended tours and excursions.

The recommended activities in and around Jasper are Motorcoach Icefields Parkway Tour. It's a "monster-truck-meets-glacier" adventure where guests can learn new things! See all recommended tours and excursions. 

The recommended activity in and around Seattle is the Show Me Seattle City Tour. See all recommended tours and excursions. 

The Summit Helicopter Tour may be cancelled due to poor weather. A price reduction will apply if this activity is cancelled or if a guest chooses not to fly.

Friends and family who need to get in contact with you in case of an emergency, should call our Guest Experience Centre at guestexperience@rockymountaineer.com or at the following phone numbers:

North America: 1-800-653-4105

Australia: 0011-800-195-01950

Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland & United Kingdom: 00-800-195-01950

Ireland: 00 and/or 014-800-195-01950

Changes are permitted, however they are subject to change fees depending on when the change request is received in relation to the start of your itinerary. Cancellation of any or all services are fully non-refundable. And no changes are permitted less than 15 days prior to the start of your Rocky Mountaineer itinerary. For a complete guide to change fees and cancellation policies, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.  

Absolutely! We would be happy to help you arrange your car rental needs, on a minimum 2-day rental. Please contact our reservations@rockymountaineer.com to make car rental arrangements or call the toll free number in your area:
 

As well, we can arrange for extra hotel nights in Western Canada to help make your Rocky Mountaineer vacation the best ever. 

Yes. Upgrades can be purchased prior to travel by contacting your travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer. Upgrades may also be available at the station on the day of departure (subject to availability).

In Alberta, British Columbia, and Washington State, temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and season. Summer temperatures range from a low of 10°C (50°F) to a high of 40°C (104°F). Kamloops, in particular, may be very warm in the summer, while in the alpine regions, weather can change dramatically in a short time.

We recommend that all guests be prepared for different weather conditions. Plan to bring a sweater, pants/trousers, and a light topcoat or raincoat, as well as lightweight summer wear to make your time onboard and in the Rockies the most comfortable. Spring and fall weather conditions can often include cool temperatures and even snowfall, so warmer layers are encouraged during these times.  Visit www.weather.gc.ca for up-to-date weather information.

Our team will make every effort to keep you comfortable throughout your journey with us.

Rocky Mountaineer will make every effort to meet any special needs, including the requirements of our disabled guests. Some of the Rocky Mountaineer coaches are wheelchair accessible. GoldLeaf Service Dome Coaches have elevators for guests who have problems using the spiral staircase. Please inform us at the time of booking if any assistance is required.

Pre-boarding and detraining for guests requiring special assistance is provided at all stations. Please advise Rocky Mountaineer at the time of booking if guests require this service and additional assistance while onboard the train, and also notify the Station Team at check-in.

Please note that all pets or animals (excluding qualified service animals for guests with disabilities) are prohibited from travelling onboard the train.

The currency used in Canada is the Canadian dollar. Onboard purchases including our merchandise items may be paid with VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, pre-paid VISA, and pre-paid MasterCard. Exchange rates and transaction fees are determined by your credit card provider. VISA debit cards, debit, cash, or cheques are not acceptable. Cash is however accepted for gratuities.

Passenger rail travel in Canada is subject to unforeseen delays. While the Rocky Mountaineer is treated as a priority by the railways it uses, occasional delays do occur. For that reason, we ask that you please DO NOT arrange connecting transportation on the day of your scheduled arrival in any destination.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) 

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is your best choice when your vacation starts or ends in Vancouver or Whistler. Located in Richmond, British Columbia, YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada and provides easy access to Vancouver and its surrounding areas. YVR is located approximately 30 minutes south of Vancouver.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) 

If your vacation starts or ends in either Calgary or Banff, the Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the most accessible airport for you. The Calgary International Airport is located in Calgary, Alberta and is the gateway to Banff and Lake Louise. Banff town site is located 120km (or 75 miles) west of Calgary city limits and is easily accessible from the all-weather, four-lane Trans Canada Highway 1. Lake Louise is located 58km (or 35 miles) west of Banff.

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) 

The Edmonton International Airport is the closest airport for vacations that start or end in Jasper. The Edmonton International Airport in Edmonton, Alberta is located 362km (or 220 miles) east of Jasper, approximately 3 ½ hours driving time. There are several rental car counters for pick-up and drop off at the Edmonton International Airport if you choose to rent a car for this drive.

Guests travelling onboard Rocky Mountaineer are limited to two suitcases per person (total luggage weight not to exceed 30 kg or 66 lbs). No one piece of luggage may weigh more than 23 kg (50 lbs). All baggage or articles are accepted and transported subject to Rocky Mountaineer’s luggage policy. Oversized items, i.e. sports equipment may be subject to a surcharge.

Guests are prohibited from carrying firearms, flammable, hazardous, illegal, or radioactive materials, and some food items. Rocky Mountaineer will not be liable for any luggage containing such materials. If you have any questions on specific items please refer to US Customs and Border Protection and the Canadian Border Services Agency. 

Luggage Handling

Your checked luggage will not be available onboard the train. All medications, valuables and personal items must be carried with you.

Absolutely! If you are looking for a customized itinerary for a group of 15 or more, our Group Travel Consultants will provide you with an opportunity to offer your group a unique and memorable experience. In addition, our spectacular meetings and incentives program lets you discover a unique venue for your business or incentive function. For more information, contact us at groups@rockymountaineer.com or visit our Group Travel page. 

Yes. Thousands of our guests take advantage of the rail and cruise seasons which are very similar. Rocky Mountaineer offers a selection of Rail & Cruise Vacation Packages in partnership with Holland America Cruise Lines. Speak with your travel agent, contact a Rocky Mountaineer Vacation Consultant or call the toll free number in your area to inquire about pricing and availability:

Toll free USA & Canada:  1-877-460-3200

Toll free Australia:  1-800-821-531

Toll free UK:  0-800-088-5541

Toll free Germany:  0-800-189-9311

Toll free New Zealand:  0-800-451-247

International:  1-604-606-7245

Holland America Line final documentation is not included with Rocky Mountaineer documentation. Holland America requires guests to complete an online registration process 10 – 50 days prior to cruise departure. View Document Delivery Information

All pets or animals (excluding qualified service animals for guests with disabilities) are prohibited from travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

The advantage of our train is that we are able to slow down at the most scenic areas to offer guests the best viewing and camera opportunities. We call it "picture-perfect speed" and the best camera photographic opportunities! While there are areas the train reaches up to 90 kph (60 mph), our average speed is approximately 50 kph (30 mph).

Breakfasts and lunches are included onboard Rocky Mountaineer. If breakfast, lunch and/or dinner are included, it will be indicated in the itinerary of your package. Additional breakfasts and dinner for the entire vacation are available for pre-purchase through a meal plan.

In the morning when you board your GoldLeaf Service carriage, your onboard Host team will separate all guests into two groups. On day 1 of the rail journey, the first group will go down to breakfast and lunch first while the second group enjoys beverage service along with fresh baked pastries or canapes until it is their turn. On day 2 of the rail journey, the groups will switch and the second group will go down first for breakfast and lunch.

Note: If you are taking medication or on a dietary regime that requires you take meals at a particular time of day, please advise your booking agent or Rocky Mountaineer, Vacation Consultant at the time of booking so it can be noted on your reservation. 

We do have wheelchair facilities for all services. Wheelchair lifters are available at all stations and the GoldLeaf Service dome coaches are equipped with interior ADA-style elevators.

In order to ensure we’re able to accommodate all of your guest's mobility requirements, we ask that you advise us of these concerns at time of booking. Please note that reservations for guests using wheelchairs cannot be completed online. You will need to speak with a Rocky Mountaineer Vacation Consultant to ensure everything can be accommodated for a smooth and a comfortable journey.

Pre-boarding and detraining for guests requiring special assistance is provided at all stations. Please advise Rocky Mountaineer at the time of booking if you require this service and additional assistance while onboard the train, and also notify the Station Team at check-in.

Please note that all pets or animals (excluding qualified service animals for guests with disabilities) are prohibited from travelling onboard the train.

No, the train only stops in Whistler, or Kamloops or Quesnel for an overnight stay; however, the train slows to a very slow speed at particularly scenic locations.

Depending on the route and direction in which you travel, arrival in your destination ranges from late afternoon to early evening. Passenger rail travel in Canada is subject to unforeseen delays. While Rocky Mountaineer is treated as a priority by the railways it uses, occasional delays do occur.

For that reason, we recommend that you book a night’s accommodation in the arrival destination, and ask that you please do not arrange connecting transportation, including flights, on this day. Rocky Mountaineer can arrange for airport transfers and additional hotel nights and tour options at the start or end of your rail journey with advance notice.

In Vancouver, Banff, Jasper and Seattle:  Rocky Mountaineer can arrange transfers by motorcoach from the train station to select hotels if this is not already included in your rail tour package. Taxi service may also be available. Your Host will be pleased to explain all service options to you. Taxis are required for transfers to the Vancouver Airport and the Victoria Ferry Terminal.

In Kamloops, Quesnel and Whistler:  All motorcoach transfers are included in your rail tour package.

In Lake Louise, for First Passage to the West guests:  We are pleased to offer complimentary motorcoach transfers between the Lake Louise train station and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

In Jasper, for Rainforest to Gold Rush guests:  We are pleased to offer complimentary motorcoach transfers between the Jasper train station and select hotels for all of our guests.

All onboard services and written materials will be presented in English. While some of our onboard Hosts may speak additional languages, we cannot guarantee that any language other than English will be available.

Rocky Mountaineer does offer predetermined departure dates where select onboard services are available in either French or German. For more information on pre-determined French and German departure dates, please contact us.

No. Each direction will offer its own opportunities for unique views and vistas. On many of our routes where the train follows a river, the tracks will cross over a bridge to give all guests the opportunity to be water-side. Socialization is a huge part of the Rocky Mountaineer experience and we always encourage our guests to get up from their seats and move about the railcar to meet their fellow guests and to experience the views from various vantage points. Don’t forget to spend some time outdoors in the fresh mountain air on the open air vestibule. 

At check-in, you will receive a boarding pass with your pre-assigned seat and overnight accommodation for Kamloops, or Whistler and Quesnel. If you have special seating requests, such as sitting near a friend who has booked separately, please advise Rocky Mountaineer at least 30 days in advance. We are unable to accommodate specific seats, train coach location or first or second meal seating requests. Please note, guests travelling on the Coastal Passage route between Seattle and Vancouver will be assigned a different coach, seat, and Host than on their two or three-day Canadian Rockies rail journey.

Each row of seats onboard the train contains four seats divided by a central aisle. Multiple couples and families are typically seated across the aisle from each other in pairs of two seats. If you would prefer to be on the same side of the aisle, please let your booking agent or Rocky Mountaineer, Vacation Consultant know at the time of booking.

The seats onboard are able to turn to face each other in a pod of four. While this can be convenient when travelling with small children, it does have a substantial impact on the amount of leg room available to share, and it inhibits you from using the seat back table trays. If you would like to know more about this, please enquire with your Guest Service Manager while travelling with us.

One of the advantages of train travel is the spacious room afforded to all guests. GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service guests can enjoy fresh air outside their coaches. Access to the GoldLeaf Dome coach and adjacent vestibule is limited to guests reserving this service. Likewise for guests who reserve SilverLeaf Service.

In North America, gratuities are often given in recognition of service excellence. Gratuities are not included in prices for Rocky Mountaineer Hosts, driver guides, tour escorts or hotel porters. If you are travelling on an escorted tour, we recommend checking with your Tour Director to confirm the amount of gratuity that may have been included in your tour package.

The following is provided to assist our guests, but we leave the decision to provide a gratuity for Rocky Mountaineer Hosts entirely at their discretion.

GoldLeaf Service: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $70 to $90 per couple ($35 to $45 per guest) for a two day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts and Culinary Team in your coach.

SilverLeaf Service: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $60 to $80 per couple ($30 to $40 per guest) for a two day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts in your coach.

SilverLeaf Service on Coastal Passage route: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $16 to $20 per couple ($8 to $10 per guest), which is shared between the Hosts in your coach.

GoldLeaf Service on Coastal Passage route: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $20 to $30 per couple ($10 to $15 per guest), which is shared between the Hosts in your coach.

SilverLeaf Service on Rainforest to Gold Rush route: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $75 to $100 per couple ($35 to $50 per guest) for a three day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts in your coach.

GoldLeaf Service on Rainforest to Gold Rush route: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $90 to $120 per couple ($45 to $60 per guest) for a three day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts and Culinary Team in your coach.

Gratuities may be paid by cash or credit card.

Gratuities are not a requirement and are completely at your discretion. 

There is no Wi-Fi internet access onboard and much of the train route is out of cell phone range due to the train travelling through remote parts of Canada. There is cell service in major urban centers such as Kamloops, Quesnel and Whistler. We recommend guests use the outdoor viewing area for phone calls.  

It is strongly recommended that guests disable data roaming or switch their device into airplane mode. Rocky Mountaineer will not be liable for any roaming charges incurred.

There are wonderful opportunities for viewing wildlife from the train and during your stay in Canada's West, including bear, elk, deer, moose, bald eagles, osprey, salmon, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. However, “wildlife are wild” and as such, sightings are never guaranteed. If you do come into contact with animals please act responsibly, maintain a safe distance and never feed any wild animals.