Current Travel Updates

JASPER TRAIN JOURNEYS 

The community of Jasper, Alberta was significantly impacted by a wildfire that began on July 22 and resulted in the evacuation and substantial damage to the town. 

The community is in the early stages of re-opening for visitors. Many businesses are opening or planning to open in the coming weeks. Some hotels are partially open and are preparing to welcome travellers. Many are prioritizing housing displaced residents, essential workers, and those supporting the recovery. As a result, our hotel partners are unable to accommodate our guests in Jasper for the foreseeable future.  

Given these circumstances, it is not possible for us to operate the Jasper portion of our Journey through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush journeys through to October 2024, and we have modified those itineraries. Further details on these changes are outlined below.  

We will continue to do whatever we can to support the recovery and rebuilding of Jasper, and we look forward to returning our trains to the community when possible. 

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CLOUDS 
 
We have moved all guests booked on this route for 2024 to our First Passage to the West route, on the same departure date.  

First Passage to the West is our most popular route, travelling between Vancouver and the towns of Lake Louise and Banff, in Banff National Park. These towns provide just as exceptional scenery and amenities. The First Passage to the West rail route travels through stunning mountain passes, past lakes and rivers, and through the iconic Spiral Tunnels. 

Guests will receive updated travel documents from us or their travel professional, prior to travel, with detailed information of the new itinerary. 

RAINFOREST TO GOLD RUSH 

Guests booked to travel on this route for 2024 have been rebooked on an alternative itinerary.  

This new itinerary travels between the towns of Lake Louise and Banff, in Banff National Park, and Vancouver and includes three days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. The train journey will include one day travelling on our most popular route, First Passage to the West. They will also continue to travel by train for two days between Quesnel, Whistler and Vancouver on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, as originally planned.  

Guests will receive updated travel documents from us or their travel professional, prior to travel, with detailed information of the new itinerary. 

CIRCLE JOURNEYS 

Guests booked to travel on a Circle Journey in 2024 that included Jasper have been rebooked on an alternative itinerary.  

The First Passage to the West portion of the itinerary will continue as planned, between Vancouver and the towns of Lake Louise and Banff, in Banff National Park. 

For guests whose Circle Journey includes a Rainforest to Gold Rush departure (Vancouver – Whistler – Quesnel – Jasper, or reverse), we have modified this portion of the itinerary. Guests will continue to travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer for three days. The amended itinerary will include two days on the train between Vancouver, Whistler and Quesnel, as planned in the Rainforest to Gold Rush booking. The Quesnel to Jasper section of the itinerary has been modified to travel between Quesnel and Banff or Lake Louise on, in part, the First Passage to the West rail route.  

For guests whose Circle Journey includes a Journey through the Clouds departure (Vancouver – Kamloops – Jasper, or reverse), we have moved this portion of the itinerary to our First Passage to the West route. This allows guests to enjoy more time in Banff or Lake Louise and an incredible journey to and from the Canadian Rockies with the same number of days onboard the train. The departure dates will remain the same. 

AIR QUALITY IN WESTERN CANADA 

Please be aware that there may be some reduced visibility of scenery and outdoor air quality along the route due to smoke from wildfires. Air quality changes frequently due to wildfire and weather conditions, among other factors.   

The latest air quality information for Canadian cities can be found on the Government of Canada website. Calgary is the city listed which is closest to Banff and Lake Louise. Prince George is the city listed which is closest to Quesnel, on our Rainforest to Gold Rush route. 

In areas where the air quality is affected, the health authorities recommend you reduce your exposure by staying indoors where there is air conditioning and avoid strenuous or prolonged activities outside, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. The train, the motorcoaches to and from your hotel, and most hotel rooms and restaurants will have air conditioning. Our team will do everything we can to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all who travel with us.