Rockies by Rail

Over one million people have travelled through Canada's West by rail. And they've taken the train because there's really no other way to access such isolated areas in such comfort and with such good company.

The Mountaineer

People are drawn to the Rocky Mountaineer by the pictures of tenuous river crossing, isolated wildlife, and twisting mountain passes. They're also attracted by stop-overs in ski havens like Banff and Lake Louise.

The Routes

The routes start in Vancouver and make their way north-east. Depending on the route, you may land in the ski-mecca of Whistler, the sleepy town of Jasper, or the mining-city of Calgary.

The First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds route trains depart from Rocky Mountaineer's purpose-built station at 1755 Cottrell Street just off Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. The Rainforest to Goldrush and Whistler Sea to Sky Climb route trains depart from a platform at the corner of Philip Avenue and West 1st Street in North Vancouver.

Detail | Routes

The following four spectacular rail routes highlight the diverse beauty of Canada’s West. The first three are operated on the Rocky Mountaineer, while the last route uses the Whistler Mountaineer.

First Passage to the West

Head north from Whistler to retrace the steps of 19th century explorers. As you approach the mountains you'll enter the legendary Spiral Tunnels.

Route Highlights:

• Fraser Valley, Fraser and Thompson Canyons
• The Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway
• Rogers Pass
• Spiral Tunnels
• Kicking Horse Pass
• Banff National Park

Journey through the Clouds

Experience the natural wonders of Canada’s West on this route. Travel through scenic valleys, the Coastal Mountain Range, and the Fraser Canyon with its spectacular raging white water and dramatic landscape.

Route Highlights:

• Fraser Valley, Fraser and Thompson Canyons
• Pyramid Falls
• Albreda Icefields
• Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies
• Jasper National Park

Rainforest to the Gold Rush

This route has it all. You’ll enjoy some of the most breathtaking and varied rail scenery found anywhere in the world.

Route Highlights:

• Coastal rainforest
• Seton and Anderson Lakes
• Fraser Canyon and the Cariboo Plateau
• Rocky Mountain Trench
• Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies
• Jasper National Park

Whistler Sea to Sky Climb

Travel between Vancouver and Whistler, hosts of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, on this breathtaking three-hour rail journey.

Route Highlights:

• West Vancouver and Stanley Park
• Howe Sound
• Shannon Falls
• Mount Garibaldi
• Cheakamus Canyon
• Brandywine Falls

This is just an idea for a Trip that you can either Create with your own specific dates and requirements, or you can Find a Trip created by another traveller and join them on an adventure.