Overview - Rocky Mountaineer Railtours

Rocky Mountaineer Railtours: This train route was created over a century ago. A road of steel which opened up the Canadian West, through some of the most rugged terrain in the world. Today, this historical route is recognized as one of the world's classical train vacations. This is the land of abundant wildlife, majestic snowy peaks, glittering glacial lakes, roaring waterfalls and towering trees. Make this the year you experience the adventure and scenic wonders of the Canadian Rockies and Canada's West up close, all in daylight with one of Rocky Mountaineer Railtours train vacation packages.

Spiral Tunnels Yoho National Park BC Photo Courtesy: Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer Railtours' acclaimed two-day, all daylight rail journey travels between the coastal city of Vancouver, British Columbia and the Rocky Mountain destinations of Jasper, Banff and Calgary, Alberta. During its regular season schedule from mid-April to mid-October there are more than 40 vacation packages ranging from two to 17 days. Additionally, during December there are four departures featuring Winter Rail Vacations. Guests have two choices of service, RedLeaf and GoldLeaf. The former is similar to traditional train travel with large picture windows, oversized reclining seats, at-your-seat meal service and the individualized attention and colourful commentary of an Onboard Attendant. Travel onboard the bi-level GoldLeaf Service dome coach offers the same attentive standards, with 360-degree views from the upper level seating area, private dining room and rear observation platform for a spectacular vantage point. Headquartered in Vancouver, Rocky Mountaineer Railtours is the largest private passenger rail company in North America.

Thompson Canyon British Columbia Photo Courtesy: Rocky Mountaineer

Something for Everyone - City Stays to Ranch Retreats
An expanded tour range for 2004 has further enhanced the flexibility and diversity of the Rocky Mountaineer Railtour vacation packages. No longer can Rocky Mountaineer Railtours be considered for a train vacation alone, the company offers a wide range of rail and drive packages, year-round mini-break tours to cities and resorts, and soft adventure tours.

The newly introduced Discoveries & Experiences tours are a series of three and four night mini-breaks featuring city, resort, spa and ranch programs which are available year-round and can be booked in conjunction with Rocky Mountaineer's two-day rail journey, linked together or enjoyed on their own. This new program allows guests to create their own ideal vacation by simply choosing the destination they wish to visit and then selecting the activity that they find most appealing. Activities range from whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing and horse riding to whale watching, floatplane sightseeing and city tours depending on the location and the season. Guests have the chance to enjoy uniquely Canadian scenery, activities and hospitality.

Grizzly Bears Abound in a Secluded Coastal Setting
The unforgettable 11-night/12-day Grizzly Bears of Knight Inlet package tour is the latest addition to the Canadian Gold Series offering all but guaranteed Grizzly Bear viewing. The trip begins with a limousine tour of Vancouver, and includes flights to Knight Inlet in northern British Columbia and a three-night stay at the world famous Knight Inlet Lodge for up close Grizzly Bear viewing. It is not uncommon for up to 30 bears to be within a few miles of the lodge during the peak fall season. While staying at the floating Knight Inlet Lodge, guests can choose to do scenic boat rides, interactive hiking, wildlife tracking, eagle viewing and guided kayak trips. Following this exciting adventure, guests relax in comfort and luxury onboard Rocky Mountaineer's two-day journey to Banff in the Canadian Rockies.

Approaching Banff Alberta Photo Courtesy: Rocky Mountaineer

 "The Land of a Million Christmas Trees"
Imagine snow filled valleys, glacier-capped mountain peaks and 'The Land of a Million Christmas Trees'. Welcome to Rocky Mountaineer's Winter Rail Vacations. Offering four departures in December, guests can choose from a variety of special winter vacations - from quick getaways to one week stays in the Rocky Mountains; from ski spectaculars to the ultimate in luxury and pampering. Guests will relax in the warmth and comfort onboard as the train journeys between Vancouver, British Columbia and Banff and Calgary, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies.

Bow River at Morants Curve Alberta Photo Courtesy: Rocky Mountaineer

Holiday Season Fun for Everyone
Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, staff and guests alike embrace the holiday spirit. For children, a specialty parlour car is dedicated to a program just for them which includes a children's entertainer who leads the group in song, fort and decoration making, board games and activities. A second specialty coach features a bar and lounge, including a live jazz band playing traditional favorites and holiday music complete with dance floor for adults to enjoy. The experience is complete when Santa is picked up mid-route delivering gifts to all.

A Winter Playground
While the train journey itself is spectacular, it is also the perfect compliment to the overall holiday and winter activities season. Destinations such as Whistler, British Columbia and Banff, Alberta offer world-class skiing which can be combined either before or after the Rocky Mountaineer train trip. For those looking to truly experience the great Canadian outdoors, Rocky Mountaineer also offers packages which feature longer stays in the Rocky Mountain resorts towns of Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise. Some of the exciting optional traditional Canadian winter activities include skating, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, toboganning, dogsledding, snowmobiling, heli-tours, ice climbing and ice walks.

Experiential Travel Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer runs a historical route which is recognized as one of the world's classic rail journeys. It is the land of legend, still wild and unspoiled, still home to abundant wildlife. It is a land of majestic snowy peaks, glittering glacial lakes, roaring waterfalls and towering trees.

As part of Rocky Mountaineer's commitment to honour and protect these unique, fragile environments, guests onboard the Rocky Mountaineer enjoy an enhanced travel experience. Highly trained Onboard Attendants bring the spectacular scenery to life and provide educational information by interpreting the natural environments through which the train passes. As the train travels the rails guests learn the historical, environmental and cultural significance of these areas including the history of Canada's West and the railway. Of course the commentary would not be complete without tales of the abundant wildlife which is often spotted along the way.

Explore the History and Romance of the Rails
Rail travel in Canada has played a dramatic role in the development of the country. Western Canada's formidable geography stood as a barrier to the first Europeans who sought to conquer the raw and beautiful land. It was not until 1885 when Donald A. Smith drove the last spike into the ground that Canada was united as a nation. For more than 3000 miles (4,800 kilometers), the Canadian Pacific Railway snaked along narrow river canyons and over high mountain passes connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Today, the Rocky Mountaineer retraces these legendary western Canadian routes, travelling through undisturbed wilderness and previously inaccessible rugged terrain carrying tourists from around the world.

Official Site: Rocky Mountaineer Railtours