Are you more of a history buff, or a wildlife watcher? Do you yearn to follow the route of gold-seeking pioneers of the 1860s, or is spotting a soaring eagle or a handsome bear top of your list? Do snow-capped peaks tickle your fancy, or are you excited by bold red sandstone landscapes? Iconic train Rocky Mountaineer offers four distinctive rail journeys that explore the North American Rocky Mountains: the Rockies to the Red Rocks Route travels between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado in the US, while in Canada, three routes connect the Pacific city of Vancouver with the Canadian Rocky Mountains. No matter which you choose, as you sink into your roomy reclining seat with a glass of wine, you'll enjoy an inspiring mix of nature's greatest hits, storytelling that brings your surroundings to life, and Rocky Mountaineer's legendary service.
Rockies to the Red Rocks
The newest Rocky Mountaineer experience, Rockies to the Red Rocks is an epic two-day rail journey that follows the Colorado River from towering red stone monuments in the west out to the Mile High City in the east, through vast canyons, alpine forests, and even a wine-growing region. Between Moab, on the edge of Arches National Park in Utah and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, you’ll get an up-close look at the burnt orange sandstone walls of Ruby Canyon and the view through orchards to the magnificent Mount Garfield. Travelling between Glenwood Springs and Denver, you’ll pass through a procession of canyons, climb high into the Colorado Rockies, and cross the Continental Divide via the historic 10-kilometre (6 mile) Moffat Tunnel.
Explore 10 Day to the Red Rocks Rail and Drive, our independent travel itinerary featuring the best of Utah's National Parks with breathtaking landscapes.
First Passage to the West
The two-day First Passage to the West route chugs along the historic tracks of the country’s first coast-to-coast railway between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise, with an overnight stay in Kamloops. Pass by the snarling rapids of Hell’s Gate—named for explorer Simon Fraser’s assertion that “surely these are the gates of Hell”—and the twin rail bridges of Cisco Crossing. Between Kamloops and Banff, you’ll witness the site of the “last spike” driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 at Craigellachie and experience the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. As you travel through Banff National Park be awed by views of towering Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle.
Explore 11 Day Glacier, Rails, Bears, and Whales Expedition, our independent travel itinerary featuring untouched landscapes and majestic wildlife on your journey through the West.
Journey through the Clouds
Also, two days long, Journey through the Clouds travels between Vancouver and Jasper, traversing some of the most remote landscapes in Canada, with scenery and wildlife largely untouched by humans. Like First Passage to the West, the rail route passes the rushing Hell’s Gate and Cisco Crossing, travelling along both the Fraser and Thompson rivers. Between Kamloops and Jasper, the train passes the glacier-fed, three-tiered Pyramid Falls; Mount Albreda; and Mount Robson—the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet). Mount Robson is so big that it often forms its own weather patterns, with clouds enveloping the peak while the rest of the sky is blue. Jasper National Park is a Dark Sky Preserve known for stargazing, wildlife around every corner and some of the best outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies.
Explore 10 Day Ultimate Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer, our escorted group tour featuring an in-depth exploration of the mighty Canadian Rockies and iconic resort towns Banff and Jasper.
Rainforest to Gold Rush
For those that want to delve further into Western Canada’s history and diverse landscapes—and spend more time on the train—the three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush route takes a northerly path between Vancouver and Jasper, uncovering the stories of those early prospectors seeking to make their fortune. This rail route also boasts the most trestle bridges, making it a favourite with train fans. With overnights in Whistler and Quesnel, on this journey you’ll climb through rainforest into the alpine alongside the southern fjord of Howe Sound, pass the deep turquoise waters of Seton and Anderson lakes, travel along the desert like Cariboo Plateau, cross the historic Cottonwood River Bridge, and take in Mount Robson. With two of Western Canada’s best outdoor adventure hubs on this train journey, Whistler and Jasper, this rail route is the perfect fit if you love exploring nature.
Explore 8 Days Rainforest and Peaks Circle Rail Journey, our independent travel itinerary featuring the very best that Alberta's National Parks have to offer.
All rail routes are available in both directions: starting in the west and travelling east into the Rockies, or vice versa, which means that you have the choice to kick off your vacation with big city sightseeing and dining at the hottest restaurants, or with fresh air outdoor adventures and touring the national parks. Every Rocky Mountaineer rail journey travels only during daylight hours so you can be sure you’re not missing a moment of those picture-postcard views you’ve come to see. And whether you’re travelling in SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service (or SilverLeaf Plus in the US), you’ll enjoy freshly prepared cuisine paired with a glass of wine or a local craft beer, as your onboard Hosts bring the scenery to life, and you swap stories with your new lifelong friends.
Click here to view more Anderson Vacations tours that incorporate the best of land & rail with Rocky Mountaineer. Whether you are looking to travel independently or on a group tour, we have options for all types of travellers.
All photos by Rocky Mountaineer