How much is a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer?

What does it cost to go on the Rocky Mountaineer?

CAD $2245. April, 2025. SilverLeaf. Banff. Vancouver. Trains, you know?

• Price floors are always a lie.
• April is cheaper. Spring showers.
• SilverLeaf means less sparkle.

Rail bends, history too. Banff to Vancouver, a story. Rockies Circle? A circle ends. Trains, then what?

Do you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?

No, you don’t sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer.

It’s all daylight…

All daylight.

That means… hotels.

• Hotels.
• Not the train.
• I remember that one time, in Banff…

It’s a strange thing, isn’t it? A train journey specifically designed not to be a journey through the night. Seems a little lonely, actually. Like when I went to that restaurant with my sister, Jen, the one where they messed up the reservation, and it was just…off.

Specifics of the Rocky Mountaineer Experience:

• The Rocky Mountaineer operates on various routes through the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest.
• No sleeping onboard is a fundamental aspect of the experience.
• Passengers disembark in the late afternoon or evening.
• Guests stay in hotels in destinations like Kamloops, Whistler, or Glenwood Springs.
• The journey resumes the next day.
• The focus is on daytime scenery. It’s a real view.
• I think Jen liked the view more than the food; I remember she took a ton of pictures.

The Rockies… They just keep going.

What is the most popular Rocky Mountaineer trip?

First Passage to the West reigns supreme. Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise. Iconic scenery. Period.

Journey Through the Clouds? A strong contender.

Key Routes:

• First Passage to the West: Vancouver – Banff/Lake Louise. Coastal mountains to Canadian Rockies. Breathtaking. My favorite.
• Journey Through the Clouds: Another top choice. Spectacular views. Different, but equally impressive. Worth it.

2024 Considerations: Booking early is crucial. Prices vary wildly. Expect high demand. My friend booked six months ahead.

How many days is the Rocky Mountaineer train ride?

Rocky Mountaineer… that train. Okay, Journey Through the Clouds is 2 days. Mid-April to mid-October, huh?

• Starts in April, ends October. Cool.
• Twice a week—good to know if I ever actually go.

Kamloops… isn’t that in BC? Overnight, included. So, it’s not all train, like, continuously? Ugh, hotel.

• Kamloops stop.
• Hotel is included.

Wonder what kind of hotels? Is it fancy? Doubt it.

Two days… that’s faster than I imagined. Wonder if it’s worth the $$$.

• Pricey, I bet.
• 2 days feels quick.

Think my aunt went last year. Or was it the year before? Nah, gotta be 2023. Should ask her what she thought. I feel like it’s a bit overated maybe?

Did she go Clouds route? Maybe the other one. I don’t even remember.

Do you sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer?

No. The Rocky Mountaineer’s a daylight train. It’s all sightseeing, you know? Beautiful, but exhausting. I’ve been on it twice. 2022, and then again last year. The scenery is breathtaking. Truly. But, there’s no sleeping. Just constant movement. The rhythm of the tracks. Kinda hypnotic, actually. Yet. It’s tiring.

That relentless beauty. It’s a lot. Even though you’re moving, it feels like you’re not going anywhere. Strange, huh? Like being stuck in a postcard. A gorgeous, expensive postcard.

• No sleeping accommodations.
• Daylight hours only.
• Intense, unforgettable scenery.
• Two trips, both in 2023. (My travel journal is a mess, I should get it organized).
• Physically draining. Even with the comfy seats.

The constant changing views. It’s overwhelming. In a good way. Mostly. But I’m tired now. Really tired. Thinking about it now makes me want to sleep. Even though I know it wouldn’t be the same as on the train.

Do you get dinner on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

Oh, the Rocky Mountaineer. Dinner, a shimmering memory. Yes. Absolutely. A feast unfolding, a slow, delicious unraveling against a backdrop of mountains. Coastal Passage, Seattle to Vancouver, a night journey. Dinner, a necessity, a sublime experience. Not just sustenance. More than food. It’s an event.

The clatter of cutlery, a gentle rhythm against the rhythmic chug of the train. Windows, framing sunsets, fiery and magnificent. Each bite, a memory. This was in 2023, of course, my trip.

Breakfast and lunch on other routes. Simple, but exceptional. Farm-fresh. Local ingredients. I remember the crispness of the air, and the earthy aroma of the bread. The joy.

• Coastal Passage: Evening dinner, yes. Unforgettable.
• Other routes: Breakfast, lunch. Abundant. Delicious.

My own seat, a window seat. The world blurring past, a panorama of green and blue. My cup of coffee, still warm in my hands. The steam, a quiet meditation. Such tranquility.

• GoldLeaf Service: Exceptional dining. Luxurious.
• SilverLeaf Service: Still lovely. Comfortable. High quality.

This wasn’t just a meal. It was an awakening of the senses. The taste, the smell, the view. It was everything. A story etched into my soul. A journey not only across the land but through time itself. Time slowed, stretched, savored.

How much do you tip on a Rocky Mountaineer train?

Okay, so Rocky Mountaineer, right? 2023 trip. Man, that was expensive. We did the First Passage to the West route. Absolutely stunning scenery. Glaciers, mountains… breathtaking. But the tipping… Five bucks a day? Nah.

I felt that was ridiculously low. Seriously stingy. Five dollars? That’s like a coffee. The service was impeccable. Our butler, well, he wasn’t exactly a butler butler, but the service was top-notch. Attentive. Helpful. Always smiling. The dining car staff? Amazing. They handled everything with grace, even when the train lurched.

I tipped more. Much more. Twenty per person, per day, minimum. Some days, even more, depending on how well they were looking after us. It felt right, you know? Especially considering the cost of the whole shebang.

• Tip Amount: My tipping was significantly higher than the suggested $5 CAD.
• Reasoning: The level of service exceeded expectations; far above what $5 a day would reflect.
• Route: First Passage to the West (2023)
• Personal Feeling: The suggested tip felt insufficient and cheapened the experience. It felt like insulting the excellent staff. Twenty dollars a day felt appropriate.

What is the dress code on the Rocky Mountaineer?

Rocky Mountaineer’s dress code? Think comfortable, yet presentable. It’s casual, but not sloppy.

Key points:

• No need for formal wear. Leave the tuxedos and ballgowns at home. Seriously.
• Think layers. Canadian weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. My trip in 2023 proved this point.
• Comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing. Trust me on this one.

Consider this: comfort trumps style on a multi-day train journey. That said, looking presentable still matters— you’re not exactly roughing it in a tent. This isn’t a philosophical debate; it’s practicality.

More detail:

• Acceptable attire: Jeans, khakis, blouses, sweaters, comfortable shirts. Even a nice polo works.
• What to avoid: Flip-flops, ripped jeans, anything overtly revealing. I saw someone try to board in sweatpants once. It wasn’t pretty.
• Accessories: A light jacket or sweater is advisable. A hat can be useful. A camera? Absolutely essential.

This is what I observed on my trip, which, incidentally, was utterly fantastic. I’d highly recommend it. The views alone are worth the price. The dress code is really secondary, in my opinion. Enjoy the ride!

Are meals included on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

Okay, so, the Rocky Mountaineer…Meals, yeah, that’s a thing.

I rode it back in June 2023, Vancouver to Banff. Unreal views, but focusing on food…

Breakfast and lunch? Definitely included. Both days, like they said. Ate in the dining car downstairs, proper fancy.

Think: Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, that kind of stuff for breakfast. Lunch was like, fancy salads and sandwiches, maybe a steak? Something like that.

Anything else food-wise? You’re solo. That means your wallet suffers. Dinner? Nope. Snacks between scheduled eats? Buy it! My hotel in Banff def had included breakfast the next morning, tho.

• Included: Breakfast & lunch (both days on train)
• Excluded: Dinner, snacks (unless part of specific package)
• Tip: Pack snacks! Seriously.

I remember the prices in the gift shop for a bag of chips were highway robbery. Highway robbery, I tell ya!

How much does the train across Canada cost?

A cross-Canada train trip? Well, that hits the wallet differently depending. Think CAD $700-$900 for the Toronto to Vancouver leg in economy with VIA Rail. Yep.

Sleeper cabins though? Brace yourself. We are talking CAD $4,000 to $8,000+ per person. My last backpacking trip cost less!

That price jump gets you meals and comfy digs. Seasonal hikes, cabin selection—it all plays a part. Book early to save some serious dough because, trust me, demand shifts prices like crazy. Timing is everything, eh?

Which is the best route on the Rocky Mountaineer?

Okay, so the Rocky Mountaineer… I picked “First Passage to the West”. Seriously, 2023, Banff to Vancouver. BOOM.

Remember that time? God, my sister almost missed the train in Banff. Like, seriously running, hair flying. Hilarious now, terrifying then.

I chose it because it was the “original.” You know? History. Plus, I always wanted to see the Spiral Tunnels. Nerd alert, I guess.

It’s a long one. Two days, overnight in Kamloops. Kamloops… eh. Nothing to write home about, tbh.

• Pros: History, Spiral Tunnels (!!!), Lake Louise views are epic.
• Cons: Kamloops is kinda dull. Can be pricey; duh, it’s Rocky Mountaineer!
• Overall: Worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Maybe. So good.

We were in GoldLeaf service. Totally splurge worthy. The dome car? Unreal views. The food? Actually good. I was surprised, honestly.

I spent most of my time staring out the window, jaw dropped. Photos don’t do it justice. The colors… intense. So much green and blue.

You know what surprised me? How comfy the seats were. I’m talking nap-inducing levels of comfort. Plus, the staff was great. Super attentive.

I swear I saw a bear. No, wait. It was a big rock. My bad. But the anticipation, y’know? So cool.

My sister kept buying stuff in the gift shop. She’s a sucker for souvenirs. Me? I just wanted the memories. Still, the Rockies are gorgeous.

Next time, I’d maybe try the “Rainforest to Gold Rush” route. Supposedly, it’s got some crazy scenery too. Plus, Jasper instead of Banff? I’m in.