Rocky Mountaineer FAQs

They don’t — and that’s by design!

Rocky Mountaineer travels only during daylight hours so you can soak in every moment of the stunning scenery across the Canadian Rockies.

Instead of sleeping onboard, your overnight stays are included at comfortable hotels in the midpoint destinations along your route. It’s the perfect way to relax, recharge, and get ready for another day of incredible views.

Your Kamloops hotel is provided by Rocky Mountaineer. Confirmation on which hotel you will be staying at will be provided at check in.

No, Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t not allow passengers to join and depart at smaller towns and cities. Guests can only board and depart at designated stops in Vancouver, Jasper and Banff.

Yes, gratuities for your onboard hosts and culinary team members have been included your Rocky Mountaineer package.

While most Rocky Mountaineer guests are adults, a small number of children are welcome each season. If you are travelling with children, please note that they must be old enough to safely sit on their own. Infants are not permitted to sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap during the journey, and the train seats are not equipped with seat belts to secure child car seats.

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for your child’s safety and must ensure they are under direct supervision at all times while onboard.

To give you a better idea of the experience: 

- You will be assigned a seat within a single train dome, with limited space to move around. 

- If you are travelling in SilverLeaf Service, you will have access to a small outdoor viewing area. 

- If you are in GoldLeaf Service, you will enjoy a larger outdoor viewing platform perfect for taking in the scenery and capturing photos.

A typical travel day is 10–12 hours on the Canadian routes. The onboard experience is designed for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, listen to stories from our onboard Hosts, and experience world-class culinary and beverage service throughout the day.

Please note that Wi-Fi is not available onboard.

One of the key advantages of travelling on the train is its ability to slow down through the most scenic stretches, giving guests exceptional opportunities for viewing and photography. Rocky Mountaineer calls this "picture-perfect speed"—designed to maximise your chance of capturing stunning images. While the train can reach speeds of up to 90 kph (60 mph), it typically travels at a more leisurely average of 50 kph (30 mph).

Rocky Mountaineer trains are equipped with hydraulic lifts to assist guests with mobility needs. If you require assistance, please complete the Mobility Requirements form below and notify us at least 60 days before departure. This helps us arrange appropriate transfer vehicles, accessible bathrooms, and suitable accommodation for your journey.

Guests who can transfer from a wheelchair to a seat are welcome to travel in either GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service. 

For travellers who require full-time wheelchair use, wheelchairs must be 23 inches wide or less. These can be secured with tie-downs, but please note this option is only available in SilverLeaf Service due to space limitations.

For the full accessible options please visit the Rocky Mountaineer accessible page.

Mobility Form 

Before boarding the train, all guests are required to check in online and collect their Welcome Package. Please review the steps below to prepare for your journey.

Specific seat or train coach requests (such as first or second meal seating) cannot be accommodated.

If you would like to sit near a friend who booked separately, please notify My Canada Trips at least 60 days before travel and we will do our best to seat you together.

Check-In Process for Canadian Routes

Before your departure:

Complete online check-in through the Guest Portal within 7 days of your train departure date.

Collect your Welcome Package (includes luggage tags and boarding passes) by choosing one of the following options:

Advance Option:

Visit one of the Guest Centres within three days of your departure.

Recommended if you have questions or prefer to collect your travel documents early.

Since there is no overhead or under-seat storage onboard Rocky Mountaineer, we recommend bringing a small day pack or bag that fits comfortably at your feet. Your checked luggage will travel separately and won't be accessible until you reach your midpoint and final rail destinations.

Suggested Bag Dimensions:

GoldLeaf Service: 16” x 11” x 8” (40cm x 28cm x 20cm)
SilverLeaf Service: 23” x 8” x 8” (58cm x 20cm x 20cm)

What to Pack in Your Day Bag:

• Any medications you may need throughout the day
• Valuables such as your purse, wallet, passports, and jewellery
• Personal comfort items like a light sweater, sunglasses, or a good book
• Any medical devices or machines required for your journey
• Your final travel documents, sent by email 30 days prior to departure and available through the Guest Portal
• Electronic devices (laptop, tablet, mobile phone) along with charging cords and a converter, if needed
• Headphones for your personal entertainment
• Spare camera batteries to capture every unforgettable moment

For the safety of all guests and staff, the following items are strictly prohibited onboard the train, motorcoach transfers, or in any luggage:

• Firearms
• Flammable, hazardous, illegal, or radioactive materials

Rocky Mountaineer accepts no liability for luggage containing such items and reserves the right to refuse boarding or detrain guests who do not comply with safety and security requirements.

Luggage Handling and Packing Recommendations

Before you travel, please review the luggage handling information provided in your final travel documents, which will be emailed to you 30 days prior to departure and available in the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Portal.

If you are travelling on the First Passage to the West or Journey through the Clouds rail routes and have extra checked luggage that you won't need overnight in Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer offers a convenient service:

• Extra pieces can be forwarded directly to your final destination, ready for you at the end of day two.
• Please note: This luggage will not be accessible during your journey, so pack your essentials separately.
• This optional service can be arranged at check-in at one of the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Centres.

Once you've booked your journey you will be able to view your booking details, including your itinerary and payment status, in the Guest Portal. You can also view and book optional add-on tours and transfers if your itinerary doesn't already include them. 

Review the Travel Checklist for more information on what to do to prepare for your journey upon booking.

When booking a Canada holiday which includes Rocky Mountaineer with My Canada Trips, all transfers are arranged for you at beginning and end of your Rocky Mountaineer journey.

Here are the estimated train arrival and train departure times.

Vancouver is in the Pacific Time (PT) Zone. Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper are in the Mountain Time Zone (MT). Mountain Time (MT) is one hour ahead of Pacific Time (PT). 

First Passage to West

Westbound
Banff/Lake Louise to Vancouver
Day 1 - Banff/Lake Louise to Kamloops 
Departure Banff: 8:00am MT
Departure Lake Louise: 9:00am MT
Arrival: 6:30pm-8:00pm PT
 
Day 2 - Kamloops to Vancouver 
Departure: 8:00am PT
Arrival: 6:00pm-7:30pm PT
 
Eastbound
Vancouver to Lake Louise/Banff
Day 1 - Vancouver to Kamloops 
Departure: 8:00am PT
Arrival: 6:00pm-7:30pm PT
 
Day 2 - Kamloops to Lake Louise/Banff
Departure: 6:50am PT
Arrival Lake Louise: 6:00-7:30pm MT
Arrival Banff: 7:00-8:30pm MT

Journey Through the Clouds

Westbound

Jasper to Vancouver 
Day 1 - Jasper to Kamloops
Departure: 8:30am MT
Arrival: 5:30pm - 7:00pm PT
 
Day 2 - Kamloops to Vancouver
Departure: 8:00am PT
Arrival: 6:00pm - 7:30pm PT
 
Eastbound

Vancouver to Jasper    
Jasper to Vancouver
Day 1 - Vancouver to Kamloops 
Departure: 8:00am PT
Arrival: 6:00pm-7:30pm PT
 
Day 2 - Kamloops to Jasper
Departure: 8:00am PT
Arrival:  7:30pm-9:00pm MT

Rainforest to Gold Rush

Westbound
Jasper to North Vancouver
Day 1 - Jasper to Quesnel
Departure: 7:15am MT
Arrival: 6:30pm - 8:00pm PT
 
Day 2 - Quesnel to Whistler*
Departure: 7:30am PT
Arrival: 8:00pm - 9:30pm PT
 
Day 3 - Whistler to North Vancouver
Departure: 3:30pm PT
Arrival: 7:30pm - 8:00pm PT
 
 
Eastbound
North Vancouver to Jasper    
Jasper to North Vancouver
Day 1 - North Vancouver to Whistler
Departure: 8:00am PT
Arrival: 11:30am - 12:30pm PT
 
Day 2 - Whistler* to Quesnel
Departure: 7:45am PT
Arrival: 7:00pm - 8:00pm PT
 
Day 3 - Quesnel to Jasper
Departure: 7:30am PT
Arrival: 8:30pm - 9:30pm MT

Jasper Guest Centres

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper, AB
6:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.

Chateau Jasper
96 Geikie Street, Jasper, AB
6:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.

Forest Park Hotel
76 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
6:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.
 

The Crimson Hotel
200 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
6:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.

Jasper Train Station
607 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
4:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.

Vancouver Guest Centres 

Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel 
At the Azure Foyer, located on top of the stairs in the South Tower. 
1000 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.

Pan Pacific Hotel
At the lobby upper level, behind the Coal Harbour Lounge. 
300-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
At the Discovery Foyer (level "1" on the guest elevator). 
As there are several Fairmont Hotels in downtown Vancouver, please note which location you are staying at.
900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.

Hampton Inn & Suites
In the lower lobby. 
111 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.

Georgian Court Hotel
In the lobby.
773 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
3:30pm-6:30pm PT, the evening prior to train departure.

Banff Guest Centres

 Elk & Avenue Hotel
333 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
3:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.
 
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
405 Spray Avenue, Banff, AB
5:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.
 
Rimrock Resort Hotel
300 Mountain Avenue, Banff, AB
5:00pm-8:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.
 

Lake Louise Guest Centre

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
2:00pm-5:00pm MT, the evening prior to train departure.

In GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer, the meals are a highlight of the experience, offering a gourmet à la carte dining experience in a dedicated dining room located on the lower level of the bi-level dome coaches. Here's what's included:

Gourmet Breakfast: You'll have a choice from a menu featuring several hot options, often including:

• Classic Eggs Benedict
• Buttermilk Pancakes with various toppings (e.g., Okanagan stone fruit compote, Quebec maple syrup)
• Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast
• Omelettes with various fillings
• Lighter options like Coconut & Banana Chia Seed Pudding
• Freshly baked pastries (croissants, muffins, scones)
• Fresh fruit creations
• Coffee, tea, and juice are served.

Gourmet Lunch: This is a three-course meal with a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts to choose from. Main course options often feature regional specialties and high-quality ingredients, such as:

• Alberta Striploin Steak
• Fraser Valley Chicken Paillard
• Crispy Skin Lois Lake Steelhead (fish)
• Vegetarian options like a Chickpea & Spiced Cauliflower Nourish Bowl
• Delicious desserts like Chocolate Torte or Lemon Lavender Posset
• Freshly baked bread is also served.
• Complimentary Snacks: Throughout the day, gourmet sweet and savory snacks are offered.

Premium Beverages: A wide selection of complimentary beverages is available, including premium alcoholic options, signature cocktails, local craft beers, and award-winning British Columbia wines, in addition to non-alcoholic choices like water, juice, soda, coffee, and tea.

The menus in GoldLeaf Service are created by Executive Chefs and showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the regions the train travels through. The culinary team can also cater to most dietary requirements with advance notice, often creating bespoke versions of menu items.

The dining experience in GoldLeaf is designed to be leisurely and enjoyable, allowing you to savor your meal while taking in the stunning panoramic views outside the windows of the dining car. Meals are typically served in two sittings to accommodate all guests.

In SilverLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer, you can expect the following meals to be included:

Hot Breakfast: A plated hot entrée is served at your seat each morning. Options typically include a choice of a few dishes, such as:

• Omelettes
• French Toast
• Parfaits
• Breakfast meats like bacon or sausage often accompany the main dish.
• Freshly baked pastries (croissants, muffins, scones)
• Fruit salad
• Coffee, tea, and juice are also served.

Hot Lunch: A plated hot entrée is served at your seat each day. Similar to breakfast, there will be a selection of a few main courses to choose from, which could include:

• Chicken dishes
• Beef options
• Fish or seafood
• Vegetarian choices are usually available.
• A starter (like a salad or soup) and a dessert are also part of the lunch service.
• Complimentary Snacks: Throughout the day, gourmet sweet and savoury snacks are offered.
• Complimentary Beverages: A variety of non-alcoholic beverages (water, juice, soda, coffee, tea) and alcoholic beverages (including a selection of BC wines and beers) are included throughout your time onboard.

The menus in SilverLeaf Service are regionally inspired, featuring local ingredients, and they do change depending on the route and the season. While there are fewer choices compared to the à la carte menu in GoldLeaf Service, the meals are still of restaurant quality and designed to be enjoyed comfortably at your seat while taking in the scenery. Rocky Mountaineer can also accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice.

Yes, Rocky Mountaineer does have allocated seating. At check in you will be provided with your boarding pass which will include your seat number.

If you are travelling with friends/family who have a separate booking you can request to Rocky Mountaineer to be seated together. This should be completed 60 day prior to travel and Rocky Mountaineer can’t guarantee you will be seated together.

Yes, the carriages are temperature controlled. The outdoor viewing platform can be cooler with the temperature outside and cool breeze. We recommend having a light jumper in case you feel a little chilly onboard.

Yes, majority of Rocky Mountaineer’s carriages have plug sockets available to charge your devices. If there is not a plug socket near your seat please speak to one of the onboard hosts. For UK guests don’t forget to bring your charger converter.

Yes, although in certain areas of GoldLeaf, 2 seats can to be turned round to face each other. If you require this, please ask your attendant if this is possible with your seats.

The Canadian rail routes travel through coastal, desert, and alpine regions, with temperatures varying dramatically by location, time of day, and season. Kamloops can reach 38°C (100°F) during summer. The Canadian Rockies can experience rapid weather changes year-round.

Suggested Packing List for Canadian Rockies Adventures:

• Lightweight, waterproof jacket or windbreaker
• Lightweight but warm jacket for spring or fall travel
• Midweight fleece or wool sweater
• Warm and cool quick-dry layers
• Comfortable, waterproof shoes for sightseeing
• Casual sneakers and sandals
• Scarf, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Small backpack or daypack
• Camera
• A good book
• (If hiking) Hiking shoes or boots, wool socks, bug spray, and a water bottle