Rocky Mountaineer - your questions answered

What do I wear onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train?

Dress onboard is relaxed and casual, with comfort being key. Here are a few suggestions to help you pack:

• Light, breathable layers – The large panoramic windows let in lots of sunlight, so dressing in cool layers will help keep you comfortable.
• A light sweater or jacket – The air conditioning is set for general comfort, but it can feel a bit cool at times.
• Flat, non-slip shoes – These will help you stay steady with the natural motion of the train.
• Sunglasses and a hat – Perfect for sunny days and enjoying the views in style.

What should I bring onboard the train?

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

What is the luggage allowance on Rocky Mountaineer?

Your rail journey includes complimentary luggage handling between destinations. When you check in at one of the Guest Centres, you’ll receive Rocky Mountaineer luggage tag(s) for your checked bags. Please note that all checked luggage travels separately from the train, so you won’t have access to it until you arrive at your midpoint and final rail destinations.

Important Reminders

All checked luggage must be clearly labeled with:

• A Rocky Mountaineer luggage tag
• A personal ID tag including your full name, return address, and phone number

Luggage Allowance

• Up to two pieces of checked luggage per guest
• Total weight per guest must not exceed 30 kg (66 lbs)
• Maximum weight per piece: 23 kg (50 lbs)
• Oversized or overweight items may be subject to additional fees
• All luggage is subject to Rocky Mountaineer’s luggage policy
• Please pack fragile items carefully, as Rocky Mountaineer is not responsible for damage to breakables

If you’ve booked a package, please check your travel documents for any additional luggage restrictions that may apply due to accommodations or transfers.

What am I not allowed to take on Rocky Mountaineer?

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.

What will the weather be like on Rocky Mountaineer?

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.

Similarly, the Rockies to the Red Rocks route travels between the desert landscapes of Utah and the high elevations of the Colorado Rockies (up to 2,800 m / 9,240 ft).

• Moab can also reach 38°C (100°F) in the summer, while the mountains may bring cooler temperatures and fast-changing weather.

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

Suggested Packing List for Rockies to the Red Rocks Adventures:

• Warm and cool quick-dry layers
• Comfortable shoes with good tread for sightseeing
• Casual sneakers and sandals
• Lightweight, waterproof, and breathable jacket or windbreaker
• Midweight fleece or wool sweater
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bandana
• Small backpack or daypack
• Swimsuit
• Camera
• A good book
• (If hiking) Hiking shoes or boots, wool socks, bug spray, and a water bottle

Where can I find information specific to my Rocky Mountaineer booking?

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. 

What do I need to do after I’ve booked my Rocky Mountaineer rail journey? 

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

How do I get to or from the destination where I begin or end my Rocky Mountaineer journey?

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.

What time does the Rocky Mountaineer train depart and arrive?

Here are the estimated train arrival and train departure times.

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

FIRST PASSAGE TO THE WEST

Eastbound Vancouver to Lake Louise/Banff	Westbound Banff/Lake Louise to Vancouver
Day 1 - Vancouver to Kamloops  Departure: 8:00am PT Arrival: 6:15pm - 7:45pm PT Day 2 - Kamloops to Lake Louise/Banff Departure: 6:50am PT Arrival Lake Louise: 7:10pm-8:10pm MT Arrival Banff: 8:15pm - 9:30pm MT	Day 1 - Banff/Lake Louise to Kamloops  Departure Banff: 8:00am MT Departure Lake Louise: 9:15am MT Arrival: 7:15pm - 8:45pm PT Day 2 - Kamloops to Vancouver  Departure: 8:00am PT Arrival: 6:15pm - 7:45pm PT

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CLOUDS

Eastbound Vancouver to JASPER	Westbound JASPER to Vancouver
Day 1 - Vancouver to Kamloops  Departure: 8:00am PT Arrival: 6:15pm - 7:45pm PT Day 2 - Kamloops to Jasper Departure: 8:15am PT Arrival: 7:00pm - 8:30pm MT	Day 1 - Jasper to Kamloops  Departure: 8:30am MT Arrival: 5:15pm - 6:45pm PT Day 2 - Kamloops to Vancouver  Departure: 8:00am PT Arrival: 6:15pm - 7:45pm PT

RAINFOREST TO GOLD RUSH

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

ROCKIES TO THE RED ROCKS

Eastbound Moab to Denver	Westbound Denver to Moab
Day 1 - Moab to Glenwood Springs Departure: 2:30pm MT* Arrival: 8:00pm - 9:00pm MT* Day 2 - Glenwood Springs to Denver Departure: 9:00am MT Arrival: 5:00pm - 6:00pm MT *Departures starting Oct 28 onwards will depart at 11:30am MT and arrive  between 5:00pm - 6:00pm MT.	Day 1 - Denver to Glenwood Springs Departure: 9:00am MT Arrival: 5:00pm - 6:30pm MT Day 2 - Glenwood Springs to Moab Departure: 7:00am MT* Arrival: 12:30pm - 1:30pm MT* *Departures starting Oct 26 onwards will depart at 8:00am MT and arrive  between 1:30pm - 2:30pm MT.

How do I check in for my train departure?

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.

If you are travelling as part of a group, please speak with your Tour Director for details about your group’s check-in process.

Hotel & Seat Assignments

When you check in, you will receive a boarding pass that includes:

• Your pre-assigned seat and rail coach for your journey
• Your overnight accommodation assignment for stops such as Kamloops, Whistler, Quesnel, or Glenwood Springs
• If you are travelling on a Circle Journey, note that you will have different seats assigned for each rail route included in your trip.

Please note:

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.

Checking In for Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey – U.S. Route

Before boarding the train, all guests must complete the following steps:

Check in online through the Guest Portal within 7 days of your train departure date. 

Collect your Welcome Package, which includes your luggage tags and boarding passes, by choosing one of the options below:

Welcome Package Collection Options

Advance Option: 

Visit one of the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Centres within two days of your train departure. 

- Recommended if you have questions about your journey or prefer to collect your documents early.

What meals are included on Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf service?

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.

What meals are included on Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf service?

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.

Are children allowed on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

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 and 8–9 hours on the U.S. route. 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.

Do children receive a discount on Rocky Mountaineer?

Rocky Mountaineer do not have special prices or discounts for children. Every guest on the train, regardless of age, pays the same price for their seat and onboard experience. Children travelling with Rocky Mountaineer must be old enough to safely sit on their own.

Do the Rocky Mountaineer trains have sleeper cars?

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 and American Southwest.
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.

Why does Rocky Mountaineer only run between April and October?

Rocky Mountaineer offers all-daylight rail journeys, allowing you to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery throughout your trip.
It operates between April and October to take advantage of the longer daylight hours and ensure you experience the regions at their most beautiful—when the landscapes are bursting with vibrant colours.

Each evening, you'll stay in comfortable accommodations in Kamloops, Quesnel, Glenwood Springs, or Whistler, the midpoints of your journey, so you can relax and recharge before another unforgettable day onboard.

What hotels do you stay at mid journey on Rocky Mountaineer?

In Kamloops, Quesnel, and Glenwood Springs, guests will stay in a moderate three-star accommodation with essential amenities and great service. While these accommodations are clean and comfortable, they may not be as luxurious as those in other destinations on your journey. The accommodation is assigned to guests a few days before their departure and will be shown on their boarding pass when they check-in to board the train. Please note, specific bedding types cannot be guaranteed in these destinations due to limited availability.

Can wheelchair users go on Rocky Mountaineer?

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 

Where are the Rocky Mountaineer Guest Centres?

Times are listed in the local time zone of the destination. Vancouver is in the Pacific Time (PT) Zone. Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper are in the Mountain Time Zone (MT). Mountain Time (MT) is one hour ahead of Pacific Time (PT). 

Vancouver Guest Centres: