• Home
  • About Wandering Carol
  • Contact Us
  • About us

Luxury Travel Magazine

An unpretentious guide to luxury travel, culture and adventure

  • About Luxury travel
  • Destinations
  • Spas
    • The Spa and Spa Travel
    • Hot Springs Spas and Thermal Baths: Why You Should Visit One
    • Spa Towns in Europe – 8 Reasons You Should Visit
  • Popular Articles
    • Things to Do in Canada
    • Top European Destinations
    • Things to Do in the South of France
    • Travel and Art: Artistic Cities, Art Fairs and Painting Holidays
  • Privacy Policy
Luxury travel blog » Places » North America » Canada » Alberta » Canadian Rockies train journeys: Rocky Mountaineer destinations

Canadian Rockies train journeys: Rocky Mountaineer destinations

October 24, 2017 by Carol Perehudoff 16 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through this site I may earn a (dreadfully small but much appreciated) commission at no extra cost to you.

Tweet
Pin122
Share312
Flip
Share
WhatsApp
434 Shares

Canadian Rockies train journeys are not just about where you go, they’re about where you stop. As a Rocky Mountaineer brand ambassador, I’ve had plenty of experience. If you’re thinking of taking this luxury train through the rockies, here are some of the top Rocky Mountaineer destinations in Canada.

Rocky Mountaineer destinations

 

Disclosure: As a Rocky Mountaineer brand ambassador, I’ve been a guest of the company. All opinions and mountain infatuations are my own.

The allure of Canadian Rockies train journeys

Is there anything like the Canadian Rockies? (Please don’t say the Swiss Alps, they’re totally different. The Alps have more cheese fondue, but the Rocky Mountains have grizzly bears and moose.) The Canadian Rockies also have a rugged untamed beauty and iconic destinations such as Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise.

If that’s not enough of a reason to take a tour of the Canadian Rockies via train, I don’t know what is. If you’re considering a rail journey on Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train that combines delectable cuisine with spectacular scenery and comfort, here are some of the top destinations you’ll visit.

 

Rocky Mountaineer destinations in Alberta

Rocky Mountaineer destinations Jasper

Rolling into Jasper

 

Visiting Jasper

The small mountain town of Jasper, Alberta, has a laid-back flavour all its own. Despite the tourists, it has a local feel and a rustic charm that makes you want to sit back and nestle in for the summer. And once I saw a black bear in a back alley, who clearly felt at home there, too. It’s that kind of place.

The fresh pine air, low hoot of trains passing, grazing elk and snowy peaks of Jasper National Park still give me a rush whenever I sail on in on the train. If you’re looking at Canadian Rockies train journeys, Jasper makes an atmospheric stop and is on the Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Jasper route.

What to see in Jasper

In Jasper townsite there’s a pretty park and a couple of shopping streets with cafes, boutiques and restaurants. Sights in the area include the wonderfully gloomy Mount Edith Cavell (at least it always seems to be glowering when I’m there), the scenic duo of Pyramid and Patricia Lakes and, my personal favourite, the dramatic Maligne Canyon, where water-carved gorges and churning rapids create a gasp-worthy place to hike or stroll.

Canadian Rockies Jasper Park Lodge

The grounds of Jasper Park Lodge –  even nice when it’s frosty

 

Top place to stay in Jasper

It’s hard to beat the log-cabin luxury of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge about eight km (5 miles) outside Jasper townsite, and guests in GoldLeaf Service on Rocky Mountaineer often stay here. Set at the edge of Lac Beauvert, the lodge opened in 1922 and has hosted every visiting celebrity from British royalty to Marilyn Monroe.

Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies train journeys

Lake Louise, you’re beautiful.

 

Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise is like taking a miniature Canadian Rockies tour in one quick glance, its spectacular mountain scenery compressed into one jewel-box of a vision. From the startling turquoise of Lake Louise, so bright you’ll swear the bottom is painted, to the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a hub for lakeside visitors, it’s an ideal Rocky Mountaineer destination to hike, walk or paddle

Canadian Rockies train journeys Lake Louise

Lake Louise

 

Things to see in Lake Louise, Alberta

I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never done the seven-kilometre hike up to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, a popular excursion that starts from the trailhead by the Chateau Lake Louise and ends with a stop at the alpine Tea House for fresh baked pie and a cup of tea. But I will someday, because I’ll hike a long way for pie.

Another way to sightsee is to take the Lake Louise Gondola up to an awe-inspiring mountain viewpoint of remote peaks, wildflowers and possibly wildlife. Or, keep it simple and take a walk around the lake on the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail. That’s what I usually do. Bonus: It’s easy and flat.

Top places to stay in Lake Louise

Clearly, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a winner, but the log-built Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise has a subtle elegance and a restaurant on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List.

Canadian train journeys, Banff

Beautiful Banff, even in the clouds

 

Banff, Alberta

I am biased because I love Banff so much. It consistently makes my non-existent annual list of top mountain places to visit, and is one of the best Rocky Mountaineer destinations you can see. In addition to the steamy Banff Upper Hot Springs, lively Banff Avenue, more fudge shops than you can shake a lollipop at and the rushing water of Bow River, the mountains themselves are what make Banff such an appealing stop on any Canadian Rockies train tour.

Rocky Mountaineer destinations, Banff, Alberta

How can you not love these peaks?

 

Banff Mountains

Honestly, Banff peaks have so much personality they’re like crusty old characters that hang around town telling stories. Most dramatic is the wedge-shaped Mount Rundle that looks as if someone tried to cut a huge piece of pie only was too greedy to cut straight. You’ll get a great view of Cascade Mountain from Banff Avenue, and there is no forgetting the much-loved Tunnel Mountain, which takes less than 30 minutes to climb. (Unless you’re me, then it takes longer.) Another highlight is to take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for some breathtaking views.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Canadian Rockies train journeys

Fairmont Banff Springs hotel

 

Best places to stay in Banff

At this point you’ll be thinking I’m completely biased about Fairmont hotels but I can’t help it if they have a monopoly on all the luxe castle hotels in the Canadian Rockies. That said, the Fairmont Banff Springs is as elegant as a forest ravine and its Willow Stream Spa a place where wood nymphs would be proud to frolic. (If, you know, wood nymphs took luxury train tours through the Rockies.)

Another hotel in Banff of note is the Rimrock Resort Hotel. Right across from the Upper Hot Springs, it has stunning mountain views, a well-regarded restaurant and is a skip away from the Banff Gondola. You’ll probably want to hop on a bus into town, though, as it’s about four kilometres (2.5 miles) from downtown.

Rocky Mountaineer destinations: quick overnight stops

While overnight stops in Quesnel and Kamloops don’t give you much time to explore, here’s a brief soundbite about them (except with no sound).

Kamloops, British Columbia

Kamloops, located in the semi-arid grasslands of the Thompson Okanagan, is where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet. It’s the heart of Rocky Mountaineer’s operations, but all you’ll likely have time to do is stroll through the well-kept riverside park, walk down the main drag of Victoria Street and maybe grab a bite or enjoy a flight of craft beer at the Noble Pig Brewhouse.

Quesnel, British Columbia

If you like Gold Rush history, Quesnel has it in spades (gold-digging spades, get it?). Located in the North Cariboo region of BC’s Interior, Quesnel was a key player in the Cariboo Gold Rush of the mid 1800s, and has a long First Nations heritage and fascinating fur trading history. You’ll stay in Quesnel on the Rocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Goldrush route.

West Coast Rocky Mountaineer destinations

Rocky Mountaineer destinations Vancouver

Feeling the Vancouver vibe

 

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a Canadian city that has it all: urban style, ocean walks, mountain views and so many sporty hearty people you’ll immediately start shopping at Lululemon or Mountain Equipment Co-op. Whatever Rocky Mountaineer rail journey you decide to do, you’ll end up in Vancouver one way or another so make the best of this vibrant coastal hub.

What to do in Vancouver

My top pick is a trip through Stanley Park, a rainforest park in downtown Vancouver surrounded by Victoria Harbour and English Bay. Grab a gastro meal in historic Gastown (no ‘gas’ pun intended) and, if you have time, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is more than a bridge, it’s a trip into the deepest heart of primal Canadian nature.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver exterior shot

Fairmont Vancouver

 

Top places to stay in Vancouver

When I’ve travelled with Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service I’ve stayed at both the classy Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (yes, yes, another Fairmont, but the city has three of them right downtown). I’ve also stayed at the Pan Pacific Vancouver. With a prime waterfront location in Canada Place, the Pan Pacific overlooks the Coastal Mountains and has totem poles in the ground floor of the building.

So there you have it, some top Rocky Mountaineer destinations. As you can see, a classic rail journey through the Canadian Rockies isn’t just about the destination or the journey, it’s about both. Enjoy!

 

Canadian Rockies train journeys on Rocky Mountaineer

 

Pin me!

For more information on Canadian Rockies train journeys and destinations visit the Rocky Mountaineer website. Or read my post about Rocky Mountaineer scenic train routes and what you can expect to see. For more travel ideas visit things to do in Canada.

Filed Under: Alberta, British Columbia, Canada, Tours Tagged With: train travel blog

About Carol Perehudoff

A former freelance travel columnist for the Toronto Star, Carol has won more than 20 writing and blogging awards and honours. A spa and luxury travel expert, she's written for top travel publications around the globe.

Comments

  1. Carol Perehudoff says

    March 19, 2019 at 9:35 am

    Hi Rachel, Choosing a Rocky Mountaineer itinerary depends on so many things. If you’ve never been to the Rockies before, First Passage to the West is a classic. Another option is to do a Journey Through the Clouds with a bus excursion from Banff to Jasper on the Columbia Icefield Parkway as an add on.

  2. Rachel says

    March 19, 2019 at 9:21 am

    Thank you for your blog posts – they have been most helpful. We’re planning a trip for September. If you had to choose between Journey Through the Clouds or First Passage West, which would you choose as your favorite?

  3. Annie says

    November 25, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    Wish I could go, looks fantastic!

  4. Tami says

    November 1, 2017 at 1:06 am

    What an impressive list of gorgeous places to see and beautiful accommodations. I’ve just recently visited Quebec City and seen Fairmont le Chateau de Frontenac. I think I have to agree that Fairmont hotels are pretty spectacular! And taking the train through the mountains of Canada sounds like a dream trip!

  5. Sandy N Vyjay says

    October 31, 2017 at 11:27 pm

    These rocky train journey destinations are really stunning. But what I would really love is the train journeys and would want it never to end. Being passionate about trains, this is something I would really love. The amazing landscapes are best viewed from the windows of a train. I was reminded of some scenic train journeys that I did in Switzerland looking at your pictures.

  6. Everything_Candid says

    October 31, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    So first thing first, I never knew there is thing like Canadian Rockies. Natural landscapes remind me of Himalayan rugged terrain – alluring snow-capped peaks, serene lakes and lush green valleys. My fav stop would be Alberta as I love lakes and Lake Louise would be ideal place for me. I am sure it is a great place to click awesome photographs. Jasper will also be in my list for it is so beautifully nestled amidst snow-capped mountains.

  7. Lois Alter Mark says

    October 31, 2017 at 12:22 am

    My husband and I took the Rocky Mountaineer a couple of years ago and LOVED it! I think Banff and Lake Louise have some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, and I would do this trip again in a heartbeat!

  8. Drew Seaman says

    October 30, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    What an amazing opportunity. I have for years thought about trying a long distance train, and this one through the Canadian Rockies has always jumped out at me. Getting a chance to hop off in Jasper, Banff, and then Vancouver? What a journey. I feel like I might get stuck in Banff though, as those mountains are just so beautiful.

  9. Paige Wunder says

    October 30, 2017 at 11:53 am

    This sounds like a wonderful train trip; I love all of the trip options! I’ve been to Banff multiple times, but never by train. Even though I’ve been several times, I’ve also never done the hike Lake Agnes Tea House.

  10. amit says

    October 29, 2017 at 6:21 am

    Doing a train ride through the Rockies would be such an adventure especially with the scenery. And, I have to admit Jasper is quite high on my list of places to visit when I get to Canada ( I have Canadian friends who’ve told me about it)

  11. Sreekar Harinatha- www.backpackfootprint.com says

    October 28, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    That sure seems like a train ride to remember. It kinda has everything. Amazing snow capped mountains, forests and amazing Turquoise lakes. Superb!

  12. Carol Perehudoff says

    October 28, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    Canadian train trips are fabulous, Andi, especially the mountains for sure.

  13. Carol Perehudoff says

    October 28, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    There is nothing like a Canada train tour through the Rockies, Sherianne. I hope you get back there.

  14. Carol Perehudoff says

    October 28, 2017 at 2:58 pm

    I love these Rocky Mountaineer destinations, too, Cacinda. I can’t decide which is my favourite stop.

  15. Andi Fisher (@andi_fisher) says

    October 28, 2017 at 12:29 pm

    This is one train trip I have ALWAYS wanted to do. I will transverse Canada by train one day if it kills me! It is such a gorgeous region!

  16. Cacinda Maloney says

    October 28, 2017 at 11:00 am

    I love Rocky Mountaineer so much and the stops at all of these amazing places! Thanks for a great read!

Talk to me! Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Connect with me online

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Subscribe and you won't miss an article!

Carol Perehudoff published in top media, logos for newspapers and magazines

About Wandering Carol

circle profileIn my 10+ years as a travel writer and columnist I've seen the best of what the world has to offer and written for some top publications around the globe - and now my goal is to bring this expertise to you. For more blah blah blah, visit my
About page.

Categories

How to use this adventure and luxury travel site

  • Click on the ‘DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO’ tab on the menu bar to go to my destinations page.
  • The CATEGORIES drop down menu above will point you to locations and travel themes such as hotels, outdoor adventure and tours.
  • SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest articles and get tips to make your next journey inspiring.

Recent Posts

  • Things to do in Krems, Austria – a Whirlwind Tour
  • Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz Review
  • Sisi in Vienna: the Captivating World of Empress Elizabeth of Austria
  • Most haunted place in England – Shrewsbury in Shropshire
  • Leukerbad, Switzerland, the Ultimate Travel Guide

Recent Comments

  • Pat Brennan on Things to do in Krems, Austria – a Whirlwind Tour
  • Carol Perehudoff on Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz Review
  • Carol Perehudoff on Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz Review
  • Toni on Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz Review
  • Parmjit (parm) Parmar on Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz Review

Terms of Use

Terms of Use

Copyright @2019 WanderingCarol.com Luxury Travel Blog