ONBOARD ROCKY MOUNTAINEER — There’s something about taking the train. That slowed-down way to journey, a romantic throwback to the past, and at the same time a nod to where sustainable travel is headed next.

From the storied past (think the Orient Express) to the futuristic (Japan’s bullet trains come to mind), riding the rails is here to stay.

Rocky Mountaineer may be Canada’s most luxurious way to cross B.C. and into Alberta. I’m aboard for the company’s Journey Through the Clouds itinerary, which makes its way from Vancouver with an overnight stop in Kamloops (it only travels during daylight hours), then onward to Jasper National Park.

Part of the Canadian company Armstrong Collective, which also includes the Canyon Spirit that runs from Denver to Moab in the U.S., Rocky Mountaineer currently runs three itineraries: First Passage to the West, Journey Through the Clouds, and Rainforest to Gold Rush. Itineraries can also be combined.

TRACING CANADA’S HISTORY

With every kilometre, we are tracing our country’s history. “Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train to travel along the historic Canadian Pacific rail-line and pass over the last spike that completed the line and connected B.C., by rail, with eastern Canada more than 130 years ago,” says Nicole Ford, VP, Community, Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations. Since 1990, she adds, more than 2.3 million guests have experienced Armstrong Collective’s train journeys.

I’m booked in the GoldLeaf service: seats are upstairs on the train’s bi-level, glass-dome coach. The view is astonishing, as the sky’s the limit. Comfy seats with plenty of legroom can be swivelled to face each other, drinks and snacks are provided all day by wonderful hosts, our resident experts on everything from local and Indigenous lore to keen wildlife spotters, chef-prepared breakfast and lunch is served in the dining room level below us. SilverLeaf coaches also feature a slightly modified glass-domed view, but seating is at track level, with meals served at your seat.

It’s clear the hosts love their jobs; their sense of humour, kind demeanour and professionalism shine through, an attitude carried company-wide. “Our reservations and sales teams are passionate experts on our journeys, and they are available by phone or email to assist travel advisors,” says Ford.

She adds: “We offer travel advisor perks and incentives, including experiential journeys and an online TRACKS training program, which provides engaging online modules for travel agents to learn about Rocky Mountaineer train journeys and packages.”

GoldLeaf Service with Rocky Mountaineer

BEARS, EAGLES, DEER & ELK

Not long after leaving Vancouver, we’ve left the temperate rainforest and have entered rugged country through the Fraser River Valley due east. We’re on the lookout for bears, spot bald eagles, deer and more; there’s plenty of nature to experience. The Gold Leaf exclusive outdoor observation deck is a tad chilly when the train gets up to speed, but it’s a good photo-op spot to capture the passing wonders, from animals to waterfalls.

The next day, once pulling out of Kamloops, we’re on the hunt to spot bears – and we do! – along with white-tailed deer and bighorn sheep. As we near Jasper, we’re in awe of the Rockies, with jaw-dropping Mount Robson showing its pretty peak, as a whiff of cloud settles at its tip.

Not too long after, we enter Jasper National Park, and are greeted by herds of elk, the uninterrupted blue skies over snow-capped mountains, the sparkle of glacier-fed Lac Beauvert – and also the sobering sight of the fallout from 2024’s tragic wildfires. Smiles from our hosts at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge soften us up, as do our rustic-luxe cabin accommodations in view of the mountains.

PERFECT PAIRINGS WITH FAIRMONT PROPERIES

Many of Canada’s historic grand railway hotels, operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, to name a few), and helped to link our country, partner with Rocky Mountaineer, and it’s a perfect way to bookend the trip.

If you’re a classic lover, book the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the city’s ‘castle’ and grand railway hotel. Those who prefer modern spaces and being close to the harbour may prefer to stay at Fairmont Waterfront (also great for access to the cruise port).

“We partner with local tours operators, hotels and businesses to curate packages, so guests can experience even more of the destinations,” says Ford. “By partnering with local businesses, we can direct social and economic benefits to the communities where we travel.”

The Relaxation Lounge for spa-goers at Fairmont Jasper Lodge (photo courtesy Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge)

Kathy Dales, Director, Tour & Leisure, Sales & Business Development at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, is as enthusiastic about working with agents and advisors as Ford.

“We work with leading consortia partners like Virtuoso, American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR), SmartFlyer and Embark Beyond who deliver exceptional, bespoke experiences for luxury travellers,” she says.

By partnering with specialized partners in luxury travel, Dales says Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is able to secure exceptional offerings and exclusive access for clients looking for one-of-a-kind journeys. “Our commitment to the advisor community includes offering commissionable rates on most packages, supporting their business growth and rewarding their expertise.”

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge regularly hosts FAM trips, plus advisors can access real-time availability, exclusive offers and trade-only rates through the Fairmont website. Advisors can also sign up for Hera, Accor’s travel advisor loyalty program.

On our last evening at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the sky is clear. Jasper National Park is the world’s second largest dark sky preserve.

A glittering explosion of stars comes out, as breathtaking a journey’s end as its beginning.

Spring views at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (photo courtesy Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge)

NEED TO KNOWS: ITINERARIES

Here’s a look at the routes …

Rocky Mountaineer

• Journey through the Clouds is a two-day train journey that travels between Vancouver and Jasper, passing by Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and Pyramid Falls, which is best viewed from the rails.
• First Passage to the West is a two-day train journey that connects Vancouver with Lake Louise and Banff.
• Rainforest to Gold Rush is a three-day train journey that travels between Whistler, the historic gold rush area of Quesnel, and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.
• Guests can combine two rail routes into a Circle Journey to experience even more of the Western Canada by rail. One example is Canadian Rockies by Circle Journey, which is a 10-day package that combines Journey through the Clouds with First Passage to the West. More information is here.

Guests capture photos of Mt. Robson from the GoldLeaf Service vestibule on ‘Journey through the Clouds’

Canyon Spirit

• Rockies to the Red Rocks is a two-day train journey that connects Denver, CO with Moab, UT, and travels alongside rivers, past mountain ranges, and through the ancient rock canyons of the Southwest U.S.

NEED TO KNOWS: AGENT RESOURCES

Armstrong Collective’s agent portal is a great resource for the travel trade.

Agents can use the portal to book online directly with Rocky Mountaineer with a new booking interface, with a greatly improved overall user experience, including the ability to easily access inventory and confirm bookings without delay.

The portal also houses a collection of useful sales and marketing materials for trade partners. These include promotional offers and flyers, a library of training webinars and other resources.

To access the agent portal, click here.