36 Hours on a Luxury Train in Canada
I couldn’t wait to spend three days on a luxury train in Canada from the Rainforest to Gold Rush. Rocky Mountaineer is an experience that rivals no other in Western Canada and the USA. This tourist train travels by daylight only, allowing us not to miss anything! On this journey, we began in British Columbia, in Vancouver, stayed in hotels overnight in both Whistler and Quesnel and finished in Jasper, Alberta.
If you’re here for the scenery and food, I’ve created a video about this trip…
My visit was gifted by Rocky Mountaineer, opinions are my own.
You’re in the wrong place if you’re looking for a fast-paced train ride. Rocky Mountaineer is all about the service and scenery. This allows guests to sit back, relax, visit, and make new friends while we roll slowly through beautiful scenery.
Sitting comfortably in my heated recliner on the top level of a GoldLeaf Service car, I was mesmerized by the scenery I typically would not see when driving the nearby highways. Other than a bit of rain in Vancouver and Whistler, the weather was beautiful and sunny, and the true beauty of British Columbia shone through. The domed windows gave me uninterrupted views of coastal British Columbia, mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush rainforests. For fresh air, wind in my hair, and to stretch my legs, I enjoyed the open-air vestibule, which is quite large on the GoldLeaf car.
The scenery was only part of what made this train journey so special. The onboard hosts were knowledgeable and friendly, sharing fascinating stories and local insights that my experience even better. I learned about each region’s history, wildlife, and unique cultures.
When it came to dining, Rocky Mountaineer did not disappoint. Every meal was prepared by talented chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and was a culinary journey through British Columbia’s heart. From breakfast to dinner, I enjoyed dishes that reflected the region’s diverse and rich culinary heritage. You can see all of it and the menus in my video, which is linked above.
After a day of train travel and delicious food, we checked into our hotel rooms each evening to magically find our suitcases inside our rooms. We arrived in Whistler around 1:00 pm, so there was plenty of time to explore and enjoy the village. Day two was a full day of train travel, arriving around 7 pm, and didn’t leave time to explore. Granted, I grew up in Quesnel, and there isn’t much to see. We were pleasantly surprised to have a grand welcome by the Quesnel Car Club at the train station. What a treat!
On day three of my trip from Quesnel to Jasper, I saw a moose in a marsh just outside Quesnel—for real. I think I missed capturing it on video, though. If you spot it in my video, please let me know! In my video, the two critters in the river are cows. Sadly, we were so excited that we thought they were moose until someone with a telephoto camera enlarged the view and revealed they were cows.
And then, there was Jasper—my final destination. In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is a mountain town and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Even if you’re not adventurous, Jasper has much to offer. With galleries, museums, festivals, and diverse dining options, there’s something for everyone. Whether enjoying classic Canadian comfort food or exploring international flavours, Jasper’s restaurants and cafes won’t disappoint. Sadly, much of Jasper was destroyed in a wildfire last year, and the rebuilding process is underway.
The Rainforest to Gold Rush route was a beautiful experience. From the stunning scenery to the impeccable service and luxurious amenities, every detail was carefully designed to create an unforgettable journey. Don’t wait any longer—book your trip and discover the beauty of Canada’s wilderness the way I did. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. If you don’t have a travel advisor, feel free to contact me and I will get you booked for your next train adventure!
