It has been one year since our phenomenal train journey on Rocky Mountaineer, traversing Canada’s most spectacular vistas by rail in pure luxury.
One year since we gazed out the glass-dome ceiling as glaciers and jagged peaks surrounded our carriage, all the while sipping on sparkling wine.
One year since we feasted on delectable cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs, chatting with excited travellers who had waited a lifetime to experience one of the world’s most majestic train trips.
It’s a memory that has stayed with us even with all of the international travel we do, an experience that we have reflected on time and time again over the last twelve months.
Yet our one year is just a drop in the pond compared to the rich history of Rocky Mountaineer, who in 2020 is proudly celebrating their 30th anniversary.
This family-owned business has been at the leading edge of the world’s luxury train journeys, cementing their position on the bucket list of countless people from around the globe.
Its story began in 1990 when a local man, Peter Armstrong, acquired the federal government’s failing rail tourist network and revamped it into a luxury train experience.
Rocky Mountaineer’s inaugural journey was the start of great things to come, and over the next 3 decades, this multi-day train trip developed a positive reputation that soon spanned the globe.
Today the name Rocky Mountaineer is synonymous with Canadian tourism, and with dozens of awards and accolades to its name, the world’s premier ‘slow travel’ voyage has no sign of slowing down.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Travel on Rocky Mountaineer in 2020
If you have been considering travelling to Canada to see the magnificent Canadian Rockies, 2020 is the time to do it.
Western Canada has always been a popular destination for travellers, and with international flights now cheaper than ever before, getting there has never been easier.
There’s no shortage of mind-blowing attractions to discover across the country, but no other experience blends luxury, beauty and cuisine quite like Rocky Mountaineer.
With next year being the 30th anniversary of Rocky Mountaineer, the company will be celebrating all year in tremendous fashion.
There’s no doubt that 2020 is the year to jump onboard Rocky Mountaineer, and with over two million happy customers added to their manifest over the years already, you are sure to be in good company.
The Rocky Mountaineer Experience – What to Expect Along the Way
It’s no secret that what you will encounter on Rocky Mountaineer is sure to be one of the most luxurious travel experiences of your life.
It is perhaps the views that most people look forward to when joining Rocky Mountaineer, and those in GoldLeaf Service have unrivalled panoramas of the towering peaks with the glass dome ceiling.
But there’s so much more to this train journey than gazing admiringly out of the window.
From the legendary service of the hosts to the delectable food that will leave your tastebuds quivering for more, each and every element of the journey has been curated to perfection.
The award-winning chefs have been developing their menus for the last 3 decades to ensure that only the best cuisine is served to the guests, with a heavy focus on sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients.
No matter the route you choose, whether it be the ‘First Passage to the West’, ‘Journey to the Clouds’ or ‘Rainforest to Gold Rush’, you will be taken on an adventure through history, culture and awe-inspiring landscapes.
From the moment you arrive at your first station you are taken care of, with drinks flowing, musicians serenading the crowd and friendly people eagerly chatting to fellow guests.
It only gets better from there, and all of your needs and wants are taken care of every step of the way.
The evenings are spent in comfortable, highly-esteemed hotels off of the train.
This ensures a solid night’s sleep, uninterrupted by the clunking of the railway sleepers beneath, and means no epic views will be missed along the way.
Even at the conclusion of your journey, when you arrive in Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper, the adventure doesn’t necessarily need to end immediately.
Rocky Mountaineer has curated more than 50 vacation packages, which are offered in partnership with local tour operators to enhance the train journey with extended stays and activities in each destination.
Start off by discovering all that there is to do in Banff, visiting enormous glaciers and basking in the upbeat vibe set amongst Canada’s most prestigious national park.
In Vancouver, you can take a trip to Whistler, the world’s best-known ski resort, or wander across the Strait of Georgia, home to orcas and humpback whales, on your way to Victoria on Vancouver Island.
From Jasper take a trip along the Icefields Parkway, known to be one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world.
No matter your style or goals on a trip to Canada’s fabled western provinces, Rocky Mountaineer has you covered.
Extend Your Adventure with an Alaskan Cruise
For those who want to take their Canadian expedition from the rails to the sea, Rocky Mountaineer has a number of amazing cruise operator partnerships that are sure to elevate your excitement levels even further.
The Inside Passage stretches from northwest Washington, along the coast of British Columbia towards the southern tip of Alaska.
This narrow ocean alley is peppered with remote fishing villages, forested islands and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world.
Navigating its channels are a highlight of any Alaskan cruise, and there is no better way to start or finish your Rocky Mountaineer journey than by sailing the Inside Passage.
The team at Rocky Mountaineer can organise fantastic cruise and rail packages that coordinate seamlessly with dates and transfers.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
There’s little doubt that a journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer will create fond memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The experience is so incredible, mesmerising and comfortable, that many guests come back and do it again and again.
So what are you waiting for? Join Rocky Mountaineer for their 30th anniversary and experience the world’s greatest luxury train journey.
Disclaimer: This post was created as part of our ongoing brand ambassadorship with Rocky Mountaineer. All thoughts, opinions and glasses of champagne sipped while riding the rails are, as always, our own.
