Travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train : Advice from Discovery Trains

To make the most of your trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, here are a few practical tips and tricks that our Tour Product Director has put together for you. 

Plan Your Boarding

Transfers and Boarding 

As soon as you arrive in Vancouver, your journey begins smoothly, with transfers included from the city's hotels. Make sure you're ready on time, and let the signs guide you to your car. Have your electronic ticket ready for stress-free boarding. 

> A little tip from Yulia : take a few photos with the Rocky Mountaineer train crews now ! It's the only time they'll really be available and happy to take a few shots before the train departs.

Rocky Mountaineer © Discovery Trains

Rocky Mountaineer © Discovery Trains

Tickets and Documentation 

Your electronic ticket contains all the information you need: booked routes, car number and seats. Keep it available for quick checks. This simplifies boarding enormously and lets you relax right from the start of your journey. A professional tip ? Take a screenshot of your ticket - you never know. 

Simplify Baggage Handling

In Vancouver

At your meeting with the RM team, you'll receive a baggage tag and your ticket for the next stage. Once your luggage has been checked in, you won't have to worry about it again until you reach your final destination. They'll be delivered directly to your hotels. Magical, isn't it ?

During the trip

In Kamloops, suitcases are delivered directly to rooms for Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf passengers. This is particularly convenient, and takes the stress out of handling your luggage during transfers. And as an added bonus, it leaves your hands free to take photos as soon as you step off the train.

Choose the right service: Silver Leaf vs Gold Leaf

Silver Leaf

Meals are served at your seat, with dishes prepared in advance and reheated on board. The choice of food and beverages is limited but of high quality. Silver Leaf cars offer panoramic views from the windows, so you can enjoy the scenery to the full while remaining comfortably seated. Yulia advises you to enjoy every mouthful, as even a simple sandwich tastes special with a view like this.

The silver leaf wagon © Discovery Trains

Gold Leaf

Meals are prepared on board and served in a panoramic dining car. Each meal is served in two stages, offering a refined culinary experience with a breathtaking view from the outside platform. This option is ideal for those seeking a more immersive gastronomic and panoramic experience.

The silver leaf wagon © Discovery Trains

Gold leaf wagon breakfast table © Discovery Trains

Enjoy Entertainment and Immersion

Wildlife watching

Be ready with your binoculars and camera to capture magical moments with local wildlife. Staff announce animal sightings in real time, adding an exciting dimension to your trip. Take along books or games for moments of relaxation, as there is no WiFi on board and cellular service is limited. This encourages you to switch off and enjoy the scenery to the full. Take time to breathe in the fresh air and savor these timeless moments.

Canada Mouflon © Discovery Trains

Information and Culture

A detailed English-language magazine guides you along the route, with information on the places you'll pass through. English-speaking staff are on hand to answer your questions and share historical and natural anecdotes. This enriches your experience and gives you a better understanding of the regions you pass through.

Comfort and convenience tips

Tips

Tips are included in the price, so there's no need to worry about them. However, if the service has been exceptional, there's nothing to stop you leaving an extra tip. This transparency simplifies interactions and allows you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. What's more, a small gesture of gratitude is always a pleasure and can brighten up the day of the staff.

Clothing

Dress comfortably in layers to adapt to temperature variations. Bring flat, comfortable shoes to move around easily on board. This is especially important if you want to spend time on the outdoor platform. Yulia recommends packing a scarf or shawl for cooler moments, and don't forget your sunglasses to enjoy the scenery without being dazzled.

> Yulia's tip : Avoid white or overly bright clothing, remembering that you're on a train after all.

Photos and Memories

If you have access to an open platform, this is the best place to take glare-free photos. You can buy souvenirs on board to immortalize your trip.

Optimize Your Route

Choice of hotels

You can choose your hotels according to your preferences and budget. The partner hotels on the Rocky Mountaineer train are convenient, but the budgets are substantial. Discovery Trains offers hotels close to stations on its tours. In Banff, for example, hotels like the Moose Hotel & Suites offer excellent value for money and are conveniently located.

Activities and excursions

During your stopovers, and especially in Banff, Discovery Trains enriches your experience with activities. You can do without a rental car by taking advantage of our organized excursions. Take the time to visit local attractions and immerse yourself in the local culture, discover unique places and enjoy activities such as hiking or guided tours.

Mountains near Banff © Discovery Trains

Lake Banff  © Discovery Trains

hotel Banff  © Discovery Trains

Hotel Fairmont Banff Springs © Discovery Trains

Sample Itinerary

For a complete and balanced trip, Yulia recommends the following program :

• 3 nights in Vancouver in a 4-5 star hotel.
• 1 night in Kamloops included in Rocky Mountaineer package (with RM).
• 2 nights in Banff in a 4-5 star hotel.
• 1-2 nights in Calgary, with shuttle from Banff, in a 4-5 star hotel.

This program allows you to take full advantage of the experience while integrating the train trip into a longer stay without the need to rent a car. Discover our other rail tours in Canada, offering a variety of adventures across this magnificent country.

> Yulia's tip : consider taking a direct flight from Calgary with West Jet. Pleasant service and convenient schedules.