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Discovering North America’s National Parks With Rocky Mountaineer

marti-gonzalez
Marti Gonzalez 4 Min Read
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Rocky Mountaineer train traveling through Ruby Canyon

The Rocky Mountaineer experience

Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a train ride; it's an immersive travel experience that epitomizes luxury and relaxation. With four routes that traverse the majestic Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest, guests can expect unequaled service, gourmet dining, and panoramic views from the comfort of their seats on this train vacation. The train features glass-dome coaches, allowing for unobstructed views of the breath-taking landscapes.

Exploring national parks is an incredible experience, filled with beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and an array of outdoor adventures. Traveling aboard Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most unique and luxurious ways to travel to the regions of some of North America's majestic national parks. These carefully crafted train journeys offer an unparalleled vantage point of some of the continent's most stunning natural wonders, combining comfort and scenic splendor in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Here is a look at just two of Rocky Mountaineer train’s incredible routes, plus some additional information about their service levels.


Banff Gondola

This route travels between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise, offering guests the chance to witness the stunning landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta. Along the journey, travelers are treated to a variety of natural and historical highlights.

One of the most impressive sights is the Fraser Canyon, where the train winds through steep, rugged cliffs and offers stunning views of the Fraser River below. Another engineering marvel on this route is the Spiral Tunnels, a pair of railway tunnels that navigate the challenging terrain of the Kicking Horse Pass, showcasing the ingenuity of early railway construction.

Passengers will also glide by the historic site of Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven in 1885, marking the completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway. This momentous event is a significant part of Canadian history, and seeing the site adds a layer of historical depth to this rail journey.

Additionally, the route provides easy access to Yoho National Park and Banff National Park, two of Canada's most renowned national parks. These parks are known for their spectacular natural beauty, including towering mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're marveling at the turquoise waters of Lake Louise or exploring the diverse ecosystems of Yoho, the journey offers unparalleled opportunities to experience some of the most iconic landscapes in Canada.


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Rockies to the Red Rocks

An extraordinary journey through the heart of the American Southwest, Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary begins in Denver, Colorado and ends in Moab, Utah. This route showcases the breathtaking contrasts between the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the vibrant red rock formations of Utah.

Along the way, guests are treated to the unparalleled comfort and luxury of Rocky Mountaineer’s glass-dome coaches, ensuring unobstructed views of the stunning landscapes. This train vacation features two days of daylight travel, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the majestic scenery and dramatic geological formations that define this unique part of the world.

One of the highlights of the Rockies to the Red Rocks route is the access it provides to some of the region’s most iconic national parks. The train journey brings passengers close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, two of Utah's most spectacular natural treasures. Arches National Park is renowned for its over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, while Canyonlands National Park offers expansive vistas of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River.

These parks are not only visually stunning but also rich in history, with ancient rock art and evidence of early human habitation. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route offers a unique opportunity to explore these awe-inspiring landscapes, combining the luxury of train travel with the adventure of discovering America's natural wonders.

Rocky Mountaineer Train Manager Chris Woods shares his insights on this episode of Well-Traveled with AAA podcast. Learn more about the allure of experience the awe-inspiring beauty shares his insights on train travel itineraries and styles. Gain insider tips on famous trains and hear personal stories from his family’s rail travel adventures.

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Gold Leaf service luxury train

Unmatched scenery, service and hospitality

Rocky Mountaineer offers two exceptional levels of service on their Canadian routes: GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service. Whichever luxurious coach you choose, you'll be treated to breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, captivating storytelling, mouthwatering cuisine and all the signature comforts that Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for.

GoldLeaf Service: Ultimate luxury and panoramic views

GoldLeaf Service takes your journey to new heights with bi-level coaches featuring unparalleled panoramic views of the majestic landscapes. Relax in plush, reclining seats on the upper level while enjoying seat-side beverage and snack service. Descend to the lower level for gourmet meals, freshly prepared and served against the backdrop of dramatic scenery viewed through oversized windows. Step out onto the spacious outdoor viewing platform to breathe in the crisp mountain air and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you.

SilverLeaf Service: Comfort and tranquility

SilverLeaf Service, available on Rocky Mountaineer's Canadian and US routes, is designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Experience the journey in single-level, spacious domes with oversized windows that provide an unobstructed view of the ever-changing landscape. Savor delectable hot meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, served right at your reclining seat. The outdoor viewing area allows you to soak in the mesmerizing views, adding a touch of serenity to your adventure.

SilverLeaf Plus: Enhanced experience on US routes

On the US route, Rockies to the Red Rocks, you can elevate your experience with SilverLeaf Plus. This exclusive upgrade grants you access to a luxurious lounge car, offering additional space to unwind and take in the scenery, along with a small outdoor viewing area. Indulge in an elevated dining experience with wine pairings, premium alcoholic beverages and signature cocktails, making your journey even more memorable.


Exclusive AAA Member benefits

AAA Member benefits:

  • $75 USD per person savings on Canadian route packages of 4 days or more.
  • $50 USD per person savings on the U.S. route Rockies to the Red Rocks vacation packages of 4 days or more.

AAA Vacations® amenity:

  • DOUBLE Member Benefit ($150 USD per person savings on all Circle Journeys on Canadian routes.)

Expect something more

Plan your rocky mountaineer rail adventure today

Count on AAA Travel to help you choose a Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation that’s right for you. Our expert AAA Travel Agents provide vacation planning advise and show you how to take advantage of valuable AAA Member Benefits and AAA Vacations® amenities* — extra discounts, exclusive perks and special experiences available only to AAA Members.

All aboard Rocky Mountaineer