Luxury Rail Adventures

Rocky Mountaineer Through the Canadian Rockies & American Red Rocks

Travel by daylight, dine regionally, and watch the world unfold through panoramic glass-domes — the most luxurious way to see North America’s wildest landscapes. From the glacier-fed blues and emerald lakes of the Canadian Rockies to the rust-red canyons and massive mountains of the American Southwest, Rocky Mountaineer turns travel into the main event: slow, scenic, and utterly indulgent.

“I recommend this type of travel for slow-travelers who savor scenery and nature, couples or friends seeking a luxurious, relaxed getaway that is stress free, and food and service lovers who appreciate being taken care of and getting pampered while exploring new destinations,” said Hope Adair, a travel advisor at Cruise & Travel Experts.

The Two Itineraries — A Contrast in Color and Climate

  • Western Canada: View jagged peaks dusted with snow, turquoise glacial lakes, dense evergreens, and wide river valleys that feel timeless. There are a variety of itineraries to choose from that visit: Jasper, Banff, Whistler, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Kamloops, Edmonton, Quesnel and Calgary.
  • American Southwest: Imagine sun-carved canyons, towering red cliffs, desert wildflowers, and endless sky. Choose the length of your trip and routes that include Moab, Denver, Glenwood Springs, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

“Wow, just wow! I experienced Rocky Mountaineer this past year with my coworker Vickie out of Vancouver, Canada and it was such a great experience,” said Adair.  “GoldLeaf service is the way to go for the big domed cars, and dining below with breakfast and lunch included.  The menu was amazing and so delicious, and service on the train was outstanding.”

“The scenery was gorgeous on the second day of the train from Kamloops to Banff,” added Vickie Grysen, the other travel advisor on the learning trip.  “We saw a couple of bears, and the passing scenery was breathtaking. From that point the views grew even more spectacular as we traveled through Glacier National Park, the majestic Canadian Rockies, and across the Continental Divide. We finished the train journey in the beautiful ski town of Banff, where we stayed a few days and toured Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and the waterfalls and bridges.”

The Rocky Mountaineer Experience — Luxury by Day

  • All-day daylight travel by train and motorcoach: You’re awake for every highlight and arrive refreshed in the evening at handpicked hotels.
  • Panoramic glass-dome coaches: Picture uninterrupted views framed like living postcards from your seat.
  • Onboard Hosts: Local stories, geology lessons, and wildlife spotting that turn scenery into engaging stories.
  • Service & comfort: You can choose between GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service, with different amenities offered at each level. GoldLeaf offers gourmet meals and and expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass-dome coach to the Canadian Rockies.

Regionally-Inspired Cuisine & Hospitality

  • Menus that reflect place: Pacific seafood and Canadian game on the Rockies routes; Southwest flavors and hearty comfort on U.S. journeys.
  • Carefully paired beverages and attentive service: Meals are part of the experience, served with a view and told with context.

Highlights — Western Canada (Sample Stops & Sights)

  • Jasper & Banff: Glacial valleys, wildlife, and alpine lakes that glimmer like gemstones.
  • Lake Louise & Moraine Lake: Iconic turquoise water framed by soaring peaks.
  • Whistler & Vancouver: Coastal rainforests and Pacific views to close a mountain tale.
  • Kamloops, Quesnel, Calgary, Edmonton: Charming towns and changing landscapes between mountain ranges.

Highlights — American Southwest (Sample Stops & Sights)

  • Moab: Gateway to otherworldly sandstone formations and desert adventure.
  • Glenwood Springs & Denver: High-desert relief and mountain transitions offering hot springs and city culture.
  • Salt Lake City & Las Vegas: Salt flats, red-rock panoramas, and neon-lit desert finales.

“The best time to travel in Canada is late spring to early fall for the best alpine color and accessible trails, and I recommend spring and fall for the Southwest U.S. with the mild temperatures, beautiful light and less tourists in the destinations, “ said Grysen.

Sample Mini-Itineraries

  • Canada — 3–7 days: Calgary → Lake Louise → Banff → Jasper → Vancouver (choose 2–4 days on the train with hotel nights in destination towns).
  • U.S. — 2–5 days: Denver → Glenwood Springs → Moab → Salt Lake City → Las Vegas (mix scenic daylight segments with optional outdoor excursions).

Our travel advisors recommend booking early for the best days and availability – GoldLeaf service can fill up on peak dates.