10 reasons why Canada's Rocky Mountaineer train should be on your 2025 bucket list
Wildlife, scenery and adventure - look no further for a rail escape of a lifetime
Famed as one of the world's greatest train experiences, the Rocky Mountaineer train is the perfect way to experience a luxury railway trip through Canada's majestic Rocky Mountains and the American Rockies between Utah and Colorado in the USA.
A ride on this superb train means you can tick off a truly memorable experience as you head for North America for an epic rail adventure.
Taking you through Western Canada and the USA’s rugged wilderness, where you'll spot incredible wildlife and take in breathtaking scenes without leaving your seat, the Rocky Mountaineer train should be on everyone's travel bucket list.
EXPERIENCE THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER WITH GH
Once you're on board, you can expect five-star dining, excellent GoldLeaf service and unique glass domes to make the most of those sublime panoramic views. The Rocky Mountaineer train affords links to some of North America' most remote and spectacular locations, which is why it's no surprise that it's consistently named one of the world’s best train journeys.
Running between mid-April and mid-October and taking in dazzling destinations, such as Lake Louise, Jasper, Whistler, Denver and Calgary on four different routes, you can expect to tick a whole host of sites and experiences off your holiday wish list.
A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train is the perfect way to indulge your adventurous side without giving up on any of the luxuries and comforts which you'd expect from a five-star holiday experience. And if that isn't enough to convince you, we've rounded up all the reasons why it's without a doubt a rail holiday of a lifetime.
Here's why the Rocky Mountaineer train is top of our travel wish list for 2025
Don't forget to check out the best of the rest with our pick of the top rail getaways around the world and Good Housekeeping's carefully curated selection of top train holidays.
The scenery is stunning from all angles
With its unique glass-domed fleet, 180-degree views of the sky and scenery, plus luxurious reclining seats, the Rocky Mountaineer train gives you the best, most comfortable views of Western Canada and Western USA. You can spot Fraser Canyon, Kinbasket Lake, Pyramid Falls, Ruby Canyon and Mount Logan among other extraordinary locations that can be witnessed from on-board one of the train’s four routes.
The experienced and attentive rail staff know the routes off by heart and will point out the best sights in advance so you won't miss a thing. The Rocky Mountaineer slows down when passing some particularly memorable sights to make sure that everyone has a chance to soak up the views, and take those all-important photographs.
The wildlife viewing opportunities are endless
As the Canadian Rockies are home to an abundance of exciting wildlife, you can enjoy an in-built safari experience on Rocky Mountaineer holidays. From grey wolves and white-tailed deer to mountain goats and more, the train ride is the perfect way to see them all.
Grizzly bears, bald eagles, elk and big-horned sheep have all been spied by travellers on the Rocky Mountaineer, along with nesting ospreys and swimming salmon, with the train often slowing to allow you to snap photographs. The knowledgeable team will also have some fun details about these locals and will try and let you know in advance what wild animals are up ahead, as the driver will alert the carriages following behind. Don't forget to look out for Canada’s national animal along the way too, especially if you travel via Moose Lake!
There's fresh air all around
Enjoy the crisp mountain air when you disembark at locations like Banff, which is in Banff National Park and is Canada’s highest town, or the remote town of Jasper, whose lack of light pollution makes it ideal for 'dark skies' star-spotting late at night.
While on board the Rocky Mountaineer, a visit to one of the train’s open-air viewing platforms at the end of the carriages is great for stretching your legs and breathing in the pine-scented air, as well as absorbing the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves (and taking those all-important pictures), In the USA, the views of picturesque Byers Canyon will leave you feeling inspired.
You'll taste your way around Canada
As well as the fine views and a ride of a lifetime, gourmands can experience top-notch dining onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, with hot breakfasts and lunches prepared, as well as regionally-inspired tipples, from local wine to beer, and excellent signature cocktails.
Lunches are a three-course affair and you'll sample food inspired by the surroundings, such as Western Canada’s rich culinary culture and locally sourced ingredients: think fresh salmon from the Pacific Northwest Coast, farm-fresh, seasonal greens from local markets, washed down with the Rocky Mountaineer’s own British Columbian wines or craft beers. Divine!
It's one of the most luxurious rail experiences you'll ever have
Travelling by train is always a treat but hop aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and you can experience a world-class rail trip like no other. There are two amazing service levels to choose from.
GoldLeaf passengers have access to a bi-level glass dome carriage, with oversized glass dome windows and a large and exclusive outdoor viewing platform. As well as snacks and cocktails served at your seat, full gourmet meals with wine are served in your exclusive dining room. SilverLeaf, which hosts you in a single-level glass dome carriage, has an outdoor viewing area, breakfast and lunch served in the comfort of your seat and complimentary drinks and snacks.
You can add your own adventures to this epic rail journey
With different routes threading across Western Canada and America and unique packages available, Rocky Mountaineer train holidays are completely customisable to your dream. You can add incredible excursions to your trip too, such as travelling past glaciers in the vast Icefields between Jasper and Banff, soaring up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola and feeling on top of the world with a daring Skywalk experience.
Top-and-tail your trip with hotel stays at the start, middle and end of your Rocky Mountaineer experience so you start your rail journey feeling throughly relaxed from your flight and finish with something still to look forward to. For example, if starting from Vancouver you can spend a few day's exploring this vibrant city, and then end your trip surrounded by epic scenery in Banff.
It's the perfect way to slow down
It might be travelling at 45km an hour, but the Rocky Mountaineer train offers the opportunity to really slow right down. You can relax and unwind as you enjoy the view from the comfort of your seat - and perhaps a glass of wine. The movement of the train is so smooth and relaxing that you might be tempted to doze off - which is fine, as the reclining seats are fully adjustable. Do you want to miss any of the scenery though?
Travellers wanting no distraction from the landscape can also have a digital detox as there's no WiFi on board, so you can thoroughly immerse yourself in your surroundings. Don't panic though - there is intermittent phone reception should you really need to stay in touch, and your onboard hosts can let you know where the coverage 'black spots' are in advance, if you need to plan ahead.
You'll make new friends and share some epic memories
Meeting new people is one of the best perks of a train journey. The Rocky Mountaineer train’s exceptional views, wide-aisled carriages and the friendly, engaging guides make the perfect conversation starter. You'll make new friends from across the globe as you point out the stunning views to each other and even compete to see who can spot the next wildlife first. Plus, on GoldLeaf carriages, the seats can even swivel 180 degrees to create the perfect 'l0unge' area to get to know your fellow travellers.
If you'd rather read than talk, then Rocky Mountaineer has that covered too, with informative in-car magazines and newspapers detailing the journey and the landscape, its history and geography. Plus, your train hosts are more than happy to point out sights of particular interest and bring the scenery to life with facts about the route you're travelling on.
You'll come back with some amazing photographs
A picture speaks a thousand words, so they say, so what an incredible story your many photographs from your Rocky Mountaineer trip will tell! You'll find it impossible to resist taking countless photos and videos on your epic rail journey, as every corner yields even more amazing sights and sounds.
With panoramic scenery all round and the chance to get up close and personal with nature in the outdoor viewing platform, even the most inexperienced of photographers will come back with awe-inspiring pictures to remind you of your Rocky Mountaineer adventure for years to come.
It offers an experience like no other
There’s a reason why Rocky Mountaineer train trips appear on so many bucket lists: they offer one-of-a-kind experiences you won't find anywhere else. So, what are you waiting for?
Good Housekeeping has an exclusive Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska holiday, where you can experience two destinations in one incredible trip of a lifetime.
Browse more extraordinary journeys from Good Housekeeping Holidays by downloading our latest brochure.
The Greek resort that made me love all-inclusives
‘I ate my way around New York for four days'
You need these packing cubes for your next holiday
Inside the world of luxury cruising
