27 Photos from Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
When it comes to modes of travel, I definitely have my favorites. Driving a car gives you the freedom to do and see what you want. Flying gets you places fast. Buses can be a good alternative to both driving and flying.
But my absolute favorite mode of transport? Definitely TRAINS.
I've traveled by train on four different continents – I've traveled through Eastern Europe by train, enjoyed scenic trains in New Zealand, taken overnight trains in Asia, and even rode the Harry Potter train in Scotland.
There's just something about train travel – maybe the rhythmic sound of wheels on track, or the gentle rocking that often lulls me to sleep, or the fact that railway tracks often take you through some of the best scenery. Whatever it is, I absolutely love this form of travel.
And in September, I got to experience the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train into the Canadian Rockies.
The Rocky Mountaineer is one for bucket lists – it's a luxury train with glass-domed cars that chugs along at a leisurely pace through some of Canada's most striking scenery. You enjoy local wine, multi-course meals, entertaining commentary, and some outstanding service – if you can stay in your seat long enough (I myself was constantly up and down to take in the amazing view).
The Rocky Mountaineer is not the quickest way to see western Canada. And it's certainly not the cheapest, either. But damn, is it special.
I did a modified 7-day itinerary in late September with Rocky Mountaineer. I took the Coastal Passage route from Seattle to Vancouver, had a couple days to explore Vancouver, and then spent two days on the Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West route, with a free day in Lake Louise at the end.
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And all I can say is… WOW. What a unique way to experience Canada! Keep scrolling to see some of my favorite photos from this trip.
My Rocky Mountaineer Adventure in Photos
These photos sum up my trip in a way that words simply cannot. From the views out over the train from the bi-level, glass-domed car I rode in (the ones that make it look like I'm sitting on top of the train), to the vibrant yellows of autumn, to the lakes and mountains and quickly-changing landscapes of western Canada, it was a truly incredible journey.
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Is a train journey like this on YOUR bucket list?
*Note: I was a guest of Rocky Mountaineer on this trip. But, as always, all opinions (and photos) are my own!
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I have done the 3-day VIA Rail trip from Toronto to Vancouver twice in the last 10 years..both times in the summer & The Rockies to Vancouver part never disappoints…there is nothing better than sitting in a domed observation car watching the world fly by at such an elegant pace…
It’s a wonderful way to see Canada….
I agree – such a wonderful way to see any country, really!
Wow – really spectacular photos! Train seems like a great way to see everything – since you’re not driving, you can just gawk at the scenery!
Exactly! I really love that about trains! Plus, train tracks almost always go through more scenic places than highways!
Wow, those are some view from a train journey! And yes, this might has to be added to my bucketlist 🙂
Awesome to hear! Definitely some incredible views.
Went across Canada from East Coast to West Coast this summer. Loved it!! I agree its not the fastest way to see a place but its super special. I will have lasting memories of my trip across Canada on the Via Rail Train.
Sometimes slow travel is the best, though – and you really can’t beat the scenery across Canada!
I have heard several comments that traveling from Toronto to Calgary is better to fly than take the train. Also, I have heard that it is better to take the train from Vancouver to Calgary than the other way around because the views are better. What are your thoughts? Thank you.
Wow! It’s wonderful! We planed the trip for a long time. Your photos lets us make the decision. Thank you Amanda!
Great to hear, William!
[…] RELATED: 27 Photos from Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer […]
Wow. The mountains are absolutely AMAZING! It’s such a pretty part of the world and it looks fun to experience it by train 🙂
Seeing it by train was definitely a great way to do it!
Great pix and train ride! 🙂
I had the train travel specials on PBS in mind as I looked at these.
It’s a very special ride – I’ll have a video of it coming in another post later this week!
I’ve really enjoyed all your posts on Western Canada so far! I went on a family trip this area a few years back and your pictures bring back such fond memories! 🙂 To this day, I am convinced that there are not a lot of places in the world with quite as epic a landscape and I hope I can go back one day! The Rocky Mountaineer looks like a fabulous way of travel – love the pictures you took with the train in it! 🙂
I’ve seen some incredible landscapes all around the world, but I have to agree – this part of Canada is certainly up there with the best of ’em!
Is one summer month better than the other such as July vs August. There is also a choice to take a cruise to Alaska. My concern with cruises has always been sickness aboard; it’s all too real. When we were in Hobart last December people were stuck in their cabins with Gastro.
I don’t think one summer month is better than another for this train, no. I enjoyed going in September because of the fall colors, but summer would be great, too! As for sickness on cruises, I’ve never had a problem – hand sanitizer is your friend! 🙂
Great photos! What setting did you use on your camera to freeze the frame while the train was moving?
Thanks
Piotr
Thanks Piotr! I didn’t use any special setting – just took photos out the front window of the train. 🙂 My lens is pretty fast, though, so that helped!
Wow, I must put this on my bucket list!!! Looking forward to your upcoming post, I would be interested in the practicalities, like can you hop on and off at different stops? What is the best seat to make some of those amazing pictures? And not unimportantly how much does it costs?
All will be answered in my next post! 😉 I will say that this is truly a luxury trip – but it’s definitely one of those bucket list items!
You captured a pic of Field! That was the town I lived in for 6 weeks this past summer/autumn. Such a beautiful little place, as is all of the Rockies 🙂
Yes! Field was so darn cute!
I’m with you when it comes to trains! One of my favourite ways to travel for sure.
But I’ve never been on a train ride as beautiful as this one! Looks like its another train ride to add to my bucket list (which currently also includes the Trans-siberian, Swiss Golden Circle, Harry Potter train and the Ghan).
It’s definitely one of the most beautiful train journeys I’ve been on, too! Definitely bucket list-worthy.
I took the Ghan in December from Alice Springs. The scenery was great if you love termite mounds; however, the dining car and bar car made up for it. We stopped at Katherine for some shopping and on to Darwin. I had never heard of it, but it was another highlight of our tour.
Silly me! Mountaineer!! I thought you took the Rocky Mouseketeer at Disney World.
Haha. Sliiiightly different. And I think the scenery I saw was probably way better. 😉
Wow, such stunning views! Would love to catch this train!
It was so much fun. And Canada is so pretty it’s not even funny!