Truly Moving Train Journeys
Venture on a Virtual Canadian Rockies Rail Adventure

Rocky Mountaineer, the luxury train traveling through the Canadian Rockies, is the best way to see all this part of the world has to offer. With so many different rail vacation options rich in culture, history and natural wonders to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

With four unique routes to choose from, the unforgettable all day-light journeys offer romance and history, reminding you that traveling is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

The Coastal Passage route connects the Emerald City of Seattle with the Canadian Rockies. The train hugs the Pacific Northwest coastline and, at times, you’ll have water on both sides, giving you an illusion that the train is floating on the glistening ocean.

One of Rocky Mountaineer’s most popular packages is the Circle Journey, which includes all of its exciting destinations, including Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Whistler, Vancouver, and Seattle. With a minimum of four days on the train, there is no limit to the wildlife sightings and awe-inspiring scenery along the journey.

Host in Gold Leaf with Tour Guide (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

Before or after your train journey, plan to spend extra time at Banff and Lake Louise, with snow-capped mountain peaks reflected in turquoise lakes. Exploring the picture-postcard sights of Banff National Park is a must when visiting the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Established as Canada’s very first national park back in 1885, it now welcomes more than three million visitors each year, keen to take in those iconic views, paddle the lakes, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Just taking a walk among the alpine surroundings is an experience here, but there’s so much more to do. Here’s a list of five things you can’t miss when visiting Banff and Lake Louise.

1. Banff Gondola:

Head up Sulphur Mountain for a jaw-dropping view of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff itself. Once you’re up there, take the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak for the ultimate view, then indulge in lunch at the award-winning Sky Bistro.

Want to experience Canada’s most iconic mountaintop destination from your living room? Take a virtual visit.

Banff Upper Hot Springs (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

2. Cocktail at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:

The majestic hotel that stands today is a far cry from the modest log cabin that originally opened on the site in 1890, but it’s still faithful to tradition. A classic way to spend an afternoon, you can sip a cocktail and nibble on finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets as you take in the spectacular view of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. If you’re arriving later in the day, visit the Walliser Stube restaurant for its famous fondue.

Sip Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise favorites at home with their Probiotic Punch recipe!

3. Lake Minnewanka:

This glacial lake offers you the rugged, wild beauty you came to the Canadian Rockies to see. Stretch your legs on the Stewart Canyon Trail, an easy, flat one-hour hike. Or take to the water on a Lake Minnewanka cruise, an hour-long guided tour where you’ll get a stunning view of mountains rising vertically from the water’s edge, and likely glimpse the bighorn sheep, bald eagles, osprey and deer that call Lake Minnewanka home.

Get a preview of the stunning Lake Minnewanka cruise experience.

4. Banff Upper Hot Springs:

The bathhouse at these natural hot springs might date from 1932, but local Indigenous Peoples have a much longer history of soaking in the restorative waters, naturally full of minerals like sulfate, calcium and magnesium. Popular with locals as well as visitors, the steamy waters at Banff Upper Hot Springs are pushed up two kilometers (1.25 miles) from the earth’s crust, and are kept between 37°C and 40°C (98°F and 104°F).

See what it’s like to bathe at Banff Upper Hot Springs in winter.

Banff Upper Hot Springs (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

5. Local flavors of Banff:

After you’ve worked up an appetite in that fresh mountain air, enjoy a real taste of the Canadian Rockies. Alberta’s beef is justifiably famous, and you’ll find it lovingly prepared at Chuck’s Steakhouse. Locally sourced ingredients take center stage at Eden at The Rimrock Hotel, and at Three Ravens at the Banff Centre. Or toast your time in Banff National Park with craft spirits at Park Distillery, or a local brew from Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Experience Canadian cuisine with a testimonial from chefs in Banff and Lake Louise.