Rocky Mountaineer Train History

The Rocky Mountaineer train concept was created by Harry Holmes, a CN Locomotive Engineer; and Pat Crowley, a tourism entrepreneur; both of Jasper, Alberta. Harry and Pat presented a business plan to Via Rail before Expo 86. The Rocky Mountaineer train concept was an all daylight sightseeing train pulled by the retired steam locomotive CNR 6060 (Bullet nosed Betty) in the Canadian Rockies.

In 1988, The Rocky Mountaineer began as a once-weekly Via Rail Canada daytime service between Vancouver and both Calgary and Jasper. The Mountaineer's First departure was on May 22 1988 with a special train for the travel industry and for the traveling public on June 9, 1988, called the Canadian Rockies by Daylight.

Maximizing scenic views, the Rockies train service operated only during the day, with an overnight stop in Kamloops. These were express services, with no intermediate stops. On June 4, 1989, Via Rail began its second season of the service, renaming the service the Rocky Mountaineer. The Rocky Mountaineer's final summer under the Via Rail brand departed Calgary and Jasper on October 12, 1989. Rocky Mountaineer train was removed from schedules and marketing in May 1990. Two financially unsuccessful seasons caused a need to change the approach. The Federal Government decided to see if the private sector could do a better job. The then Minister of Transport and the Minister of Finance Michael Wilson decided to sell off the route, equipment, branding and book of business in the fall of 1989. Early in November 1989 ads were taken out in a number of newspapers soliciting interest in the Rocky Mountaineer.

Private operation of the Rocky Mountaineer Train

Federal Government curtailed the subsidies to Via Rail in 1989, dramatically reducing services, especially the transcontinental service. The Rocky Mountaineer was a tourist service, and as such the government felt the funds could be better spent on other priorities.

They asked then Via Rail and CN Rail CEO Ron Lawless to organize the sale of the Rocky Mountaineer route, equipment and book of train business to the Private Sector.

The marketing of the Rocky Mountaineer Train sale started November 12, 1989. The sale process was run by recently retired CN Executive Charles Armstrong. Submissions of interest demonstrating financial and operational capabilities were required by January 15, 1990.

Initially there were 20 interested parties in buying the Rocky Mountaineer train route. After phase one of the bidding process, that number was reduced to three parties left to make financial bids. One bidder was Westours Holland America, subsidiary of Carnival cruise line. The other two were a group of Via Rail Executives and a Western Canadian Entrepreneur.

After the end of The Rocky Mountaineer Train bidding process in March 1990, the train route's equipment, book of business 12 coaches, two baggage cars, plus assorted equipment and some branding was sold to Vancouver businessman Peter R.B. Armstrong's Armstrong Hospitality Group Ltd. It ran its first train on May 27, 1990.

Book the Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Banff
Booking the Rocky Mountaineer Train includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

What is Included with Your Rocky Mountaineer Train Tickets

- Rocky Mountaineer Train is an Air-conditioned vehicle
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Bilingual Train and Bus Tour Guide (English and Chinese)
- Admission for Jasper, Banff, Yoho National Parks
- Rocky Mountaineer Train Traffic Accident Insurance
- NOTE: The sequence of Rocky Mountaineer Train itineraries is subject to change without prior notice
- Hotel Accommodations for 5 nights
- Breakfast (6)
- Lunch (2)

Rocky Mountaineer Train Departure & Return

Departure Point: Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa , 521 Banff Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1H8 Canada.

Departure Time: 7:30 AM.

Please Note: Pick up on Day 3 at Hotel in Banff Town (Banff Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge or similar) **Your Guide will contact you for the pick up time one day in advance**.

Book the Rocky Mountaineer Train

Rocky Mountaineer Train Itinerary

Rocky Mountaineer Train Day 1
Vancouver - Kamloops: Begin Your Journey 1 Stop

Vancouver.. Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Vancouver Station at 7:30am PT. Travel from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. On today's journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops between 6:00pm and 7:30pm PT. Spend the evening exploring the city of Kamloops or relaxing in your hotel room. All hotels in Kamloops are of moderate standard: your hotel will be assigned post-booking. Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Kamloops hotel
Meals: Breakfast Lunch

Rocky Mountaineer Train Day 2
Kamloops - Banff : Awaken your senses 2 Stops

Kamloops.. Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Kamloops Station at 6:25am PT, your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening upon arrival in Banff, between 7:00pm and 8:30pm MT. **Your Guide for the next day will contact you for the next day departure time and itinerary arrangement** Admission Ticket Free

Kamloops.. Situated at the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers in the Thompson Valley, Kamloops is the second largest city in the BC Interior with a growing population of 90,000 people. Kamloops is located at the crossroads of the Coquihalla Highway, Yellowhead Highway, and Trans-Canada Highway. The Kamloops Airport is a 15-minute drive from downtown, the cultural hub of the city. Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast Lunch

Rocky Mountaineer Train Day 3
Banff National Parks - Sulphur Mt. - Johnston Canyon 7 Stops

Banff National Park.. Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, and is a destination on innumerous people’s bucket lists from all around the world. The most famous attractions in the park are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Banff National Park is also home to countless iconic natural landmarks from majestic mountain ranges to gorgeous turquoise lakes, to beautiful waterfalls, and canyons. Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 3 hours

Sulphur Mountain.. Sulphur Mountain is a mountain located in Banff, Alberta, Canada. At the peak of the mountain you will be amazed by the incredible 360 degree view on the skywalk, of six majestic mountain ranges, beautiful rivers and valleys, the Bow Valley as well as the Town of Banff. Surrounded by the massive peaks that reach the sky, you feel as if you are at the heart of the planet. Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Banff Gondola.. Ride the Sulphur Mountain [Banff Gondola (additional charges)] to reach the top of the mountain. At this moment, it seems that a fascinating picture has unfolded. A 3-minute “Above Banff” experience allows you to explore Banff through an eagle-eye perspective with stunning sound effects, advanced visual film processing technology, 3D effect, and perfectly shows the full picture of Banff National Park. Admission Ticket Not Included
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Hoodoos Trail.. Witness the "Devil's Rock" shaped by the force of natural wind erosion, standing on the bank of the Bow River, quietly guarding it like a guardian. Admission Ticket Included
Duration: 15 minutes

Bow Falls.. Bow Falls is not like your typical waterfall, it is wide and short. You can also see the valley that was eroded by glacier activity and the [Bow Falls] over the years. Admission Ticket Included
Duration: 15 minutes

Surprise Corner.. Surprise Corner is about a mile from the centre of Banff town. The surprise at the corner of Tunnel Mountain Road in the town of Banff is the sudden appearance and incredible view of the Fairmont Banff Springs. Admission Ticket Included
Duration: 15 minutes

Johnston Canyon.. Johnston Canyon is carved into the limestone bedrock from thousands of years of water erosion. It is truly remarkable how powerful water can be in shaping landscapes. On this hike, you will be immersed into a beautiful scene of overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest. (Sightseeing: 60 mins) (If the attraction is under maintenance or other force majeure, we will go to Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake as an alternative attraction) Admission Ticket Included
Duration: 1 Hour

Accommodation: Overnight in Banff
Meals: Breakfast

Rocky Mountaineer Train Day 4
Lake Louise-Moraine Lake-Yoho National Park-Emerald Lake-Natural Bridge-Banff 6 Stops

Lake Louise.. known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks, overlooked by a stately chateau and backed by Victoria Glacier and elevated by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Lake Louise Summer Gondola.. Visit Lake Louise Gondola (additional charges) at Lake Louise Ski Resort. The mountainous scenery here is immaculate. Admission Ticket Not Included
Duration: 1 hour

Moraine Lake.. Moraine Lake (Open Seasonal/Alternative Attractions: Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka). Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity throughout the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. Admission Ticket Included
Duration: 45 minutes

Spiral Tunnels.. Spiral Tunnel is a section of the Canadian Pacific Railway that carried too much blood and tears of railroad workers and history. Admission Ticket Free

Emerald Lake.. Next stop is [Emerald Lake]. The beautiful blue-green color of Emerald Lake is created by sunlight reflecting off a white layer of “marl” on the lakebed. Emerald Lake is surrounded by the President Range that forms a natural amphitheater with towering, forested banks. Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 20 minutes

Natural Bridge.. Stop at the Natural Bridge along the way and admire the Kicking Horse River as it carves a path through ancient rock. You can hear the roar of the disappearing water churning and ejecting beneath the bridge to further reinforce the move in making this a legitimate waterfall. Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 15 minutes

Accommodation: Overnight in Banff
Meals: Breakfast

Rocky Mountaineer Train Day 5
Bow Lake - Columbia Icefields - Jasper 7 Stops

Crowfoot Glacier.. Attached to the Northeast side of the Crowfoot Mountain and overlooking the Bow Lake lies the Crowfoot Glacier. This huge mass of ice was named a century ago because its appearance resembled that of a three-toed crowfoot. Be sure to take lots of photos because the next time you visit Crowfoot Glacier, it might not look the same anymore! Admission Ticket Free

Bow Lake.. Bow Lake, the lake is a bright turquoise color which is due to the glacial runoff from Bow Glacier. Historical Simpson's Num-Ti-Jah is located on the shores of Bow Lake at the foot of Mount Jimmy Simpson. Admission Ticket Included
Duration: 30 minutes

Icefields Parkway.. Joining the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff with the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park is one of the most scenic highways in the world - the Icefields Parkway. Along the 230 km mountain road, every corner on the Icefields Parkway reveals another one of nature’s splendor, from the ancient glaciers and cascading waterfalls to the vivid colours of lakes and lush forests. Many stops along the Icefields Parkway deserve a stop. Admission Ticket Free

Peyto Lake.. Along the way, stop at Peyto Lake for its beautiful shape like a Maple (If the attraction is under maintenance or other force majeure, we will go to Waterflow Lake as an alternative attraction) Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 20 minutes

Columbia Ice Field.. Columbia Icefield is the largest ancient icefield in the Canadian Rockies. A ride on the Ice Explorer (additional charges) to explore Athabasca Glacier. Discover a different perspective of the remarkable scenery as you peer into what seems like the heart of the planet through a glass-bottomed Skywalk (additional charges). The Columbia Icefields Skywalk arches out away from the building approximately 280 m above the valley floor, offering an amazing mountainous view of Sunwapta Valley on either side of the skywalk and directly beneath you. (2 activity Sightseeing: 150 mins) Admission Ticket Not Included
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Athabasca Falls.. Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park is not the highest or widest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies but it is the most powerful. Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 30 minutes

Jasper National Park.. Drive to the Town of Jasper, the simple folk style, vast space that makes us return to nature. Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight in Jasper Town
Meals: Breakfast

Rocky Mountaineer Train Day 6
Jasper National Park - Maligne Lake - Maligne Canyon - Banff - Calgary 4 Stops

Medicine Lake.. Medicine Lake, also known as “the lake that disappears” is located 20 km southeast of the town of Jasper. Medicine lake is a 7 km long narrow lake that is formed by the Maligne River. Interesting enough, the lake loses water as it flows. Why is that you may ask? When the water is on its way to merge with the Athabasca River, it reaches the medicine lake area, and pools up to form the Lake over the largest inaccessible limestone cave system. Admission Ticket Free

Maligne Lake.. 22km long, the majestic Maligne Lake is the second-largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Discover the world-famous Spirit Island only accessible by boat, on a cruise that has been running for over 60 years in Jasper. The Maligne Lake Cruise (additional charges) was once declared the “Best Boat Cruise in Canada” by 8 million Reader Digest subscribers. (Seasonal/Alternative attraction: Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake). Spirit Island - The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, who believe mountains are physical representations of their ancestors. Admission Ticket Not Included
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Maligne Canyon.. Get ready to explore Maligne Canyon, located 1.8 km past the Jasper exit. Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. You will not regret exploring this remarkable natural landmark by crossing six bridges built across several different points of the canyon. Every bridge gives you an all-new perspective of the canyon and are all photo taking opportunities you do not want to miss. Admission Ticket Included
Duration: 30 minutes

Saskatchewan River Crossing.. South of the Icefield Avenue, in addition to the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains, the Saskatchewan River Crossing is an interesting place to stop for a short rest. This place was named The Crossing because back in the 19th century, travelers and fur traders would use this spot to cross the North Saskatchewan River on their way to the beautiful province of British Columbia. Admission Ticket Free
Duration: 15 Minutes

Accommodation: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast

Book the Rocky Mountaineer Train

Additional Rocky Mountaineer Train Info

- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability

- Rocky Mountaineer Train is Not wheelchair accessible

- Stroller accessible

- Near public transportation

- Infants must sit on laps

- Rocky Mountaineer Train is Not recommended for travelers with back problems

- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

- Most travelers can participate

- The Rocky Mountaineer Train Bus Tours will have a maximum of 25 travelers.

Book the Rocky Mountaineer Train