Rocky Mountaineer: Rainforest to Gold Rush
Coastlines, canyons and mountain peaks — Canada’s most diverse rail journey
Ride the Rainforest to Gold Rush Classic from the lush Pacific coast through historic canyonlands and glacier-fed lakes, all the way to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. This 5-night itinerary blends city life, wilderness rail travel and alpine calm — with stays in coastal and mountain towns, and a full two-day all-daylight rail journey aboard Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury service. Whether you’re drawn by rainforest, rainforest-fed rivers, mountain vistas or Western Canada’s wild spirit, this journey delivers dramatically varied landscapes in one seamless adventure.
This rail journey is only available in the GoldLeaf service level
Because the route runs in both directions, you can travel from Vancouver to Jasper or vice versa — giving you flexibility to tailor the trip to your travel plans. Extend your trip down to the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise and Banff or down to Calgary. Or we can build an extended trip with car or RV rental for you.
3 Days onboard
Rocky Mountaineer
Tours run on selected dates April - October
Travel either way and can be extended
6 night Rocky Mountaineer tour from £4,349pp including flights
Highlights
Begin with two nights in Vancouver, giving you time to enjoy its coastal scenery, parks and lively neighbourhoods before boarding the train.
Travel the Sea-to-Sky corridor to Whistler, then on through canyon country and Cariboo ranchlands to Quesnel on three days of daylight luxury rail.
Spend two nights in Jasper, exploring the lakes, forests and mountain vistas of Jasper National Park at a relaxed pace.
Easily combine the journey with a self-drive, RV adventure or extended Canada holiday.
Your itinerary
Days 1-2: arrive & explore vancouver
Explore a Pacific coastal city of mountains, harbour views and vibrant neighbourhoods
Arrive in Vancouver and settle in for two nights at leisure. Spend your time strolling the seawall around Stanley Park, browsing the markets and artisan shops of Granville Island or wandering the cobbled streets of Gastown and lively Yaletown. With its mix of oceanfront scenery, mountain backdrop, parks and dining, Vancouver is the perfect starting point before heading inland by rail. Use your second day to explore further, perhaps visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain for sweeping city views, before your Rocky Mountaineer journey begins.
Ask if you would like us to add additional nights in Vancouver or maybe to explore Vancouver Island.
2 Nights in
Vancouver, BC
Arrive &
Explore
Day 3: Vancouver to whistler
Follow the Sea-to-Sky corridor from coastal rainforest to alpine resort town
This morning, transfer to the station and board the Rocky Mountaineer for a spectacular run along the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Travel north from the Vancouver area past Howe Sound’s fjord-like inlets, the Coast Mountains, roaring Brandywine Falls and the striking Cheakamus Canyon. Arrive in Whistler around midday and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this world-famous mountain resort, known for its outdoor activities, boutiques, restaurants and relaxed alpine atmosphere. Overnight in Whistler.
1 Night in
Whistler, BC
Rail Tour
Day 4: whistler to quesnel
From lakes and farmland to canyon country and Cariboo ranchlands
Rejoin the train and continue north through the Pemberton Valley, with its river plains and farmland, then on to the rugged landscapes of interior British Columbia. Today’s highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacier-fed Seton Lake, the sweeping views of Fraser Canyon, and the dramatic crossing of Deep Creek Bridge — one of the highest railway bridges in North America.  By evening, the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River into Quesnel, gateway to the historic Cariboo gold-rush region. Overnight in Quesnel.
1 Night in
Quesnel, BC
Rail Tour
Days 5-6: quesnel to jasper
Enter the Rockies and unwind in the alpine calm of Jasper National Park
Depart Quesnel on the final rail leg, following the Fraser River north toward Prince George before turning east through northern British Columbia’s forests and wide valleys. This area is rich in wildlife, with moose, bear and eagle sightings all possible from the train.  The route then enters the Rocky Mountain Trench, framed by steep ridges of the Rockies and Cariboo Mountains, and continues past towering Mount Robson — the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies — through Yellowhead Pass into Alberta. Arrive in Jasper in the evening and check in for a two-night stay.
The following day is yours to enjoy Jasper at your own pace. Explore Jasper National Park’s lakes and trails, take a cruise on Maligne Lake, visit Maligne Canyon, ride the Jasper SkyTram or simply soak up the mountain views and relaxed small-town feel. Two nights here allow you to really appreciate the Rockies before moving on. Please ask if you would like more time to explore Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefield or Jasper before you fly home from Calgary
2 Nights in
Jasper, AB
Rail Tour
Enjoy the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey the way you want to...
Onboard Experience
Rocky Mountaineer offers two travel styles: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. Both include exceptional service, delicious cuisine and panoramic views, while GoldLeaf enhances the journey with even more space, luxury and elevated onboard experiences.
Extend Your Adventure
Every Rocky Mountaineer holiday can be tailored and extended. Add extra nights to relax at either end of your trip, continue your journey with a car or RV rental for even more exploration and freedom on the open road or combine with an Alaskan cruise.
We recommend adding an extra night at the beginning and end of your trip to make the journey smoother and more relaxed. Just let us know if you’d like this included in your quote.
We would expect maximum temperatures to be in the 20°C - 30°C range in the midwest and 25°C - 35°C in the south and southwestern states
Flight times to/from Chicago is around 8 hours and Los Angeles is approx 11 hours. You’ll drive through 3 time zones. Chicago is 5 hours and Los Angeles is 8 hours behind the UK.
Speak to a Travel Expert
Our team have travelled extensively across the USA & Canada to ensure that they can give first hand, unrivalled experience when discussing our holidays.
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