Trains have always captured the imagination of travellers looking to see the world in a slower, more scenic way. And there’s something special about watching the countryside roll by through a wide window, but one breathtaking route in Canada takes it to a whole new level.
It spans 594 miles (957km) and takes passengers on a two-day journey through mountain peaks, canyons, wild rivers, and remote towns, all while riding in a train with a glass ceiling. The route runs from the coastal city of Vancouver to the alpine resort town of Banff, travelling only during daylight hours to give passengers uninterrupted views of Canada’s incredible Rocky Mountains.
With curved glass roofs, outdoor viewing decks and restaurant-style dining onboard, the Rocky Mountaineer train is not your average railway journey.
The service departs twice a week between April and October and follows a historic 19th-century rail line across British Columbia and Alberta.
It passes through some of the country’s most remote and beautiful landscapes, including Fraser Canyon, the Columbia Icefield, and spiral railway tunnels carved into the rock.
Travellers don’t sleep on the train. Instead, they stop overnight in Kamloops, a small city halfway through the journey, and reboard the next morning to continue the ride.
There are two main ticket options: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf.
The lower-priced SilverLeaf offers a single-level glass-domed carriage with meals served at your seat, while GoldLeaf includes a two-level dome with a separate dining room and a larger open-air viewing platform.
According to prices listed on CanadaRail and CanadianTrainVacations, the SilverLeaf service starts from around $2,245 CAD (£1,320) in low season and can rise to $2,894 CAD (£1,700) during peak months.
GoldLeaf costs from $3,065 CAD (£1,800) up to $3,894 CAD (£2,290) per person.
The company also offers longer or alternative routes, including a three-day journey from Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, and a separate route in the US called Rockies to the Red Rocks.
The train is built to help people enjoy the views and feel closer to the landscape they are passing through.
The journey is made even more spacial thanks to large windows, local food and friendly staff who offer commentary throughout.
Many passengers have also spotted bald eagles, bears, elk and mountain goats during the trip.
More information can be found here.