Rocky Mountaineer
In 2010, Armstrong Group, owners and operators of the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer are celebrating a milestone anniversary – 20 successful years. Since its inception in 1990, the British Columbia based, family owned business has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has welcomed over one million guests onboard. While Armstrong Group’s past is rich in history and rooted in success, the goal from day one remains the same: provide the most spectacular and unforgettable travel experiences in the world.
1990
All Aboooard! The Rocky Mountaineer departs on the inaugural trip.
1991
Named one of the “World’s 20 Best Rail Experiences” by The International Railway Traveler magazine (same honour in 1998).
Named one of the “World’s 20 Best Rail Experiences” by The International Railway Traveler magazine (same honour in 1998).
1995
Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service is launched.
1996
Sets the record for longest passenger train in Canadian history (37 cars).
Sets the record for longest passenger train in Canadian history (37 cars).
1999
Sets new record for longest passenger train in Canadian history (41 cars).
Sets new record for longest passenger train in Canadian history (41 cars).
2002
Welcomes our 500,000th guest and is recognized again by The International Railway Traveler magazine’s “10 Best Rail Experiences in the World”.
2003
Featured on BBC Television, “50 Things To Do Before You Die”.
Featured on BBC Television, “50 Things To Do Before You Die”.
2005
Wins the prestigious “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” at 2005 World Travel Awards (earns the same honour in 2006 and 2007).
Named as “One of the Great Train Rides in the World”, by Outside magazine.
Wins the prestigious “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” at 2005 World Travel Awards (earns the same honour in 2006 and 2007).
Named as “One of the Great Train Rides in the World”, by Outside magazine.
Named one of “The World’s Top 25 Trains” by The Society of International Railway Traveler (earns the same honour in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009).
2006
Launches two new routes: Whistler Sea to Sky Climb (Vancouver to Whistler) and Rainforest to Gold Rush (Whistler to Jasper).
Launches two new routes: Whistler Sea to Sky Climb (Vancouver to Whistler) and Rainforest to Gold Rush (Whistler to Jasper).
2007
Wins Tourism British Columbia’s “Foresight Sustainability Award” for leadership and advocacy of sustainable tourism.
Named one of the “World’s Greatest Trips” by National Geographic.
Wins Tourism British Columbia’s “Foresight Sustainability Award” for leadership and advocacy of sustainable tourism.
Named one of the “World’s Greatest Trips” by National Geographic.
2008
Welcomes aboard our One Millionth Guest!
Welcomes aboard our One Millionth Guest!
2009
ABC’s hit reality TV series, The Bachelorette, showcased the Rocky Mountaineer on a 4-day journey.
Voted #1 on the Society of American Travel Writers Top Ten List of the most scenic and exciting train experiences in the world.
Rocky Mountaineer has been honoured with a World Travel Award in the category of “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” for the fourth year.
2010
During the 2010 season, Rocky Mountaineer will re-launch its iconic brand with a completely new look. From its logo, website and route names to a sleek new paint job for its rail cars, this fresh new look will continue across the entire company.
