In-travel

Question 1

Are both the SilverLeaf Service and GoldLeaf Service coaches accessible by wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

We do have wheelchair facilities for all services. Wheelchair lifters are available at all stations and the GoldLeaf Service dome coaches are equipped with interior ADA-style elevators. For further details please refer to our Mobility and Accessibility section.

In order to ensure we’re able to accommodate all of your guest's mobility requirements, we ask that you advise us of these concerns at time of booking. Please note that reservations for guests using wheelchairs cannot be completed online. You will need to speak with a Rocky Mountaineer Vacation Consultant to ensure everything can be accommodated for a smooth and a comfortable journey.

Question 2

What meals do I receive?

Accepted Answer

Gourmet meals are included onboard Rocky Mountaineer. The meals included vary depending on rail route and direction of travel. If breakfast, lunch and/or dinner are included, it will be indicated in the itinerary of your package. Additional breakfasts and dinner for the entire vacation are available for pre-purchase through a meal plan.

Question 3

Does Rocky Mountaineer stop for photographs along the route?

Accepted Answer

No, the train only stops in Whistler, or Kamloops, or Quesnel, or Glenwood Springs for an overnight stay; however, the train slows to a very slow speed at particularly scenic locations.

Question 4

What transportation is available when arriving at your destination?

Accepted Answer

Arrival Schedule

Depending on the route and direction in which you travel, arrival in your destination ranges from late afternoon to early evening. Passenger rail travel in North America is subject to unforeseen delays. While Rocky Mountaineer is treated as a priority by the railways it uses, occasional delays do occur. You can find information about your train schedule here.

For that reason, we recommend that you book a night’s accommodation in the arrival destination, and ask that you please do not arrange connecting transportation, including flights, on this day. Rocky Mountaineer can arrange for airport transfers and additional hotel nights and tour options at the start or end of your rail journey with advance notice.

Transportation

For all guests in Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, Denver and Moab: Transfers between train stations and hotels need to be pre-booked. Please refer to your travel documents to see if train station transfers and luggage delivery to your hotel are included in your Rocky Mountaineer package.

For all First Passage to the West guests in Lake Louise: For guests travelling on the First Passage to the West route, we are pleased to offer complimentary motorcoach transfers between the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise Inn, Post Hotel and Spa, and the Lake Louise train station. Guest check-in is not available at the station.

For Rainforest to Gold Rush guests:
North Vancouver — Complimentary motorcoach transfers for Rainforest to Gold Rush guests are provided between select downtown Vancouver hotels and the North Vancouver Station. A specific pick-up time has been assigned based on your pick-up location. Please refer to your travel documents. Guest check-in is not available at the station.

Jasper — For guests travelling on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route, we are pleased to offer complimentary motorcoach transfers between the Jasper Station and select Jasper hotels for all of our guests.

For all guests in Kamloops, Whistler, Quesnel, and Glenwood Springs while travelling onboard the train: All Rocky Mountaineer guests have a complimentary motorcoach transfer booked between the train station and hotel in Kamloops, Whistler and Quesnel, or Glenwood Springs. A Rocky Mountaineer representative will provide details on pick-up times for the next morning on the way to your overnight hotel.

At the End of your Rail Journey

Depending on the route and direction in which you travel, arrival in your destination ranges from late afternoon to evening. Passenger rail travel in Canada is occasionally subject to unforeseen delays. While Rocky Mountaineer is treated as a priority on the train tracks it uses, occasional delays do occur. For that reason, please book accommodation in your arrival destination, and do not arrange connecting transportation, including flights, on this day. Rocky Mountaineer can arrange for airport transfers and additional hotel nights and tour options at the start or end of your rail journey with advance notice.

At the conclusion of your rail journey there can be long waits for taxi service. There are motorcoach transfers available for select Rocky Mountaineer partner hotels and we strongly recommend pre-purchasing your transfers at the time of booking, or 30 days prior to travel.

Question 5

Can guests use Wi-Fi onboard Rocky Mountaineer?

Accepted Answer

There is no Wi-Fi internet access onboard and much of the train route is out of cell phone range due to the train travelling through remote areas. There is cell service in major urban centers such as Kamloops, Quesnel, Whistler, and Glenwood Springs. We recommend guests use the outdoor viewing area for phone calls.

It is strongly recommended that guests disable data roaming or switch their device into airplane mode. Rocky Mountaineer will not be liable for any roaming charges incurred.

Question 6

What speed does the train travel?

Accepted Answer

The advantage of our train is that we are able to slow down at the most scenic areas to offer guests the best viewing and camera opportunities. We call it "picture-perfect speed" and the best camera photographic opportunities! While there are areas the train reaches up to 90 kph (60 mph), our average speed is approximately 50 kph (30 mph).

Question 7

What wildlife will I see?

Accepted Answer

On both our Canadian and US rail routes, there are wonderful opportunities for viewing wildlife from the train including bear, elk, deer, moose, bald eagles, osprey, salmon, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. However, “wildlife are wild” and as such, sightings are never guaranteed. If you do come into contact with animals please act responsibly, maintain a safe distance and never feed any wild animals.

Question 8

Are we able to pass between rail coaches?

Accepted Answer

One of the advantages of train travel is the spacious room afforded to all guests. Both GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service guests can enjoy fresh air outside their coaches. On our Canadian rail routes, access to the GoldLeaf Service coach and adjacent vestibule is limited to guests reserving this service. Likewise for guests who reserve SilverLeaf Service. On our US rail route where SilverLeaf Service Plus is offered, the lounge coach is reserved for SilverLeaf Service Plus guests only.

Question 9

Are gratuities included for Onboard Hosts?

Accepted Answer

In North America, gratuities are often given in recognition of service excellence. Our 2022 pricing does not include gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer Hosts, driver guides, tour escorts or hotel porters. Our 2023 pricing does include gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer Hosts, but not driver guides, tour escorts, or hotel porters. If you are travelling on an escorted tour, we recommend checking with your Tour Director to confirm the amount of gratuity that may have been included in your tour package.

The following is provided to assist our guests, but we leave the decision to provide a gratuity for Rocky Mountaineer Hosts entirely at their discretion.

Gratuities may be paid by cash or credit card.

For our Canadian rail routes in 2022:

All gratuity figures below are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

GoldLeaf Service: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $90 to $110 per couple ($45 to $55 per guest) for a two-day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts and Culinary Team in your coach.

SilverLeaf Service: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $70 to $90 per couple ($35 to $45 per guest) for a two-day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts in your coach.

SilverLeaf Service on Rainforest to Gold Rush route: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $80 to $110 per couple ($40 to $55 per guest) for a three-day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts in your coach.

GoldLeaf Service on Rainforest to Gold Rush route: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service experience ranging from $110 to $140 per couple ($55 to $70 per guest) for a three-day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts and Culinary Team in your coach.

For our Rockies to the Red Rocks rail route in 2022:

All gratuity figures below are in American dollars (USD).

SilverLeaf Service: Gratuities are at the guest’s discretion, but suggested gratuities range from $90 per couple ($45 per guest) for a two-day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts.

SilverLeaf Plus Service: Gratuities are at the guest’s discretion, but suggested gratuities range from $110 per couple ($55 per guest) for a two-day onboard experience, which is shared between the Hosts.

Gratuities are not a requirement and are completely at your discretion.

Question 10

How is seating assigned onboard the train?

Accepted Answer

At check-in, you will receive a boarding pass with your pre-assigned seat and overnight accommodation for Kamloops, Whistler and Quesnel, or Glenwood Springs. If you have special seating requests, such as sitting near a friend who has booked separately, please advise Rocky Mountaineer at least 30 days in advance. We are unable to accommodate specific seats, train coach location or first or second meal seating requests.

Question 11

How are couples or families who travel together assigned seating?

Accepted Answer

Each row of seats onboard the train contains four seats divided by a central aisle. Multiple couples and families are typically seated across the aisle from each other in pairs of two seats. If you would prefer to be on the same side of the aisle, please let your booking agent or Rocky Mountaineer, Vacation Consultant know at the time of booking.

Question 12

Can the seats be rotated to have 2 couples or a family facing one another?

Accepted Answer

The seats onboard are able to turn to face each other in a pod of four. While this can be convenient when travelling with small children, it does have a substantial impact on the amount of leg room available to share, and it inhibits you from using the seat back table trays. If you would like to know more about this, please enquire with your Guest Service Manager while travelling with us.

Question 13

What languages are spoken onboard the train?

Accepted Answer

All onboard services and written materials will be presented in English. While some of our onboard Hosts may speak additional languages, we cannot guarantee that any language other than English will be available.

Rocky Mountaineer does offer predetermined departure dates where select onboard services are available in either French or German. For more information on pre-determined French and German departure dates, please contact us.

Question 14

I’m travelling in GoldLeaf Service and I know the dining room can only hold 36 of the 72 guests at a time. How does meal seating work?

Accepted Answer

In the morning when you board your GoldLeaf Service coach, your onboard Host team will separate all guests into two groups. On day 1 of the rail journey, the first group will go down to breakfast and lunch first while the second group enjoys beverage service along with fresh baked pastries or canapes until it is their turn. On day 2 of the rail journey, the groups will switch and the second group will go down first for breakfast and lunch.

Note: If you are taking medication or are on a dietary schedule that requires you take meals at a particular time of day, please advise your booking agent or Rocky Mountaineer, Vacation Consultant at the time of booking so it can be noted on your reservation.

Question 15

Is one side of the train better than the other in terms of views?

Accepted Answer

No. Each direction will offer its own opportunities for unique views and vistas. On many of our routes where the train follows a river, the tracks will cross over a bridge to give all guests the opportunity to be water-side. Socialization is a huge part of the Rocky Mountaineer experience and we always encourage our guests to get up from their seats and move about the railcar to meet their fellow guests and to experience the views from various vantage points. Don’t forget to spend some time outdoors in the fresh mountain air on the open air vestibule.

Question 16

Can you provide boarding assistance or accommodate guests with restricted mobility?

Accepted Answer

Pre-boarding and detraining for guests requiring special assistance is provided at all stations. Please advise Rocky Mountaineer at the time of booking if you require this service and additional assistance while onboard the train, and also notify a Rocky Mountaineer team member at the station.

For further details please refer to our Mobility and Accessibility section.

Question 17

Are gratuities included for sightseeing tour and motorcoach transfer drivers?

Accepted Answer

In North America, gratuities are often given in recognition of service excellence. Depending on your rail route and package, gratuities may or may not be included for sightseeing tour and motorcoach drivers. Gratuities are entirely at your own discretion.

For our Canadian rail routes, gratuities for sightseeing tour drivers are not included. We suggest a gratuity of $5 CAD per person, per day.

For our US rail route, gratuities for sightseeing tour drivers are included in your package. However, gratuities are not included for motorcoach drivers providing transfers to/from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City and Moab, or to/from Moab and the train siding. We suggest the following:

Train siding transfer to/from Moab: $2 USD per person

Salt Lake City to/from Moab: $10 USD per person

Las Vegas to/from Moab: $15 USD per person

Question 18

Does Rocky Mountaineer accommodate dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

While our onboard menus will have a selection of options to cater to various tastes and dietary requirements such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free etc., we ask that all guests notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance of travel.

Please advise us of your special dietary needs or allergies, at least 60 days prior to travel. If you have a food allergy, please fill out our Food Allergy Form and send it to your travel professional or to us at reservations@rockymountaineer.com

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