Rail
Travel - Frequently Asked Questions
How far do we travel on the Rocky
Mountaineer?
About 450 kilometres (280 miles) each day -- all
in daylight. Look forward to spending two full
relaxing days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
Does the Rocky Mountaineer have sleeper cars?
No. Our daylight rail tours through the Canadian
Rockies are scheduled to show you all of the spectacular
scenery. After a day onboard the train, you overnight
in either Kamloops or Quesnel, British Columbia.
What are the advantages to travelling these routes
by rail?
There are many unique features to rail travel.
You will enjoy an extremely comfortable seat with
ample legroom and have the freedom to stretch your
legs and enjoy the fresh air while in the vestibules.
Combined with attentive service and outstanding
commentary, this type of leisurely paced travel
will ensure that you know you are on vacation.
One of the greatest advantages, however, is the
ability to travel through areas simply not accessible
by foot, car or motorcoach. The routes we travel
on are described as engineering marvels and as
we follow rushing rivers, pass beside towering
waterfalls and ride through spectacular river canyons,
you will understand why.
What speed does the train travel?
The
advantage of our train is that we are able to
slow down at the most scenic areas to offer
you the best viewing and camera opportunities.
We call it Kodak® speed! While there are areas
the train reaches up to 90kph (60mph), our average
speed is approximately 50 kph (30mph).
Is smoking permitted on the train and in the hotel
rooms?
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To
ensure the preservation of the fragile environment
of the areas in which we travel and for the comfort
of all guests and employees, there is no smoking
onboard Rocky Mountaineer. This includes the vestibules
between the coaches and restroom facilities. The
hotels do have limited smoking rooms available
so please make sure you indicate your preference
to the reservations or travel agent when you book
your tour.
Why does the Rocky Mountaineer only operate between
April and October?
We offer all daylight tours meaning you stay overnight
in comfortable accommodation in Kamloops and Quesnel,
the halfway points of the rail journeys. Travelling
during this time of the year ensures that we take
full advantage of the daylight hours and the spectacular
scenery during the time of year when the regions
show their full colours. For those wishing a winter
experience onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, we offer
a full range of tour options for the month of December.
What will the weather be like -and what should
I pack?
Temperatures
vary significantly depending on location, time
of day, and season, from a low of 10°C
(50° F) to a high of 30° C (90° F).
Kamloops and Quesnel, in particular, may be very
warm in the summer. Plan to bring a sweater, slacks,
and a light topcoat or raincoat, as well as lightweight
summer wear. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes, especially
if you plan to walk in the mountains. Flat-soled
shoes should be worn on the train. Comfortable,
casual attire is welcomed on the Rocky Mountaineer
and many of our guests carry their sunglasses with
them onboard the train. In spring and fall, include
a light coat or warm jacket if you're travelling
to high altitudes.
Can children travel on the Rocky Mountaineer?
Yes. However, the Rocky Mountaineer trip is a
minimum of two 9-hour days onboard the train, which
may be long for some children.
What currency should I carry when travelling in
Canada and on the train?
The currency used in Canada is Canadian dollars.
Transactions onboard the train may be paid with
travellers checks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express,
JCB and Diner's Card. We also accept US currency
at close to the current exchange rate, but we recommend
that conversion to Canadian dollars take place
prior to the train departure.
Should I plan connecting transportation on the
day of the Rocky Mountaineer's arrival?
Passenger rail travel in Canada is subject to
unforeseen delays. While the Rocky Mountaineer
is treated as a priority by the railways it uses,
occasional delays do occur. For that reason, we
ask that you please do NOT arrange connecting transportation
on the day of your scheduled arrival in any destination.
What wildlife will I see?
There
are wonderful opportunities for viewing wildlife
from the train and during your stay in
the Canadian Rockies 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.
Are we able to move within the Rocky Mountaineer?
One of the advantages of train travel is the spacious
room afforded to all guests. RedLeaf Service guests
are able to move through their own coach and enjoy
fresh-air vestibules. Access to the two levels
onboard the GoldLeaf dome coaches is limited to
those guests reserving GoldLeaf Service.
Are both the RedLeaf and GoldLeaf coaches accessible
by wheelchair?
We have excellent wheelchair facilities for both
services. There are areas where a wheelchair can
be secured in place and have very easy access to
the wheelchair accessible washrooms. Wheelchair
lifters are available at all stations and the GoldLeaf
dome coaches are equipped with interior ADA-style
elevators. All we ask is that we are informed at
the time of booking of the extent of the disability
so we can guarantee that all plans are in place
to ensure the vacation experience is a pleasant
one.
Can you address my dietary concerns onboard the
train?
Absolutely. All we ask is that you provide your
booking agent or Rocky Mountaineer Vacations with
72 hours notice regarding your request. We will
do everything possible to make your trip on the
train memorable.
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