Train travel like you've never imagined!

Train travel is a wonderful way to view the outdoors in a comfortable, luxurious fashion. Rocky Mountaineer offers several tours, but one of their short trips is the Whistler Route. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Sea to Sky region between Vancouver and Whistler.

During your three and a half hour train trip you’ll travel through the scenic Howe Sound and the Cheakamus Canyon and past the snow-capped peaks of the Tantalus Mountains. You can also include a city excursion of Whistler and/or Vancouver, extending your trip three to five days, depending on whether you choose one or both.

These trips are available in there levels of service, depending on what you'd like. Redleaf Service, Goldleaf Service and Goldleaf with Fairmont Deluxe service.

If you're looking for a longer journey throughout British Columbia's gorgeous landscape, there are lots of possible journeys, but only one possible response: Wow. No matter which trip you choose, I guarantee you’ll sit nose pressed to the window as the knowledgeable Onboard Attendants offer fascinating live commentary.

Oh and rest assured, the windows are cleaned thoroughly after each and every trip.

There's classic first passage to the West trips that include travelling through legendary Spiral Tunnels and passing by the the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This trip is doused in history, and great for those wanting to retrace the steps of the 19th century explorers.

Westbound or Eastbound, from sea to shining sea, get to know Canada in the most unique and beautiful way possible. Dip your toe into the Pacific Ocean and end your journey in Toronto, or continue on to Halifax to dip into the Atlantic Ocean for a truly Canadian experience.

Combine rail and ocean with a Rocky Mountaineer trip and an Alaskan cruise. Classic styling, world-class amenities and more of everything the adventurous heart desires.

These are just a handful of what's available when booking a Rocky Mountaineer vacation. Give us a call and let us plan the perfect holiday for you!

Wildlife on a Rocky Mountaineer Adventure

Bighorn Sheep, Photo: dbarronoss on Flickr

British Columbia is completely immersed in natural beauty, including a stunning variety of wildlife. Offering encircling panoramic windows, the Rocky Mountaineer provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding wilderness. On a Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey you will explore the protected areas of Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, and the famed Banff and Jasper. Many large mammals and birds flourish in these regions. Wildlife to look for include black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, caribou, big horn sheep, cougars, wolves, and lynx.

The chance to draw in all that the rare, rugged Canadian Rockies have to offer is amazing. Yet one must keep in mind that wildlife is wild, so keeping your distance is a must. Animals rely on their natural habitat to survive; therefore, travelers must also be responsible when they are visiting these habitats. Overall, witnessing wildlife on the in their natural setting is tremendously moving when taking the Rocky Mountaineer.

The Rocky Mountaineer Experience

Once summer arrives, the Rocky Mountaineer experience, although already unique in itself, exposes even more of the hidden treasures embedded in British Columbia's natural soul. With the same attentive personal service, the routine "ALL ABOARD!" salute, and all of the signature Rocky Mountaineer charisma--the summer season just makes way for even more brilliance. Several packages are available for the summer season; making every dollar worth even more. This vacationing season unveils the turquoise hues of the glacially fed Lake Peyto, boasts the emergence of the wildlife-awakening from their winter slumber, and ultimately, exudes the most breathless scenery.

The Gold Leaf Service features full-length dome windows for panoramic sites that, although viewable in the winter, are eloquently enhanced in the summer. Such sites include the notable exposure of the deep scars of the mountains-re-telling the stories of avalanches from thousands of years ago and the jaw- dropping revelation of a distinctive contrast in the green, lush valleys next to the overpowering mountains topped with crystal glacial ice.

Also, this award-winning adventure has just announced their new Silver Leaf Service as another unique way to experience Western Canada. This recently released service offers a middle-man option with the same in-seat hot meals and panoramic views as the Gold Leaf Service and a price comparable to that of the Bronze Leaf Service for such perks.

Whether you decide on the short and sweet Whistler sea to Sky Climb or the historically packed Journey to the West, any train journey creates an ambience for quality time that is difficult to cultivate in our fast-paced society. In the 2009 summer season, Alison Mcgill, Editor-in-Chief of Weddingbells Magazine, explains that, "There was no time for the iPhone, magazines, or books-the landscape and the gentle rhythm of the train had [her] completely rapt. It was a journey that quickly vaulted itself into [her] travel annals as one of the best and most unique vacations [she's] ever experienced."

The Sea to Sky Rail Journey

The Rocky Mountaineer is an amazing way to travel from Vancouver to Whistler or vice versa. It’s comfortable, stress-free and you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery every step of the way.

The three-hour train trip takes you from the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver, through scenic Howe Sound and the spectacular Cheakamus Canyon. Howe Sound is North America’s southernmost fjord and is located northwest of Vancouver. Views of the sound are absolutely stunning from the Rocky Mountaineer. The Rocky Mountaineers Sea to Sky Climb is the most comfortable and intimate way to explore Cheakamus Canyon. Poke your head out the window and take in the dramatic scenery below.

Next, the train takes you across a trestle bridge and past the jagged snow-capped peaks of the Tantalus Mountains – a small but spectacular range of mountains in British Columbia. Pass by an old extinct volcano, before finally arriving in the mountain landscape of world-renowned Whistler Village. Whistler co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics with Vancouver, and is the ski capital of Canada.

For more information about this rail journey call 1-800-800-7252.

Spotlight on Jasper, BC

Sightseeing tours of Jasper by train reveal that not much has changed with this historic and natural Canadian landmark. Even with the addition of highways and the railroad, those who arrive for vacations will experience Jasper National Park very much as it was when David Thompson, Canada's great fur-trade-era explorer, first saw it. Established in 1907 on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, Jasper National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At over 10,800 sq. km, the Park is a living example of a protected mountain ecosystem that allows those who tour or come for a vacation to enjoy solitude, wildlife, outdoor recreation and a wide range of learning opportunities. Within the boundaries of Jasper National Park there are also five National Historic Sites, a heritage Railway Station, approximately 500 archaeological sites and a Canadian Heritage River, the Athabasca.

From Coast to Coast by Train

Three times a week year-round, the legendary "Canadian" links Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver, via the lakelands of Ontario and the snow-capped mountains of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Not only is the scenery spectacular, the train itself is a piece of history: In the early 1990s, without the funds to buy new cars, state-owned operator VIA Rail refurbished the original streamlined stainless steel coaches built in 1955 for the Canadian Pacific Railroad's "Canadian".

In Silver & Blue class passengers travel in private sleepers, take breakfast, lunch and dinner in the elegant Silver & Blue restaurant, and relax in lounges sporting traditional roof-top "vista domes" for a 360-degree view of Canada. The three-night journey from Toronto to Vancouver in Silver & Blue class costs from C$859, including sleeper and meals. But there's also an economy option - Comfort class reclining seats with their own coffee shop, lounge and vista-dome for sightseeing, from C$433, meals extra. Visitors to Canada will also appreciate VIA Rail's other routes, the fast inter-city trains linking Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec, and the overnight Montreal-Halifax "Ocean".

North America's most Fascinating Rail Trips

In search of a trip by railroad in order to discover a few of the more stunning and rugged parts of North America? Have a look at four of Northern America’s most fascinating train excursions.

1. The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer is perhaps the most hardy and most lovely railways throughout Northern America. Weaving its way through the Canadian Rockies, you just can not see a more lovely region any other way. The Rocky Mountaineer offers 4 specific bundles with tour durations lasting between 2 to eight days.

The 1st Passage to the West takes you through:

* Fraser Valley, Fraser and Thompson Canyons
* The final Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway
* Rogers Pass
* Spiral Tunnels
* Kicking Horse Pass
* Banff National Park
Journey Through the Clouds will take you through:
* Fraser Valley, Fraser and Thompson Canyons
* Pyramid Falls
* Albreda Icefields
* Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies
* Jasper National Park
There’s also the Rainforest to the Gold Rush excursion as well as the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb. Rates start around $609 Canadian.

2. Adirondack Scenic Railroad

If you’re trying to encounter a shorter trip and wish to enjoy the attractiveness of the Adirondacks, you cannot fail with the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. This outing presents outings in to the stunning 6 million acre Adirondack Park.

Trains leave from:

* Utica’s Union Station
* Thendara Station near Old Forge
* Saranac Lake Union Depot
* Lake Placid Station in the beautiful Olympic Village of Lake Placid, New York

3. Canyonlands

A rail get-away throughout the Canyonlands will certainly be chock-full of adventure. Beginning in Salt Lake City, Utah and ending in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the eight-day, seven-night journey takes you through:

* Canyonlands National Park
* Arches National Park
* Four Corners Monument
* Mesa Verde National Park
* The Rocky Mountains
You’ll find three excursions each year and prices tend to be reasonable at $1599 per person, double occupancy and include some meals.

4. Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad offers scenic one day excursions which includes a 12-hour Denali adventure tour which will take you through the whole 95-mile restricted Denali park road. Plan to observe wildlife you’ve never encountered before as well as enjoy a lunch, gold panning, and also a nature walk.

Northern America offers some beautiful and robust wilderness. Why not encounter it by train? You may enjoy the extravagance of having someone else drive whilst experiencing the view. With meals offered aboard and stops in many of the most beautiful places, it’s actually a great way to enjoy your holiday.