ALONG COMES MARY

Have you ever taken a trip by train? I have not but I think I just found a unique one to do. Rocky Mountaineer offers travelers an unforgettable journey through, you guessed it, the Rocky Mountains and beyond. Rocky Mountaineer has been on my radar for a while now. It’s funny when something of interest to me begins to “pop up” in unexpected, crazy ways.

I was so excited to get a text from my buddy, Elaine, at Trip Well Gal. She invited me to join her at Rocky Mountaineer’s roadshow stop in Pasadena. The railroad excursion is currently on the main roads to introduce nomads to their packages. As we continue to come out of the pandemic, it was exciting to be in a room full of eager travel media professionals. I learned so much about Rocky Mountaineer and hope to board one of their trains soon. 

What IS Rocky Mountaineer? 

The Rocky Mountaineer allows guests to see Western parts of North America (Canada and the USA) by train. This gives spectators a completely different experience than driving. Some routes are different than if one were to drive them. They offer five itineraries varying from First Passage to the West and Rainforest to Gold Rush. Days are spent cruising through majestic scenery like the Red Rocks and nights are spent in partnering hotels

This was when I was hooked. The opportunity to enjoy all of these breathtaking sights by daylight, then have the comfort of unwinding back at a hotel. The accommodations for Rocky Mountaineer are just as top-notch as riding with them. Each location is state of the art with marvelous views of the surroundings. 

During the presentation, I was impressed to hear that some historic hotels, while significant with great history, are not eligible to partner with Rocky Mountaineer. They want to ensure riders are getting as refreshed as possible before boarding the train the next morning. 

Where does Rocky Mountaineer Travel To?

I thought I knew which route I wanted to take most, but after learning more about all five, any would be thrilling. The first Passage to the West embarks travelers to Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, and Lake Louise. Journey Through the Clouds will have guests stopping in Vancouver, Jasper, and Kamloops. These are both two-day rail routes. Rainforest to Gold Rush, one that left me in awe, goes from Vancouver with stops to Whistler, Quesnel, and Jasper. This is their longest rail route at three days. 

Their newest, Rockies to the Red Rocks, is their first sole USA itinerary. With agendas relying heavily on going through Canada, COVID left that a bit difficult for the Mountaineer. This two-day rail route takes visitors through Colorado and Utah. Disembarks are in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab. From the little glimpse I got of the Red Rocks in Sedona, I can only imagine how amazing this trip is. 

Dining on Board

It was music to my ears that nearly all dietary restrictions can be accommodated while on board with the Mountaineer. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian. The only one that would have more logistics is dining Kosher. 

During the trip, all meals and drinks are included. This includes alcoholic beverages. More premium options are also available when guests select Silver Leaf Plus, which is an add-on for the Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary. 

Some Last Thoughts

Wi-fi is not available while riding. This got me even more intrigued. Although I’d be blowing up my phone and taking pictures, I like the thought of disconnecting while on the train. Catching up sounds like a great way to unwind once checked into the hotel.

Surprisingly, these trips are not recommended for families. The days are, indeed, long on the train, and the environment is more of an over-21 crowd. It would be a great second honeymoon once Mabel is older, a trip with friends, or even a solo adventure. 

It was so wonderful to learn more about Rocky Mountaineer. I hope to travel with them in the future. In the meantime, get more information and plan a getaway with them HERE.