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Rainforest to Gold Rush

Take the path less travelled on a rail journey through the BC wilderness

Make your way past coastal fjords, through lush temperate rainforests and over spectacular mountain passes on a 3-day train trip between Vancouver and Jasper, with overnight stops in Whistler and Quesnel. This is the longest journey offered by the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer and heads along some of the lesser-explored rail lines in the British Columbia wilderness.

Take in unbeatable views of Howe Sound, delight in the charms of Whistler, view the gold-flecked canyons along the historic gold rush route and be wowed as the spectacular Canadian Rockies come into view. Travelling only by day and sleeping in hotels at night means you won’t miss a second of the ever-changing scenery.

from $5,385 CAD per person in GoldLeaf Service
Itinerary/Overview
Inclusions
Travel Details
Options Extras
Itinerary/Overview

Itinerary/Overview

Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler

Spectacular scenery greets you immediately as the train departs the North Vancouver station and winds its way along Horseshoe Bay and the scenic fjords of Howe Sound. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast as you gaze at the beautiful coastal landscape.

Soon you’ll bid farewell to the ocean and head into the majestic Coast Mountains. You’ll pass by The Chief, one of Vancouver’s most famous local landmarks, before ending up in world-famous Whistler.

You’ll have plenty of time left in the day to explore the many shops and restaurants in the village. Or take a ride on the impressive Peak-2-Peak Gondola, which connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountain peaks in what is the highest gondola ride in the world – an incredible 426 metres above the valley floor! Panoramic views of volcanic peaks, coastal rainforests and ancient glaciers make this an unforgettable experience.

Day 2: Whistler to Quesnel

As the train departs Whistler this morning, you’ll have beautiful views of the Fraser River Valley. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast and get an up-close view of some of the most contrasting landscapes in Western Canada, where rushing rivers meet arid expanses.

The train continues along a historic rail route through the gold-flecked canyons of British Columbia’s central interior that drew thousands of prospectors during the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1862. Enjoy a delicious three-course lunch as you gaze at the ever-changing landscape.

The day’s journey ends in Quesnel, a vibrant community situated at the confluence of the Quesnel and Fraser rivers.

Day 3: Quesnel to Jasper

Enjoy one last gourmet breakfast with a view as the train rolls out of Quesnel and heads through northern British Columbia towards Alberta and Jasper National Park.

Your journey into the Rockies takes you past serene lakes, rushing waterfalls, and an increasingly mountainous terrain. Enjoy breathtaking views along with your chef-prepared lunch. As you get closer to your final destination in Jasper, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain peaks that reach up into the sky. Take in the view through the panoramic windows. Your hosts will point out the most prominent peaks, including the memorable Mount Robson, which has the distinction of being the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Your journey ends in the enchanting mountain town of Jasper, where you can dip your toes into the turquoise waters of the famous glacially-fed lakes and take in the wonder of the Rockies.

Inclusions

Included

    GoldLeaf: The Height of Luxury FIVE-STAR COMFORT MEETS FIVE-STAR VIEWS With our GoldLeaf Service, indulge your senses with gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs, and expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies.
    Includes:
  • Bi-level dome with seating above and dining room below
  • Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views
  • Gourmet à la carte meals in the lower-level dining room
  • Reclining, comfortable pre-assigned seating with ample legroom
  • Attended by four Hosts, plus a full culinary team
  • Signature cocktails, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Gourmet sweet and savoury snacks
  • Large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform
  • Engaging Hosts with stories about historic sites, scenery, and wildlife
  • Luggage delivery to your overnight hotel accommodation in Whistler, Quesnel, and Kamloops
Travel Details

Primary Location

Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper

Departures

April - October

Pricing Details

Price for Rainforest to Gold Rush Rail Classic Eastbound package per person in CAD, for departure Vancouver on April 25, 2024, in GoldLeaf Service with Standard Room accommodation, subject to availability. Accommodation is based on double occupancy. Hotel level applies to hotels in destinations only, not to midpoint hotels. Pricing includes applicable taxes. Additional conditions apply.

The Rocky Mountaineer features three unique rail excursions through the Canadian Rockies. Take a look at our Journey Through The Clouds and First Passage to the West excursions for more itinerary options. Please note that each itinerary can also be done in reverse.

Options Extras

Optional Extras

    Short Journeys
  • 2-3 days onboard on Rainforest to Gold Rush
  • 1 night in Whistler & 1 night in Quesnel
  • One-way: begin and end in different locations
    Rockies Highlights
  • 2-3 days onboard on Rainforest to Gold Rush
  • 1 night in Whistler & 1 night in Quesnel
  • One-way: begin and end in different locations
  • Experiences
  • Sightseeing tours and/or car rentals in the Rockies
  • 1 night in Vancouver
  • 5-6 nights in the Rockies
  • See Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper
    Circle Journeys
  • 4-5 days onboard on any 2 rail routes
  • 2-3 nights in a midpoint hotel
  • Round trip: begin and end in the same location
  • Experiences
  • Sightseeing tours and/or car rentals in the Rockies
  • 1-2 nights in Vancouver
  • 3-6 nights in the Rockies

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