Rainforest to Gold Rush

Take in the coastal fjords and hidden lakes of the BC wilderness and learn about the province's Gold Rush history.

This 3-day train route, available exclusively in GoldLeaf Service, connects Vancouver to Jasper but travels along a lesser-known rail route that goes through Whistler and Quesnel. Take in the unbeatable views of Howe Sound, the charms of Whistler and views of the gold-flecked canyons along this meandering route.

Pre-Journey

Vancouver

You'll need to arrive in Vancouver at least the day before your Rocky Mountaineer departure. Take time to enjoy some of what Vancouver has to offer.

Spend the day walking along the beach in Kitsilano or visiting the market on Granville Island.

Celebrate your stay in this beautiful coastal location with a dinner out at one of city's many restaurants that showcase local food. Try Forage Vancouver where Chef Craig Sung sources food locally and sustainably.

Enjoy a good night's sleep in one of the city's hotels. You'll be starting your Rocky Mountaineer journey the next morning.

Day 1: Rocky Mountaineer

Whistler

Depart Vancouver in the morning for a half day aboard Rocky Mountaineer, an award-winning luxury sightseeing train.

Enjoy the epic views from the panoramic windows, listen to the entertaining stories told by your Rocky Mountaineer Hosts and enjoy breakfast as the sightseeing train leisurely makes its way to Whistler.

You'll wind your way along stunning Horseshoe Bay and the scenic fjords of Howe Sound and head up the Sea to Sky route toward Whistler. Get lost in the beauty of the Coast Mountains.

Head outside on the outdoor viewing platforms to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Keep your camera ready as the views are unforgettable.

Upon arrival in Whistler, your bags will be delivered to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day in the village.

Popular attractions in Whistler include the spectacular Peak to Peak Gondola, which takes you on a 4.4 km ride between Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain, and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, which celebrates the Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh and Lílw̓at7úl First Nation culture.

End the day with a meal at one of Whistler's renowned restaurants.

Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer

Whistler to Quesnel

Depart Whistler in the morning for a full day of sightseeing on Rocky Mountaineer.

You'll enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast as you journey north through the Fraser River Valley.

The landscape will gradually go from green to arid, a sharp contrast to the colour of the rivers that rush through canyons. Listen to your Rocky Mountaineer Hosts tell the tales of the Gold Rush that took place in these gold-flecked canyons and stories of the Indigenous people who lived in these parts for thousands of years before settlers arrived.

As the train makes its way towards the city of Quesnel in the central interior part of British Columbia, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch.

Head downstairs to the dining room to enjoy your à la carte lunch. The menu is freshly prepared, using locally sourced ingredients.

The spectacular scenery will continue to unfold in front of you throughout the day as you relax in the comfort of the train.

In the evening, the train will roll into the Pacific Great Eastern Railway Station in Quesnel. After checking into your hotel, you can enjoy an evening meal at a local restaurant.

You luggage will be delivered to your hotel for the night.

Quesnel

Quesnel is located at the confluence of the Quesnel and Fraser Rivers in the Cariboo Region of British Columbia.

It is located along the historic gold mining trail (known as the Cariboo Wagon Road), located close to Barkerville which served as the economic hub during the Cariboo Gold Rush in the 1860s.

Today, Quesnel is home to approximately 10,000 people and forestry is the main industry. The location – surrounded by beautiful nature – makes it a popular destination for fishing, hiking and canoeing.

Day 3: Rocky Mountaineer

Quesnel - Jasper

Rise bright and early for your ride back to the train station where you'll board Rocky Mountaineer for your third day of rail adventure.

Today, the train will enter the Rocky Mountains as it heads to its final destination in Jasper National Park. As you lounge in the comfort of the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train, you'll pass by serene lakes, see rushing waterfalls and be amazed at the unfolding mountain landscape.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and a variety of gourmet snacks and beverages throughout the journey. As you are travelling in GoldLeaf Service, you will be joining your fellow travellers in the lower level dining room for meals, while snacks and beverages will be served at your seat.

You'll arrive in Jasper in the evening.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in Jasper townsite and take in the beautiful night sky.

Post-Journey

Jasper

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It is known for its expansive dark sky preserve (one of the largest in the world), abundant wildlife and spectacular mountain peaks.

Enjoy your morning in the town before heading off on your next adventure. We can help you plan an extended stay in Jasper or combine it with a trip along the Columbia IceFields Parkway to Banff and beyond.