Calgarys Hidden Gems: Something for everyone! This 1880 vintage line is best known for its appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. ANational Historic Landmark on wheels, the Cumbres & Toltec steams 64 miles over the Rocky Mountains along cliffs, through narrow Toltec Gorge, over 10,000-foot Cumbres Pass and through miles of evergreen and aspen forest with 100-mile views in every direction. Luckily, they were incredibly responsive and able to share estimated arrival times. The opulent Rocky Mountaineer trains provide an escape from reality for four days between Utah and Colorado. Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour + Banff Gondola, Option 2. I eat eggs and dairy, so I marked the vegetarian option and excitedly anticipated a train ride with solid veggie-friendly options. I had a breakfast parfait option as a non-meat eater, but for lunch, there weren't any vegetarian-friendly options. However, this itinerary still lacked arrival times. Both the storytelling and service were superb, and since I was seated in the SilverLeaf Plus class, I also had access to a separate lounge car, where even more drinks and snacks were served alongside cozy seating for enjoying the views. Send me occasional travel tips and exclusive offers. Before booking the Rocky Mountaineer, I searched the website for a better understanding of the train's schedule. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Caon City, CO, 3. Since the Rocky Mountaineer is all about top-notch service, we all received our hotel room keys before disembarking and found our luggage waiting for us inside our accommodations. We fell in love with the Rockies, its wild life, ice fields, beautiful towns and the friendly people. Ride back in time on Colorados scenic and historic railroads, some of which traverse still-wild terrain that cant be easily experienced by any other form of transit. Departs from Vancouver: Monday & Friday(Tour Code: TR250)Apr 29May 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30Jun 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27Jul 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29Aug 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29Sep 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30, Rocky Mountaineer | Upgrade to GoldLeaf | Vancouver to Jasper/Banff, "We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact.". Ithought 6:30 a.m. felt early for a train ride that's tailored as a vacation. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Every place we have been to have been carved very deeply in our memories. Along the 9-mile journey, youll be treated to spectacular 360-degree views of the Pikes Peak region, from the sweeping plains to the Continental Divide and snow-capped Rockies. I thought a visitor could easily spend an entire weekend in the town, which is sprinkled with cute shops, ice cream parlors, and cozy restaurants. This daily Amtrak train is not antique, but it certainly is scenic. Jessica Poitevien is a freelance travel writer currently based in South Florida but eagerly awaiting her next adventure. All rights reserved. While I understand having a central downtown meeting spot makes sense for most travelers, I could've saved time and an Uber fee if I had the option to board at the River North District location. (breakfast & lunch is included today), Day 3 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Long Train Ride, According to Experts, 12 Luxury Train Rides That You'll Want to Experience, These Incredible Luxury Trains in Europe Are Sparking a New Trend in Train Travel. As the morning sun peaked behind the Rocky Mountaineer train, I could tell that my fellow passengers and I were in for a treat. Most of myconcerns about an "all daylight train" vanished when our train manager Zach Lucas announced how the stop in Glenwood Springs worked. Option 1. Youll take pictures that will be the envy of all of your friends while you stretch your legs and enjoy breathing in pristine mountain air. One minute I was peering onto lush prairies. Though the scenery was awe-inspiring on its own, what really made it come to life was the colorful storytelling of the staff on board the train. All of Rocky Mountaineer's trains are "daylight trains," which means that passengers sleep in a hotel each night instead of in train sleeper cars such as Amtrak's roommettes. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 4. Start and End Points: Chicago and Los Angeles, with stops in Colorado atTrinidad,La JuntaandLamar. Normal service in GoldLeaf Service includes a small amuse bouche appetizer, main course, and dessert at lunch, and fresh fruit, endless coffee, and a main course with breakfast. If I had been glued to my phone, I might have missed the chance to fully appreciate these moments. Later, when we arrived in Moab, it was waiting for me again. So sitting in air conditioning while sipping a gin-and-tonic without TikTok or texts distracting me was a surprising plus of the trip that allowed me to disconnect and focus instead on the passing scenery and my friendly fellow passengers. A spokesperson for the Rocky Mountaineer told me that passengers can't meet at the River North District train tracks since it's an active railyard and poses a safety issue. My seat could also slide forward to create the effect of reclining without bothering the person behind me the first of many thoughtful touches I'd experience during my journey on the Rocky Mountaineer. We had a great time. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Youll continue travelling through lush valleys through the Coast and Cascade Mountains, arriving in desert-like Kamloops for the night. Whether you're a seasoned train traveler or new to the experience, an adventurer or someone who likes to admire Mother Nature from afar, the Rocky Mountaineer really offers it all. A team of four crew members took care of our train car. Offers may be subject to change without notice. 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Comfy panoramic-view cars open to the spectacular walls of the Royal Gorge beside the fast-flowing Arkansas River on this historic railroads tracks. Copyright 2021 Canada Rail Vacations | Built by OSO Creative, Train travel meets unforgettable luxury aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer. Lucas went on and said that our luggage was already inside our hotel room, and that tomorrow morning, we'd all need to be back at the train station by 6:30 a.m. At the mention of the early morning, passengers, including me, murmured and groaned. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Back on-board the Rocky Mountaineer following the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. As the train approached Glenwood Springs, Lucas stopped in every train car to make announcements. In Glenwood Springs, I took a dip in the hot springs pool, enjoyed dinner at Riviera Supper Club and turned in well before my usual midnight bedtime, knowing we had an early morning wake-up call. Keep an eye out: You may very well spot foxes, bighorn sheep and whistling yellow-bellied marmots or on the clearest of days the historic mining camp of Cripple Creek.Start and End Points:Manitou SpringsBonus Tracks: You can hike up Pikes Peak and ride the railway back down or take the train to the summit and bike down along the twisting Pikes Peak Highway. He explained that we'd be spending the night in Hotel Colorado and that once he left, our train attendant would pass out our room keys. By the time I exited the springs, showered, and was ready for dinner, nearly every restaurant was closed. Her favorite topics are food, travel, and culture, but she'll write about almost anything that piques her curiosity. Despite our varying levels of train travel experience and expertise, however, we still came to the same conclusion: the Rockies to the Red Rocks experience is not one to miss. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. From the train station, Lucas pointed to the hotelwhere the majority of passengers would be spending the night. Leaving Kamloops, follow the Thompson River through Ashcroft, one of Canadas driest towns, with an average rainfall of just 18 centimetres. Insider paid for the train, per our reporting standards. Traveling on the Rocky Mountaineer only during daylight hours meant we always had stunning views to enjoy. It also marks the first time a passenger train has made its way to Moab. I envisioned a long walk or drive to the hotel and was wary of having no privacy onboard the train. Classic Rocky Mountain Rail Circle Tour | Rocky Mountaineer. Get a daily selection of our top stories based on your reading preferences. The Kicking Horse river leads you to Kicking Horse Pass, the Spiral Tunnels and over the Continental Divide to Banff, and Banff National Park. You can send a copy of this page to your email address for reference.Please enter a valid email address below. In the spirit of healing and education, we acknowledge the 48 contemporary tribes with historic ties to the state of Colorado. ", She added that "the vegetarian meals are sourced and prepared in addition to the standard menu and may vary, based on the freshest options the culinary team can provide.". Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour, Option 2. Related: 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Long Train Ride, According to Experts. All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. This coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive runs 200 feet above the Animas River, featuring views of majestic peaks as it passes through the remote canyons and wilderness of the Animas Gorge and San Juan National Forest. To connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume only 2 miles apart through a steep, narrow canyon the railroads 1880s builders constructed tracks that corkscrewed up more than 600 feet in elevation on four bridges. The trip can be complemented with a view of the gorge from one of the worlds highest suspension bridges. That includes Utah's Mighty Five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Moab also offers thrilling off-road jeep experiences with companies like Outlaw Adventure Tours and mesmerizing stargazing with Moab Astronomy Tours. In GoldLeaf Service, youll take breakfast and lunch in the lower dining area of the rail car. Start and End Points: Chicago and San Francisco, with six stops in Colorado betweenFort Morgan,Denver, Glenwood SpringsandGrand Junction, A second Amtrak line travels through the southeast corner of Colorado, providing access to classic American Southwest landscapes and attractions such as Bents Old Fort and Koshare Indian Kiva and Museum. Fairmont Banff Springs Canadas castle in the Rockies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Start and End Points:Silver PlumeandGeorgetownBonus Tracks: Passengers can elect to disembark to tour the historic Lebanon Silver Mine at roughly the halfway point on the trip. With such a high price tag, I had lofty expectations. Last year, the Canadian train company launched its fourth route the first out of the US called Rockies to the Red Rocks, which takes passengers between Denver, Colorado; Glenwood Springs, Colorado; and Moab, Utah, over the course of two days. Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm PST When she's not traveling or writing, you can find Jessica stoking the flames of her other obsessions: baking shows, talking to strangers, and exploring nature. Once I boarded, I was disappointed with the menu. It's also hard to visit the town withoutseeing its hot springs, nature trails, and amusement park, which sits on the top of a mountain. Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Reopening in May 2021 after a swanky upgrade, the worlds highest cog railway takes you to its dynamic new visitor center on the summit of Pikes Peak thats 14,115 feet! Ultimately, I landed on taking a dip in the hot springs. (breakfast & lunch is included today), Day 8 Kamloops to Vancouver | Rocky Mountaineer I disembarked the train struggling to decide how to prioritize my few hours in the town. Recline in comfortable, roomy seats aboard this world-class train, watch the most extraordinary mountains, rivers, and wildlife through oversized windows, and feel pampered as your onboard hosts bring fresh pastry, coffee, treats, and top-shelf beers, wines, and cocktails right to your seat. Start and End Points: Antonito, CO, and Chama, NMBonus Tracks:The C&T runs several special trains throughout the year, including moonlight dinner runs and the Cinder Bear Express, designed especially for kids. If I had taken an Amtrak train, the short stop likely wouldn't have been long enough to disembark. The unparalleled service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer starts the moment you arrive at the station. Start and End Points:Cripple CreekandVictorBonus Tracks:The ride is fully narrated, with the conductor sharing wonderful facts about the history and scenery around Cripple Creek. Post breakfast, the train served an hors d'oeuvre of chicken flautas. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, so views from the train, with its dome-like sightseeing cars, were bound to be impressive. Ask me about the endearing tale of where our main storyteller, Mike, had his first kiss, and I could still recite it by memory. Option 2. That meant the moment I disembarked, I had nothing to worry about except for the backpack I packed for the train ride. Sure, they seemed picturesque, but I wondered if they really create a different atmosphere thantraditional, straight-edged rectangular windows? We have just come back from 10+ days tour from Vancouver to Jasper/Lake Louise/Banff/Kamloops back to Vancouver via train/bus. Day 7 Jasper to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer Before you book, check the trains websites for information on fun themed and seasonal excursions: fall-color photo trips, wine-and-dine tours, mystery dinners, winter North Pole festivities and more. as well as other partner offers and accept our, winner of the 2021 world's leading luxury train, instead of in train sleeper cars such as Amtrak's roommettes, conventional hotel room, which was included in the price of my train travel, instead of a roommette, a link where guests are able to see the itineraries. It wasn't until 30 days before the trip that passengers learned more about the train's schedule. I could choose between Asian vegetarian meals, diabetic meals, gluten-free meals, low-fat meals, non-lactose meals, vegan meals, and vegetarian lacto-ovo meals. Jessica is a regular contributing writer for Travel + Leisure but also has bylines in Cond Nast Traveler, Business Insider, Fodor's Travel, and more. Since I only live a 10-minute walk from the site where we boarded the train, I wish I could have gone directly there. Related: These Incredible Luxury Trains in Europe Are Sparking a New Trend in Train Travel. Jessica Poitevien is a Travel + Leisure contributor currently based in South Florida, but she's always on the lookout for her next adventure. I wondered if the train would have a late morning start or if I'd have an entire afternoon and evening in Glenwood Springs. When you leave the train, youre never hungry. We definitely want to come back and we know who to contact. The trip ended in Moab, surrounded by the red rocks that helped named this route. Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm PST You can add your details below to appear. The next day, Isaw miles and miles of Utah's iconic red sandstone desert. I somehow missed the webpage, and after searching the train's website and my email inbox, I finally gave up and called the Rocky Mountaineer customer service line. Option 1. Related: 12 Luxury Train Rides That You'll Want to Experience. Explore the natural wonders near the town of Banff on this half-day, small-group tour. The next, I was gazing down into valleys with rapidspassingpowerfully by. Then Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Luckily, it was just a five-minute walk from the station. Several stops along the route of this family-owned railroad provide views and photo ops of Pikes Peak and old mining camps, as well as the opportunity to hear the train whistle ricochet off the walls of Echo Valley. I met folks who had ridden the Rocky Mountaineer several times in Canada, another who explored Japan's high-speed rail system, and even a passenger who spent two weeks on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest railway line in the world. Many of our guests, train enthusiasts and adventurers alike, tell us this tour is the realization of a life-long dream.
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