Your Next Trip TRAVEL GUIDE

Rocky Mountaineer Canada Route

Vancouver to Banff

Join Dayvee Sutton aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for its signature two‑day journey from Vancouver to Banff. Glide through coastal rainforests, deep river canyons and alpine forests, settle into a dome car with panoramic views, sample chef‑crafted meals and stories, overnight in Kamloops, then awake to sweeping peaks and glacier‑fed lakes. It’s a slow‑travel adventure that invites you to simply look out the window.

Now, check out our recommendations featured in this episode and more!

What to do

Rocky Mountaineer – First Passage to the West
Experience a two-day daylight-only train journey through Western Canada aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. With panoramic dome-cars, luxury seating, and gourmet meals, this route takes you from the coast in Vancouver, through dry interior valleys, across mountain passes, and into the Canadian Rockies.

  • Route: Vancouver → Kamloops → Banff (or Lake Louise)

  • Season: Mid-April to early October

  • Travel Days: 2 days, with one overnight hotel stay in Kamloops

  • Hours of Travel: Approx. 8–10 hours per day, daylight only

  • Cost: Starting around CAD $2,289 for SilverLeaf, and CAD $3,065+ for GoldLeaf

HELPFUL NOTES

Interior Valleys

After the rainforest near Vancouver, the train enters British Columbia’s dry interior before climbing into the Rockies.

Scenic Features

Highlights include Fraser Canyon, Thompson River Valley, the Spiral Tunnels, and Kicking Horse Pass.

Service Levels

SilverLeaf features single-level dome seating with meals at your seat. GoldLeaf includes bi-level dome cars with a full glass ceiling and a dining room below.

Check out Rocky Mountaineeer Routes HERE

Where to stay

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
Modern downtown hotel in Kamloops, ideal for the overnight stop.

  • Address: 540 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B2, Canada

  • Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM

  • Cost: Mid-tier nightly rates (seasonal)

  • Website: Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops

Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff
Boutique upscale hotel in Banff, steps from shops and restaurants, perfect for the journey’s conclusion.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Luxury resort styled like a “castle in the Rockies”—an ideal splurge to cap your rail journey.

And there’s tons of other fabulous places to stay during your trip.

Check out the best accommodation deals below.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit

    The Rocky Mountaineer runs from mid-April to early October, with each season offering something different.
    Spring (April–May): Expect snowcapped peaks, waterfalls in full flow, and fewer crowds.
    Summer (June–August): Warmer temps and longer days, with vibrant greens in the valleys.
    Fall (September–October): Crisp air and changing foliage make this a favorite for photographers.

  • Getting Around

    VANCOUVER:
    Public transit is excellent. Use the SkyTrain, buses, or SeaBus to explore. Taxis and ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft) are also widely available.

    BANFF
    Most attractions are within walking distance from downtown. Roam Transit offers local bus service to major sights including Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon.

  • Safety Tips

    Altitude: Banff sits at around 4,600 feet—hydration and pacing help if you're not used to elevation.
    Wildlife: If you're hiking before or after the train, be aware of bears and elk. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
    Weather Variability: Weather in the Rockies can change quickly. Dress in layers and bring rain gear, even in summer.

  • Helpful Notes

    Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's handy to have some cash for tips or small purchases.
    Tipping: 15–20% is standard at restaurants and for service staff.
    Luggage: Your checked luggage is transferred between train and hotel each day. Keep a day bag with medications, cameras, and essentials onboard.
    Wi-Fi/Cell Service: There is no Wi-Fi or cell service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. This is a true unplugged experience.
    Border Tips: U.S. travelers don’t need a visa, but bring your passport for entry into Canada.

    Plug Type: Type A (two-pin) and Type B (three-pin, grounded)
    Voltage: 120V
    Frequency: 60Hz

Packing list

Planning for this two-day daylight-only train journey means thinking in layers, not luggage. You won’t access your main suitcase during the day, so what’s in your carry-on matters. The key: comfort, weather versatility, and unplugged travel essentials.

Day Bag Essentials (for use onboard the train):

  • Light jacket or sweater (temperature can vary in the dome cars)

  • Sunglasses (the dome cars let in a lot of light)

  • Lip balm and hand cream (train cabins can be dry)

  • Refillable water bottle (stay hydrated at elevation)

  • Camera or phone (for photos — Wi-Fi and service are unavailable onboard)

  • Chargers and power bank (no seat-side outlets in SilverLeaf)

  • Book, journal, or offline entertainment

  • Prescription medications or daily essentials

Clothing:

  • Base layers for spring or fall (merino or moisture-wicking)

  • T-shirts and long sleeves for layering

  • Fleece or insulated jacket for Banff mornings

  • Windbreaker or light rain jacket

  • Comfortable pants or jeans

  • Casual outfits for dinners off-train in Kamloops and Banff

  • Dressier outfit if staying at upscale hotels (e.g., Fairmont Banff Springs)

Footwear:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers

  • Optional: waterproof shoes or boots for exploring Banff or Lake Louise

Extras (based on season):

  • Gloves, hat, and scarf (especially for spring or fall)

  • Binoculars (for spotting wildlife or distant peaks)

  • Swimsuit (some hotels have hot tubs or spas)

  • Travel umbrella or compact rain poncho

  • Sunscreen (UV is strong at elevation—even in cool temps)

Pro Tips:

  • Pack light layers instead of bulky items—weather shifts between Vancouver, Kamloops, and Banff.

  • Keep your outfit relaxed; this is luxury travel without the dress code.

  • Bring a small amount of Canadian cash for incidental tips or snacks in town.

Get a full packing list and free downloadable template at Pack Better. 

Ultimate Packing List Library

Find the perfect customizable packing list for all of your travel situations on our sister website Pack Better.

Download your FREE packing list HERE

This episode of "Your Next Trip" explored the ancestral lands of

We extend our respect and gratitude to the Indigenous communities who have been the stewards of these lands for generations. Research for this acknowledgment was made possible using the NativeLand.ca.

Learn more about responsible travel practices in the TWD Responsible Travel Guide.

Visit the guide

Trip provided by: Rocky Mountaineer

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