Traversing the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff is an awe-inspiring adventure, with its ever-changing landscapes, snow-clad peaks, and abundant wildlife sightings. While a road trip through these destinations is undoubtedly spectacular, envision relinquishing the wheel to a seasoned train conductor and entrusting your culinary experience to a talented executive chef and his epicurean team.

Picture yourself reclining in plush seats beneath a transparent dome, offering uninterrupted vistas of the Canadian Rockies throughout the entire journey. The Rocky Mountaineer experience is an unforgettable train voyage that becomes even more exceptional for food enthusiasts.

I had the privilege of embarking on a 2-Day Journey aboard Rocky Mountaineer after a few days of exploring the glorious city of Vancouver. This renowned train expedition, the “First Passage to the West” route, is one of several captivating routes departing from Rocky Mountaineer’s state-of-the-art train station just outside Vancouver.

The Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Experience

GoldLeaf Service – As we arrived at the station in Vancouver, we were welcomed by the entire crew with open arms. While waiting to board the train for our first day-long expedition, we were serenaded by piano music as our conductor introduced the enthusiastic passengers to our rail journey itinerary. When it was time to depart, a bagpipe aficionado played Scottish melodies as we received a fond farewell of waves from the Vancouver crew at the station’s docks.

Upon entering the GoldLeaf deck, we were immediately in awe of the beautifully appointed train cars and lush seating. Surrounded by domed picture windows, we settled into our seats and celebrated the commencement of two incredible days of luxury rail travel.

As the Rocky Mountaineer train slowly retreated along the tracks, the guests applauded our pending adventures through Western Canada. The mesmerizing Canadian Rockies awaited our arrival on this 2-day sojourn through these majestic mountains. At the end of the first day’s voyage, we stopped for the evening in the town of Kamloops. Our venture would conclude the next afternoon, arriving at our final destination, welcomed by the breathtaking vistas of Banff and Lake Louise.

Rocky Mountaineer’s exclusive passenger rail service along this historic route unfolds through the lush Fraser Valley, spiraling tunnels, and seven majestic mountain ranges. During our passage, we viewed Craigellachie, the site where the final spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The Route, Scenery, and the Wildlife

Another location on the train to take in the remarkable views during this train trek was the outdoor viewing platform between cars. Along the way, guests were treated to an abundance of incredible sights, including a massive grizzly bear fishing along the river beside the train tracks. Adding to the memorable moments was spotting a grand eagle’s nest perched high atop one of the passing train towers – an unforgettable highlight.

Throughout this extraordinary historic route, the ever-changing scenery left us continually enchanted with every turn of the train. The Rocky Mountaineer experience is a place where passengers get to relax, unwind, savor, and indulge in first-class pampering. The impeccable service of the Rocky Mountaineer team is exceptional, as they are dedicated to ensuring the passengers receive the most extraordinary experience.

The journey begins with the utmost comfort and style. Passengers can choose from various classes, including SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf, each providing spacious seating, panoramic windows, and exceptional service. The bi-level GoldLeaf dome cars offer an elevated perspective, with a glass-dome roof that allows passengers to savor every moment of the scenery. In addition, it also offers dining room meal service with impressive wine and meal options.

The Rocky Mountaineer experience seamlessly pairs National Geographic’s splendors with the Food Channel’s delectable offerings. What a delightful fusion of breathtaking natural landscapes and sumptuous five-star dining imbued with the luxury reminiscent of the Orient Express. It’s an experience unparalleled in its grandeur.

Each day, our journey commenced with a refreshing “Welcome Aboard” toast, crew introductions, and captivating descriptions of the day’s upcoming adventures. The anticipation was always heightened by the tempting food selections awaiting us. There was never a moment we went hungry or thirsty.

The Rocky Mountaineer Food and Wine Program

The culinary symphony aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is orchestrated by their acclaimed Executive Chef Kaelhub Cudmore and his talented team of chefs in the train’s compact kitchens. Multiple galleys are on board to accommodate the preparation for GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf services. If Chef Cudmore happens to be on your itinerary, his charming presence will delight and entertain the passengers. He often frequents with the guests in between preparing his creations for the day. The chef and his epicurean entourage bring unmatched expertise to the Rocky Mountaineer dining experience.

Chef Cudmore is a Vancouver native with an impressive culinary career under his chef toque (chef hat). He spent a decade on the team developing the world-renowned Clayoquot Wilderness Resort into the exclusive Relais & Chateaux property it is today. Kaelhub was also a leader in the Thomas Keller program aboard the top luxury cruise line, Seabourn. He has a deep passion for not only food but for travel as well.

Chef Kaelhub shared that the logistical challenge is the train is constantly moving, jittering, and shaking. There are space constraints, and the galley is small. There are also timing constraints. They have to prepare to account for the traffic on the rails. The chef comments, “I’m inspired by food memories, the land, and the people who call it home. This is the beauty of the evolving culinary program at Rocky Mountaineer.”

The chefs on each of the voyages must be creative with preparing these beautifully orchestrated meals with constant movement and rolling along the irregular tracks. They have become masters of preparing inspired cuisine, working within their limitations onboard a cruising train.

The former RM Chef Guerin explained the process, “Cooking on board is not difficult. However, we have to take everything, including the kitchen sink. We don’t have the luxury of stopping for anything. We have to take 2-3 days of supplies. And when I say supplies, that’s not just the food, but the expertise – the chefs have to travel with us. Everything has to be super well organized aboard the train. You have to know where everything is.”

Breakfast and Lunch Service Aboard Rocky Mountaineer

Breakfast begins with coffee, juice, and a seasonal fruit creation, accompanied by a freshly baked treat. The menu typically features Classic Eggs Benedict, consisting of two poached eggs and Canadian back bacon on a toasted English muffin, crowned with tarragon hollandaise. Another morning delight was the Spinach, Feta, and Egg Soufflé, served with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and smoked farmer’s sausages.

Between breakfast and lunch, passengers enjoyed mid-morning snacks and a selection of hot and cold beverages, including mimosas and the Canadian version of the Bloody Mary – the “Caesar.”

At lunchtime, passengers return to the beautifully appointed dining room, tables set with white linen and adorned with fresh floral arrangements. Upon arriving in the dining car, the aromas wafting from the galley signaled another gastronomic delight awaited with recipes crafted by Chef Kaelhub Cudmore. The culinary program is locally inspired and regionally sourced. You can expect to delight in dishes like Alberta Striploin Steak or Crispy Skin Lois Lake Steelhead. There are always six delectable entrees to select from in the GoldLeaf Service.

The wine program reflects the landscape guests experience during their journey, with a selection of local wines on their routes. On this route, “First Passage to the West,” they featured varietals from British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region and expertly paired them with the afternoon’s culinary creations.

Rocky Mountaineer’s Newest Route

Rocky Mountaineer’s newest route is “Rockies to the Red Rocks” – a breathtaking journey aboard Rocky Mountaineer through the Colorado Rockies.

Their new journey offers an unparalleled experience through the majestic Colorado Rockies. This extraordinary train ride takes passengers on a mesmerizing expedition from Denver to Moab, Utah, traversing the picturesque landscapes that define the American West. With its impeccable service, breathtaking vistas, and a deep sense of adventure, the Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a must-do for travelers seeking to explore the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West – Conclusion

Traveling from Vancouver to Banff with Rocky Mountaineer’s “First Passage to the West” has never been this enchanting, and the new routes, including the captivating journey through the Colorado Rockies, promise even more breathtaking experiences. A rail journey with Rocky Mountaineer, where every moment is a feast for the senses, proved to be a sumptuous and memorable voyage through some of North America’s most stunning landscapes.