Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train journey through the Canadian Rockies. Two-day or multi-day itineraries run from Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise, or other mountain destinations. The train travels during the day (unlike most scenic trains which go at night), providing constant views of glaciers, mountain peaks, forests, and rivers.

The experience is comfort-based. Meals are included — breakfast and dinner at the dining car, lunch at the observation car. The cars themselves have glass roofs for panoramic viewing. You're not roughing it; you're being transported through some of Earth's most dramatic landscapes while eating well.

The cost is high ($1,000–2,500 for a two-day journey depending on luxury level), but it includes accommodation, all meals, and the entire experience. For what you're getting — constant mountain scenery, professional service, no need to drive or navigate — it's reasonable.

The Rockies are genuinely stunning. Glaciers descend from peaks. Rivers carve through canyons. Wildlife (bears, moose, eagles) appear regularly. This is a slower, more refined version of scenic train travel than routes in Asia or South America, but the landscapes are world-class.

Rocky Mountaineer two-day journey: Vancouver to Banff via the Rocky Mountaineer scenic railway. All meals included. Accommodation in Kamloops overnight. $1,200–1,800 depending on service level.

Banff National Park exploration: After the train arrives, spend 2–3 days exploring Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, and mountain hiking. $15 entry to park, $80–150 per night accommodation.

Hiking in the Rockies: Trail options range from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon have excellent trails. Bring bear spray. Trails are free to access (park entry required).

Observation car time: Spend as much time as possible in the glass-roofed observation car where you're surrounded by mountains and can photograph freely.

Budget:: During Rocky Mountaineer journey: included in ticket price. Moderate hotels in Kamloops and destination cities.

Mid-Range:: Post-train stay in Banff: Blue Mountain Lodge or similar boutique hotels. $80–130/night.

Splurge:: Fairmont Hotels (Lake Louise, Banff, or Chateau Lake Louise) — luxury properties overlooking mountains and lakes. $250–400/night.

Meals on the Rocky Mountaineer: All included — breakfast (eggs, fruit, pastries), lunch (sandwiches, salads), dinner (salmon, beef, vegetarian options).

Post-train dining in Banff/Lake Louise: Upscale restaurants with Rocky Mountain cuisine (elk, bison, fresh trout). $15–35 per entree.

Coffee culture: Canada-wide café culture. Excellent espresso drinks. $4–5 per coffee.

Fresh Rocky Mountain trout: Grilled or pan-seared, served with vegetables and potatoes. Restaurant staple. $22–32.