Rocky Mountaineer: Difference between revisions
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Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, the umbrella organization encompassing the Rocky Mountaineer, Whistler Mountaineer and Gray Line West, also operate sightseeing programs throughout the Canadian Rockies and [[Lower Mainland]] available to connect with domestic and air and rail international connections and complete Rocky Mountaineer circle holidays. These circle holidays provide the ability to return to a point of origin without riding on the same track twice. |
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, the umbrella organization encompassing the Rocky Mountaineer, Whistler Mountaineer and Gray Line West, also operate sightseeing programs throughout the Canadian Rockies and [[Lower Mainland]] available to connect with domestic and air and rail international connections and complete Rocky Mountaineer circle holidays. These circle holidays provide the ability to return to a point of origin without riding on the same track twice. |
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==Classes of Travel== |
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Two classes of service are offered on the Rocky Mountaineer: |
Two classes of service are offered on the Rocky Mountaineer: |
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*'''Red Leaf''' service offers single level coach seating with |
*'''Red Leaf''' service offers single level coach seating with large picture windows. Cold lunches are served at seat. |
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*'''Gold Leaf''' service employs two-level coaches, with wrap-over view windows on the top level. Dining car service is on the lower level with a complete dinner menu served at midday. In the afternoon, servers prepare drinks to order from a hosted bar. |
*'''Gold Leaf''' service employs two-level coaches, with wrap-over view windows on the top level. Dining car service is on the lower level with a complete dinner menu served at midday. In the afternoon, servers prepare drinks to order from a hosted bar. |
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Revision as of 12:33, 27 April 2007
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (RMV) offers and operates numerous sightseeing railway routes in Canada. Founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers what are widely considered the most spectacular train trips in the world. RMV has been awarded the "World's Leading Travel Experience by Train" in 2005 and 2006 at the World Travel Awards.
Background
Started in 1990, RMV was founded by and currently managed by the Armstrong Hospitality Group (AHG) in Vancouver, British Columbia. Along with running rail tours (including the Fraser Discovery and the Whistler Mountaineer which began in 2006), AHG operates Gray Line West in Banff, Vancouver and Victoria. AHG also operates the Thompson Hotel in Kamloops.
Equipment
RMT operates 60 railcars in their fleet:
- GE Rail F40PH locomotives
- GP40-2L locomotives - ex-Canadian National Railway and rebuilt by GEC - Alstom
- Single level coaches
- 35 Canada Car and Foundry Red Leaf Cars - ex-Canadian National Railway
- 10 Colorado Railcar (Fort Lupton, Colorado) Bi-level Ultradome Gold Leaf Cars
Routes
The Rocky Mounaineer operates on tracks run by Canadian National Railway (Yellowhead Route from Jasper to Kamloops and Vancouver; Jasper to Quesnel; and the CN operated BC Rail portion from Prince George to Whisler; and on the Whistler Mountaineer from North Vancouver to Whistler) and Canadian Pacific Railway on the Kicking Horse Route from Vancouver to Kamloops and Banff/Calgary.
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Jasper, Alberta
- Banff, Alberta
- Calgary, Alberta
- Whistler, British Columbia on Whistler Mountaineer
Trip structure
Trips are day travel only so that none of the scenery is missed. On the Calgary/Banff-Vancouver and on the Jasper-Vancouver routes an overnight stop is made in Kamloops, BC, with a group dinner and musical stage or lumberjack show offered. On the Jasper to Whistler route, an overnight stop in Quesnel is provided.
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, the umbrella organization encompassing the Rocky Mountaineer, Whistler Mountaineer and Gray Line West, also operate sightseeing programs throughout the Canadian Rockies and Lower Mainland available to connect with domestic and air and rail international connections and complete Rocky Mountaineer circle holidays. These circle holidays provide the ability to return to a point of origin without riding on the same track twice.
Classes of Travel
Two classes of service are offered on the Rocky Mountaineer:
- Red Leaf service offers single level coach seating with large picture windows. Cold lunches are served at seat.
- Gold Leaf service employs two-level coaches, with wrap-over view windows on the top level. Dining car service is on the lower level with a complete dinner menu served at midday. In the afternoon, servers prepare drinks to order from a hosted bar.
The Whistler Mountaineer also offers two classes for its three-hour trip:
- Coast Classic service is similar to Red Leaf with a light beverage and snack service.
- Glacier Dome service is a single level car with wrap-over view windows. A traditional tea service is served.
Connecting service
Connecting domestic and international flights can be made from Calgary and Vancouver. Amtrak and VIARail services can be connected in Vancouver and Jasper respectively. Some international travel companies offer rail and cruiseship options such as Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruiselines. Through GrayLine West and a variety of other companies, independent or guided transport and excursions to Vancouver Island and Northern British Columbia can be arranged. Rail and Self-Drive options are also organized by RMV.