5 Reasons to Experience the Rocky Mountaineer in Spring

In the Canadian Rockies the beginning of spring sees the winter snow begin to melt, wildflowers begin to bloom and the days become longer.

There are some wonderful events and phenomena which can only be experienced at this time of year. Here are 5 great reasons why you should consider booking that long-awaited journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in April or May.

 

Celebrate Easter in the Snow

Imagine spending Easter in the snow! There are loads of fabulous ways to celebrate Easter in the Canadian Rockies. In Jasper, one of the alpine towns reached by the Rocky Mountaineer, the longest and highest aerial tramway - the Jasper Skytram - opens just in time for the Easter long weekend.

Alpine ski resorts such as Marmot Basin also come alive for Easter, with exciting events and festivities to be had from 3 - 6 April.  

Meanwhile, if you prefer to spend Easter in the city, there are a plethora of activites on offer across the bustling seaport of Vancouver during Easter, from themed afternoon teas and brunches to colourful parades.

 

 

Great Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are home to an amazing array of wildlife, and the quieter months of year (when there are less tourists) during spring and autumn are quite often the times when you have the best chances of seeing the local fauna.

At this time of year many different kinds of animals can be spotted in the valleys near roadways where there is minimal snow on the ground. 

Bears usually start waking up and coming out of their winter dens in April or May.

Once they leave their dens, bears often head down to low laying areas near rivers and lakes or high up spots near slide clearings and avalanche chutes. 

 

As you travel through Jasper National Park on the Journey through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush Rocky Mountaineer routes, you'll have the chance to spot numerous types of small and large mammals such as Bighorn sheep, moose, elk, Black and Grizzly bears, hoary marmots, mountain caribou, plus a host of different birds. Gold Leaf Service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer gives you access to an exclusive outdoor vestibule which provides the ultimate lookout position for wildlife viewing as you glide through the countryside.

Spring is also a great time to go whale watching in Canada as most whales migrate north, often passing through British Columbia (BC) waters at this time of year. Different species of whale are present throughout varying regions of Canada at different times of year. April marks the beginning of whale watching season in Vancouver and much of BC, when various types of whales pass through the northern waterways including Humpback whales, Grey whales, and Orcas.

 

Spring Skiing

With the vast range of Rocky Mountaineer Rail itineraries and Packages on offer, you can travel to and even stay in some of the prime ski resort areas in Canada, simply by choosing the holiday option which suits your needs.

Thanks to long days and warm temperatures, spring is a fantastic time to go skiing in the Canadian Rockies. 

At the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, held in Whistler from 7 - 16 April, you can enjoy some delightful spring skiing and sun-drenched après sessions, not to mention a whole bunch of mountain culture activities such as free outdoor concerts and film screenings.

Avid skiiers will also love the lifestyle during the spring skiing season at Lake Louise Ski Resort.  

 

Lake Louise is a destination you can choose to include in your itinerary when you book the First Passage to the West route and it is also featured in many of the Rocky Mountaineer packages offered by Rail Plus.

 

An Ideal Time for Hiking & Biking

If you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and cycling, mid to late spring can be an ideal time of year to visit the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is the best time to embark on casual strolls and trails that have little elevation gain.

During this period you will avoid the crowds that can be found on certain popular routes and are likely to encounter beautiful blossoming flowers along the way. The month of May sees more hiking options start to become available as trails start to clear of snow in the valleys and seasonal attractions start to open.

The lowest valley trails around towns such as Banff and Jasper are usually the first to clera of snow as spring progresses. 

If you time your travel between May and October you will avoid accessibility issues that may be cause by snow, mud and slush.
 

It's important to note that higher sub-alpine and alpine trails are often snowbound until at least late June. You should always check trail conditions at one of the Parks Canada offices before or at the time you plan to hike just to be safe.

There are some wonderful walks and easy hikes in low elevation areas promising stunning scenery in Banff, Jasper and around Lake Louise. Another highlight of hiking in spring is that you are greeted by breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains contrasting with green grasses and fresh foilage on the trees.

 

Great Early Booking Deals

If you book a spring Rocky Mountaineer holiday over the next couple of months you can take advantage of fabulous early booking deals! The current Rocky Mountaineer Early Booking Bonus promotion gives you access to an extra $1,000* in bonus value per couple which can be spent on extra hotel nights, sightseeing, dining and a whole lot more. All you need to do to is book one of the qualifying 2017 packages of 8 days ore more by 26 August, 2016.

*Conditions apply.

If you'd like a bit of help planning your Rocky Mountaineer journey in spring, contact our Canada Rail Experts today.