Canadian Rockies & the Wild West Part 2: Rainforest to Gold Rush
The highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. The largest temperate rainforest in the world. Desert landscapes, glistening glacier-fed lakes, vast ranchlands, and stunning canyons. All this and more awaits you on the Rainforest to Gold Rush route of the Rocky Mountaineer.
Eastbound vs Westbound
This spectacular train journey across the rugged terrain of Western Canada is the adventure of a lifetime. You have the choice of beginning your journey with the sea to sky climb (Vancouver to Whistler), continuing onwards to Quesnel and ending in Jasper or opting for the Westbound itinerary (Jasper-Quesnel-Whistler-Vancouver). Either way you are guaranteed to bear witness to some of the most breathtaking and diverse scenery you have ever experienced.
Spirit of the Gold Rush
As you travel through the heart of the Cariboo Gold Rush region your Rocky Mountaineer hosts will take you back in time to the 1860s as they tell you stories of prospectors who flocked to British Columbia to hunt for gold. It is impossible not to get caught up in the spirit of adventure as you hear the legends and gaze out at the rolling hills where gold was once panned and fortunes were made and lost.
Highlights
Just a few of the major highlights of this journey through the land of adventurers and explorers includes:
- Howe Sound: You will enjoy spectacular views of the majestic Howe Sound. The train glides along the banks of the southern-most fjord of the North American West Coast granting you close-up views of the sparkling water and the magnificent Coast mountains.
- Fraser Canyon: You will witness sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon, the deep chasm carved out of the land by the Fraser River which was populated by over 10,000 gold seekers in the 1800s.
- Cariboo Plateau: Take in the lush ranches of the volcanic Cariboo Plateau
- Overnight stays in the resort town of Whistler and the quaint rural town of Quesnel
- Deep Creek Bridge: Hold on tight as you cross one of the highest railway bridges in the world
- Jasper National Park (Eastbound itinerary): get your cameras and smartphones ready as you will be making your way through the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, home to bears, caribou, moose, elk, deer, wolves, mountain goats, bald eagles and lots of other wildlife.
- Mount Robson: Your Rainforest to Gold Rush adventure promises astounding views of the highest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, which towers 3,954 metres above sea level.
Luxurious service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
The world-class service onboard the Rocky Mountaineer makes for an extremely luxurious and relaxing journey. Your friendly hosts attend to your every need and amaze you with their captivating storytelling talents.
Choose from either SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service for your onboard experience, and you may even wish to opt for the GoldLeaf Deluxe Service (giving you access to premium hotel upgrades).
Sit back and enjoy the spellbinding views and running commentary on this remarkable rail odyssey as friendly attendants bring delicious gourmet dishes to your seat (SilverLeaf service) or table in the dining room (GoldLeaf Service).
The ultimate way to enjoy the Rainforest to Gold Rush adventure is to experience the Rocky Mountaineers GoldLeaf Service open-air viewing car. Feel the wind through your hair and watch out for the eagles circling above as you whizz past mountains, lakes and forests.
Rocky Mountaineer Peaks & Perks Promotion
Book a qualifying 2016 Rocky Mountaineer package by 30 October 2015 and you and your travel partner will receive up to $800 of incredible added value for your Canadian Rockies rail adventure thanks to the Rocky Mountaineer Peaks & Perks Promotion. Contact our Rocky Mountaineer service specialists today to find out more about the Rainforest to Gold Rush Rocky Mountaineer route and unleash your inner adventurer!
Previously we explored the Canadian Rockies & the Wild West Part 1: Journey through the Clouds.
Next up is the Canadian Rockies & the Wild West Part 3: First Passage to the West.