What to Pack for Your Epic Train Adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer has been hailed by many as "one of the world's best life-changing trips" and the "world's leading travel experience by train". From breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed lake to 5-star dining and white-glove service, this is a journey that will exceed your expectations and leave you with a suitcase of memories you'll treasure forever.

But what on earth do you pack for a luxury rail journey through the mesmerising Canadian Rockies? Here are 5 essential Rocky Mountaineer packing tips and a handy "Carry-on luggage"checklist to help ensure you are fully prepared for the trip of a life-time.

1. You Can Only Take Hand Luggage on the Train

You should bring a day pack or some kind of bag that you can fit at your feet on board the train as there is no baggage storage overhead or under your seat (a small carry-on suitcase with wheels should fit comfortably).

Both SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf Service include complimentary baggage delivery to your overnight hotel accommodation. Your suitcases are delivered to your hotel room each evening and collected each morning.

This is a great service as it saves you having to worry about transporting your luggage to and from the train between stops.

You will not have access to your checked luggage once youre on the train so it's important to pack everything you need for the train journey in your carry-on baggage.

There are limited accessible electrical outlets on the train so if you choose to bring a laptop, tablet, or mobile device you might want to bring extra batteries or some kind of portable power bank device. Keep in mind there is no Wi-Fi internet access on board the train and much of the train route is out of mobile phone range due to the Rocky Mountaineer travelling through some remote parts of the country.

Essential items to pop in your hand luggage include a hat or cap and sunglasses for sunny days in the dome coach and outdoor viewing areas, medication, travel documents, a light jacket or jumper to wear on board (in case you find the air conditioning a bit too cool at times) and your camera or mobile phone (you may prefer to take photos with your smartphone). See our Carry-on checklist below for more suggested carry-on items.

 

2. Your checked luggage limit is 30kg

Guests travelling on board Rocky Mountaineer have a luggage allowance of 2 suitcases per person.

 

Speak to a member of our Great Train Journeys team for more information about luggage allowances:

Email: gtj@railplus.com.au
Telephone: 03 8779 4828

 

3. Dress on board Rocky Mountaineer is smart casual

The dress code for your Rocky Mountaineer is smart casual and the key to being comfortable at all times on the train is layers. By making sure you have several layers that you can easily throw on and remove when needed (e.g. scarf, hat, cardigan or jumper, jacket or coat) you will guarantee your onboard comfort is maintained throughout the journey.

While all of the train coaches are climate-controlled, the dome coaches have large windows and the onboard temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day as the train travels through different climate regions. In Alberta and British Columbia, temperatures may vary greatly depending on the location, time of day and season in you which you are travelling. You should also should consider that you may be braving the elements when you visit the outdoor viewing areas, so you'll thank yourself later for bringing those layers.

It is best to wear flat-soled shoes with grip on board Rocky Mountaineer due to the natural movement of the train and the stairs present in GoldLeaf Service domes. 

 

4. Consider when and where you will be travelling when packing checked luggage

 

When packing your checked luggage suitcases you should take into account that temperatures vary significantly between April and October in the various locations which the Rocky Mountaineer travels through. Temperatures can range from a low of 9°C in the Rockies during April up to highs of 27°C and 28°C in Kamloomps and Whistler during summer.

Therefore, you should consider the destinations you will be visiting and the season during which you will be travelling on Rocky Mountaineer when packing.

Even if you are travelling in summer it is wise to pack a combination of lightweight summer wear and heavier/wet weather garments such as a light overcoat or raincoat, as the weather can change dramatically in quite a short amount of time in the alpine regions.

You also need to consider the off train activities you'll be engaged in. You should bring at least one pair of hiking shoes and a set of comfortable clothing for walking and any other outdoor fun you have planned in your itinerary.

 

5. What not to bring

Whether you travel in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, one thing you should find you do not need to bring with you on the journey is travel snacks. From the regionally inspired meals prepared by award-winning chefs to the complimentary beverages and gourmet snacks served throughout the day, you will never go hungry (or thirsty) on board Rocky Mountaineer.

If you have special dietary requirements or food allergies, simply advise your Rail Plus booking agent at least 7 days prior to boarding and they will be pleased to accomodate your request.

Rocky Mountaineer guests are prohibited from carrying some food items (and of course illegal and hazardous items). If you have any questions on specific items you can refer to US Customs and Border Protection and the Canadian Border Services Agency or simply speak to one of our Canada rail experts.

For even more important information about the different Rocky Mountaineer routes and packages including the 'Preparing To Go' Guide head to our Rocky Mountaineer Train, Rail and Cruise Packages page.