General Informaton

1. How far do we travel on the Rocky Mountaineer?
About 450 kilometres (280 miles) each day-all in daylight. Look forward to spending two full relaxing days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

2. Does the Rocky Mountaineer have sleeper cars?
No. Our daylight rail tours through the Canadian Rockies are scheduled to show you all of the spectacular scenery. After a day onboard the train, you overnight in either Kamloops or Quesnel, British Columbia.

3. What speed does the train travel?
The advantage of our train is that we are able to slow down at the most scenic areas to offer you the best viewing and camera opportunities. We call it Kodak® speed! While there are areas the train reaches up to 90kph (60mph), our average speed is approximately 50 kph (30mph).

4. Is smoking permitted on the train and in the hotel rooms?
To ensure the preservation of the fragile environment of the areas in which we travel and for the comfort of all guests and employees, there is no smoking onboard Rocky Mountaineer. This includes the vestibules between the coaches and restroom facilities. The hotels do have limited smoking rooms available so please make sure you indicate your preference to the reservations or travel agent when you book your tour.

5. Are souvenirs available for purchase?
A full range of souvenirs are available for purchase onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Your Onboard Attendant will provide you with our souvenir catalogue during the first day on the train. Many items may be viewed in the souvenir cabinets throughout the train.

6. What is the 'Ice Explorer' described in the tour itineraries?
The Ice Explorer is an ice and snow terrain vehicle specially designed to tour the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield, offering a 5-kilometre (3-mile) round-trip journey including commentary on the formation of glaciers.

7. What is the Victoria Clipper?
The Victoria Clipper is a fast ferry that travels between Victoria, BC and Seattle's Pier 69 in under three hours.

8. What is Fuel Surcharge?

Rail Fuel Surcharge
Due to oil prices hitting an all-time high, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations has implemented a fuel surcharge on all Rocky Mountaineer and Whistler Mountaineer bookings made on or after May 15, 2008.

The fuel surcharge is $30 per person for 2-day rail travel on the Rocky Mountaineer and $5 per person, per direction on the Whistler Mountaineer. For bookings prior to May 15, 2008 where a full payment or deposit was made, the fuel surcharge will be waived.

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations has worked hard to internally absorb the increase in oil prices over the past number of years. With the price of oil hitting all-time highs worldwide and no forecast of prices declining in the near future, we can no longer continue to absorb the additional cost.

Before You Travel

1. What will the weather be like and what should I pack?
Temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and season, from a low of 10°C (50° F) to a high of 30° C (90° F). Kamloops and Quesnel, in particular, may be very warm in the summer. Plan to bring a sweater, slacks, and a light topcoat or raincoat, as well as lightweight summer wear. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk in the mountains. Flat-soled shoes should be worn on the train. Comfortable, casual attire is welcomed on the Rocky Mountaineer and many of our guests carry their sunglasses with them onboard the train. In spring and fall, include a light coat or warm jacket if you're travelling to high altitudes.

2. Can children travel on the Rocky Mountaineer?
Yes. However, the Rocky Mountaineer trip is a minimum of two 9-hour days onboard the train, which may be long for some children. Children under the age of 2 are not recommended.

3. Do your facilities accommodate people with special needs and/or disabilities?
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations will make every effort to meet any special needs, including the requirements of our disabled guests. Some of the Rocky Mountaineer coaches are wheelchair accessible. GoldLeaf Dome Coaches have elevators for guests who have problems using the spiral staircase. Please inform us at the time of booking if any assistance is required.

4. What currency should I carry when travelling in Canada and on the train?
The currency used in Canada is Canadian dollars. Transactions onboard the train may be paid with travellers checks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and Diner's Card. We also accept US currency at close to the current exchange rate, but we recommend that conversion to Canadian dollars take place prior to the train departure.

5. What meals do I receive on a meal plan?
All breakfast and dinners are included on a Rocky Mountaineer Vacations Meal Plan option. Meals at certain hotel restaurants may be subject to additional surcharge.

6. Am I able to bring my pet along?
Please note that all pets or animals (excluding guide dogs) are prohibited from travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

7. Should I plan connecting transportation on the day of the Rocky Mountaineer?s arrival?
Passenger rail travel in Canada is subject to unforeseen delays. While the Rocky Mountaineer is treated as a priority by the railways it uses, occasional delays do occur. For that reason, we ask that you please do NOT arrange connecting transportation on the day of your scheduled arrival in any destination.

8. New Passport Requirements
Please be advised that effective January 23, 2007, all passengers including Canadian and U.S. citizens will be required to present a valid passport when travelling by air between Canada and the United States. We strongly recommend that all guests are in possession of a passport by January 23, 2007. Information regarding the passport requirements for US travellers is available at www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. Foreign nationals should contact their governments for further details.

Onboard Experience

1. What wildlife will I see?
There are wonderful opportunities for viewing wildlife from the train and during your stay in the Canadian Rockies including bear, elk, deer, moose, bald eagles, osprey, salmon, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. However, ?wildlife are wild? and as such, sightings are never guaranteed. If you do come into contact with animals please act responsibly, maintain a safe distance and never feed any wild animals.

2. Are we able to move within the Rocky Mountaineer?
One of the advantages of train travel is the spacious room afforded to all guests. RedLeaf Service guests are able to move through their own coach and enjoy fresh-air vestibules. Access to the two levels onboard the GoldLeaf dome coaches is limited to those guests reserving GoldLeaf Service.

3. Are both the RedLeaf and GoldLeaf coaches accessible by wheelchair?
We do have wheelchair facilities for both services. There are areas where a wheelchair can be secured in place and have very easy access to the wheelchair accessible washrooms. Wheelchair lifters are available at all stations and the GoldLeaf dome coaches are equipped with interior ADA-style elevators. All we ask is that we are informed at the time of booking of the extent of the disability so we can ensure that all plans are in place to ensure the vacation experience is a pleasant one.

4. Can I use my laptop computer and cell phone on the train?
We do not have plugs at the seats for laptop use. Depending on your battery life, we suggest that you charge you computer at night during your hotel stays for use onboard the train. It goes without saying that you will have a better chance of seeing all the scenery without working on your laptop computer. Throughout much of the train route, the train will be out of cell phone range, however, cell phones may be easily used in the major areas that our tours visit.

5. Can you address my dietary concerns onboard the train?
Absolutely. All we ask is that you provide information to us with 72 hours notice regarding your specific need. We will do everything possible to make your trip on the train memorable.

6. Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are not included in prices (unless indicated) for Onboard attendants, driver-guides, transfers, hotel porterage or Red Cap porters. You may, however, choose to recognize good service in a tangible manner at your discretion.