Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Review: An Unforgettable Journey from Vancouver to Banff

 

Two days, spectacular Canadian scenery, five-star dining, a Canadian sports bar and an unforgettable black bear sighting. My Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service experience was one of the absolute highlights of my Canadian adventure.

There are train journeys, and then there is the Rocky Mountaineer.

Travelling through the spectacular Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer was one of the most incredible experiences of my Canadian adventure. From the moment I stepped aboard in Vancouver, I knew I was in for something special.

The scenery was breathtaking, the food was exceptional, the drinks were flowing, and the comfortable GoldLeaf carriages made it easy to sit back and enjoy every moment.

Through the Luxury Travel Company, APT, I travelled on the two-day Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Banff, with an overnight stop in Kamloops. It combined luxury, adventure, and some of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever witnessed.

And while the Canadian Rockies were undoubtedly the star attraction, there was so much more to enjoy along the way.

From delicious breakfasts and amazing lunches in the downstairs dining carriage to relaxing upstairs in heated, reclining seats, GoldLeaf Service delivered an experience that exceeded my expectations.

On the second day, I even saw a black bear, which had me absolutely ecstatic!

If you're planning a Canadian adventure and considering the Rocky Mountaineer, let me share my experience and explain why this incredible rail journey deserves a place on your Canadian bucket list.

 

Check out my Blog Post on my Nepal Trekking Trip, another bucket list adventure!

 

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service review.

 

What Is the Rocky Mountaineer?

The Rocky Mountaineer is one of Canada's most iconic rail journeys, offering travellers the opportunity to experience the magnificent Canadian Rockies in comfort and style.

Unlike a typical train journey, the Rocky Mountaineer is designed around the experience.

The scenery is the main attraction, with the train travelling through landscapes that are difficult to appreciate in quite the same way from a car or bus.

Towering mountains, winding rivers, dense forests and dramatic valleys unfold before you as the train makes its way through the Canadian wilderness.

I travelled from Vancouver to Banff over two days, with an overnight stop in Kamloops.

It's a journey that takes you from Vancouver's coastal surroundings into the rugged interior of British Columbia, before reaching the magnificent Canadian Rockies.

And while the scenery alone would make this journey worthwhile, GoldLeaf Service adds an entirely different level of luxury.

 

I am preparing to board the train, the Rocky Mountaineer.

 

GoldLeaf Service: Luxury on the Rails

If you're going to experience the Rocky Mountaineer, GoldLeaf Service is an experience worth considering.

The GoldLeaf carriages feature a spectacular bi-level design, with the panoramic sightseeing area upstairs and the dining carriage downstairs.

This arrangement is fantastic because it lets you enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your seat while also offering a dedicated dining area for beautifully prepared meals.

I spent much of my time in the upstairs seating area, and it was incredibly comfortable.

The seats were spacious, reclining and heated, making it easy to settle in and relax as the train travelled through the Canadian wilderness.

There was something rather special about being able to sit back, relax and watch the spectacular scenery roll past.

With the heated seats and comfortable surroundings, I occasionally drifted off to sleep.

Now, I know what you're thinking. How could you possibly fall asleep when travelling through such an incredible landscape?

Well, when you're that comfortable, it happens!

But I never stayed asleep for long. Another magnificent mountain, another river, or another spectacular view was always waiting outside the window.

The GoldLeaf experience strikes a wonderful balance between luxury and sightseeing, allowing you to enjoy the journey at your own pace.

 

The GoldLeaf Service is Luxury on the Rails.

 

 

The Panoramic Views Are Incredible

One of the biggest highlights of travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is seeing the Canadian Rockies from a completely different perspective.

The upstairs GoldLeaf seating area features enormous panoramic windows that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

And when I say spectacular, I genuinely mean it.

The mountains seem to rise endlessly into the sky, rivers wind through deep valleys, and the forests stretch as far as the eye can see.

It's the kind of scenery that makes you reach for your camera all the time, though no photograph can truly capture the scale of what you're seeing.

I spent countless hours simply looking out the window, taking it all in.

But one of my favourite features of GoldLeaf Service was the outdoor viewing area.

Being able to step outside and experience the scenery without a window separating me from it was fantastic.

There is something special about standing outdoors, feeling the fresh Canadian air and watching the magnificent landscapes pass by.

The outdoor viewing area provides a completely different perspective, and it's a wonderful place to take photographs, enjoy the scenery and appreciate the sheer scale of the Canadian wilderness.

For me, having both the comfortable upstairs seating and the outdoor viewing area made the GoldLeaf experience even more enjoyable.

 

The Panoramic Views Are Incredible on the Rocky Mountaineer.

 

 

Spotting a Black Bear: An Unforgettable Rocky Mountaineer Moment

One thing I was particularly excited about when travelling through Canada was the chance to see wildlife.

Canada is famous for its bears, and I spent plenty of time keeping my eyes peeled as the train travelled through the forests and mountains.

You never quite know what you might see.

Perhaps a deer wandering through the trees, an eagle soaring above the mountains, or even one of Canada's famous bears.

And on the second day, it finally happened.

I was sitting upstairs in the GoldLeaf carriage when the announcer mentioned that a bear had been spotted.

Suddenly, everyone was looking out the windows.

And there it was.

A black bear in the distance by the water!

I was absolutely ecstatic.

There is something genuinely thrilling about spotting a wild animal in its natural environment, especially when it's one you've been hoping to see throughout your travels.

The excitement of seeing that black bear hit me immediately, and it became one of the absolute highlights of my Canadian adventure.

The Rocky Mountaineer travels through some of Canada's most spectacular wilderness, and while the scenery alone is breathtaking, the chance to see wildlife adds another incredible dimension to the journey.

You never quite know what might be waiting around the next bend.

For me, spotting that black bear was one of those unforgettable travel moments that make you appreciate just how special Canada really is.

It also made me even more excited to keep looking out the window for the rest of the journey!

 

 

Five-Star Dining Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Now, let's talk about the food.

One thing that genuinely impressed me about GoldLeaf Service was the quality of the dining experience.

I knew the scenery would be spectacular, and the train would be comfortable, but the food exceeded my expectations.

GoldLeaf Service features a dedicated downstairs dining carriage, where meals are served in a beautifully presented setting.

Rather than simply grabbing something to eat during the journey, dining aboard the Rocky Mountaineer becomes an experience in itself.

The downstairs dining carriage has a wonderful atmosphere, with attentive service and beautifully presented meals that feel every bit as special as the journey.

And the food? Absolutely fantastic!

 

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf breakfast menu featuring Eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes and smoked salmon avocado toast.

 

 

Breakfast: A Wonderful Way to Start the Day

Breakfast aboard the Rocky Mountaineer was a real treat.

There is something wonderful about starting your day with a delicious meal while travelling through some of Canada's most spectacular scenery.

The GoldLeaf breakfast menu began with a fresh-baked croissant, followed by a selection of delicious breakfast dishes.

The Classic Eggs Benedict featured Canadian back bacon, an English muffin, hash browns, and smoked paprika hollandaise.

The B.C. Farmer Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Skillet offered a hearty alternative, while the Lemon and Honey Buttermilk Pancakes came with Okanagan stone fruit compote and Quebecois maple syrup.

The menu also offered Boursin Cheese and Chive Scrambled Eggs, Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast, and a Coconut and Banana Chia Seed Pudding for those wanting something lighter.

The menu beautifully reflected the regions we were travelling through, and it was a fantastic way to start another day of exploring Canada.

Breakfast wasn't simply another meal. It was part of the overall experience.

 

Delicious breakfast aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

 

 

Lunch: Exceptional Dining in the Canadian Rockies

Lunch was another highlight of the GoldLeaf experience.

The food was amazing, and the dining quality genuinely impressed me.

The downstairs dining carriage provided a wonderful setting for the meal, and the attentive service made the experience feel special.

What I particularly loved was that the dining experience never felt rushed. You could sit back, enjoy the food and appreciate the journey, knowing that another spectacular view would be waiting upstairs.

On some days, the train travelled for around 12 hours due to delays, and having such a fantastic dining experience made the long hours even more enjoyable.

The food was a genuine highlight, and I looked forward to every chance to head downstairs for another meal.

 

Dinner: A Lighter Meal After a Big Day

After a full day of incredible food, drinks and sightseeing, dinner was a little lighter, which suited me perfectly.

The days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer were long, but they were also incredibly enjoyable.

By dinner, I was happy to wind down, enjoy a lighter meal, and reflect on the spectacular scenery we had experienced throughout the day.

The dining experience remained exceptional, and it was a lovely way to finish a day spent exploring the Canadian wilderness.

The food experience was one of the genuine highlights of GoldLeaf Service, adding a wonderful touch of luxury to the journey.

 

Five-Star Dining Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

 

Cocktails, Gin, Beer and Canadian Coffee

One of the great things about GoldLeaf Service was the opportunity to enjoy a drink whenever I felt like it.

Whether it was a cocktail, a gin, a beer or simply a coffee, there was always something to enjoy.

And let's be honest, when you're travelling through the Canadian Rockies, enjoying a drink while watching the spectacular scenery unfold outside is a pretty special experience.

I started my journey with a Canadian Caesar, a Canadian take on the Bloody Mary.

For those unfamiliar, a Caesar is traditionally made with vodka, Clamato juice, and a mix of seasonings. It's a popular Canadian cocktail, and it was a fantastic way to kick things off.

From there, I enjoyed a few gins and beers, making the most of the relaxed atmosphere aboard the train.

One thing I loved about the experience was the flexibility.

I could enjoy a drink whenever I felt like it, without waiting for a particular dining service or feeling rushed.

It was all about enjoying the journey at my own pace.

Of course, I also enjoyed the occasional coffee.

Although I have to admit, Canadian coffee hasn't quite won me over!

I'm always happy to enjoy coffee while travelling, but I wouldn't say Canada's coffee was a highlight of my trip.

Still, sipping a warm coffee while watching the magnificent Canadian Rockies pass by was an experience I certainly enjoyed.

 

Enjoy splendid views from the dining carriage.

 

The Two-Day Journey from Vancouver to Banff

The Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Banff is spread across two days, with an overnight stop in Kamloops.

And I think this is one of the things that makes the experience so enjoyable.

Instead of rushing through the Canadian Rockies, you have time to sit back, relax, and appreciate the journey.

 

Day One: Vancouver to Kamloops

The journey begins in Vancouver, where you board the Rocky Mountaineer and begin travelling east through British Columbia.

As the train leaves the city behind, the scenery gradually changes.

The coastal surroundings give way to increasingly rugged landscapes, with mountains, rivers and forests becoming the dominant features.

It's a spectacular transition, and one of the things I loved most about the journey was watching the scenery change throughout the day.

With GoldLeaf Service, you can enjoy the views from your seat, step out into the viewing area, or relax and enjoy the dining experience.

With such fantastic food and drinks, the hours seem to fly by.

Eventually, the train arrives in Kamloops, where you spend the night before continuing the journey the following day.

The overnight stop offers a welcome break and time to rest before the next stage of the adventure.

 

The day-one scenery on the way from Vancouver to Kamloops.

 

 

An Overnight Stop in Kamloops: My First Canadian Sports Bar

After an incredible first day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, we arrived in Kamloops, where we spent the night before continuing our journey toward Banff.

We stayed at the three-star Prestige Kamloops, a comfortable place to rest after a long day of travelling through British Columbia.

But when I look back on our overnight stop in Kamloops, the hotel isn't what stands out.

It's the evening we spent at On The Rocks Pub & Grill.

As an Australian travelling through Canada, I was excited to experience a proper Canadian sports bar, and On The Rocks certainly delivered.

Walking inside, I was greeted by the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to pull up a stool, order a drink, and settle in for the evening.

There was ice hockey everywhere!

For someone who had grown up watching Australian sports, being surrounded by Canadian hockey culture was a fantastic experience.

The screens, the sporting atmosphere and the unmistakable Canadian pub feel made it a memorable night.

It was one of those little travel moments you don't necessarily plan for but end up remembering long after the trip.

The Rocky Mountaineer journey itself was spectacular, but discovering a Canadian sports bar in Kamloops added another enjoyable chapter to the adventure.

Sometimes, the best travel memories happen when you're not looking for them.

 

Enjoy a beer and burgers at the On The Rocks Pub & Grill, Kamloops.

 

 

Day Two: Kamloops to Banff

Day Two brings even more spectacular scenery as the Rocky Mountaineer continues toward the Canadian Rockies.

Here, the landscapes become increasingly dramatic, with towering peaks, magnificent valleys, and breathtaking views around every corner.

It's the sort of scenery that makes you appreciate just how beautiful Canada really is.

I spent much of the journey looking out the windows, enjoying the scenery and keeping my eyes peeled for wildlife.

And, of course, I had another chance to enjoy the fantastic dining experience aboard the train.

As the journey continued towards Banff, the excitement built.

Arriving in Banff after two incredible days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer felt fantastic.

It was the culmination of a journey filled with spectacular scenery, exceptional food, wonderful service and unforgettable memories.

 

The views remained breathtaking on Day Two as we headed to Banff.

 

 

The Delays: Why the Extra Time Didn't Matter

One thing to mention: our journey took longer than expected because of delays.

With the train travelling around 12 hours on some days, it was a long journey.

But here's the thing.

I never found myself getting frustrated.

The Rocky Mountaineer is an experience where the journey itself is the destination.

I wasn't sitting on a train, desperate to get somewhere. I was enjoying travelling through one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.

The comfortable seating, fantastic food, drinks and incredible scenery made the extra time aboard enjoyable.

In fact, I appreciated the chance to spend even more time taking in the Canadian Rockies.

Of course, delays are never ideal when travelling, but in this case, they didn't take away from what was an absolutely fantastic experience.

 

Even with the delays, the Rocky Mountaineer experience remains five stars.

 

 

Is Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service Worth It?

For me, absolutely.

Rocky Mountaineer isn't simply a way to travel from Vancouver to Banff. It is an experience in its own right.

GoldLeaf Service takes that experience to another level, with comfortable seating, spectacular panoramic views, exceptional dining and a wonderful atmosphere throughout the journey.

The food was fantastic, the drinks were plentiful, the scenery was extraordinary, and spotting a black bear was a moment I'll never forget.

I loved being able to sit back, relax, enjoy a cocktail, savour an incredible meal, and watch the magnificent Canadian Rockies unfold outside the windows.

The outdoor viewing area was another fantastic feature, letting me take in the scenery without a window separating me from it.

Despite the delays and long hours aboard the train, I genuinely enjoyed every moment.

If you're planning a Canadian adventure and want to experience the Canadian Rockies in a truly memorable way, put the Rocky Mountaineer high on your list.

It's an experience worth savouring rather than rushing.

For me, it was one of the highlights of my Canadian adventure, and I would happily do it all over again.

 

All smiles aboard the two-day Rocky Mountaineer trek from Vancouver to Banff.

 

 

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service: At a Glance

Experience	Details
Journey	Vancouver to Banff
Duration	Two days
Overnight stop	Kamloops
Accommodation	Prestige Kamloops
Service	GoldLeaf Service
Dining	Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the downstairs dining carriage
Seating	Comfortable, reclining and heated seats
Views	Panoramic upstairs windows and an outdoor viewing area
Wildlife	Black bear spotted on day two
Personal highlight	Exceptional dining and the incredible Canadian Rockies scenery

Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Canadian Adventure

There are plenty of ways to explore Canada, but travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is something genuinely special.

It's a journey that combines luxury, adventure, and some of the world's most spectacular scenery.

From the fantastic food and drinks to the comfortable seating and breathtaking views, GoldLeaf Service made the entire experience memorable.

And while I loved every part of the journey, seeing a black bear in the Canadian wilderness was undoubtedly one of those moments that will stay with me forever.

The overnight stop in Kamloops, the discovery of a fantastic Canadian sports bar, the exceptional dining, and the chance to experience the Canadian Rockies from the comfort of the train combined to create an unforgettable adventure.

If you're considering travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, I can wholeheartedly recommend GoldLeaf Service.

It's an experience that deserves a place on your Canadian bucket list.

And trust me, once you've experienced the Rocky Mountaineer, you'll understand why it's one of Canada's most iconic travel experiences.

The Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service is a journey I'll never forget.

Next time, I'll keep my eyes peeled for another bear!

Happy travels, and I'll see you on the next adventure!

 

An Unforgettable Canadian Adventure aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Canada.

 

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service worth it?

In my experience, absolutely. GoldLeaf Service offers comfortable reclining seats, panoramic windows, an outdoor viewing area and exceptional dining in a dedicated downstairs carriage. It made the Vancouver-to-Banff journey one of the highlights of my Canadian adventure.

How long is the Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Banff?

The journey is spread across two days, with an overnight stop in Kamloops. Travel times can vary, and delays can extend the time spent aboard the train.

What food is served on the Rocky Mountaineer?

GoldLeaf Service offers a dining experience with breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the downstairs dining carriage. My breakfast menu included options such as Eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes, smoked salmon avocado toast and a farmer sausage skillet.

Can you see wildlife aboard the Rocky Mountaineer?

Yes, you can see wildlife along the journey. I was fortunate enough to spot a black bear on the second day while sitting upstairs in the GoldLeaf carriage. The announcer mentioned the sighting, and I was absolutely ecstatic to see it.

Where does the Rocky Mountaineer stop overnight?

On the Vancouver-to-Banff journey I experienced, the overnight stop was in Kamloops. I stayed at the Prestige Kamloops and enjoyed an evening at On The Rocks Pub & Grill, my first proper Canadian sports bar experience.

 

Getting ready to board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver, Canada.