About the Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most celebrated scenic trains in the world. Operating exclusively during daylight hours, it's designed so you never miss a single moment of the jaw-dropping landscape — from rushing rivers and dense forests to dramatic mountain passes and glacier-fed lakes. With no overnight travel on the train, every seat is a front-row view of the Canadian Rockies.
The train operates through British Columbia and Alberta, with overnight stops in cities like Kamloops or Whistler. Luggage is handled and delivered to your hotel room, so you can focus entirely on the scenery.
The Rocky Mountaineer: Choosing Your Train Experience: SilverLeaf vs. GoldLeaf
SilverLeaf Service
The experience: A beautifully designed single-level dome coach with panoramic windows that bring the mountains right to your seat.
What's included:
- Pre-assigned reclining seats in a custom single-level dome coach
- Oversized panoramic windows along the length of the coach
- Breakfast and lunch served at your seat, with a choice of hot entrées
- Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served throughout the journey
- Onboard Hosts providing storytelling, history, and attentive service
- Luggage delivery to your hotel room during overnight stops
Best for: Travelers who want an incredible scenic rail experience with excellent food and service — all at a more accessible price point. This level of service is included as part of your tour package.
GoldLeaf Service
The experience: The Rocky Mountaineer's most premium offering — a bi-level dome coach where the glass-domed upper level is your seat, and the lower level is a private dining room.
What's included:
- Group seating in a bi-level GoldLeaf dome coach (upper level: seating; lower level: dining room)
- Heated, reclining seats beneath a full glass dome for unobstructed views
- Gourmet breakfast and lunch with two pre-assigned seatings, served in the lower-level dining room
- Complimentary spirits, wines, beer, and snacks throughout the journey
- Access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform (GoldLeaf guests only)
- An elevator for guests with mobility considerations
- Enhanced Host service and onboard storytelling
- Luggage delivery to your hotel room during overnight stops
Best for: Travelers looking for a truly luxury rail experience — elevated dining, premium beverages, and unrivaled views from one of the most iconic train coaches in the world.
SilverLeaf vs. GoldLeaf — Side-by-Side
| Feature | SilverLeaf | GoldLeaf |
|---|---|---|
| Coach type | Single-level dome | Bi-level dome |
| Seating | Reclining, pre-assigned | Heated, reclining, pre-assigned |
| Dining | Served at your seat | Private lower-level dining room |
| Meals | Breakfast & lunch | Gourmet breakfast & lunch |
| Beverages | Complimentary alcoholic & non-alcoholic | Complimentary spirits, wine & beer |
| Outdoor viewing platform | ❌ | ✅ GoldLeaf exclusive |
| Elevator access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Hotel luggage delivery | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price | Included in tour | Upgrade cost applies |
Why Do These Tours Require a Phone Booking?
Great question. Most Go Ahead Tours can be booked online in just a few minutes — but this tour is a little different.
The train experience on this tour is a major highlight of the journey, and the cabin level you choose will shape how you experience it. The differences between SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf — go beyond just price. They involve different physical spaces, different dining setups, different views, and different levels of service.
We want to make sure you understand what you're choosing before you book, not after. Our team of expert Tour Consultants will walk you through each option, help you weigh the trade-offs, and make sure you feel confident and excited about your decision.
For more information on this tour, visit the tour page for Canadian Rockies by Train.