First Passage to the West Discovery Drive

In 2015, Armstrong Group, owners and operators of the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer will celebrate a milestone anniversary – 25 years of life changing experiences. Since its inception in 1990, the British Columbia based, family owned business has grown to become the largest privately owned luxury tourist train company in the world and has welcomed nearly two million guests onboard. While Armstrong Group’s past is rich in history and rooted in success, the goal from day one remains the same: provide the most spectacular and unforgettable travel experiences in the world.

Sustainable development

Rocky Mountaineer owes much of its success to the unspoiled scenery, fresh air and abundant wildlife of Canada’s West. As a result, the company continues to develop innovative sustainable tourism policies and programs that support all three pillars of sustainability: environmental stewardship, economic sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Established by the organization in 2003, the Caretakers program is designed to promote the development and implementation of sustainable operating policies and practices throughout Rocky Mountaineer.

Waste reduction

Rocky Mountaineer has set a target to reduce its waste by 50%. The plan involves increasing the level of recycling on all Rocky Mountaineer routes including the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb by implementing new policies and partnering with recycling operators in the various communities through which the train travels. In 2007 and 2008, the company recycled approximately 82% of its meal trays. The company also launched a composting program on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb between Vancouver and Whistler, BC in 2008 with the assistance of a local waste management company that services the Squamish Whistler corridor. Disposable plates and cutlery were eliminated in all crew cars and replaced with washable dishes.

In addition, cutting edge technology has been installed on all locomotives, significantly reducing fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise pollutions. Rocky Mountaineer dreams of becoming the first passenger rail service in North America to operate a hybrid locomotive.

Saving salmon

The Rocky Mountaineer routes follow some of the most important salmon habitats in North America. Facing the pressures of climatic change, warm water and unpredictable flows, some of these once abundant populations of salmon have declined to the point that they are swimming a fine line between survival and extinction.

In a bid to help sustain and protect the natural environment along its rail routes, Rocky Mountaineer has entered into a long-term financial partnership with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding sustainable and naturally diverse Pacific salmon stocks. The eight-year commitment is the equivalent of two salmon life-cycles.

Local community initiatives

Rocky Mountaineer is dedicated to building strong community partnerships and enhancing economic sustainability in the regions along its rail routes. The company uses local businesses and suppliers whenever possible and guests contribute to regional economies through accommodation, dining, shopping and attractions. For example, since opening up its Rainforest to Gold Rush route to Quesnel in 2006, the district has seen an economic benefit of over $1.5 million.

Rocky Mountaineer donates to support local charity fundraisers and community initiatives. One such venture is fostering the growth of Olympic champions. The organization has offered to sponsor a local British Columbia athlete by investing CAN $15,000 over a three-year period, which goes towards training and competition costs. The athlete is from Kamloops, BC, the overnight stop for guests on two Rocky Mountaineer routes.

Canadian Rockies Routes

Breathtaking scenery of glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountains and ferocious rivers. All daylight, all delight. Choose from GoldLeaf Service, SilverLeaf Service, or RedLeaf Service on our Canadian Rockies routes.

Holland America Line

Combine your Canadian Rockies rail journey with an Alaskan cruise. Guests aboard Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam or ms Westerdam encounter world-class amenities, award-winning service, five-star dining and elegance at every turn.

Whistler Sea to Sky Climb

Travel on a breathtaking journey through the stunning scenery of the Sea to Sky region from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon.

For 2016, our Whistler route has been added to the amazing Rainforest to Gold Rush route. Day trips on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb will not be available after the 2015 season.