The Railroad

Built between 1916 and 1931 the railway's unique carriages have been elegantly restored in a classic style that allows you to fully relax in ultimate comfort. Finished in Circassian oak from Russia with Bird's Eye maple inlay and complimented by scalloped lamp fixtures, brass radiators and Turkish drapes, each car maintains the ambience of the classic era of luxury rail travel while providing our guests with the latest in conveniences.

Travelling in luxury, guests can enjoy the privacy of their own room, complete with private ensuite.  Each guest's room affords acomfortable nights sleep, a wonderful scenic view, closet, luggage storage and a safe for personal belongings.  Our friendly and attentive service attendants cater to our guest's every need, ensuring their comfort and enjoyment while onboard.

Rail Locomotives

We draws from our own special pool of diesel-electric locomotives restored to the company's classic 1950s-1960s tuscan-and-gray livery. All three locomotives were built by General Motors (GM) at their Diesel Division plant in London, Ont. Two are 1,750-h.p. vintage 1950s transcontinental passenger locomotives that have been upgraded to current standards but maintain the look and livery of the 1950s, right down to the famous beaver crest on the nose of locomotive No. 1401. The third locomotive, No. 3084, is a more modern 2,000-h.p. general purpose GM diesel with the Railway's equally classic maroon-and-gray-with-yellow stripes livery of the 1960s.

Famous guests

We have a long, rich history as the conveyance of choice of the world's rich and powerful. And it has been witness to world shaping events. The rail, its facilities, services and some carriages used today, were present when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King shaped the destiny of the post-war world at the 1943 Quebec Conference.

Other notable guests hosted on special trains and some carriages include Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Their Royal Highnesses Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh (later Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson), Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, and Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.


Sample Menu

Our menu selection includes an array of traditional and exotic land and sea dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients from around the world.  An Introduction to the Cuisine served in the Old World Elegance of our Business Car Dining Room.

Dinner 1
- Poached Tiger Prawns Served in a Butter Lettuce Crown with Mango-Chili Chutney
- Cauliflower & Blue Cheese Chowder
- Lemon Sorbet with Pineapple & Coconut Rum
- Australian Rack of Lamb with Tequila, Feta and Roasted Garlic Demi Glaze
- Chocolate Crepes Stuffed with Cream Cheese Chocolate Mousse, White Chocolate Sauce and Strawberry Moussiline

Wine
- Bouchard Aine & Fils Pouilly Fuisse 2001
- Jean-Pierre Moueix St. Émilion 1998

Dinner 2

- Dover Sole Paupiette with Scallop Mousse and Roasted Red Peppers Served with Saffron Sauce and Caviar
- Baby Spinach Salad with Sliced Poached Pears and Fresh Raspberries Served with Roasted Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese Croutons and Raspberry Vinaigrette
- Black Current Sorbet with Strawberry Carpaccio and Cassis
- Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Blueberry Ice-wine Jus Reduction and Duxelle-stuffed Mushrooms
- Baked Cherries in Phyllo Pastry with Grand Marnier Sabayon and French Vanilla Ice Cream

Wine
- Ferrari – Carano, Sonoma, California Chardonnay 2000
- Château Cantenac St. Emilion Grand Cru  1999

Lunch

- Sautéed Watercress and Boston Lettuce Hearts Deglazed with Balsamic & Maple Syrup Served with Sliced Smoked Pheasant Breast and Orange Filets
- Fresh Mediterranean Roasted Halibut with an Artichoke Heart & Basil Crust Finished in a Tomato Confit Broth with Olives and Capers
- Apple Bavarian Flan with Cinnamon Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce

Wine
- Hugel Gentile Alsace, France 2000
- La Fiole de Pape, Pére Anselme, France

Special diets can be easily accommodated by our chefs - just advise us in advance
You are encouraged to advise of any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking or on the morning of the tour departure


Travel Planner

There are many things to consider when planning your luxury vacation aboard the railroad. Here you will find important information to assist you on your luxury vacation

Calgary
Calgary International Airport has excellent connections throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.  A chauffeured limousine will transport you from the airport to the Fairmont Palliser Hotel

Currency
Your US dollar will go further in Canada than it does in the United States. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7 per cent is applied Canada-wide by the federal government. The provinces have varying rates of Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7 to 8 per cent. Alberta has no PST.

Weather
Canada has a varied landscape with unpredictable weather conditions. The Canadian Rockies and the Prairies have temperatures that can fall or rise very rapidly. In the Invermere, Fort Steele area - "The Rocky Mountain Trench" - can have hot temperatures with a windy and dry climate. We would recommend that you pack with a degree of flexibility in mind.

Overnight stops
The rail stops each evening at a special prepared rail siding to ensure you can enjoy a good night's rest.

Seating
Meals are served in the Craigellachie dining room. For your general use, there are lounge areas on the Mount Stephen, Royal Wentworth, Strathcona and Van Horne to relax and enjoy conversation with fellow travelers or just sit back and enjoy reading a book.

No seats are allocated for dining. We suggest you sample different tables during the tour, so that you can socialize with your fellow guests.

Dining
Meal times vary somewhat, to fit in with tour visits. Daily itineraries will be provided in your private guest room. In general, breakfast is served from 07:00, luncheon between 11:20 and 13:00, and dinner between 19:00 and 20:00. Menus for meals are posted on the various railcars. A la carte breakfast is available in the dining cars.  Tea, coffee and other beverages can be served in all the lounge areas or rooms.

Special diets
Special diets can be accommodated by our chefs - please advise us in advance. You are encouraged to advise of any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking or on the morning of the tour departure.

Liquor
We must adhere to our liquor license, and therefore we are prohibited from serving alcoholic beverages from 0001hrs-0800hrs. 

Clothing and accessories
A journey on board the rail is a touring trip. For daytime excursions and relaxing on board the train, we recommend comfortable clothing. Low-heeled, soft-soled shoes are especially important for your walking comfort during off-site visits. Footwear is required on the train.

We also suggest that you wear a reliable watch so that you do not miss any rail or motorcoach departures.

Dining attire
The dress code for breakfast and luncheons is business casual.  The guideline for business casual includes dress pants, no ties, vests, shirts, sweaters, cotton pants and casual jackets. It does not include t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, casual shorts or tank tops.

The dress code for evening dining is semi-formal.  The guideline for semi-formal means jacket and tie or mock sweater is the norm for gentlemen, except during unusually hot weather. For ladies an evening dress or pant suit is recommended

Laundry
We regret that laundry facilities are not available on board due to space limitations. It is advisable to bring a sufficient amount of clean clothing for your journey. An iron and ironing board are available should you wish to press your wardrobe. Please ask the Service Team.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside the coaches since this will set off the sensitive fire alarms which ensure your safety. Smoking is not allowed in any other part of the train except on the exterior open platform on each Business Car.

Electricity
There are electrical outlets in all rooms. Electricity in Canada runs 110/220 volts. If you bring electrical appliances, use an international converter kit, complete with adapter plugs.

Wheelchair access
Due to the vintage nature of the railroad cars, we regret that a standard wheelchair would not be able to travel down the hallways. We do have a modified wheelchair for access onboard the train and a standard wheel chair for off-train activities. 

Toilets
The toilets can be used any time, when the train is moving or stationary.

Showers
Showers can be used at any time, when the train is moving or stationary.

Hairdryers and bathrobes
Hairdryers and bathrobes are provided in your room for your personal use while on the train.

Health care
While visitors from North America or Europe currently do not require vaccinations, all visitors are required to be in good health to enter Canada.

For unexpected illnesses there are excellent health facilities in Canada, however there is no professional medical care aboard. If you currently experience ongoing concerns about your health, we recommend that you consult with your physician regarding your condition as it relates to your travel itinerary.

We ask that all travelers with physical disabilities or those who require ongoing medical attention inform us at the time of your booking.

Please ensure that you have an adequate supply of any medications that you are taking while traveling. Also note that all of your medications should be carried in your hand luggage and only in their original, labeled containers.