Thought to be the only train in the world with a lift, the Rocky Mountaineer is best known for its two-day all-daylight journeys through the Canadian Rockies.

For the first time, beginning this month, the Rocky Mountaineer is offering five escorted rail tours of six to 11 days. Aimed at those who want to travel in a group with a tour guide, guests will have exclusive access on board to two coaches.

And while the escorted tours are all-daylight affairs to best take in the surrounding scenery, guests decamp to hotels at destinations including Banff, Lake Louise, Calgary and Whistler overnight. Travel is in the top-flight Gold Leaf carriages and includes food, welcome dinners, tour guide, excursions and the opportunity to participate in on-board programs.

The Rocky Mountaineer runs for six months on four different scenic routes from mid-April to mid-October.

Prices for the shortest tour, the Escorted Rockies Highlights, a six-day package departing April 25 until October 5, one from $C2539 ($2948), twin share.

The 11-day Escorted Rockies Circle program costs $C5249, twin share.

See rockymountaineer.com.

by Kay O’Sullivan, WAToday.com.au

Australians have climbed its way to the top for Rocky Mountaineer Vacations becoming their second largest source market, outside of America in the past 12 months, pushing the European market down a notch to third place.

Making a brief visit to Sydney this week, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations President, Randy Powell along with Vice President Sales Bob Nicholas and Director of Sales, Susan Labentsoff said the Australian market was one of key importance to the rail company, which celebrates its 20th season in April 2009.

“Australia is a number one market for brand awareness and clientele for us,” Mr Powell said.

“Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic brand around the world, and has been voted best travel by train for 3 years in a row.”

Mr Powell said that although they receive a high percentage of Australian visitors following either pre or post Alaskan cruises, the product itself is a main driver of travellers to Canada.

“When people want to come to Canada, it’s the beauty of the Rocky’s that they are attracted to,” he said.

“It is highly scenic and no better way to view it as a soft-adventure. It wraps up an entire scenic and social experience.”

New products for 2009 include the addition of new Escorted Rail Tours, with themes ranging from nature, wine, history and photography, which Mr Powell describes as “the Mercedes of products”.

The escorted tours are operated from a refurbished new dome and adjacent lounge area exclusive to the group.