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The Aeroplan & Rocky Mountaineer Partnership
In May, 2021, Aeroplan announced an exciting new partnership with luxury rail-tour company, Rocky Mountaineer. Based out of Vancouver, the company operates luxury train routes in BC, Alberta, Colorado, and Utah.
This means Aeroplan members, and Amex Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers can now earn and redeem Aeroplan points for Rocky Mountaineer getaways.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmember Benefits
American Express Aeroplan Reserve, and Business Reserve Cardmembers can now earn 2x the points on eligible purchases with Rocky Mountaineer. Plus, you can receive a GoldLeaf Service Upgrade, and a hotel room upgrade.
What is GoldLeaf Service?
- Bi-level glass-dome coach
- Oversized glass-dome windows
- Large, exclusive outdoor viewing platform
- Gourmet breakfast and lunch served in a lower-level dining room
- Complimentary beverages and snacks
What is SilverLeaf Service?
- Single-level glass-dome coach
- Full glass-dome windows
- Outdoor viewing area
- Delicious breakfast and lunch served in the comfort of your seat
- Complimentary beverages and snacks
How Amex Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers Can Qualify for GoldLeaf Service
Each train journey offers SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf service.
As an Amex Aeroplan Reserve Cardmember, or an Aeroplan Elite Status member with 50k or higher, you’ll receive a complimentary GoldLeaf upgrade for you and 1 guest.
How to receive your GoldLeaf upgrade:
- Book an eligible SilverLeaf package.
- Provide your Aeroplan Card number, or charge your trip to your Aeroplan Reserve Card.
- Request your complimentary GoldLeaf upgrade.
Book Direct with Rocky Mountaineer
The fine print:
- The service level upgrade is on the rail portion of the booking only.
- Upgrade is subject to availability and may not be available on all bookings.
- Blackout dates may apply.
- Not applicable to group bookings.
How Amex Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers Can Qualify for a Hotel Room Upgrade on Their Train Journey
Each train journey includes a hotel stay at a midpoint destination, which could be Kamloops, Quesnel, Whistler or Glenwood Springs, depending on the route you choose.
As an Amex Aeroplan Reserve Cardmember, or an Aeroplan Elite Status member of 25k or higher, you’ll be entitled to a hotel room upgrade on the first and last nights of a qualifying Rocky Mountaineer package itinerary.
How to receive your hotel room upgrade:
- Provide your Aeroplan Card number, or charge your trip to your Aeroplan Reserve Card.
- Request your hotel room upgrade at the time of booking.
The fine print:
- Upgrade is subject to availability and may not be available on all bookings.
- Blackout dates may apply.
- Offer is not applicable to 2 or 3-day rail only bookings or group bookings.
Book Direct with Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer Routes
Although a luxury train ride isn’t a benefit you’ll take advantage of everyday, it sure fits the aspirational travel category.
Most Canadian travel hackers have experienced life on a plane, but what about travelling lesser known scenic routes through the Canadian wilderness?
With Rocky Mountaineer, you can experience breathtaking views of historic sites, mountain ranges and wildlife. Indulge with locally inspired gourmet food and beverages. And relax in comfort with award winning service.
There are 4 main routes offered. 3 of the routes depart from Vancouver and wind their way through the most scenic parts of BC, and arrive in either Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper. The other route travels from Utah to Denver through the desert canyon.
Each train journey comes with:
- Breakfast and lunch served onboard
- Coffee, tea, drinks, and snacks throughout the day
- Spacious, comfortable seating
- Hotel stays at midpoint destinations (Kamloops, Quesnel, Whistler or Glenwood Springs)
- Large glass-dome windows
- Photo opportunities
- Hosts sharing stories and history along the route
Here are your route options:
Vancouver > Kamloops > Banff/Lake Louise
Vancouver
Experience the West Coast lifestyle in this international destination city, where the ocean meets the mountains.
Desert Landscapes
Follow the scenic Fraser River Valley from the lush Lower Mainland to the desert-like canyons of the Interior.
Kamloops
This riverside city, nestled among the canyons of the Interior, is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Incredible Terrain
Wind your way through some incredible terrain, including the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Pass.
Banff
Canada’s favourite Rocky Mountain getaway. Come for the views, stay for the hot springs.
Vancouver > Kamloops > Jasper
Vancouver
Experience the West Coast lifestyle in this international destination city, where the ocean meets the mountains.
Desert Landscapes
Follow the scenic Fraser River Valley from the lush Lower Mainland to the desert-like canyons of the Interior.
Kamloops
This riverside city, nestled among the canyons of the Interior, is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Mount Robson
Follow rushing rivers, witness the cascading waters of Pyramid Falls, and prepare to be awed by the sight Mount Robson.
Jasper
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, Jasper National Park is an 11,000 sq. kilometres (4,200 sq. miles) and home to incredible scenery and wildlife.
Vancouver > Whistler > Quesnel > Jasper
Vancouver
Experience the West Coast lifestyle in this international destination city, where the ocean meets the mountains.
From Sea to Sky
Go from sea to sky as you wind past the fjords of Howe Sound and into the Coast Mountain range.
Whistler
One of the top ski mountain resorts in North America, Whistler attracts travellers from all over the world.
Quesnel
You’ll be surrounded by rustic charm in this quaint city, which is the gateway to the North Cariboo region.
Undiscovered Landscapes
Witness landscapes and wildlife few others get to see as you follow the remotest reaches of the Fraser River.
Moab > Glenwood Springs > Denver
Moab
Start your journey in Moab, as you set off you’ll be greeted by its brilliant red sandstone backdrop and you’ll get your first glimpse of the iconic Arches National Park.
Rugged Landscapes
Roam past Mount Garfield, take in Ruby Canyon and savour a signature mocktail while crossing the state line into Colorado.
Glenwood Springs
You’ll stay overnight in Glenwood Springs, famous for its hot springs, before boarding the train for another day of adventure.
Vast Canyons
Cut through a series of canyons and rugged landscapes and celebrate crossing the Continental Divide with a sparkling wine toast.
Denver
As we reach the vibrant city of Denver, you’ll travel alongside the Colorado River in the heart of the Rockies.
How Much Does a Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey Cost?
As you can imagine, a luxury train ride through the Rockies comes with a premium price tag. As of November, 2021, prices range from $1,629 to $7,347.
How to Redeem Aeroplan Points for a Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey
You can redeem your Aeroplan points for Rocky Mountaineer eVouchers through the Aeroplan eStore, valued between $50 – $5,000. eVouchers can be used towards a portion, or your entire trip.
Or, redeem your Aeroplan points for select Rocky Mountaineer packages:
| Aeroplan Points | Rocky Mountaineer eVoucher |
| 4,000 | $50 |
| 32,000 | $400 |
| 80,000 | $1,000 |
| 400,000 | $5,000 |
| Aeroplan Points | Rocky Mountaineer Package |
| 384,000 | First Passage to the West (SilverLeaf/July-September, 2021) |
| 424,000 | Journey through the Clouds (SilverLeaf/July-September, 2021) |
| 536,000 | Canadian Rockies Getaway Circle (SilverLeaf/July-September, 2021) |
Redeem Your Aeroplan Points for Rocky Mountaineer.
Conclusion
Although I’ve yet to experience a luxury train ride through BC, it’s certainly on my must-do list. As a lifelong resident of BC, spending my weekends finding the best hot springs, swimming holes, and escaping into the mountains, it would be a very hard choice to choose between one of the BC to Alberta routes. They’re all absolutely stunning and will guarantee memories for a lifetime.
If you’re an Aeroplan points collector, and are looking for a truly unique travel journey, then consider a personal or business Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card to help you earn points faster towards your luxury train journey. Plus get a free coveted upgrade to GoldLeaf service and receive 5-star comfort, views, and food.
The welcome bonus on the Amex Aeroplan Reserve personal and business Cards is enough for $1,100 in Aeroplan eVouchers towards your Rocky Mountaineer getaway!
So, even after the annual fee of $599, you’ll save $500 towards your journey, just by applying for the Reserve Card.
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