Are hotels included in the tour package?
Yes, here is a description of each tour’s lodging nights.

Escorted Tours

Montana Rockies Rail Tour – 3 Days with 2 Nights lodging.
Continental Divide Tour – 5 Days with 4 Nights lodging.
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons Tour – 7 Days with 6 Nights lodging.
Glacier Great Circle Tour – 7 Days with 6 Nights lodging.

Rail & Road Escapes

Yellowstone Preview Tour – 5 Days with 4 Nights lodging.
Yellowstone Expedition Tour – 7 Days with 6 Nights lodging.
Montana & Yellowstone Tour – 9 Days with 8 Nights lodging.

If you would like to extend your tour and add additional pre-or post-nights, we will be happy to help you schedule dates.

What are the hotels like?
We carefully screen the hotels we use for our tours.  They are clean and comfortable.  Consideration should be given that this is “the Wild West” and not the “Ritz”! Our motor touring groups enjoy a great variety of hotels and scenery.  Due to the ‘summer rush’ circumstances sometimes lead to a change in hotels.

What else is included in the price?
Motor coach/shuttle transfers to and from the train.  A Continental Breakfast is included each day throughout the tour. Lunch is served on board on all train days, as well as complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Refreshments will be provided during the motorcoach portion of each tour.

What about my luggage?
You should pack one bag for the overnight in Missoula that you can carry on board the train.  Your other luggage will be stowed in the baggage car and will not be accessible for the Missoula overnight portion of your tour. We recommend the use of soft-sided luggage. We will provide luggage tags for each tour passenger, please fill them out and attach to every bag you bring.

What should I pack?  Is there a dress code?
While we give First Class service, we want our passengers to be relaxed and enjoy the trip.  Casual clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Shoes must be worn when walking on the train. Don’t forget your camera!

What is Discovery Service like?
The seats are large, spacious recliners with tray backs.  You will be served a delicious deli-style box lunch prepared on board by our chefs.  You are free to move about all of the Discovery Cars and the Club Car. Restrooms are available in each car.

What is Big Sky Service like?
You have a reclining coach seat as well as access to seating in the vista domes, which offer panoramic views of the scenery. You are free to rotate between the two areas.  Lunch is served in two seatings (as needed) in the dining car.

What is Montana Gold Service like?
For two days and nights, indulge yourself in an exclusive setting that accommodates no more than 14 passengers. From the moment you are welcomed onboard for a champagne toast, the private staff of Montana Gold provides discriminating service throughout your trip. We only travel by daylight hours, insuring you will enjoy all of the spectacular scenery through the Montana Rockies.

From sunrise to sunset, freshly prepared regional cuisine and fine wine abound in this luxury setting. Palate pleasing hand-carved Montana beef, rack of spring lamb or high stream trout are but a few of our gourmet selections. Afternoon tea, laden with decadent pastries and civility, reminds you that you have made the most perfect travel choice. Whether you simply want to relax in your cabin, capture a quiet moment in the dome, or indulge in a gourmet experience in Montana Gold’s private dining room, you will find staffavailable to cater to your every need.

May I Smoke?
Smoking is permitted in vestibules only (the area between cars).  Smoking is not permitted in the cars nor on the motorcoaches.

Does the train stop so we can get off and walk around?
The train has scheduled stops in Sandpoint, Missoula and Livingston. We will make a quick stop in Helena to board and deboard passengers on our Glacier Great Circle Tour. These are our only scheduled stops.

Which route do we take from Missoula to Sandpoint?
There are two possible routes that we travel over.  The southern is along the Clark Fork River, while the northern route is over Evaro Hill and along the Flathead River.  Railroad freight traffic will determine which route we take.

Are the scheduled departure and arrival times accurate?
We note in our schedules when we change from Mountain Time to Pacific Time, (basically from Montana to Idaho).  We try to stay on time, but freight takes precedence over passenger trains, so there could be occasions when we are asked to pull aside and let freight trains pass.  We also occasionally arrive earlier than scheduled.  This means we have been pushed forward by a freight schedule.

What if I miss my connection?
We cannot hold the train or the motorcoach transfers for late passengers.  Departure times are clearly listed so you can be ready on time.  Should you miss your connection, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to reconnect with the tour.  Plan your journey with this in mind.

Are pets allowed on the train?
Only animals for the seeing or hearing impaired.

Tips and gratuities?
If you are traveling with a tour group, ask your tour director.  If you personally would like to tip your car attendant/servers/porters, there are envelopes provided on board.  Please return envelope to the On Board Manager or Conductor.

What is the weather like?
The summers in the Northwest are mild temperatures.  The average daytime temperature is 80-85 degrees with low humidity.  The evenings cool down into the 60’s.  Rain is unpredictable.  We encourage you to pack a light jacket or sweater.  The layer method works very well.