When you hear someone mention traveling by train, often times we associate it with a way to commute to work. But for others, riding on a train is a vacation in itself. Not only are you moving from point A to point B, looking forward to having fun upon arrival – you’re having fun while traveling.
One advantage of traveling by train is the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery all throughout the journey. No matter which direction you look…left, right or through a Vista Dome roof, you will see so much more compared to when you travel by plane.
And this week I will be traveling by train experiencing one of the world’s most beautiful itineraries across the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Did you know the Canadian Rocky Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site? They are one of the planet’s most spectacular mountain ranges — an untamed wilderness filled with rugged snow-covered mountain peaks, ice fields, and glaciers, alpine meadows, lakes, waterfalls, extensive karst cave systems, thermal springs and deeply incised canyons. Some of the best-known mountain scenery on Earth is concentrated in a set of seven parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. And the beauty of traveling by train, is that we will be able to see the many features that make up this World Heritage site.
Last weekend my grandson and I went to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer to enjoy a “Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine”! How fun, right? You should have seen Owen’s face as we got closer and closer to Thomas. His eyes lit up and he was star-struck. The bright blue train that goes clickety-clack down the track on television or in a video was right there before his eyes. Not only was the real Thomas there, so was Percy, the caboose.
Kids and many adults are fascinated by trains…how they work, which car is which and what they do, what it’s like to be a conductor, the thrill of the ride and more.
So, Owen and I hopped aboard for 2 separate train rides…one when Thomas was the engine and a second where Percy was the caboose. He was so excited! His cute little face peered out the window, listening the the sound of the wheels as they moved along the tracks all the while taking in the beautiful scenery along the route.
First Passage to the West!
Now it’s my turn to travel by train and one that will be full steam ahead. I’ll be experiencing the legendary rail route for a 10-day journey that starts in Vancouver and travels to Banff/Lake Louise. We will travel by train during the day then will overnight at stunning hotels in those major cities. As we stop along the way, we will enjoy some really amazing expeditions to ensure we never miss any of the spectacular scenery. Stay tuned for pictures of these experiences!
Enjoy these short videos to get a feeling of what it will be like on the train!
Onboard Experience
There are two levels of service available where you choose between Excellent and Extraordinary – SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. For this trip, my friend and I chose GoldLeaf. They say it’s where Five-Star Comfort meets Five-Star Views. We’ll indulge our senses with gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs and enjoy expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies. AMAZING!!
First Passage to the West Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Vancouver, Canada and transfer to our hotel to prepare for the adventure.
Day 2 & 3
Explore Vancouver where the mountains meet the sea, and every scene looks like something straight from a postcard. Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Day 4
Depart Vancouver Station at 7:30am and travel to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On the journey we will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. The day concludes along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops Station between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Then we’ll will transfer to our hotel.
Day 5
Depart Kamloops Station around 6:30am, to continue our journey east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. We’ll travel across ranch lands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. We’ll arrive at 5:00pm and transfer to our famous hotel, The Fairmont Chateaux Lake Louise. STUNNING!!
Day 6
Columbia Icefield Discovery & Glacier Sightseeing Tour.
We’ll go onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier by an Ice Explorer; a massive vehicle specially designed for glacial travel. Here our guide will share a wealth of fascinating information about glaciers, icefields, and their impact on our environment. During the tour we’ll step out onto the glacier and take in the most stunning alpine and glacial vistas. We’ll also go out on the award-winning Glacier Skywalk, a 1,640 long boardwalk extending 100 feet out over the Sunwapta Valley allowing one to float in the sky amidst spectacular scenery.
Day 7
Touring Lake Louise to Banff, with Yoho National Park Tour.
This half-day tour will take us into Yoho National Park to view its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. During the day our luggage will be transfered to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Located in the heart of Banff National Park, the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” has been providing legendary hospitality to guests for more than 125 years. The Fairmont Banff Springs is a year-round luxury mountain resort that offers a championship golf course, the award winning European-style Willow Stream Spa, and authentically local dining experiences.
Day 8
Free day in Banff to explore and visit the spa!
Day 9
Continue to explore the Banff/Lake Louise area, including a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views of the Banff townsite and surrounding mountains.
From there we’ll visit Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos.
Next, we’ll jump on a Rocky Mountain Helicopter Tour going up almost 2 miles above sea level so we can get an appreciation for the sheer size of the glaciers, mountain vistas, lakes, and the waterfalls in Kananaskis County.
Our day will end at the Calgary Tower where we’ll feel like we are suspended in mid-air. Soaring 525 feet above the city, with 360-degree views and the Rocky Mountains in the distance, it’ll take our breath away. INCREDIBLE!
Day 10
Today we depart. Time to head back to Charlotte, NC.
Follow along on my trip by subscribing to my social media where I post highlights of my adventures!
Are you ready to be dazzled by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and experience traveling by train? It’s an opportunity to broaden your horizons, get out of your comfort zone or add a little spice to your life!
If the answer is YES…then I believe, whole-heartedly, that YOU would love a journey by train and experience it by visiting the magical destination of the Canadian Rockies, a journey that will wow you every step of the way.
If you are interested, let me know and I am happy to arrange your vacation!
As a reminder, last week I shared about my trip to Egypt. (Did you se the pictures I have been sharing on my social media channels?) I really enjoyed it so much that I am ready to go back to see what I missed. So I decided to put together a small group that includes a trip down River Nile, the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Luxor and Aswan. No date has been set but it will be sometime in 2022 or 2023. If you want to be on the list to receive the information, reach out to me at [email protected]
Let’s do it! Don’t wait! Life it too short!
Enjoy your week!!
