There’s something magical about the rhythm of the train wheels, the sound of the conductor’s “All aboard!” and the stunning views out the big windows. It makes you feel truly transported into a new dimension when onboard, which is just what one wants on vacation.
Snaking its way through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this most luxurious and scenic train journey is an experience unrivalled in North America.
The pleasure of traversing the globe by rail has captured the hearts and dreams of travelers for years, and even though the modern age of cheap and fast flights has opened destinations like never before, Rocky Mountaineer has embraced the slow, romantic travel that only a train trip can offer.
I just returned home from the most spectacular train adventure through the Canadian Rockies and I’m excited to share about my journey with you. There were so many amazing highlights that it was hard to narrow it down. So, for additional inspiration, I added a lot of pictures and details to my Facebook and Instagram pages! And I posted my trip itinerary on my website for you to follow along. This adventure was truly magical in every way!
An Adventure by Rail!
My journey began in Vancouver where I spent the first 2 days exploring the city, learning about the history, visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, shopping at Granville Market and taking in the views at the top of Grouse Mountain with my friend Joyce. There is so much to see and do in Vancouver that we both want to return so we can capture what we missed.
On the third day, we boarded the train early in the morning to experience the “First Passage to the West”. We certainly had a “room with a view”! Our seats were in the bi-level glass domed coaches which was ideal for viewing the incredible landscapes and the abundant wildlife. And when it was a bit too sunny, the hosts flicked a button and the glare disappeared. Every now and again we would jump across the aisle so we could gaze at the stunning landscape that was before our eyes.
Each row of seating was very spacious and had a lot of legroom. Our seats were very comfortable, reclined, and had seat warmers for the chilly mornings.
We traveled by train during the day and spent the nights at beautiful properties in the major cities like Lake Louise and Banff. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was my favorite and a hotel that I longed to see in person since I was a teenager.
A Feast for our Senses
Our taste for adventure wasn’t the only thing we indulged in on our journey. Traveling between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, what we found on our plate was just as impressive as to what we saw outside the glass-dome windows. We dined on multi-course breakfasts and lunches that were served on board the train and created by the Rocky Mountaineer professional culinary team.
Since Joyce and I were traveling in Goldleaf status, we walked downstairs to a dedicated dining room for our meals. We enjoyed freshly prepared, chef-created menus for both breakfast and lunch. We started our day with either a fruit smoothie or fresh fruit and then had choices of either a spinach and cheese omelet, buttermilk pancakes served with strawberries and warm Canadian maple syrup or eggs Benedict with seasoned potatoes. Everything was delicious!
At lunch, we had to make tough choices between Alberta beef, roasted chicken and wild Pacific caught salmon. Lucky for us, every choice was the right one!
Much of the inspiration for the menus comes from what we saw along the way, with fresh ingredients sourced seasonally from British Columbia and Alberta. In fact, some of their routes pass right by the farms, such as Desert HIlls Ranch in Ashcroft, just west of Kamloops. To complement our meals, premium British Columbia wines from the Okanagan Valley were also served onboard, along with local craft beer. Together with gourmet snacks served throughout the journey, the wine, beer and high-end spirits are all complimentary – and were perfect as we toasted to our adventure.
Spectacular Scenery
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are filled with rugged 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 saw so many features that make up this World Heritage site.
Not only did we travel in signature bi-level glass-dome coaches, we also went outside on our exclusive viewing platform to get closer to the action. The views were stunning everywhere we looked…up, down, left, right! The color of the water, the snow capped mountains, the wildlife roaming to and fro and the sounds of the water rushing down the hills…it was majestic and magical.
My finger was always on my camera because I didn’t want to miss capturing another beautiful site…. sites that I will look at again and again after I return home from this adventure.
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. –John Muir
The Railroad Folks…a delight!
One of the best parts of our journey was meeting other passengers and staff from all over the world. Michelle (from Vancouver) and Leigh (from the UK) were our hosts in the upper level coach. We enjoyed their commentary which was interesting and informative and at times quite funny. We learned about the history of the Canadian Railway, saw historical landmarks, crossed the Continental Divide and heard fun facts about the communities along our route. They were quick to point out wildlife like Sea Eagles, ospreys, elk, and moose. We learned quite a lot and found it very interesting.
Remember to enjoy the journey and the scenery along the way! –Katrina Mayer
As I just experienced first-hand, there has never been a better time to travel to Canada than right now! Here’s why!
First – The number of international travelers is down about 75%, so you won’t find long lines to enter museums or historical sites. No need to worry about making your way through a crowd of people. You’ll have the opportunity to see more than you normally would in destination.
Second – The locals are thrilled to see and serve you since travel makes up a large proportion of their GDP. They want to make sure you have an enjoyable experience so that you’ll return home and encourage others to travel there too.
Third – The weather in the fall… beautiful, colorful foliage and snow capped mountains! Picturesque! I personally love the fall weather, the colorful leaves and the surprise of a snow squall every now and again!
Fourth – Since there are less tourists, your dollars go much farther as companies want to compete for your business.
Fifth – Canada is open for travel and the number of daily Covid cases are extremely low. Vaccinated tourists are welcomed per the Canadian regulations. Masks are also required.
BONUS to traveling to Canada now…your pictures will be tourist free. AMAZING!
And the biggest reason…Canada is full of beauty and wildlife waiting for you to see and experience with your own eyes!
Follow along on my social media where I post highlights of my adventures.
And remember…
As I mentioned in my previous newsletter…just because we’ve finished school doesn’t mean our education stops. Learning keeps us young, and travel is one of the greatest teachers of all. Travel inspires a sense of wonder and discovery, and there’s an entire world of things to do and people to meet. When you travel, you never stop learning.
“All Aboard!!!” in September/October 2022!
Are you ready to join me in experiencing a journey by rail through the Canadian Rockies? I know you will love the adventure as much as I did! It’s magical and majestic in every way!
If the answer is YES…then let’s do it! I believe, whole-heartedly, that YOU would enjoy a journey by rail that wows you every step of the way. Just send me an email ([email protected]) that you are ready to jump on board the Rocky Mountaineer train!
Let’s pursue a new adventure together! Don’t wait! Life it too short!
Another friendly reminder…we have a fun group that is interested in exploring Egypt! If you’d like to join us, let me know! It’s a fabulous destination with so much enrichment for all!!
Enjoy your week!!
