Canada is a nation linked by a ribbon of rails, first envisioned by Sir John A. Macdonald – and there’s no better way to experience the magic of his dream than by climbing aboard the Rocky Mountaineer (www.rockymountaineer.com), a true Canadian train travel experience at its best.
Although there are several routes from which to choose, the luxury train trip that takes guests from the urban splendor of Vancouver, through British Columbia’s own inland desert to Kamloops, then on through a series of mind-boggling spiral tunnels and into Alberta’s glorious Rocky Mountains to Banff is a journey that you’ll never forget.
Grab your tickets and your camera – all aboard!
The company offers two levels of service, at two price points. While the Red Leaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer is very good, the Gold Leaf is just that much better. While Red Leaf guests view the scenery through large, bright windows and are treated to delicious meals in their seats, Gold Leaf guests enjoy a spectacular view from a glass-domed observation car, and dine in a tiny but oh-so-elegant dining room while the train rumbles through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
The days are long – the first is nearly seven hours and the second, close to twelve – but every hour has its fascination. Whether the charming attendants are talking about the history of the first nations people who were the first inhabitants of the area through which you’re passing, pointing out a big horned sheep on the siding, or offering a mid-afternoon cocktail, this rail trip is an exercise in luxury learning and sumptuous sightseeing.
A perfect choice for travelers whose mobility may be limited, the Rocky Mountaineer has thought of every detail. Hotel accommodations are included in the package and shuttle buses are on hand to transport guests from the train stations. Red Leaf passengers carry their luggage with them aboard the train and transfer it via the shuttle buses, but Gold Leaf passengers enjoy an added treat. Their higher fare entitles them to have their bags tagged at Vancouver, delivered to their rooms in Kamloops, picked up again from those rooms in the morning, and transferred to their final hotel. At all times, friendly staff members are there to handle the details.
Though the majority of Gold Leaf guests on the Rocky Mountaineer climb up and down a short spiral staircase to the dining room for breakfast and lunch (and that’s why the recommendation that you wear flat-soled shoes is such a good one!) those who have significant mobility issues can use an internal elevator. A similar system is also available to help guests who use wheelchairs to get on and off the train.
Making the trip to the dining room is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip as the chef spares no effort to impress. Diners are treated to smoked B.C. salmon, the finest Alberta beef, and fresh local produce. The only danger is that you’ll be so busy admiring your plate and wondering how the chef has managed such a beautiful presentation in a kitchen the size of a skateboard – that you might miss something wonderful just outside your window. Look up!
Although many guests are happy to shoot their photos and videos through the window glass of the observation car, those who want a closer look can stand on the platforms between the cars. It’s not only a great vantage point for picture taking but is the best place to feel the power of the train, smell the air and feel the warmth of the sun on your face.
Thinking of treating yourself to a trip west? There is no better way to experience Canadian railroad history or to observe some of our most inaccessible and wildly beautiful landscapes than aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
For more information, visit www.RockyMountaineer.com.
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Liz Fleming is an award-winning Canadian travel journalist who specializes in adventure, health and wellness and learning travel. For more from Liz, go to: Liz Fleming’s Travel Tales