By Anita Carson, Zebra Travel Editor
Alexandria, VA – I have been fortunate to visit 98 countries and all 7 continents, but I had never taken a multi-day train journey across the Canadian Rockies. This was on my bucket list and I discovered that this was also on the bucket list of other travelers. More than a year ago I began the process of reserving group space on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train, inviting a select group to travel with me including valued clients and friends.
We traveled from May 31 to June 10 flying from Dulles Airport on a nonstop flight to Vancouver, BC. We arrived mid-morning and enjoyed a 3-hour tour of Vancouver in the afternoon that included colorful Granville Island and Stanley Park. I recommend you explore Vancouver before you begin your train journey.
We traveled on the Circle Journey roundtrip from Vancouver with our first stop in Kamloops, which is halfway between Vancouver and Lake Louise. As we traveled on the train, it was hard to believe the spectacular scenery that literally took our breath away! The snow-capped peaks, majestic waterfalls, and miles of awe-inspiring nature captivated our senses!
While on the train there was endless food to enjoy from the early morning coffee with refreshing juice, to snacks with an open bar and lunch served daily. The food was delicious and the onboard crew outstanding. At the end of each day, we rested overnight at hotels along the way.
Once we arrived at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise, we were struck by the glacial surprise of the pristine blue, glass-like lake before us (see photo). Tip: Timing is crucial when choosing your travel dates, to make certain the snow has melted and the glacial effects create this natural beauty of the blue or aqua lakes.
Next Stop – We traveled by motorcoach to Banff nestled inside the National Park surrounded by natural springs, turquoise lakes, and the famous Banff Gondola. A must when in Banff: travel by gondola up Sulphur Mountain for the panoramic view of six mountain ranges, with deep valleys and rushing rivers.
The next day our motorcoach took us to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation deck over the Sunwapta Valley, followed by a delicious Alpine Lunch and later a visit to the Columbia Icefield that is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. We traveled by an all-terrain vehicle that took us to the icefield for photo ops and views of Mount Columbia. Spectacular!
After an overnight stay in Jasper, we visited the beautiful Pyramid Lake followed by an awesome experience on the Jasper SkyTram with scenic views of the Athabasca River and abundant mountain ranges. At the top, we didn’t pass up the scenic café for a warm delight of hot chocolate!
The next day we were back on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver following the winding North Thompson rivers with commentary from the crew highlighting interesting mile markers and bringing stories to life.
In Summary: Travelers seeking a unique way to immerse themselves in some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes need look no further than the Rocky Mountaineer. This world-renowned luxury train experience offers panoramic glass-dome coaches, daylight-only travel, and overnight stays in comfortable hotels, ensuring that every mile reveals an unforgettable view.
News: The Canyon Spirit (operated by Rocky Mountaineer) just launched the “Rockies to the Red Rocks” route. The new flagship three-day journey runs between Denver and Salt Lake City, with overnight stays in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Moab, Utah.
This journey highlights the spectacular desert landscapes and vivid rock formations of the American Southwest.
To book your Rocky Mountaineer journey, contact Anita Carson, CTC at Villas and Voyages: [email protected]
