Rocky Mountaineer Luxury Rail gives Awesome Canadian Experience
By Bobbie Green
There cannot be a better way to enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas that are found in Western Canada. My eyes are inundated with wondrous scenery in full view from my dome car on the Rocky Mountaineer Train.
In celebration of its 20th season, Randy Powell, President of “Rocky Mountaineer” the Canadian train company, was at the Vancouver station to see us off on the first train run of the season. I was taking the 2-day journey over the “Kicking Horse Route” to Calgary while enjoying their “Gold Leaf Service.”
As we left the station, all the Rocky Mountaineer staff not aboard our train were lined up to give their famous two handed good-by wave to those aboard the train. This guest pleasing gesture happens each time the train leaves a Rocky Mountaineer station. The seats in both Red Car Service and Gold Leaf Service are wide and comfy. Red car passengers enjoy picture windows and have their meals at their seat. Gold Leaf passengers ride in the upper dome car and have their meals below in the picture windowed dinning car.
Our route takes us along the coastal mountains, the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park. The first run of the season begins in April and some rivers, lakes and waterfalls were still frozen or just beginning to thaw, what a treat for passengers from a mild climate like my self. Guest getting to take in the majestic views while passing behind cascading glacier ice is almost surreal. Short of climbing a mountain yourself, where else could one see this phenomenal scenery? For those passengers used to a long white winter I would recommend taking the run later in the summer where your eyes may feast on the lush greenery and pristine lakes of Canada.
Unlike Canada’s Via train that goes from coast to coast Rocky Mountaineer is privately owned and runs western Canadian itineraries. Passengers may add sight seeing tours if they wish or lengthen their trip by connecting with Via to cross the country. The train runs only in daylight hours, not to miss the views. Guests overnight in hotels. We stayed in the town of Kamloops at the Thompson Hotel. Guest had a choice of spending the evening exploring on their own or attending a pre-arranged dinner and show. Room keys were handed out on the train and the luggage was in the room when the guest arrived. Kamloops is one of the warmest, driest cities in Canada and takes pride in its beautiful golf courses. The name Kamloops comes from a First Nation word meaning “meeting of the waters.”
I found the trip to be superior in every way. The service is out of the ordinary with the attendants also acting as docents pointing out sights and giving the history along with their own brand of humor. The food left nothing to be desired. It was presented as it would be in a fine dinning restaurant and tasted every bit as good. Beverages of all kinds were always forthcoming to your seats along with snacks.
Those with long range focal lenses on their cameras spent much of their time on the vestibule shooting the scenery without the glass. People from all over the world want to travel on this train. I met folks from England, Switzerland, Germany, Australia and Texas. I know the Texans will appreciate me listing them with the Countries.
Rocky Mountaineer has perfected luxury train travel through out the past years, the proof being all the awards and accolades they have won since 1991. Still an innovative company, they are now introducing escorted Tours and themed tours, with the addition of a lounge/ library car and features such as wine appreciation and special educational presentations. This means you will have another common interest with your fellow passengers who have chosen this particular theme. The train is handicapped accessible including a lift.
When talking with the attendants and the train manager I found most of them have been with the company for many years, and have plans to stay with them because they enjoy their work.
My train experience was truly awesome because of the scenery and fun because of the comfort, fellow passengers and attendants. When you are ready to ride the rails, I can recommend the luxury rails of Rocky Mountaineer for an experience of a lifetime.
IF YOU GO
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations
800-665-7245
www.Rockymountaineer.com
Goggle: tourism Vancouver
www.Britishcolumbia.com
