CANADA'S SPARKLING RAILWAY GEM, THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Perhaps the best part of this vacation is the utter peacefulness in passing through the majestic Canadian Rockies. No where else on earth is there a better opportunity to share in an experience that is, still today, not much different from those who originally settled this expansive mountain territory. However, to be able to be whisked through this pristine territory, in true luxury coach service, combined with overnights in 5 star mountain resorts, is to partake in an evocative journey, second to none.
Canada’s beloved first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, started the process to build the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in the 1880’s to turn Canada into a unified, transcontinental nation. Fast forward a few years and the magnificently named William Cornelius Van Horne, then vice president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, realized the way to make the railroad pay was to promote the wondrous backdrop.
This brought forth a sprawling national park system, brought tourism to the mountains, which then, led to the development of Canada’s first luxury hotels. As the only way to pass the historic railway’s most rugged stretches is the Rocky Mountaineer, a British Columbia based, family-owned luxury train company, it is our great fortune that they still exist to “provide the most spectacular and unforgettable travel experiences in the world”.
From start to finish, no other travel experience based company, impresses me more than the Rocky Mountaineer. The first time I called them, their on-hold music was playing my favorite song of all time, Pat Metheny’s Grammy award-winning song, from his album Still Life Talking: Last Train Home. This song, along with my second favorite, Arlo Guthrie’s, City of New Orleans, might shed light on my own fascination with passenger train travel.
It only got better from there. I was introduced to a friendly and highly efficient travel consultant who was able to translate my vaguely conceived train ride into an extremely detailed written itinerary of an amazing mountain journey packed with adventure and wonder. I soon realized that if there ever was a truly very unique luxury travel experience, one to be cherished and placed on a pedestal for all to admire and enjoy in their lifetime, this was it.
A Picture Perfect Vacation
First of all there is virtually nothing about this fabulous travel adventure that would not delight even the most discerning luxury traveler. Just imagine spectacular scenery, unlimited wildlife, constant pampering, gracious staff, superb cuisine and an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience second to none.
It is devoid of the drawbacks of other types of vacations: 1) No sea sickness such as related to ocean cruising 2) No problems with security risks related to world travel 3) No fatigue associated with road trips 4) Lack of that over-crowded feel on-board and on land.
Although one may find it devoid of entertainment options: 1) No water slides 2) No variety shows 3) No casino, (the kids would complain of boredom and some might wish they were elsewhere playing on their smartphones) what this rail-journey may lack in on-board life is more than compensated by the true star of this vacation: majestic scenery and wildlife and an endearing on-board crew. It is even the perfect addition to an Alaskan cruise or visit to this area.
Join Ted’s Facebook Group, Rocky Mountaineer Train Journeys.
There’s long been a romance in train travel, voyagers relishing the picturesque views and clink-and-clang lethargy of the journey. But if ordinary train travel is romantic, then the Rocky Mountaineer is downright intoxicating, as it etches itself through verdant valleys, next to rushing turquoise rivers, and towering mountains. There’s a proverbial “money shot” around every bend. Take this opportunity to join Ted’s Facebook Group Rocky Mountaineer Train Journeys and discover the magic of these amazing rail adventures.
Rocky Mountaineer takes guests into the heart of the Canadian Rockies on luxury train journeys via four routes that include Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Quesnel, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise in Canada.
Guests can sit back, relax and experience views that can’t be seen from the roads, as the train winds slowly through landscapes of lakes, canyons and mountain ranges. Travel is by day only (nights are spent in luxury hotels), and there are plenty of opportunities to take photos through the coaches’ large, domed windows. Guests in Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service have the advantages of a separate dining area, free drinks, better menus, better hotels, but the main advantage is that being a double-deck carriage, the views were outstanding as you could see over and above the passing flora. You also have access to a small outdoor viewing platform, where you can stretch your legs and breathe in that Rockies air. Take my advice and only consider this option. You will thank me later!
Ted’s Top Rail/Road-Trip Pick
The problem you might at first encounter with this type of vacation is too many options: so many types of packages with endless add-ons.
Rocky Mountaineer – See The World Through New Eyes
Your dream journey is just around the corner. Let Ted handle the planning so you can sit back and watch in wonder as the world goes by.
This would be my recommendation for first time travelers:
First choose the 8 day Journey Through the Clouds, as described by the company: “Witness the unparalleled beauty of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies and the remote vistas of Canada’s West.” Include Goldleaf service level and retain its upgraded luxury hotels. Then add 2 extra nights in Vancouver and tack on their tours to Whistler and Victoria.
Upgrade this to the package that also includes rental car from Jasper to Calgary, the 11 day Journey through the Clouds Discovery Self-Drive, with this itinerary : Journey through the Clouds Discovery Self-Drive Itinerary. This added self drive adventure at the end might just be the vacation highlight. The drive is described by Robert Reid in Nat Geo’s article: Road Trip: Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada.“Looking for the greatest mountain road trip in North America? Head north. Canada, people sometimes forget, is a road trip nation too. And the 266-mile (428-kilometer) ride from Calgary to Jasper is the continent’s equivalent of Switzerland’s Glacier Express railroad journey.”
Don’t Leave Your Vacation to Chance!
Make it easy on yourself and choose a seasoned travel professional who will guide you every step of the way! Your once-in-a-lifetime vacation should not be a dress rehearsal! Although my services are completely free of charge, they do not come without benefits, the greatest one being that I love to travel even more than you do. And the only thing that makes me happier than amazing journeys is helping others find their own special take on the majesty and wonder of our unique planet.
