Exploring Canada Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
This month, Laura and I were lucky enough to go on a Travel Agent Familiarization Trip (FAM for short) courtesy of the luxury rail company the Rocky Mountaineer. We spent six nights in Canada visiting Calgary, Banff, Kamloops, and Vancouver. Read on for the highlights of our unforgettable experience.
Natural Bridge; Banff National Park
Calgary to Banff
Our journey began with a warm welcome breakfast at Delta Downtown Calgary. We had the honor of participating in the White Hat Ceremony, becoming honorary Calgarians!
Next, we boarded a comfortable coach bus and embarked on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Banff, viewing the 1988 Olympic Ski Jump Site before we entered Banff National Park. We stopped for lunch in downtown Banff before heading to ride the Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, where we were treated to panoramic vistas of the Bow River, Bow Falls, and the stunning surrounding landscapes.
White Hat Ceremony: Honorary Calgarians!
Downtown Banff
Banff Gondola to Sulfer Moutain
Banff National Park
Banff to Lake Louise
On day two of our learning journey, our coach bus took us through the breathtaking Castle Mountain area, and quick stop to see the Spiral Tunnels. The highlight of day was visiting Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge. We also visited the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The lake was still frozen over but nonetheless beautiful. We spent the evening exploring downtown Banff, a quaint mountain town we would recommend to any traveler.
Emerald Lake
Banff to Kamloops
All Aboard! Day Three we embarked on a breathtaking train journey from Banff to Kamloops aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf Train, spending about eight hours total on the train.
The Gold Leaf service provided us with the utmost comfort and luxury, with spacious seating and a glass-domed carriage that offered uninterrupted views of the majestic landscapes. We felt like royalty as we sipped on our complimentary beverages and indulged in delicious meals prepared onboard and served in a separate dining car.
Throughout the journey, we were entertained by knowledgeable and friendly hosts who shared fascinating stories and insights about the passing landmarks and wildlife, and we even spotting a white grizzly bear (which is 1/4,000 of it’s kind!).
We stayed overnight in the mountain town of Kamloops, which had a fun and vibrant restaurant and food scene; a welcome suprise!
Rocky Moutainteer Gold Leaf Service
Kamloops to Vancouver
Day Four of our learning journey was our second day spent on the Rocky Mountaineer, departing from Kamloops and making our way to the vibrant city of Vancouver. The total time spent on the train was around 10 hours, but it went fast since we were treated to drinks, food, and hospitality throughout! We also were able to get to know our travel companions more during the leisurely train day. Meeting others in the travel industry as well as our Rocky Mountaineer Learning Journey hosts was a joy.
Arriving in Vancouver, we were met with the bustling energy of a cosmopolitan city; a very different vibe from both Banff and Kamloops! We stayed at the traditional and stunning Fairmont Vancouver in the heart of downtown.
Vancouver
Day Five of our learning journey was the culmination of our incredible journey with Destination Vancouver as we explored the city of with LandSea on a day long adventure through some of the city's most iconic landmarks and attractions. A rainy last day didn’t stop us from enjoying everything the city had to offer!
We started our day with a visit to the picturesque Coal Harbour, where we marveled at the stunning views of the city skyline and the sparkling waters. Next, we explored the breathtaking Stanley Park, a lush oasis in the heart of the city.
One of the highlights of the day was our visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. We crossed the swaying suspension bridge, surrounded by towering trees and cascading waterfalls. Our journey continued to the vibrant Granville Island, where we sampled delicious local cuisine, explored the bustling market, and soaked in the artistic atmosphere.
To top it all off, we experienced the thrill of Flyover Canada, a breathtaking virtual flight that took us on a captivating journey across the country. It was an exhilarating and immersive experience!
As our tour came to an end, we gathered for a farewell reception hosted by the Rocky Mountaineer. We were grateful for the experience and hope to be lucky enough to travel with Rocky Mountaineer again soon. If you are looking for a unique vacation experience, Rocky Mountaineer is for you!
