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The Rocky Mountaineer Railtour

By Madelyn Miller and Howard Miller

If you collect magical moments in your memory bank, taking a train across Canada is one memory you'll always treasure. Crossing the Canadian Rockies by rail is still one of the world's most unique travel experiences. Towering peaks, rushing torrents, shimmering lakes...it's scene after scene of magnificence.

We have a simple gauge of how breathtaking we think any travel destination or experience is. We call it the film factor. Simply, it is how many rolls of film we took. This trip was off the chart. And  we’re not the only one who thinks so---this is one of the most photographed stretches of countryside in the world.

This trip has been touted by many as "The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World". Breathtaking views of the majestic, snow-covered Canadian Rockies, rugged canyons and seemingly endless green meadows and valleys are only interrupted by sightings of Big Horn Sheep and Moose.

You pass by Banff and Glacier National Parks, the Kicking Horse and Rogers passes, the "spiral tunnels", and the Thompson and Fraser River Canyons. Photo buffs like me really appreciate when the knowledgeable guides "warn" you of upcoming photo opportunities.
And then all the lensmen jump to their feet and look for the best angles.

A spirit of camaraderie develops as you squeeze into corners or cross to the other side of the train to get the best angles. Needless to say, by the end of the trip you have gotten close with your fellow travelers.

A century ago, when an iron path was carved through the Canadian Rockies, word soon spread and poets, writers , royalty and rail enthusiasts came from around the globe to view its scenic splendors.

The best way to make this trip is in the Dome Coach which lets you see more of the Canadian Rockies than ever before. Because you are encircled in glass, your eyes can follow a jagged mountain up to its towering summit or trace the course of a churning river. This custom-built, state-of-the-art, bi-level luxury domed coach provides deluxe service and gourmet food in a private dining car.

Only 72 passengers are lucky enough to travel in the Dome Coach so be sure to reserve early. Then you can take advantage of an observation platform on the lower level, plus two spiral staircases for easy access to the upper level. For Dome Coach guests, an onboard chef prepares Western Canadian cuisine at its finest. Specialties include wild Pacific salmon at its succulent best, tender Alberta beef and farm-fresh produce from the Okanagan and Fraser Valleys

Two-day trips connect the beautiful port city of Vancouver, British Columbia with Calgary, Alberta and the mountain resort towns of Jasper and Banff, Alberta. You'll overnight in the quaint town of  Kamloops where you can sit down to a hearty country-style dinner (included in the ticket price as are all meals) . Some people prefer to arrange a time on the driving range, or for a real Western experience, saddle up and go horseback riding.

Whatever you do, don't forget your camera.

For more information: 800-665-7245

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