Michelle Ryan recently enjoyed the Rocky Mountain experience first-hand, on the First Passage to the West route, journeying from Vancouver to Calgary. Read her review below.
Thinking of booking that trip of a lifetime? Take a look at the Rocky Mountaineer Experience – a luxury rail experience that takes you through the Rockies in Canada. This two-day rail route is the most popular route through the Canadian Rockies, famous for uniting Canada's East and West.
It isn’t just about the train - though without a doubt the rail journey is the highlight of the trip. It's a jam-packed itinerary that showcases the very best of what British Colombia has to offer.
Vancouver, eh?
We kicked off our trip with a day of exploring Vancouver city, with its colourful downtown neighbourhoods, to culturally diverse suburbs and mountainside districts. Vancouver is the perfect combination of city and scenery.
We then popped over to Stanley Park to take in the stunning views of the urban landscape filled with skyscrapers and seaplanes on one side and the scenic views of the water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall on the other.
We ventured further into the rainforest and took a walk on the wild side at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The suspension bridge that sits some 230 feet above Capilano River and Cliffwalk seriously tested our nerves, the cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon.
No trip to Vancouver is complete without a visit to Granville Island and its public market - an indoor market featuring a fascinating assortment of colourful food and produce stores, and a wonderful selection of handcrafted products. The perfect place for a spot of lunch and for picking up some unique, Canadian-made gifts.
To experience all that Canada has to offer at a glance, we headed to the pier for a spin on FlyOver Canada, a thrilling virtual ride that suspends you before a 20metre screen and takes you on an exhilarating 8-minute virtual journey across Canada, from east to west.
All aboard!
We hopped on board the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train at Vancouver Station, where we were greeted by a full team to wave us off – to the sounds of a bagpiper playing you on board.
From the second you arrive the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome – even by the incredibly friendly Canadian standards.
On board, there were two different tiered carriage tiers – GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf – to experience as you carve through otherwise inaccessible terrain in the Canadian Rockies. While the GoldLeaf offers unparalleled panoramic views from your seat in the upper-level of the custom-designed, bi-level glass-dome coach the SilverLeaf service offers a single-level glass-dome service with stunning views of the pristine Canadian Wilderness. Reclining heated seats await you, with a bar service that comes directly to your seat. Enjoy top-class cuisine with à la carte menus from onboard chefs and delicious cocktails made to order.
The views and dramatic changes in scenery that you take in as you venture further into the mountains are incredible. On the first day you’re travelling from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the British Colombia Interior. On the second day, the journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta.
Watching the scenery change again to rocky lakeshores, high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies is literally breath-taking. Of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies will also be on display as you venture further into the mountains towards the town of Banff.
One of the major highlights of the two-day rail-ride – the incredible wildlife spottings en route. There are all kinds of animals along the way from small brown or black bears, eagles and ospreys to the much larger and more elusive moose and grizzlies – all from the comfort of your seat. I was lucky enough to catch a peek of a powerful grizzly bear who had just come out of hibernation.
Explore Further
There are lots of fantastic add-ons. I availed of a visit the Colombia Glacier Ice Field, to walk on one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Before taking a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk at the cliff’s edge.
You can stay in Chateau Lake Louise and take in the spectacular scenery around the infamous turquoise waters of Lake Louise. And if you'd rather see the Rockies from a different angle, take a helicopter ride over the mountains, giving you an aerial view that stretches as far as the eye can see.
To end your trip, lunch in the Sky 360 Revolving Restaurant in Calgary Tower, giving you a complete 360-degree view of the city and the mountains in the distance as you dine.
Michelle’s verdict?
You haven’t really experienced true Canadian hospitality until you’ve stepped on board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Every element of the journey just took my breath away – and not just due to the temps up on the glacier. The perfect option for honeymooners or those looking for an adventure trip combined with absolute luxury.
The details
I travelled as part of an educational trip with Irish and UK travel agents. We travelled with Rocky Mountaineer, with flights from Air Canada from Dublin to Vancouver via Heathrow.
Packages are available through American Holidays, with a 5-night trip, including 2 days on the Rocky Mountaineer train starting from €1875pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 5 nights’ accommodation, 2 days on board Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf service, meals on board the train, taxes and charges. (Based on 2 adults sharing, travelling in April 2019).
To view the full trip itinerary - click here. For more details click here.
Other ways to experience the Rockies
There are countless other ways to explore the area to fit your budget, needs and taste.
If you are looking for a longer trip to the explore the mountains, there are lots of packages from 10 nights to 16 nights available here.
If a hiking or adventure Rocky holiday is more to your taste, check this out.
Or what about this 10 night all inclusive tour.
- Michelle Ryan
