Our Rocky Mountaineer Experience
You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to experience something extraordinary. Sometimes, the most breathtaking journeys are right here in North America.
If you are a luxury traveler who loves incredible scenery, exceptional accommodations, great food, and a little adventure, the Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West should be on your travel list.
We recently experienced this incredible journey, traveling from Banff to Vancouver aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, and it reminded us just how much beauty there is to discover without traveling too far from home.
From the spectacular Canadian Rockies to the comfort of GoldLeaf service, this is much more than a train ride. It is an experience in itself.
Calgary & Banff: An Incredible Start to the Journey
Our adventure began with an overnight stay in Calgary. It was a fun way to ease into the trip, with enough time to explore the city before heading into the mountains.
And then came Banff!
I can honestly say Banff may be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The scenery is almost impossible to describe, with towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and breathtaking views around every corner.
We stayed at the Canoe Hotel, which was a wonderful base for exploring. We also had friends staying at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, and the views from this legendary hotel are absolutely stunning. If you are looking for a truly special luxury hotel experience, it deserves serious consideration.
One of the highlights was the Banff Gondola, which takes you high above the town for incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is absolutely worth including in your itinerary.
We also made time to visit Emerald Lake and Lake Louise. We were a little early in the season for Lake Louise to have fully thawed, but even so, it was an incredible sight. These are the kinds of places that remind you why the Canadian Rockies are considered one of the world’s great travel destinations.
All Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer: GoldLeaf Luxury
The train journey itself was everything we hoped it would be.
We traveled in GoldLeaf Service, and the experience was exceptional. The glass-domed upper-level viewing area provides incredible panoramic views, while the lower-level dining room offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy meals prepared onboard.
The food was very good, the seats were incredibly comfortable, and the service throughout the journey was excellent. Our onboard guide was fantastic, sharing stories, history, and insight into the incredible landscapes we were passing.
And the wildlife! We were fortunate enough to see all kinds of animals along the way, including several bears. It is hard to beat watching the Canadian wilderness unfold right outside your window.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was the journey from Banff toward Kamloops. While both sections of the trip offer beautiful scenery, I personally preferred the Banff-to-Kamloops portion over the Kamloops-to-Vancouver segment.
A Night in Kamloops
Kamloops is the overnight stop along the First Passage to the West route. After a full day aboard the train, it was nice to get out, stretch our legs, and enjoy an evening in town.
We headed to the Noble Pig for dinner, where we enjoyed some great local beers and pizza. It was a relaxed and fun evening before continuing our journey the following morning.
Vancouver: The Perfect Grand Finale
Our journey finished in Vancouver, and what a wonderful city to end the experience!
We stayed at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which was fantastic. The hotel offers a wonderful combination of luxury, location, and beautiful waterfront surroundings.
As luck would have it, our return home was delayed, which meant an unexpected extra night in Vancouver. Rather than letting the travel disruption ruin the experience, we turned it into an extra day and evening at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
Sometimes the unexpected turns into one of the best parts of a vacation. And this was certainly one of those times!
It was also a great reminder of the importance of travel insurance. Thank goodness we had it!
More Photos
Is the Rocky Mountaineer Worth the Investment?
Combine Rocky Mountaineer with an Alaska Cruise
There is no question that the Rocky Mountaineer is an investment. It is not an inexpensive way to travel between destinations, particularly when choosing GoldLeaf Service.
But I also believe some travel experiences are about much more than getting from point A to point B.
This is about slowing down, enjoying the scenery, being taken care of, experiencing incredible destinations, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
The Canadian Rockies are breathtaking, the train experience is unique, and the combination of beautiful hotels, exceptional scenery, and wonderful service makes this a journey I would absolutely recommend.
For luxury travelers who want something extraordinary without venturing too far from North America, this is a fantastic option.
If you really want to create an unforgettable vacation, consider combining the Rocky Mountaineer with an Alaska cruise.
Imagine exploring Banff and the Canadian Rockies, enjoying the spectacular train journey to Vancouver, and then continuing north aboard a beautiful cruise ship to experience Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and incredible coastal scenery.
Another Incredible Train Journey: Canyon Spirit
If a luxury rail journey appeals to you but you would prefer a different route, you may also want to consider Canyon Spirit, Rocky Mountaineer’s sister company.
Canyon Spirit offers a spectacular journey between Denver and Salt Lake City, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest.
It is another fantastic way to experience North America’s scenery from the comfort of a luxury train.