Exploring the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer’s Luxury Rail

Explorng the Canadian Rocky Mountainer's

Photos, counterclockwise from top right: Jasper National Park @Brigitte Hasbron; Lake Louise @Brigitte Hasbron; Jasper National Park @Brigitte Hasbron; Mount Robson @Rocky Mountaineer; Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge @Brigitte Hasbron; Moraine Lake @Rocky Mountaineer; Maligne Lake @Rocky Mountaineer; Moraine Lake @Brigitte Hasbron; Icefields Parkway @Rocky Mountaineer

Rockie with Luxury Rail

By Brigitte Hasbron

Journey Through the Clouds is a very apropos route description from one of the world’s leading luxury rail experience, The Rocky Mountaineer. As I embarked on this incredible voyage through the Canadian Rockies in Western Canada, I realized just how fortunate we were as Canadians to be blessed with picture-perfect landscapes of stunning peaks and remote vistas. The scenes were mesmerizing to say the least.

Gold Leaf Service

Rocky Mountaineer has left no detail to chance where luxury is concerned. The Gold Leaf Service is synonymous with indulgence upon indulgence. From the most incredible panoramic views on the upper-level to the exquisite culinary offerings in the lower-level dining room, the bi-level glass-domed carriage is, without a doubt, a treat for your senses.

Settled comfortably in my spacious plush heated reclining seat, I sat back and soaked in the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. For the social butterflies, each seat also rotates 180 degrees so you can easily interact with those around you. And, if that wasn't enough, as a Gold Leaf member, I also had access to the exclusive outdoor viewing platform—an ideal vantage point for any photographer or nature enthusiast. The fact that you can step outside, breath in the crisp clean air and get a little closer to the awe-inspiring wilderness is something only the Rocky Mountaineer can provide!

Walking down the spiral staircase to the dining room below just added to the excitement of what was to come next on this memorable journey. The elegant linen, the warm hospitality, and most importantly, the delicious gourmet meals prepared by the executive chef made me feel as though I was in a posh restaurant! Actually, the

moment you step onto this luxury train, you are served with pre-breakfast treats which is a foreshadowing of the delectable dishes you will be savoring onboard. From someone who loves her fine dining moments, the Gold Leaf Service delivered on all fronts.

Enjoying cuisines of all varieties, I was very impressed in knowing that the chef prepared regionally-based dishes using locally sourced ingredients. This means that during my threecourse lunches, I was very privileged to devour copious amounts of salmon (prepared in every possible way) and prized AAA-grade beef. Now, no dining experience would be complete without some libations or two, and believe me when I say, there was no shortage of local wines and beers, as well as high-end spirits to enjoy. And if that wasn't enough, afternoon snacks, including right-fromthe-oven cookies, were always welcomed by yours truly!

The Journey

My journey had me traveling through scenic valleys, leaving the rainforest-like conditions of Vancouver to the desert-like environment of Kamloops, to being surrounded by majestic mountains, as we made our way to Jasper.

Seeing renowned and very much sought-after sights, we traveled along the impressive Fraser River, through Hell’s Gate (a 100 foot wide narrow rock canyon), and past the magnificent Pyramid Creek Falls. With a vantage point only accessible by rail, I had the pleasure of viewing the falls’ cascading 300 feet next to the train tracks.

Photos from top left: Gold Leaf service @Brigitte Hasbron; Gold Leaf 3 course lunch @Brigitte Hasbron; Onboard Gold Leaf Service @Rocky Mountaineer; Upper level - Gold Leaf Service @Rocky Mountaineer

Definitely a highlight of the trip! Yet, that wasn't the piece de resistance that was in store for me. As the train slowed down (for optimal viewing of wildlife sightings and other scenic attractions, the train will slow down), I quickly went to the outdoor viewing area to capture the beauty of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Not being completely versed with all the landmarks that I saw, it was an added bonus to have the train hosts, the exceptional staff members on the train who are there with you from the start of your trip, provide interesting and humorous historical facts. With their practiced touch, the hosts make their guests feel like a VIP by enhancing their experience with subtle preferential details and services.

In order to maximize the overall experience, guests can also curate their vacation package to add bucket-list adventures, such as discovering Jasper National Park, visiting the Columbia Icefield, seeing firsthand the incredible views from Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Sights and memories that will stay with me always!

Having partnered with premium hotels at each destination, The Rocky Mountaineer provided me with the pleasure of staying at some incredible high-end properties. All part of my unforgettable Gold Leaf Service package! And, the rail service stays true to their slogan, "With Rocky Mountaineer, you get the best of both worlds: maximum views, and maximum comfort".

Providing its guests with unforgettable memories, one can easily see why The Rocky Mountaineer, with its breathtaking views and exemplary culinary offerings, is deemed one of the most iconic travel experiences on the planet. Unforgettable memories that have left me yearning to experience the different routes that this luxury service has to offer...one track at a time.

Please note: The Rocky Mountaineer hosted the author on this trip. All opinions are her own.

Photos from top: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge @Brigitte Hasbron; Gold Leaf 3 course lunch @Brigitte Hasbron; IcefieldsParkway @ Rocky Mountaineer; Lake Louise @Rocky Mountaineer