Rocky Mountaineer offers luxe look at Canada’s wild beauty
I’m aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a “bucket list” rail experience for lovers of trains, nature, Canada and more, and despite two days of nearly constant “wow!” moments, our host is getting super excited.
We’re about to cross into something called the “Spiral Tunnels,” a marvel of engineering that goes back to the beginning of the 20th century. The train enters a tunnel at the base of the massive Cathedral Crags — otherworldly peaks that jut into the sky just outside of Banff, Canada.
“Look outside now,” he said. As the train chugs along, we look out over the Kicking Horse River mud flats. At once, we plunge into darkness and the train whooshes — around and around and around until, minutes later, we plunge back into late day sunlight.
“Now,” he said, “Look out again.” I do. Instead of being at the edge of those flats, we are what feels like a million vertical feet in the sky, looking way, way down to that river and flats below. The river itself — an azure hue from start to finish thanks to something called “rock flour” that colors it — looks like a Tiffany gift ribbon someone let flutter to earth. We’ve just spiraled UP an entire mountain, via the inside of the mountain and come out on the top of the world.
That’s what makes a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer special. From before the moment you board — magic begins. A bagpiper plays you onto the train and you settle into your roomy leather seat to sit back and take it in: from the ever-changing epic scenery to the amazing food and drink you are served, a Rocky Mountaineer journey is memory worthy.
The Rocky Mountaineer is a domed train that zips you through otherwise inaccessible Canadian terrain; a chance to be comfortable and cared for while you deep dive into Canadian wilderness. The Rocky Mountaineer’s goal is for you to savor the journey itself.
I’ve chosen a two-day route, one that leaves Vancouver just after sunup and traces rivers (eight in total) past cityscapes, into thick woods, over and under historic bridges and tunnels, through the Okanagan Desert and ends up in breathtaking Banff National Forest, one of my favorite places on earth.
You take your assigned seat, a toast is given and the train chugs out.
“A bear! A BEAR!!!” a woman screams from her seat in the back of our car. She’s not scared; she’s joyous. Because for this woman, the goal of her Rocky Mountaineer adventure was to see wildlife. The whole train knows it; we’ve all meandered up and down the aisle and chatted, shared meals in the dining train and swapped info while standing in the outdoor viewing area.
One man is a life-long train enthusiast and shares his flip page album of pictures of the many different trains he’s ridden before. For him, the train itself and the Spiral Tunnels are the thing. A couple celebrating their anniversary are there for the scenery — they love rivers and waterfalls. Another woman and her friend have read endlessly about the history of women in this rough region of Canada, and point out places that matter in that story along the way. It’s a true something for everyone.
And then there’s the food. Chefs man their own kitchen car and put out breakfast and lunch every day. Both offer a wealth of choices and the food is locally sourced. Between meals you’re offered lovely snacks, Canadian wine and just about any kind of cocktail you can imagine.
There’s no sleeping on the Rocky Mountaineer. Each evening you are delivered to the door of your choice of hotel (different options at different price levels). You hop a quick shuttle, arrive and are handed your keys — no check-in line, no hassle. Dinner is on your own in the quaint towns — or cities — you come across.
This is a grown-up trip, with nary a child on board, and that works fine. Sometimes, savoring nature, food and new friends should be just for us, right?
My choice of route ends in Banff, and I tack on a couple of days. There are longer routes and other beginning and end choices. No matter what you choose though, when your host gets excited about something you’re about to see, that’s no act. The Rocky Mountaineer is full of surprises, as well as moments to help your bucket list check-off. Spiral tunnels, wildly blue rivers in the middle of nowhere, amazing local food and drink, and all you have to do is take it all in.
A two-day rail trip package from Vancouver to Banff ranges from $1,247 to $2,053. Learn more at rockymountaineer.com.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2o3dQHT
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