Rocky Mountaineer

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Austin Koonz, Travel Agent in Rensselaer, NY

Austin Koonz

Rensselaer, NY Travel Agent
Super Agent

Austin Koonz

Rensselaer, NY · 6 Years of Experience

Yankee Trails, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(59)
100% Recommended
Goes above and beyond duty to take care of his customers. A true professional dedicated to his job. Total confidence that everything is always put together... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

British Columbia

Interests:

Adventure, Bucket List, Luxury, Animals & Wildlife, Bespoke Travel

About Me

I had the most incredible experience riding the Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West with GoldLeaf Service! It all began in the vibrant city of Vancouver, where we explored everything from the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge to the exhilarating Fly Over Vancouver. We even rented E-bikes and cruised past the majestic Lions Gate Bridge, topped off with the best cold brew coffee at Saunter. Then, the real adventure began aboard the train, winding through absolutely breathtaking landscapes en route to Calgary, with unforgettable stops in the stunning Lake Louise and picturesque Banff. I even ventured three-quarters down the frozen Lake Louise and hiked in Banff after riding a gondola up over 7,000 feet above sea level! It was simply awe-inspiring!

North America’s Most Iconic Rail Route This is the original route that built the nation—following the historic Canadian Pacific Railway through untamed wilderness, glacier-fed rivers, sheer cliff faces, and towering mountain peaks. You’ll be tracing the same path that early explorers and gold rush dreamers once took—but from the comfort of a luxurious glass-domed train.

GoldLeaf Service: The Royal TreatmentIf you want the best of the best, this is it:Two-level glass-dome coach for panoramic views (yes, you’ll feel like you're floating through the Rockies).Gourmet meals served in a private dining room.Attentive hosts who remember your name and your favorite wine.Outdoor viewing platform—feel the wind, smell the pine, and get that perfect photo.It’s luxury without pretension—just pure, elevated indulgence in motion.

Unforgettable Route: Vancouver ? Kamloops ? Banff/Lake LouiseStart in vibrant Vancouver, where coastal city life meets mountain views.Overnight in Kamloops, where the golden light over the desert-like hills is magical.Then wind your way through the Spiral Tunnels, past Castle Mountain, and arrive in Banff or Lake Louise—two of the most breathtaking places on Earth.Every turn of the track reveals another postcard-worthy view.

Locally-Inspired Cuisine on RailsYou’re not just sightseeing—you’re savoring the Rockies:Alberta beef, wild Pacific salmon, Okanagan wines…All prepared fresh onboard, with a culinary team that matches the scenery with every bite.Imagine sipping BC wine while crossing a roaring canyon. That’s what travel dreams are made of.

This isn’t about rushing from A to B. It’s about being present. There’s no Wi-Fi. No screen distractions. Just storytelling hosts, world-class comfort, and scenery that literally takes your breath away.

Bucket-listers seeking one of the world’s top-rated travel experiences.Couples looking for a romantic and relaxed way to connect.Nature lovers, photographers, slow travelers, and adventurers who want luxury without sacrificing authenticity.

If you're looking for an experience that blends epic landscapes, luxurious service, gourmet cuisine, and authentic storytelling, Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West is unmatched. It’s not just a trip—it’s a journey you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.Ready to board? I can help with custom pre/post stays in Vancouver, Banff, or Lake Louise—whether you want to bike, spa, or simply soak in the hot springs. Let’s make this once-in-a-lifetime experience truly unforgettable.


REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
59 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 59 reviews

Austin made it easy!
Reviewed By Diana - Lewiston NY | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Goes above and beyond duty to take care of his customers. A true professional dedicated to his job. Total confidence that everything is always put together well.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Excellent cruising experience
Reviewed By Eva - The Villages , Fl | Traveled to Caribbean
Andy was very patient with our questions and covered everything we asked with enthusiasm. We received everything we needed and had a wonderful cruise . It’s surely is a pleasure working with him
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Austin is the best cruise agent!
Reviewed By Happy Cruiser - THE VILLAGES | Traveled to Caribbean
Austin Koonz is the best travel agent. I have booked and rebooked four cruises through him. He has responded rapidly to my requests and has provided the best deals available. His travel recommendations are terrific!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
I highly recommend working with Austin.
Reviewed By Chong - The Villages, Florida | Traveled to Caribbean
Austin is knowledgeable, patient, and personable. He consistently goes the extra mile to ensure I have the best cruise experience. I highly recommend working with Austin.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Destination Wedding
Reviewed By Col - Clifton Park, New York | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Austin has been very responsive and knowledgable regarding our trip. Even helped with changes after a 17 hour flight delay. We could not be any happier with our experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

    Banff

    My Travel Stories

    Banff

    My Recent Adventure in Banff:The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Experience. I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Banff, and I truly can’t recommend it enough! Tucked away in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is the perfect mix of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and charming mountain-town culture. Whether you’re a nature lover...
    Read more

    Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West

    I had heard whispers about the Rocky Mountaineer for years, but boarding this legendary train from Vancouver to Calgary exceeded every expectation. This wasn't just transportation; it was a moving meditation through Canada's most pristine wilderness.My adventure began at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station, stepping into the bi-level Gold ...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    Extra added value
    Austin at Travel Leaders didn't just match our deal—he made it significantly better. My husband and I were ready to book a Regent Seven Seas cruise. We called the cruise line directly and received an exclusive lower price that wasn't available online—a deal we were told would only last a few days. Before committing, we decided to reach out to Austin at Travel Leaders to see what he could offer. From his very first response, his expertise was exceptional. Not only did he match the exclusive pricing Regent had offered us directly, but he also secured a complimentary shore excursion valued at nearly $500. We got the same cruise, the same price, plus an additional $500 in value. The choice was easy. If you're booking a luxury cruise, call Austin first—you have nothing to lose and potentially hundreds of dollars to gain.
    Travel Lover NY
    The Best Alaska Cruise Tour Ever!
    Austin Koonz - you hooked us up! Great rooms and tours! The past 48 hours have been busy and amazing. We left Albany on Thursday afternoon and landed in Fairbanks, Alaska Thursday evening. On Friday we took a riverboat up the Chena River to a traditional Athabaskan fishing village. We also got to see a demonstration by the dogs who live and train with at Susan Butcher’s family. Susan Butcher is a four time alaskan Iditarod campion. We then went to a gold mining dredge where we also go to see the Alyasken Pipeline. Our guide was Dexter who looked like a gold miner and had a ton of great stories. We also experienced panning for gold. I was the big winner with $32 of gold. Denali National Park was amazing! We saw a bull moose, a cow (moose) with her calf, a lynx, a porcupine, a grizzly bear, three caribou, a few ptarmigan, and a couple of snowshoe hares.
    Julie
    Austin is truly a blessing
    For an older couple who isn’t tech-savvy, Austin is truly a blessing. He completes our check-in on our behalf and ensures all of our documents are printed and mailed directly to our home. We never have to worry about a thing, just pack and be on time for the shuttle service he arranges. Thank you for everything, Austin!
    Mrs. Edwards
    Care and attention to detail
    Austin went above and beyond. I have worked with many travel agents in my life, but none have shown me the level of care and attention to detail that Austin has. Moving forward, I will only be booking my vacations with Austin.
    Kryzs
    Greece Cruise with Pre and Post in Athens
    Have worked with Austin for over a year now planning various vacations. We always had several questions and were impressed by how quick and thorough his answers were. Since we have traveled for decades and dealt with several travel agents, we feel that he is the best we have ever dealt with.
    Happy Client - Clifton Park, New York
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