Rocky Mountaineer Learning Journey

Emerald Lake - Yoho National Park

May 2023 - I'm thrilled to share my fortunate experience aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Learning Journey, where I joined 60 travel agent colleagues on an amazing 7-day tour. 

DAY 1: To start our trip, we stayed at Calgary's downtown Fairmont Palliser, a beautiful hotel that is conveniently located near the train station, Stevens Street—a pedestrian hub of shops and restaurants—and just two blocks away from the Calgary Tower. Upon arrival, the hotel provides a document from Rocky Mountaineer for your next day's journey!

DAY 2: In the morning, the tour bus picked us up outside the Fairmont for a short tour in Calgary where we got to visit the Olympic Center, which opens up for summer visits and rides. Then we continued on to Banff, enjoying a breathtaking ride with a knowledgeable tour guide explaining the sights. The highlights included seeing Lake Minnewanka, taking the Gondola to Sulphur Mountain, visiting Bow Falls, and seeing the Hoodoos, which was all enhanced by the guide's expertise and enriching the overall experience. Banff's beauty is hard to put into words—it's like an upscale Gatlinburg with even more charming shops, restaurants, and views. The free shuttle service available through the hotels offers convenient transportation throughout Banff, Canmore, and even to the Sulphur Springs. 

DAY 3: The next morning, we embarked on an all-day tour to Yoho National Park (roughly an hour ride). The first stop was at Emerald Lake and it was the most stunning lake I have ever seen. Next, we visited the Kicking Horse to see the beautiful river and falls. Finally, we ended the day at the frozen yet breathtaking Lake Louise and the Fairmont hotel for some more amazing views of the lake.

DAY 4: In the morning, we rose early to catch the bus that would take us to the train station for boarding. We were allowed to bring a backpack and purse on board, and although there was no overhead storage, there was plenty of space at our feet. Once on the train, we were greeted by a friendly crew who were our designated servers throughout the journey. They delighted us with stories, pointed out interesting sights, and served us delicious meals and drinks ??! In the Goldleaf service, you are seated on the top level of the train car, with dining facilities located below and a viewing area in between. Dining was organized in shifts to ensure everyone had a chance to enjoy the delectable food and beautifully presented dishes. Between meals, we were treated to delightful snacks, and drinks were available all day from the onboard bar menu. The impeccable service provided by the crew, coupled with the breathtaking scenery passing by, made the train journey an unforgettable experience. During the train journey, you can expect to spend approximately 10-12 hours onboard. Aside from the scenery being absolutely breathtaking, there is little entertainment on the train so bringing a book or cards to pass the time is definitely recommended. The seats on the train are very comfortable and offer various features such as heating, reclining, lumbar supports, and a leg rest. They can even be turned around to face other passengers, making it convenient for socializing. Additionally, the sky windows provide spectacular views, allowing for capturing great pictures of the Canadian Rockies.

DAY 5: The following morning, we departed for the train station en route to Vancouver, leaving our bags in the rooms to be transferred to our hotel—a convenient and very impressive service. The train journey encountered occasional delays due to heavy train traffic and construction on the track. However, the changing landscapes, from desert-like terrain with vibrant red and purple clay to picturesque riverside views, made it captivating. As we approached Vancouver, the scenery transitioned into a rainforest, which was immediately accompanied by rain and a drop in temperature! Upon reaching the Fairmont Vancouver, we were once again delighted to find our luggage already in our rooms.

DAY 6:  Our tour guides and bus driver were exceptional—we must have gotten the best of the best! Despite the rain and colder weather, the tour was a delightful experience and left me very eager to visit again in warmer weather. Highlights included exploring Stanley Park and its intriguing Totem/Story Polls, visiting the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge with an insightful guided tour, enjoying a delicious lunch and shopping at Granville Island, and concluding the tour with the captivating Fly Over Canada attraction, reminiscent of the Soarin' ride at Epcot, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Canada.

Overall, I highly recommend both Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer, as the entire experience was truly awe-inspiring and the beauty of the Canadian Rockies left me speechless. I would be thrilled to assist you in planning your trip on the Rocky Mountaineer and exploring the magnificent wonders of Canada!