It was a dream come true when I got the golden opportunity to travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to appreciate the majestic Rocky Mountains – a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Rocky Mountaineer celebrated for its internationally renowned train journeys not only offers an irresistible charm of top luxury travel, gourmet cuisine and exceptional service, but panoramic views of spectacular geographic parks, scenic valleys and wildlife. The itinerary had all the ingredients amalgamated for a fairytale journey and promised a complete treat for the eyes.
Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service is surely the guaranteed source to experience the sheer beauty of ‘Mother Nature.’ The GoldLeaf bi-level, glass-domed coaches offer large-scale windows and ceilings plus an open deck boasting undisturbed views of the majestic skies, mountains, lakes and rivers, waterfalls and lush greenery along the route. The journey was undoubtedly relaxing and pleasurable aboard the Mountaineer, which offered pampered leisure with an absolute picturesque paradise as the backdrop.
Although the train offers different possible journeys to choose from, we opted for the most popular Vancouver-Kamloops-Banff route, known as “the only passenger rail service on the historic Canadian Pacific track that unites British Columbia to the rest of the country.” The whole track is laid out intensely close to natural architecture and the train offers the feel and splendour of a soothing atmosphere, where there is no place for any kind of stress relaxing the body, mind and soul.
Arriving at the train station, I felt awestruck at my first glimpse of the Rocky Mountaineer, as there is no comparison between the trains I have travelled aboard or seen thus far. Staff members were present at various checkpoints throughout the station and were friendly and informative. My itinerary and ticket was checked and I received my boarding pass along with a Rocky Mountaineer pin, which all passengers proudly wore throughout the journey.
Passengers were alerted to board the train and talented Scottish bagpipers played to mark the onset of an extremely adventurous journey. The management and crew members lined in front of the vestibules to greet the passengers, who walked along a red carpet. Here I am, short on words, to explain the heavenly experience of my first step onboard and that first glimpse of the classic interior. It was a moment of complete enlightenment.
The spacious seats, the carpeted floors, the spacious wall-sized windows, the gorgeous mosaic lights, a full fledged authentic bar and serving area, a well decorated dining area, the décor and much charming crew – it all just seemed too cozy and intimate to be true. I began to compare all the details distinguishing Rocky Mountaineer from other train providers and it took me more than an hour to take it all in and I was still unsure if I had seen it all!
The charm of train travel started weaving its magical spell from the beginning and the fascinating phenomenon left passengers feeling spellbound. Passengers were formally greeted by management, who welcomed us with a toast and introduced us to the knowledgeable onboard attendants who were attentive, friendly and provided heartwarming hospitality with utmost professionalism.
We were given an overview of the two-day trip and informed that all details of luggage and transport for the overnight stay in Kamloops was taken care of. Everything was well-organized and well-executed for a seamless experience. The attendants offered live commentary, including the names and stories behind bridges, rivers and lakes to tunnels, peaks and parks and recommended the best places to take the perfect shot or glimpse a pièce de résistance, the passengers would run to the deck or press their noses to the window for a better view.
When the train arrived in Kamloops, passengers were given hotel keys and buses swiftly transported us to the hotel. Our
friendly bus driver entertained us with humor and served as a guide for Kamloops. At the hotel, the passionate and exceptional guest service followed us, as the passengers were greeted and escorted to our rooms, where surprise gift souvenirs awaited us.
The second half of the glorious journey commenced early the next morning. Once again, the fairytale train travel began and slowly lifted us out of this world.
Many passengers, including myself, purchased additional souvenirs onboard. The atmosphere on the second day was one of friendship and warmth, as all the attendants and fellow passengers had become friends and laughter and conversation continued with no hesitation.
It comes as no surprise that Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service provides a delightful culinary experience for passengers offering scrumptious menu choices and an elegant, yet comfortable fine dining atmosphere. The furniture and walls of the dining area were well decorated with crisp white linens, fresh-cut flowers and gleaming silverware.
Passengers were informed that a “dream team” of four well- renowned chefs had worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to present a decadent culinary experience onboard. The innovative menus, award-winning wines and talented GoldLeaf Service staff were phenomenal and unforgettable. The recommendations were perfect hitting bull’s eye and the fresh, healthy array of gourmet cuisine from salads and soups to entrees and desserts caught our fancy and were made and served to perfection. For passengers, there was no debate of should we or shouldn’t we, as we sampled everything – it was simply the best cuisine ever.
First Cook Josh Campbell provided insight about the tireless hours and efforts put forth to ensure a quality and pleasurable dining experience for passengers. He also mentioned the different levels of service available onboard to suit the varying needs of passengers. As the train made its final halt at the station in Banff, AB, the staff bid a formal farewell to all passengers, who were greeted and cheered but there were traces of sadness evident at the end of this unique and unforgettable trip.
Overall the combined inspirations and innovations by the Rocky Mountaineer experience, staff and accommodation made our entire train experience absolutely spectacular and undoubtedly worthwhile in its truest sense. The ethereal experience and onboard memories made me wish that I had planned this trip much earlier. I am now looking forward to my next trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer on another route, but what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags, as a whole new experience awaits you – all aboard!
By Harman Hundal