My trip from Banff to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer

A Dream Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer

I’ve just returned from the most amazing experience aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, travelling from Banff to Vancouver through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This trip has been on my wish list for years, and it truly exceeded every expectation.

From the moment we stepped onboard, I knew we were in for something special.

We left Banff on a snowy morning, surrounded by a winter wonderland, the perfect start to an unforgettable journey.

I travelled in Gold Leaf Service, and it was a luxurious journey. The bi-level glass-dome coach offered breathtaking, panoramic views of the Rockies, while gourmet meals were freshly prepared by excellent Chefs and served in the elegant dining room downstairs.

The seats were like cosy armchairs, spacious, heated, reclining, with footrests and could even swivel the chair so you could chat face-to-face with the passengers behind you.

Our four wonderful hosts made the journey even more memorable. They shared fascinating stories and commentary along the route, kept our glasses topped up with everything from coffee to cocktails, and brought around delicious snacks throughout the day. The Rocky Mountaineer blueberry scones are legendary, and I can vouch for this !!!. The host‘s warmth and attentiveness made us feel so well cared for.

And the food, wow! Breakfast and lunch were both multi-course affairs, freshly cooked to order. Dining at tables of four meant we got to meet other travellers, and by the second day, the dining carriage was buzzing with laughter and conversation.

The scenery was simply stunning and so much more varied than I expected, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, rushing rivers, deep canyons, waterfalls, even desert landscapes and green farmlands. At one point, we watched eagles soaring alongside the train truly magical.

One of my favourite features of the Gold leaf Service was the large, open-air viewing platform on the lower level. Standing outside, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Rockies, was an experience I’ll never forget. (If you travel in SilverLeaf Service, there’s also a smaller outdoor vestibule to step out and enjoy the fresh air.)

If you’ve ever thought about doing the Rocky Mountaineer, don’t think, just do it! It’s an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth and an experience that’s every bit as special as it looks in the photos.

Rocky Mountaineer have various itineraries across Canada and the USA, and I can put them together with hotels and flights and other excursions.