After pausing on the red carpet for a family photo, my teenage son and I climbed onto the gleaming, navy-blue-and-gold Rocky Mountaineer train. Tickets in hand, we were welcomed onboard and directed up a set of stairs to our assigned seats on the top level of the luxurious bi-level rail car. (We were beginning a two-day journey between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Banff, Alberta, one of four North American train routes offered by Rocky Mountaineer.)
Operating passenger rail vacations for more than 30 years, Rocky Mountaineer offers daylight-only train journeys showcasing extraordinary landscapes in Western Canada and between Moab, Utah, and Denver in the U.S. During the all-inclusive, multiday rail experiences, passengers can soak up the spectacular sights, learn about the region, enjoy freshly prepared meals and beverages on the train and overnight in hotel rooms.
Anticipation and excitement floated through the light-filled rail car as the train rolled out of urban Vancouver. Between sips of warm beverages and bites of freshly baked scones, riders seated in the upper level of the rail car focused their eyes and cameras on the oversize glass-dome windows and the passing scenery.
As we rolled along the tracks, a nearby passenger whispered, "This is so beautiful." At the same time, trendier comments about the view from my teen mingled with stories about the region's history and natural environment shared by Rocky Mountaineer Hosts. The elevated views from the rail cars and location of the train tracks provide travelers with a unique perspective of the region and local economy. And on the outdoor viewing platform, the “oohs” and “aahs” were even more exuberant. This multisensory experience includes wind in the hair, metal-on-metal rail squeals and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
On this First Passage to the West route, the Rocky Mountaineer train rolls through pastoral landscapes, crosses churning rivers on sky-high trestles and snakes through spiral tunnels in the Rocky Mountains. Learning about the history and environment from the engaging Rocky Mountaineer Hosts — while viewing the diverse and impressive natural and human-made features — was an unexpected and welcome addition to our trip. And for my teen, it provided a head start to his Geography of British Columbia class, which begins this term.
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Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West route is one of three that explore the landscapes of Western Canada.
Credit: 2021 Rocky MountaineerI've traveled between Vancouver and Banff too many times to count, and on the Rocky Mountaineer, I felt like I saw this part of Canada for the first time. While the views from the train take top honors, the meals, wine and spirits, and accompanying service are a solid second. Breakfast options included buttermilk pancakes, eggs Benedict and avocado toast. (And, for parents with hungry teens, it's possible to order multiple main courses, so go ahead and request eggs and bacon along with the buttermilk pancakes.) Alberta steak, bacon-wrapped chicken and vegetarian power bowls are a few of the tempting items on the lunch menu, and chefs in the adjoining kitchen are happy to prepare kid-pleasing meals including pizza and pasta.
According to Rocky Mountaineer, families with older children often book rail vacations because the train travels all day. The elementary school-age kids in our rail car seemed content to snuggle up on the reclining heated leather seats — complete with a power port — while watching a movie or playing a game on a personal device, pausing to look out at the ever-changing landscape.
At the end of the journey, my teen and I disembarked in Banff with a deeper understanding of Western Canada, loads of photos and lasting memories from our fantastic two-day rail trip.
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