rocky mountaineer
Experience the Canadian Rockies in unmatched style and comfort.
Few experiences compare to witnessing the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train. Offering travelers a front-row seat to some of North America’s most spectacular scenery, this journey combines luxury, unparalleled hospitality, and a truly unique way to connect with each destination.
In October 2024, our travel manager Christy Laughton embarked on the famous "First Passage to the West" route with Rocky Mountaineer. Alongside fellow travel professionals—and our beloved mascot CAArl—Christy experienced the Gold Leaf service, captivating nature, vibrant towns, and the warmth of Canadian hospitality.
Here’s Christy’s firsthand account of this unforgettable adventure, captured in cherished memories.
I embarked on the "First Passage to the West," the most popular passage through the Rockies, starting in Vancouver and travelling through Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, and concluding in Calgary. Despite devastating forest fires in Jasper, Alberta, my trip was modified but thankfully not canceled, allowing me to experience a journey that was truly once-in-a-lifetime. The views were indescribable and every moment on the train I felt like royalty.
I even had the joy of bringing CAArl along for his first adventure! He quickly became the star of the train—earning the affection of all the ladies and making friends along the way. Looks like we’ll be going on more adventures together!
Exploring Vancouver
In Vancouver, I stayed in the Fairmont Vancouver, which may have been the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at in my life! If you’re travelling in Goldleaf service, I would highly recommend the hotel upgrades and this hotel when selecting the hotel package. For shopping lovers, inside of the hotel offers Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci, with security unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!
Before boarding Rocky Mountaineer, I spent my first full day touring Vancouver with Destination Vancouver, led by one of the most charismatic drivers imaginable—he seemed to know every detail about the city! Opting for a bus tour allowed me to cover much more ground (especially with Vancouver’s famous rainy weather), making stops at Canada Place, Stanley Park, the iconic steam clock, and Vancouver Lookout.
One absolute must-do in Vancouver is Flyover Canada! This immersive ride was an incredible cinematic experience showcasing breathtaking views of Canada—it’s the only ride/show of its kind in the country, making it truly unique.
Granville Island was another highlight of my Vancouver visit. I wished I had more time there—it’s a paradise for shopping, dining, and strolling around. The Sandbar Restaurant was a perfect stop for a fresh seafood lunch, offering dishes cooked on a wood-burning grill, an oyster bar, and even sushi prepared by a Master Sushi Chef Hoshi.
The GoldLeaf Experience
In true Vancouver style, we boarded our Gold Leaf service train in the rain. But Rocky Mountaineer made sure our embarkation was special—we were bagpiped out of the main building, each RMR staff member held umbrellas for us, guiding us to our train cars.
When we finally boarded, I was completely blown away by the train’s luxurious interior. It was so clean with beautiful leather seats and ample legroom. The best part—the seats had three levels of heat! As someone who is always cold, I was in heaven. The onboard RMR newspaper detailed all the views we’d be encountering along the way, setting the stage for the remarkable experience ahead.
Our train car consisted only of RMR Fam agents—20 from Canada and 40 from the U.S. We had two dedicated train attendants who quickly memorized our names and drink preferences and shared fascinating insights about the scenery passing us by.
The windows and the views were incredible! Photos truly don’t do them justice. And the dining was an experience in itself, with a great selection of fresh, delicious meals to choose from!
While the onboard experience was impeccable, travelers with mobility concerns should keep in mind that moving between the train levels requires navigating winding staircases while the train is in motion. The bathrooms are downstairs as well, so it’s something to be mindful of.
Unforgettable Moments
Emerald Lake was easily my favourite stop! And no filter needed – it's just that mesmerizing!
Another memorable moment was the White Hat Ceremony in Calgary. Our Canadian group of 20 joined 40 Americans in being sworn in as honorary Calgarians at Owens Landing in downtown Calgary. Hosted by Tourism Calgary, Cindy Good the Manager of Event & Hosting, led the ceremony, welcoming us with warmth and hospitality—fitting, as Calgary is known as the friendliest city in the world (according to Conde Nast Traveller 2023).
As a bonus, we get to keep our beautiful white hats—a treasured souvenir and a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and welcoming spirit of Calgary.
Tip: In Calgary’s YYC airport, all airport volunteers wear white hats, making them easy to spot for assistance!
Final Thoughts
This trip was nothing short of magical. From luxury accommodations at Fairmont Vancouver (highly recommended for Gold Leaf travelers) to exploring bustling city streets and witnessing some of Canada’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, I can confidently say this experience was life-changing.
So, if Rocky Mountaineer is not on your bucket list yet, it’s time to add it!
