Rocky Mountaineer journeys are more than scenic train rides, they are unforgettable experiences where memories are made, dreams come true, and milestones are celebrated against the backdrop of majestic landscapes. In our Cherished Moments blog series, we spotlight travelers who have chosen to mark their special occasions onboard, creating stories filled with joy, love, and adventure.
In this edition, we feature the Dhillon family’s heartwarming journey, a surprise trip planned by siblings Tav and her brother to honour their parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Inspired by childhood memories and long-held dreams, they embarked on a journey, creating lasting memories while rediscovering the beauty of British Columbia and Alberta. Read on to learn how their thoughtful gift turned into a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, meaningful moments, and treasured connections.
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
My name is Tav Dhillon, and I’m the youngest of three siblings in a family of five from Surrey, BC. Our upbringing was shaped by the journey of my parents, who immigrated to Canada in 1988. My father, Amarjit Dhillon, came to pursue his PhD in Mathematics at the University of Saskatchewan, and a few years later, my mother, Narinder, joined him. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work and providing opportunities for their children. Growing up in BC, my siblings and I were surrounded by the province’s breathtaking natural beauty, which instilled in us a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the rich history of this land.
What was the reason for taking this journey with Rocky Mountaineer?
Growing up, sometimes on family movie nights we would watch Bollywood films with iconic train scenes. These scenes evidently stuck with my parents, both as children and later in their lives, and you could feel their excitement. They talked about how much they’d love to take a train trip one day. I even remember seeing my dad’s old New Year’s vision boards where he had us taking this journey together as a family. However, like many things in life, other priorities always took over, and the idea kept getting put on hold.
This year, my brother and I decided it was finally time to make that dream come true. We wanted to do something special to give back to our parents for everything they’ve done for us, so we secretly planned the Rocky Mountaineer trip as a surprise for their 30th wedding anniversary. But we had a little fun with it! We disguised the trip as being a prize for our annual summer tennis tournament, joking that the losing team would have to pay for it. When we revealed that this trip was actually a surprise at their anniversary dinner, the joy and disbelief on their faces made everything worth it. My mom could hardly believe we were actually going!
What route did you travel on? Was there a reason for choosing this route?
We travelled on the First Passage to the West route. Our journey began at the Pan Pacific Vancouver and ended at the breathtaking Fairmont Banff Springs. This route felt like the right choice for us because I remember spotting the words “Rocky Train” on my dad’s vision board a few years ago. At the time, I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but when I started researching, I stumbled upon Rocky Mountaineer! Our route took us directly through the Canadian Rockies, allowing us to experience landscapes that can only truly be appreciated and seen from a train. As we traveled through the mountains, past rivers and forests, we couldn’t stop marveling at the beauty around us. What made it even more incredible was the realization that we were still in BC—the journey felt like we were seeing our own home through a completely new lens. It was an experience of discovery, even in the place we thought we knew so well.
How was your journey onboard to Banff?
It exceeded anything we could have imagined. Leading up to the trip, I was keeping up with the social media posts, but nothing compares to experiencing it in person. From the moment we all settled into our seats, the sense of luxury and comfort was undeniable. For example, the ability to adjust the seat to our liking added a personal touch, and we knew we were in for something special. We opted for the GoldLeaf service, and so heading downstairs to the dining room for our meals was such a treat—it felt like being in a restaurant while gliding through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Every meal was memorable. The panoramic glass-dome windows onboard were another highlight. That surreal feeling of being immersed in nature is something I’ll never forget—it was like the scenery came alive for us.
What were the highlights of your time onboard?
The hosts’ narration throughout the journey. Learning about the history, landmarks, and unique stories of the areas we were passing through added so much depth to the experience. The onboard hosts were incredible—they were warm, attentive, and accommodating. Their friendly check-ins and thoughtfulness made us feel at home. And of course, I can’t forget the adorable Jasper bear we picked up onboard. It added a cozy, personal touch to the trip and he quickly became a part of the family.
What made this experience special for your family?
Being able to gift my parents something they’ve always dreamed of. So often, we talk about things we’d like to do "someday," but this time, it wasn’t just an idea; it was real. Seeing their joy throughout the trip made it so meaningful. Beyond that, the sheer vastness of the mountains and world around us during the journey was breathtaking. It gave us this humbling sense of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. It reminded us how much being together as a family matters. Family has always been at the heart of everything we do, and this journey was a beautiful way to celebrate that bond. It brought us closer, gave us a memory we’ll treasure forever, and reaffirmed just how grateful we are for one another.
What did you get up to after arriving in Banff?
We spent our time soaking in everything this charming mountain town has to offer. We explored the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, marveling at its castle-like architecture and rich history. It felt like stepping into a fairytale! We also strolled through the streets of Banff, stopping by the local, vibrant shops. It was a lovely way to unwind and wrap up our journey.
Would you recommend a Rocky Mountaineer journey to celebrate a special occasion/celebration?
100%! Rocky Mountaineer journey is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s more than just a trip—it’s a memory you’ll treasure forever as it makes a special occasion unforgettable. Since returning, we haven’t stopped recommending it to our business partners, friends, and team members. It’s one of those experiences you can’t help but rave about, something everyone should do at least once.
A Journey to Remember
As they reflect on their journey, the Dhillon family treasures the unforgettable experiences shared aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. From panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies to heartfelt moments spent together, their trip was a celebration of love, gratitude, and family bonds. They returned home with full hearts and cherished memories that will inspire their family stories for years to come.
