Our Cherished Moments blog series offers readers a glimpse into how Rocky Mountaineer journeys have served as the backdrop for many unforgettable celebrations and milestones, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the joys of family and friendship.
This month’s edition features the story of Kevin and Julie, who travelled with us to commemorate two significant anniversaries. Read on to learn about their unique experiences, the moments that defined their travels, and the love that has carried them through decades.
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Our names are Kevin and Julie Pole, and we travelled from Nottinghamshire, England to experience the First Passage to the West route from Vancouver to Lake Louise. We first met on a local bus while travelling to work and college in 1980. We sat next to each other on the bus, courted for 4 years and the rest is history!
What was the reason for taking this journey with Rocky Mountaineer?
In 2022 we decided that we wanted to plan a Canadian adventure to celebrate Julie’s 60th birthday, our Ruby wedding anniversary (40 years), and our step into retirement. Canada had always been high on our agenda, but we also wanted to do an Alaska cruise. During our planning stage we felt it was a good idea to pull both Canada and Alaska into the one adventure! Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic train journey and came highly recommended to us.
Tell us about your travels before joining us onboard.
Our journey began by flying from the UK on August 15th, 2024 to Vancouver followed by a short flight into Victoria - Vancouver Island. Our time on Vancouver Island was spent in Victoria, where we visited Butchart Gardens, walked the harbour, and took in the lovely sights. We travelled onto Parksville where we climbed the Malahat Skywalk, visited the Old Country Market to see the goats on the roof, explored Cathedral Grove, Englishman Falls, Little Qualicum Falls and the beach before travelling across the island to Tofino and Ucluelet to go whale watching and bear cruising. We saw bears, whales, and eagles - it was awesome.
We then went back across to Nanaimo to eat Nanaimo bars before catching the ferry to travel up to Whistler where we did the Peak2Peak, the Suspension Bridge and ziplined down Blackcomb Mountain.
We drove from Whistler to Vancouver where we returned our hire car and walked over the Lions Bridge Gate, along Stanley Park harbour, and visited the totem poles - a great 9km walk which ended at our hotel for an overnight stay before picking up our Alaskan cruise which took us along the Inside Passage. We saw the Hubbard Glacier, whales (orcas, humpback and grey), porpoises, sea otters, seals, eagles, more bears (this time eating the salmon) and amazing sunrises and sunsets during our journey - wow!
On our return to Vancouver, we had two nights/days, and our time was spent exploring as much of Vancouver as we could - we went to Gastown, China Town, Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island and we spent our evenings walking the streets taking in the skyline and architecture.
Welcome onboard! How was your journey travelling to Lake Louise?
We were not disappointed. From the moment we arrived at the station to the end of the journey, we were made to feel special. It wasn’t just us – everyone who boarded the train was made to feel welcome and treated with a high level of service. Nothing was too much for the team who worked tirelessly to cater to our every whim. The service was professional, streamlined and slick.
The Hosts were lovely, providing seamless beverage and snack service and providing information along the route about where we were, what we were seeing, and stories of the history behind this iconic journey.
The chefs did a fabulous job of serving up tasty meals, even taking into consideration Julie’s shellfish allergy. They were so good we called them up into our coach to give a resounding round of applause for their great menu and service.
On day one, we travelled through desert landscapes, saw rivers change in colour as we headed further up towards the Rockies, listened to tales of the outlaws and railway men, Indigenous People, and so much more. We were fascinated.
We took time to go onto the viewing platform which was amazing, watching the train spiral along the tracks, hurtle through tunnels, see trains above us and below, watch mother nature at her best with awesome landscapes, trees, and gushing rivers and waterfalls.
On arrival in Kamloops after checking into our hotel, which again was seamless, our bag was waiting for us in our room and our room key given to us as we got off the train. We went for a walk down to the river to stretch our legs and watch a beautiful sunset. After a comfortable night’s stay, we were up bright and early and boarded the train for the next leg of the journey.
The scenery just got better and better as the Rockies loomed in the distance. Wow! We saw the colours changing in the rocks, the rivers’ aqua blue, eagles soaring, mountain goats teetering on the side of the rocks, and even the legendary Doris stood on her porch to wave us through!
What were some highlights from your time onboard?
Everything - from start to finish, the whole journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer was a highlight. We loved every moment, we shared stories with new friends made aboard the train, we were treated like royalty throughout, and the ever-changing scenery and wildlife certainly made the experience “memorable and luxurious” as advertised. After planning this adventure for two years we were in no hurry for the journey to end. We were comfortable, happy, and having an amazing time onboard.
Where did you stay upon arrival in Lake Louise?
We stayed in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Opening our curtains in the morning we were met with a breathtaking view of Lake Louise. WOW!
What did you get up to in your free time in Lake Louise?
We spent our free time in Lake Louise exploring - we hiked to Lake Agnes Tea House where we sat and had a coffee overlooking the lake, then onward and upward to hike/climb the Big Beehive. It was well worth it! The views were out of this world! We also took an excursion to the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields before moving onto Banff for the last leg of our Canadian Adventure.
In Banff we hiked, canoed, rafted, and went horseback riding, finally ending with an e-bike ride to Johnston Canyon!
Our time in Canada sadly came to an end on the 12th of September.
It was certainly an adventure of a lifetime.
Would you recommend a Rocky Mountaineer journey to celebrate a special occasion?
ABSOLUTELY we would but not only for a special occasion - any visit to Canada warrants the time to take a journey aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.
As they reflect on their remarkable journey together, Kevin and Julie emphasize the significance of cherishing moments that shape a lifetime. Their 40th anniversary and 60th birthdays, celebrated winding through the Canadian Rockies and exploring the west coast of Vancouver and Alaska, were not just milestones but also a beautiful reminder of the adventures they've shared and the love that continues to grow. With every twist and turn of the tracks, Kevin and Julie remind us that life’s most precious memories are often created in the company of those we hold dear.
If you have had a special celebration while onboard Rocky Mountaineer or will be celebrating on an upcoming journey, we welcome you to share your story with us at [email protected].
Looking for a similar experience?
Click the links below for some of the activities Kevin & Julie experienced throughout their journey.
Victoria & Butchart Gardens
This iconic tour of the West Coast is a full day of exploration that includes scenic sailings along the Gulf Islands, the charming Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria, and a world-renowned garden likely on the bucket-list of every garden enthusiast.
Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge
From suspension bridges and treetop viewing platforms, to fish ladders and mountain gondolas, this is the ultimate tour for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Enjoy the ocean, mountain, and cityscape views over the Lions Gate Bridge as you make your way to the adrenaline pumping Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Icefield Discovery
Travel from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff to the Columbia Icefield Adventure. This round trip includes the Ice Explorer and Columbia Icefield Skywalk experience.
Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola
Escape the city and experience the wilderness of British Columbia found only minutes outside of Vancouver’s downtown core.
