Rocky Mountaineer provides a unique journey where love, celebration, and family converge in unforgettable ways. In this blog series, we delve into the stories of travellers who choose to mark life’s milestones onboard Rocky Mountaineer, where each moment becomes a cherished memory. To read our previous blog in this series, click here.
This month, our spotlight gleams on a couple whose love story was celebrated against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Join us as we unravel their journey, brimming with romance, adventure, and the timeless allure of train travel.
In June of this year, Luke, along with his partner Lewis and both of their parents, travelled from England to celebrate two special occasions. We caught up with Luke to hear more about their journey and all the unique experiences they enjoyed during their time in Canada.
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Myself (Luke) and my now Husband (Lewis) travelled along with our 4 parents from Somerset in the south-west of England to Canada to get married in Banff.
We started our trip from Heathrow Airport in the UK and flew into Anchorage Airport where we started our holiday. We stayed in Girdwood (near Anchorage) at the Alyeska resort for a few days before boarding the Silver Muse cruise ship. On the cruise ship we visited the Hubbard Glacier before sailing onto Juneau, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell Island and finally docking into Vancouver after 8 days. We stayed in Vancouver for 5 days where we boarded Rocky Mountaineer for 2 days before arriving in Banff where we stayed for a further 4 days.
Luke, Lewis, and their family prior to boarding Rocky Mountaineer.
What was the reason to take this journey?
I am 40 at the end of the year and had always wanted to go to Canada. Lewis had been to Canada and onboard Rocky Mountaineer before and had always talked about it ever since we had got together (15 years ago). We asked both set of parents to come and they agreed, and it seemed like a natural fit for us to get married in Canada seeing as our parents would be there as well.
What made you choose to celebrate with Rocky Mountaineer?
We always planned on getting married in Banff, so tying everything in together, Rocky Mountaineer was the perfect fit allowing us to get from Vancouver, the cruise ship’s final port from Alaska, to Banff, and what a luxurious way to do it.
What were some highlights from your time in Alaska?
My favourite thing about Alaska seems to change every day, since being back, it’s hard to explain the vastness of it and everything there (including the wildlife) seemed to have been supersized. Seeing humpback whales, sea otters, wild grizzly bears and bald eagles was amazing and waking up to a different snowy capped mountain or glacier every morning whilst we cruised along just topped it all off.
Grinder, one of the resident grizzly bears on Grouse Mountain.
What did you get up to in your free time in Vancouver?
Vancouver has now become my favorite city in the world, it has everything there and seems to have the perfect balance between big city and wilderness on your doorstep. I wouldn’t describe our stay in Vancouver as relaxing (although I’m sure it could be). We tried to fit in as much as we could whilst there from walking around Stanley Park to visiting the food market on Granville Island. We took a trip out on an open-air zodiac boat with Wild Whales and went to see the pod of Resident Orcas which was amazing. Floating around on the boat with anticipation and then seeing the massive dorsal fin of the whales break the surface was awe inspiring and something that I never thought I would do.
On another trip we visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge followed by the cable car up to Grouse Mountain. We had seen bears on the cruise at a distance, but I knew there were bears on Grouse Mountain and really wanted to see them. Grinder and Coola didn’t disappoint and showed up exactly on cue as if they knew how much I wanted to see them. Grouse Mountain also had a lumberjack and falconry show, however the view of Vancouver as you go up in the cable car is worth the admission price alone.
The Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park is also a must-see. After studying Marine Biology at University, I’ve seen a fair few aquariums but this has to be up there as one of the best with tank exhibits specific to the Vancouver area that I had never seen elsewhere, also if like me you love otters the sea otters were amazing and made my day.
One way to see Vancouver is from above and we went on a sea plane with Harbour Air, as soon as we docked in Vancouver. We had a 35-minute flight that took us over the landmarks of Vancouver including the Lions Gate Bridge and Bowen Island. It just showed us how beautiful Vancouver was and how close the mountains and forests are to the city.
Where did you stay in Vancouver?
We stayed at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver which was very reminiscent of the Plaza Hotel in New York (think the “Home Alone” hotel). We had a gold room which gave us access to the lounge where we could have breakfast, afternoon tea and various hot food in the evening before we went out, it was also a nice place to meet up with our parents before we embarked on the day’s activities. You can see why the hotel is known as the “Castle in the City” as the outside of the hotel as well as the décor inside would be fit for any royal and several have stayed there. Our room was huge and had a lovely view of the ocean through the high-rises. It was stocked with everything you could want during your stay and the Dyson hairdryer was a little bit of luxury. The hotel was perfectly placed for exploring the city, Stanley Park, and Granville Island. A special mention must go to the resident Labradors in reception, Elly and Ella. Before going out for the day it was lovely to have a quick cuddle, especially as I was missing my own dogs who I had left at home.
How did this journey compare to your first time onboard Rocky Mountaineer?
This was my first time onboard Rocky Mountaineer, but Lewis had been onboard when he was 17. Lewis had said that going onboard as an adult compared to when he was younger, he really looked at the journey from a different point of view and it was almost as if he hadn’t been on it before. He was really able to appreciate the scenery and everything that happened on the train, [and now] over 21 he could experience the joys of the custom cocktails and champagne. As it was my first time onboard the train, I couldn’t believe the standard of food that was brought out to us for breakfast and lunch. 5-star restaurants would struggle to maintain that standard of food, let alone a [galley] kitchen onboard a train.
What were some highlights from your time onboard?
I think the most memorable thing about Rocky Mountaineer was the unbelievable attention to detail from the moment we reached the train station in Vancouver, to the time we disembarked in Banff. Our bags were collected from us in Vancouver, were in our room waiting for us in Kamloops, where we left them the next morning, and then magically appeared at our hotel in Banff when we disembarked. As I said earlier, the food was Michelin-level standard, and the staff onboard couldn’t have been more helpful. A special thank you to Billy whose breakfast and lunchtime banter really brightened up our day. As you’d expect with Rocky Mountaineer, the real star of the show isn’t even on the train but outside; every corner turned brought a new vista and, just when you thought the view couldn’t get any better, it did. Once we travelled into the Rockies it was hard to tear yourself away from the window. We saw bald eagles and elk, although no bear this time (a reason to get back on again).
Where did you stay upon arrival in Banff?
When we arrived in Banff, we stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs (the Castle in the Rockies). If you Google hotels in the Rockies, it’s more than likely the one that comes up first; it’s that iconic. Throughout our 15 years together myself and Lewis have stayed in some amazing hotels but never one with such amazing scenery. I’m pretty sure whatever room you had in the hotel would have an amazing view.
Luke, Lewis, and their family in front of Lake Minnewanka.
Congratulations on your marriage! Tell us about your special day. Did you do anything after the ceremony to celebrate?
The whole wedding was organized by a local company called Tanan Elopement packages. They covered everything from the celebrant to the videographer and photographer. We got married by Lake Minnewanka, which is about a half-hour drive from Banff.
The ceremony and photos were more than we could ever have dreamed of. Having just the 6 of us [by] a lake surrounded by the mountains and water was incredible, and the officiant Jen prepared the perfect ceremony through which to marry myself and Lewis. To celebrate the ceremony, we went up in a helicopter with a company called Alpine Helicopters nearby in Canmore for a flight across the Rockies which just added to the day. A special thanks must go out to Banff Sedan who took care of us for the day and drove us around, accommodating not only us but our Mums’ exceptionally large wedding hats.
What is your favourite memory from your journey?
To pick a favourite moment from the journey would be impossible as so much was packed into those 3 weeks. One point I keep coming back to was how special we were made to feel throughout our time in both Alaska and Canada. Lake Minnewanka is in Banff National Park, so it was quite busy on the day we got married, but Lewis and I were made to feel completely at ease, not once did we feel uncomfortable by members of the public whilst getting our photos done. People genuinely seemed happy for us with people congratulating us as we walked around the lake having our photos taken. Canada being one of the first countries to legalise gay marriage definitely played a part in our decision to get married there.
Jasper - one of the Rocky Mountaineer bears - waiting to greet Luke & Lewis upon boarding.
Would you recommend a Rocky Mountaineer journey to celebrate a special occasion?
I would definitely recommend Rocky Mountaineer as somewhere to celebrate a special occasion. In fact, we plan on celebrating our 10-year anniversary onboard. We were made to feel like kings as soon as we arrived with two Rocky Mountaineer bears waiting on our seats, and a wedding card from the team was given to us when we disembarked.
As their journey through Canada came to an end, Luke, Lewis, and their families were happy to reflect on the countless memories shared amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. From their adventure through Alaska’s pristine waters to the tranquil rhythm of the Rocky Mountaineer train, and finally, the joyous celebration of love, their journey was a collection of cherished moments. They return home carrying not just souvenirs, but hearts full of gratitude.
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 Luke & Lewis experienced throughout their journey.
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.
Prince of Whales Waterfront Sightseeing
Sea Vancouver is a 90-minute waterfront sightseeing tour aboard a 12-passenger open-air, Zodiac-style boat. See the city harbour, wildlife or waterfalls in an iconic adventure.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Get adventurous on Banff's largest lake! Choose from one of our acclaimed cruises and explore under the lead of a knowledgeable guide on a heated, covered boat.
