Every guest who chooses a Rocky Mountaineer journey knows to expect a mix of world-class service, delicious cuisine, and unparalleled access to spectacular destinations filled with breathtaking views and activities for all ages.
But not everyone goes on a Rocky Mountaineer journey for the same reasons. For some, it’s to celebrate a particular milestone, like a wedding anniversary or a birthday. For others, it’s the culmination of lifelong dream to explore the Rockies by rail. Regardless of the reason, guests embark on this adventure and come away with experiences to savour and stories to last a lifetime.
In this blog we’ll be telling the story of one such couple who joined us in August of 2024. Having previously travelled with us more than a decade prior, they had two very special reasons to revisit the journey and to make new, lasting memories.
A Journey for the ages.
Vincent and Marie, a retired couple living in Western Canada, first travelled with us in the summer of 2011. Back then, they started their journey in the charming mountain town of Banff and headed towards Vancouver.
In 2024, they chose to go on First Passage to the West Discovery, a package that was the inverse of the previous one. It included two days onboard the train from Vancouver to Lake Louise, add-on excursions, and scenic transfers that took them onwards to Banff and Calgary. When asked what prompted this second trip, the answer came easily.
“In 2011, we made our first trip on Rocky Mountaineer and enjoyed it tremendously,” Vincent shared. “Now that our grandchildren are old enough (2 girls, aged 8 and 12), we decided that it was time to refresh those memories with them knowing they would find it as enjoyable and enlightening as we did.”
And thus began an incredible experience for the whole family, with Vincent and Marie joined by their son, his wife, and their two daughters, both of whom expressed delight in being able to spend this summer adventure seeing the sights, enjoying the food, and making memories with their grandparents.
Wonder along every mile.
With memories of their first trip lingering, this second journey exceeded their expectations. Each day onboard the train featured so much for them to enjoy as a family. “We loved the elevated views from our seats,” Vincent said, referring to the vistas they took in from the second level of the GoldLeaf coach. Of course, they also partook of the additional views from below. “We also enjoyed the fresh air and unfiltered views from the platform.”
Indeed, the outdoor vestibule proved quite popular with them, with both granddaughters regularly dragging their grandmother out with them to feel the wind blow into their faces and see the sights.
According to Vincent and Marie, their onboard hosts were quite helpful in making sure they enjoyed those sights. “The hosts were excellent. They went into the history of the places we traveled through, including some elements of the relationship with the First Nations.”
From the spectacular visage of the famous Hell’s Gate to the historic “Last Spike”, there was natural wonder and rail history to be found around every bend. But one landmark stood out to Vincent in particular.
“The Spiral Tunnels,” he said. “Emerging from them… going from darkness to light.”
A feast for all.
With two growing children along, the dining experience was yet another highlight of each day. Taking their meals in the GoldLeaf dining room, the family was amazed with the flavours on offer.
“Freshly prepared and delicious,” was the verdict. “Great to see the endless scenery rolling by as you eat.”
With a menu specially designed to reflect the flavours of the land the train passes through, the family had no shortage of options. Across the two days, they feasted on delicate scrambled eggs, succulent desserts, and pancakes. The steak, made from Alberta beef, was a particular highlight. To their delight, the kitchen could happily and easily accommodate their grandchildren’s dairy allergy, ensuring that they didn’t miss out.
Activities aplenty.
Upon disembarking at Lake Louise, Vincent, Marie, and their family appreciated that their special journey was not yet at an end. With an itinerary that included stays at Lake Louise itself and further stays in Banff and Calgary, there was no shortage of things to look forward to.
“Very beautiful,” Marie said referring to Lake Louise. “Especially the short hike up to the overlook point.”
Upon reaching Banff, the town was just as wonderful as they remembered. “A good mix of town life and nature,” Vincent remarked.
At both destinations, the family partook of activities that they enjoyed together. From relaxing in a canoe on Lake Louise to climbing high in the Banff Gondola and taking in the sights via a guided tour around town, they made sure to make the most of their time in the Rockies.
*Click here for a list of Canadian add-on excursions available from some of our trusted partners.
Memories made to last.
In the end, Vincent and Marie expressed gratitude at being able to take their grandchildren with them onboard the train and to the Rockies. We asked them if the journey lived up to expectations.
“Absolutely,” Marie said firmly. “Yes.
We followed up by asking them what their favourite part of their holiday was. And on a journey filled with highlights – historic landmarks, stunning views, locally sourced food, and more – the answer was quick, simple, and not surprising at all:
“Watching the delighted expressions on our grandchildren’s faces.”
