Impeccable onboard service, gourmet cuisine and luxurious surroundings are a few of the reasons why Rocky Mountaineer rail journeys are considered by many to be the only way to see the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies.
The world’s largest privately owned luxury tourist train, Rocky Mountaineer has welcomed nearly 2 million guests since its first departure in 1990. With four unique rail routes, this unforgettable all daylight train trip offers romance and history, reminding us that travelling is as much about the journey as it is the destination.
Guests from across the globe come to appreciate the exceptional onboard experience and to revel in the stunning Western Canadian scenery with endless views of old growth forests, glacier-capped mountain peaks and shimmering waterfalls. The voyage comes alive with Rocky Mountaineer’s onboard Hosts keeping guests engaged and entertained with stories of the passing region.
As the train travels through some of the most remote areas in Western Canada, guests have the opportunity to unplug and enjoy uninterrupted days, during which they have the chance to catch up, reconnect with loved ones, and create lasting memories. The only digital gadget necessary is a camera to capture the natural drama unfolding just outside the window, a welcome idea in the days of constant digital connectivity.
To highlight the iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies, the company offers over 65 vacation packages including several Rail and Cruise itineraries that combine a luxury rail vacation with a dramatic Alaska cruise. Packages can be customised to suit each guest and make their trip even more memorable, including inspiring activities such as helicopter tours, whale watching excursions and gourmet dining experiences.
Rocky Mountaineer has launched a newly extended route for the 2016 season, Rainforest to Gold Rush, which for the first time begins or ends in North Vancouver rather than Whistler, as it has done since the route was established. Travelling through Howe Sound, Squamish and Cheakamus Canyon to connect the world-class destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, the extended route provides guests with an exclusive look at some of the most spectacular views in British Columbia. The Rainforest to Gold Rush route will continue to link Whistler and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper, AB, with an overnight stop in the quaint Gold Rush City of Quesnel, BC.
For those interested in visiting the cosmopolitan US city of Seattle, Rocky Mountaineer’s Coastal Passage route seamlessly connects Seattle with Vancouver and the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. With many cruise options from either Seattle or Vancouver ports, the Coastal Passage route provides guests with numerous options for customizing their vacation.
Renowned for its luxurious bi-level glass dome coaches, Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service features optimal views of epic scenery and wildlife such as black bears, elk, bighorn sheep and moose. In the lower-level dining room, internationally-acclaimed chefs create outstanding dishes, made with the freshest of regional ingredients. Selections include wild Pacific salmon, prime Alberta beef and locally sourced vegetables, accompanied by award–winning wines from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
For those who would like to recreate some of the culinary creations available on the Rocky Mountaineer, Eat Play Love: Regionally Inspired Cuisine by Rocky Mountaineer is the perfect memento for guests to take home and share with family and friends. This beautiful cook book includes recipes for many of the popular dishes designed by Executive Chefs Jean Pierre Guerin and Frédéric Couton.
TAKE ME THERE
• Rocky Mountaineer is an all-dome fleet, featuring two levels of service to choose from: GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf
• The four routes available are:
• First Passage to the West (Vancouver – Lake Louise, Banff, or Calgary)
• Journey Through the Clouds (Vancouver – Jasper)
• Coastal Passage (Seattle – Jasper, Lake Louise or Banff)
• Rainforest to Gold Rush (Vancouver – Jasper via Whistler and Quesnel, 3 day journey)
• Rocky Mountaineer’s season runs from end of April to mid-October
• Air Canada operates a daily direct flight between Sydney and Vancouver, and is launching new flights from Brisbane to Vancouver starting June 3, 2016
• For more information or to book, head to www.rockymountaineer.com BFM
The post Rolling through the Rockies appeared first on BFM.