Travelling through the Rocky Mountains is one thing, but doing it on the Rocky Mountaineer train is quite another. This amazing train travels through the valleys and mountain passes of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Canadian Rockies.
Following the historic train route established over 100 years ago, the Yellowhead Route follows the Fraser and Thomson Rivers, with the track often just metres from the shoreline. Travelling East the train runs from Vancouver to Jasper, or the Westbound route can be taken.
A Train Journey of Excitement and Inspiration
Whether choosing the Gold Leaf or Red Leaf option, each carriage has an onboard attendant who gives regular commentary on places of interest, intriguing facts, and more often than not an occasional light-hearted joke. Connected with other staff on the journey, the attendant is able to alert wildlife watchers to the presence of animals and birds of interest.
What an experience to watch the soaring bald-headed eagles, or see the osprey feeding its young. Ever considerate for the passengers, the train regularly slows by places of interest such as waterfalls.
Gold Leaf service offers domed carriages and a la carte restaurant service, whilst Red Leaf offers buffet style meals. Every seat, however, which class of travel is chosen, is strategically placed by panoramic windows to all every single passenger to take advantage of the stunning scenery.
The Mountains Hide a Hidden Inland Desert Amongst the Towering Vistas
Who would have thought that as the train travels ever onward, the land opens up to reveal its hidden secret, an inland desert. A place often ravaged by fire as the summer heat burns, the flat, arid land quickly falls away as the train enters the land of the Rocky Mountains.
Another hidden gem is Kamloops Lake. Almost completely undeveloped this magnificent and tranquil lake must have somehow managed to pass unnoticed by hotel and condominium developers. There is little access to the water, which may explain the lack of interest, but clearly this special place will soon be sharing its charm with recreational lovers who will doubtless flock to enjoy its warm waters. The water is warm because it is fed by the Thomson River and is therefore not glacial water. Enjoy it whilst you can.
The train stops overnight in Kamloops, a quaint town where cowboys greet the visitors and wave goodbye to them the next day as they depart.
Jasper National Park and the Sensational Snow-capped Mountains
The journey onwards from Kamloops to Jasper takes the breath away. Passengers are given a taste of the amazing feat of engineering as the attendant describes the work and dedication involved in the building of the route some 100 years previously.
The air is still and quiet with only the sound of the train gliding over the tracks, and the occasional sigh from a breathless guest, and the journey continues to the town of Jasper.
Jasper is a delightful town, nestled in the shadow of the mountains and offering the visitor a wealth of gift shops, local crafts, and characteristic accommodations.
There is a choice of routes from Vancouver to Calgary to enjoy the amazing experience that is The Rocky Mountaineer.
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