I woke early on a clear Vancouver morning in May, filled with excitement for the adventure ahead. Rocky Mountaineer is a bucket list travel experience, which I feel so lucky to be ticking off.

After meeting our friendly representative, we take a short transfer from our hotel to Rocky Mountaineer Station, where following a warm reception and swift check-in process we enjoy refreshments and a lively welcome ceremony complete with bagpipes! We take pictures beside the iconic train and before we know it it’s time to embark, with another jovial greeting from our GoldLeaf Service Hosts.

And just like that we’re off, and it’s impeccable service all the way! From the comfort of our reclining seats in the upper-level glass-domed coach, we enjoy a coffee and sweet treat before heading downstairs to the exclusive GoldLeaf service dining room for breakfast. Meals are taken in two sittings, and there is always a wide choice of dishes, all expertly prepared to order as you watch the scenery roll by.

In between meals we enjoy commentary from our onboard Hosts and conversation with fellow travellers, look out for wildlife from our seats or head to the large outdoor viewing platform for spectacular views of the ever-changing scenery as we travelled from verdant fields through the impressive canyons of interior British Columbia. There was a choice of specialist cocktails to enjoy as an aperitif, plus locally sourced wine to enjoy alongside our gourmet lunch. A choice of sweet or salty snacks were always forthcoming, perfect to accompany an afternoon tipple. 

We rolled into Kamloops station in the early evening and were whisked to our comfortable hotel for the night, greeted by our luggage and ready for bed, if just to resume our journey as quickly as possible…

After leaving our luggage for collection and settling back into our seats, we were just thrilled to be doing it all over again!

The scenery on day two is remarkable and includes a range of iconic sights as you journey towards Alberta and the mighty Canadian Rockies. Our onboard Hosts call out wildlife sightings (I’m not quick enough for the elusive bear!) as we pass beautiful Pyramid Falls and approach the imposing Mount Robson. Shimmering azure lakes come into view, and I almost can’t tear myself from my window seat until I remember the choice of delicious meals on offer in the dining room.

Our approach into Jasper rewards us with a black bear sighting beside the tracks, as if welcoming us to their home. Our Hosts wish us on our way, and I can say without doubt that Rocky Mountaineer lived up to all my expectations and more.