Riding the rails in the West

Still, the anticipation built as we jockeyed for spots to see the first glimpse of Mount Robson on the open-air platform at the end of our car. I soon discovered that there was no need to rush. For close to 20 kilometres you can see this crowning jewel -- the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Mount Robson, known for her moody disposition, is often cloaked in clouds but she shone brightly for us that early May afternoon.

Beauty at your leisure
Throughout the entire trip we traveled at what the onboard guides referred to as “Kodak speed” -- which was a bit tedious at times but did allow for wonderful photos. The train staff were first-rate. The guides were well informed and enthusiastically pointed out landmarks, wildlife (“big-horned sheep on the right;” “deer on the left;” “there's a bear”) and shared quirky facts and tales about the towns we passed. As for the food, well, my only complaint is that there was simply too much of it. (We joked about the need for an onboard liposuction service).

When the trip was over in Jasper, I had mixed feelings about leaving the train and staff behind -- that's when I realized that getting there really can be a lot more than just “half the fun” of a great vacation.

For more information on the new Fraser Discovery Route, visit Rocky Mountaineer Vacations at www.rockymountaineer.com

Go west for the holidays!
Looking for a magical Christmas experience to remember? Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers a Christmas train for a limited time in December. It travels to Vancouver with an overnight stop in Kamloops and then on to Banff. (The reverse route is also available.) The trip features a kids' car with crafts and entertainment by children's artist Jim Raddish. Strangely, Santa seems to also be stranded in the same spot along the tracks each year, allowing the train to come to his rescue. There are presents for all the kids onboard.

(Rekindle romance in one (or two!) romantic rendezvous in Western Canada!)

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