Journey Of A Lifetime

Next Wednesday will see me embark on a fabulous journey, something that will be on many people`s Bucket List, the Rocky Mountaineer Western Explorer from Vancouver to Calgary.

I have been to Canada once before on a cruise to Alaska on Diamond Princess and it was a wonderful experience. The Alaskan scenery was breathtaking with beautiful clear blue skies and amazing wildlife, a really wonderful destination, probably one of the best I have been to. The ship pulled into Victoria which is a lovely place to visit  especially on a cruise, but that about sums up my experience of Canada.

British Airways will transport me from Heathrow to Vancouver to begin the journey with a two night stay in this bustling city  and west coast seaport sitting below the Coast Mount ain Range. This is a vibrant city with loads to do whether it be outdoor activities, shopping or dining in one of the  vast range of restaurants on offer.

Then its all onboard the rocky Mountaineer to start the journey to Kamloops, travelling through spectacular scenery the train only travels during the day to make sure you can see everything on this amazing railroad. Its a quick overnight in Kamloops before travelling onwards to Banff, a resort town in the province of Alberta, within Banff National Park. The peaks of the Rocky Mountains, dominate its skyline. Aswell as shops, boutiques and restaurants the surrounding countryside is home wildlife including elk and grizzly bears.

In Banff we will say goodbye to the train as we start the journey by coach to Calgary, a city which owes its growth to the oil industry, but also famous for the Calgary Stampede the massive rodeo and festival that takes place every year in July.

I`m sure the trip will be over far too soon and I`ll be back at my desk but I will then really be able to tell you how great the Rocky Mountaineer is.