HOLLY’S ROCKY ROAD ADVENTURE – THE FINAL CHAPTER

Thank you for following my adventure on the Western Explorer, so far I have covered my amazing experience on the Rocky Mountaineer train. As I said previously the best is yet to come and so it is. The second half of my trip I will again feature the Highlights, Do’d and Don’ts, Not to be missed and my own personal top tips of each day of this extraordinary itinerary .

26TH APRIL JASPER TO LAKE LOUISE MOTORCOACH

HIghlights – Today we woke up in Jasper ready for our full day ahead to the stunning LAke Louise , this Hotel and Lake has been on my Bucket List for years and just one of those places that kind of makes you feel emotional . Before we arrived at four pm we had a whole day of travelling through the Rockies in the Snow, a totally winter wonderland experience. Before we reached Lake Louise it was time to visit the Icefields where a snow truck takes you to its peak. You can see for yourself in the pictures. 

Jasper to Lake Louise

Do’s and Don’ts – If you get the time the walk around Lake Louise the views once again are absolutely breathtaking, its a whole new world so definitely a must do.    Do book a lake view room if you can to make the most out of your experience and also a drink before dinner in the lakeside view bar is worth it.

THE VIEW FROM MY ROOM

Not to be missed – The icefields , this is so surreal and the experience of visiting them in an icetruck as you can see from my videos just adds to the experience. Your Tour Guide will update you on the history of the icefields too and it truly is fascinating. When you are there you genuinely feel like your on top of the world. 

Top Tips – Of course depending on what time of year you travel will depend on the clothes you pack but the snow as you can see is still on the ground April to mid May so make sure you have hat gloves and a scarf as it can be pretty chilly out of the Glaciers, although when the sun comes out to find yourself removing these so layers for a trip like this is a must. Again make sure you always carry your  adapter and charger for your IPad or Mobile Phone as there are plug sockets by each seat which is a definate plus. Fairmont LAke Louise is expensive to eat and drink, for example a large glass of red is around £18 , in the bar a bottle of wine is around £50. To be honest though these days are long but so worth every second so you do tend to retire to bed around 10-11pm on an evening .

27TH APRIL LAKE LOUISE TO BANFF

Highlights – Today we continue on our journey to Banff stopping every hour or so to another spectacular place that gives you the wow factor and for me today was Emerald Lake. If course full of snow and in some areas was melting but wow this place is like Lake Louise over again but with quaint little thatched hotels and gift shops surrounding it. Many people had said BAnff was wonderful and I have to admit it really was. Bars and restaurants fill the main streets together with gift shops and ice cream and sweetie parlours. You can smell the freshpoprn as you walk down the street and also the chocolate from the many chocolates shops as you go by. All finished with a mountainous back drop it really is a wonderful charming place.  

Watch the video here Lake Louise to Banff

Watch the Video Here My Day In Banff

DO’S AND DON’TS- I stayed at the CAribou Lodge and Spa and I absolutely loved this hotel, so quaint and a typical hotel that you would find in a winter ski resort very quaint and only 10 minute walk into town. This hotel is offered with Silver Leaf Service so definitely a must do to stay here.

Top Tips – All of the hotels I have mentioned have toiletries for you and ironing boards as you have to bear in mind you are travelling out of a suitcase for 7 days which can be a disaster for your clothes. Having an ironing board in your room is a massive plus. I also rolled all of my clothes when i put them in my case so really didn’t need much ironing. Remember all your luggage is taken to your room for you so all you have to think about is yourself and a backpack or handbag. We ate breakfast at the Caribou Lodge and although great I think I had been spoiled by the Four Seasons and the Fairmont 🙂

28TH APRIL BANFF TO CALGARY

Highlights- For me we had saved the best until last now don’t get me wrong the whole trip has been above and beyond any experience I have encountered but the Banff Gondola and the Helicopter Summit Tour included in the package was unbelievable. It is really difficult to put into words so I have added some videos and photos of the day before we reached Calgary late afternoon.

Watch the video here Banff Gondola

Do’s and Don’ts – All I can say even if you are afraid of heights then this is a must do. The Gondola is 8 minutes each way and as you can see the views are some of the best in the world. Word’s really can’t explain the feeling you have when you are up here but I can only hope the videos give you a little insight. Do not be to worried if you have walking diffiluties as when you are at the top there is a viewing point which is flat. There are also lifts up to the cafeteria and the Gift Shop. 

Watch the video here On Top Of The World

Not to be Missed- The helicopter summit tour with you experience on the way to Calgary, you are in the air for 12 minutes. There are normally four helicopters operating at the same time taking groups of either 4 or 6. One of you can sit in the front with the pilot, The pilots give you a running commentary too so you can see what you are looking at which is great. The overall experience is around an hour and a half as you wait in the cafeteria for everyone from your coach to finish. Cookies and Coffee await you in the cafe whilst you wait. A certificate is also given to you once you finish. Absolutely Fabulous.

Watch the video here Helicopter Tour

Top Tips – Take some cash with you as lots of photos to purchase along the way if you wish to buy these from the Gondola Ride and Helicopter Ride for Souvenirs . Last evening in Calgary where you have free time to visit Calgary Tower or to shop via the many many shopping malls. If I am honest although I liked Calgary I referred Vancouver as Vancouver had so much more charm to it . The Calgary Tower was great but nothing to right home about, the Vancouver Tower is much more of a view. Depending whether you are on Gold Leaf or Silver Leaf will determine either your 4 star or 5 star hotels that you stay in. I stayed in a mixture of the two. In Calgary I stayed in the Le Germain Hotel and the location was great right across the road from the Calgary Tower. The room was probably the best room I have stayed in and this was because of all the gadgets and extra finishing touches the hotel gave you. The bath was filled up by a tube of water coming out of the ceiling, You had a separate washroom, toilet and shower area. The wardrobes and cupboards were filled with everything you could imagine and the mini bar was to die for. They even turned down your bed and left a jug of fresh lemon water and a glass if you need it during the night.

Watch the video here Le Germaine Hotel Calgary

Unfortunately this was the end of my journey on Rocky Mountaineer’s Western Explorer as the following day I flew back to Heathrow with Air Canada. I hope you have enjoyed the trip and thankyou for the many calls I have had asking questions and advice. I am here to help and share my experience with you. The whole journey has being truly wonderful from start to finish so if this is something that you would also like to do then please email me at [email protected] or call me 08004086114.

Until Next Time

Holly xxx