Magnificent Rocky Mountaineer a Bucket List!

For our 8th Wedding Anniversary, we wanted something special, something amazing, something spectacular, a Bucket List, and we found exactly that on-board Rocky Mountaineer.

Flying direct with Air Canada from London Heathrow we traveled from Calgary to Vancouver whilst also staying in Banff and Kamloops. We got to experience the amazing Gold Leaf Service by Rocky Mountaineer.

We started our trip flying into Calgary Airport. Once there we were met by the Rocky Mountaineer representatives and transferred to Banff, which is approximately 2 hours away by coach.

Staying at Banff Caribou Lodge with the amazing Rockies in the background has to be my favorite of all the places visited. The town was beautiful, quaint and a must see. The location of the hotel is around 10-15 minute walk to town, or you can use the complimentary bus service the hotel provide you with, which runs every 20 minutes.

The beautiful fire place in the reception area is a center piece.

We also ate the The Keg Restaurant located in the hotel, the food was fantastic and the prices were just about the same as if you ate in the hotel or at a restaurant in town.

After staying in Banff for the night, we were due to board the Rocky Mountaineer train to Kamloops, however unfortunately for us the rail company had gone on strike and therefore the train couldn’t run. This has only happened once before back in 2012, and that lasted for 10 days. Disappointed as we were Rocky Mountaineer stepped in and decided to transfer us by coach to Kamloops with stops at all the amazing places on the way, including Glacier National Park, Revelstoke and The Last Spike, where as the name suggest the last spike formed the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Some pictures of the Rockies along the way.

When we arrived in Kamloops, we stayed at the Sandman Signature Hotel. The location couldn’t be better, directly across from Riverside Park, and 5 minutes from the center of Kamloops.

The following day we boarded the awesome Rocky Mountaineer train. Welcomed by the friendly staff, who couldn’t do enough for you.

On-board you have your breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Rocky Mountaineer offer a Silver and a Gold Leaf Service. The Gold Leaf carriage sits a lot higher and offers a separate dining area below. The views from Gold Leaf are exceptional, with the glass panoramic views it is a must on this itinerary.

The journey was from Kamloops to Vancouver and we boarded around 7:30am, and arrived in Vancouver approximately 6pm. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly and kept you informed throughout the day.

Travelling by coach the day before and then to experience the train it was a vast difference in comfort, style and views. I have to say the Rockies part of Canada in Banff, Lake Louise and Kamloops are spectacular. And the views from Kamloops to Vancouver reminded me a lot like New Zealand.

From going to the amazing jaw dropping views of the Rockies, we were now in the major city of Vancouver. Staying at the Georgian Court Hotel, and directly opposite was the Vancouver Whitecaps football stadium, the location was very central, and within walking distance to all the city had to offer.