Gayle Takashima

<p>I highly recommend a rail journey for people who love scenic vistas and the relaxing lifestyle of cruising. Having personally ridden on Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer railway, I can attest to the high levels of service, delicious cuisine and excellent tours that travelers enjoy on a Rocky Mountaineer trip. In many ways, Rocky Mountaineer’s seamless travel product is a “deluxe cruise on rail.”</p>
<p>As part of a professional development seminar, I was lucky enough to take part in a 5-day trip, involving 2 days on Rocky Mountaineer Rail from Vancouver to Banff.</p>
<p>We began our journey with a one-way Amtrak train from Edmonds, Washington, to Vancouver, British Columbia. This is a great way to avoid long lines at the airport and waits at the Canadian border. Many other Rocky Mountaineer guests were also taking the train that morning to Vancouver.Here is the full itinerary I experienced:</p>
<ul>
<li>Day 1: Edmonds to Vancouver B.C., (Amtrak) overnight at Vancouver Fairmont hotel<br /><br /></li>
<li>Day 2: Vancouver B.C. to Kamloops B.C. via Rocky Mountaineer rail, hotel in Kamloops with dinner<br /><br /></li>
<li>Day 3: Kamloops to Banff via Rocky Mountaineer rail, spent 2 nights in Banff at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel<br /><br /></li>
<li>Day 4: Tour of Banff and visit to Chateau Lake Louise with a luncheon<br /><br /></li>
<li>Day 5: Banff to Calgary via motorcoach, then a flight home from Calgary</li>
</ul>
<p>Rocky Mountaineer exclusively travels the rails during the day and provides hotel accommodations for each night. This is the best of both worlds: sleep in a comfortable hotel bed each night and save the train simply for soaking in the views! Not to worry, Rocky Mountaineer takes care of your bags between the train and hotel each time, so they appear and disappear like magic.</p>
<p><strong>Two Levels of Service</strong></p>
<p>Rocky Mountaineer offers two classes of service onboard, <strong>SilverLeaf </strong>and <strong>GoldLeaf</strong>. I had the opportunity to experience both levels of service. The first evening I utilized the SilverLeaf level of service. This service offers the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>A custom-designed single-level dome coach railcar<br /><br /></li>
<li>Oversized glass-dome windows for taking in the spectacular views<br /><br /></li>
<li>At-your-seat meals for breakfast and lunch<br /><br /></li>
<li>Reclining, comfortable, pre-assigned seating with ample leg room<br /><br /></li>
<li>Two hosts and one culinary team member<br /><br /></li>
<li>Storytellers to entertain and educate guests about historic sites, flora, fauna and wildlife<br /><br /></li>
<li>Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages<br /><br /></li>
<li>Gourmet snacks<br /><br /></li>
<li>A small outdoor viewing platform<br /><br /></li>
<li>Baggage delivery to your overnight hotel</li>
</ul>
<p>For the first night, I stayed at the SilverLeaf (moderate) hotel property in Kamloops, B.C. Accommodations were certainly acceptable, but not considered luxury.My second night, and for both days of the ride, I experienced the GoldLeaf service, which is superior. The value of it far exceeds the additional cost. This service features several upgrades:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bi-level dome coach railcar with seating above and dining below<br /><br /></li>
<li>Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views<br /><br /></li>
<li>Gourmet à la carte meals in the lower-level dining room<br /><br /></li>
<li>Reclining, comfortable, pre-assigned seating with ample leg room<br /><br /></li>
<li>Three to four hosts plus a full culinary team<br /><br /></li>
<li>A large exclusive outdoor viewing platform</li>
</ul>
<p>Plus, GoldLeaf Service includes these other fine features enjoyed by SilverLeaf guests:</p>
<ul>
<li>Storytellers to entertain and educate guests about historic sites, flora, fauna and wildlife<br /><br /></li>
<li>Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages<br /><br /></li>
<li>Gourmet snacks (both afternoons we enjoyed warm chocolate cookies)<br /><br /></li>
<li>Baggage delivery to your overnight hotel</li>
</ul>
<p>The dining in GoldLeaf Service, especially with the wine included, enhances the experience tremendously and makes the days fly by while watching the gorgeous scenery.</p>
<p>During my GoldLeaf level of service I stayed at the <strong>Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel</strong>, which I absolutely loved! This is a large and most unique property offering small, but nicely appointed rooms with beautiful views from almost every room. I also toured and had lunch at the <strong>Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel</strong>, which is a beautiful property in a remote setting. This hotel is an excellent choice for active travelers, as it is within a wonderful natural setting with quick access to hiking, rock climbing, biking, fishing, and more.</p>
<p>I would highly recommend Rocky Mountaineer in the GoldLeaf level of service to travelers who are avid train enthusiasts, who love to watch beautiful scenery, or for those who would like a nice, very relaxing vacation.</p>
<p>There are plenty of opportunities to make your own fun with board games, chatting with fellow travelers; and of course, the animal spotting — imagine landscapes dotted with bighorn sheep, bear, elk, deer, coyote and wolf — some even right near the rails.</p>
<p>In addition, these journeys are a fabulous extension to an Alaska cruise that ends in Vancouver or Seattle. I will craft these arrangements into one seamless vacation so you can experience the spectacular vistas of Canada’s Rockies plus Alaska’s stunning glaciers and wildlife all in one dream vacation. </p>