Journey through the clouds onboard the Rocky Mountaineer

There is something very special about arriving at dawn to board the one and only Rocky Mountaineer. The imposing train, back lit by the dark blue sky, awaits its passengers. The four staff that stand at the steps at the end of each carriage welcome you brightly as you walk up the red carpet, eager to introduce themselves and invite you to board the Gold Leaf carriage. Our journey is from the beautiful city of Vancouver in British Columbia, with an overnight stop in the unique town of Kamloops and ending in the quaint town of Jasper in the Rocky Mountains.

After boarding, finding our over-sized leather business class style seat in the dome-topped carriage is an absolute pleasure, we are asked by the attendants what we would like to drink. Is it too early for hot chocolate with Baileys? We opt for fresh orange juice and we all cheers to the beginning of an amazing journey. We settle in, and once we are pulling away, the first half of the carriage goes downstairs to dine, we are given scones and coffee to enjoy until it is our turn to order from the a la cart menu. The quality of food is astounding, especially considering the tight quarters the chef's have to work with!

The day continues and we pass through the Fraser Valley and view the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains as we pass the thundering waters of Hell's Gate and follow the Thompson River to Kamloops. After a big lunch, afternoon tea and plenty to drink we pull up in Kamloops to rest up after a day of eating, drinking and enjoying life!

The next morning, we are off to our now familiar train, it is time for breakfast as we head further into the wilderness. Today's scenery is different, delving into the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains and we slow to a near stand-still to take in the force of nature that is the Pyramid Falls. Today we are incredibly lucky to see the 12,972 foot tall Mt Robson in all it's glory, the snow-capped peak stark against the blue sky.

We continue to climb into the largest National Park in the Rockies and after another day of great food, amazing people and incomparable views we have to say goodbye to this magnificent train here in beautiful Jasper and transfer to the brilliant Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Thankfully it doesn't end here, it is just the beginning of my Canadian Rockies adventure! To book your Rocky Mountain journey, contact me today!

- Sonia Ekelund, Cruiseabout Bowral. soniaekelund@cruiseabout.com.au, 0248613449