Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West - Eastbound / Gold Leaf Group Trip
I held group air space with Delta flying out of Detroit. Our trip started in Vancouver; upon arrival I proceeded to the courtesy phone in YVR, and advised our shuttle driver of our arrival. The shuttle advised us of our pick up location. Everyone loaded onto the bus, and we arrived at the Sheraton Wall Center in Vancouver
Sightseeing (driving through with Tour Guide) the North Shore with a drive through Stanley Park & Vancouver Excursion Capilano Suspension Bridge / Grouse Mountain
I highly recommend both tours. The Capilano suspension bridge is thrilling, and the walk through the tree tops makes you think you are in Endor amongst the Ewoks! https://www.capbridge.com/
Grouse Mountain is accessed through the Skyride, a large Gondola that fits 99 passengers. On top of Grouse Mountain, they offer shops, dining, two grizzly bears and a Lumberjack Show. https://www.grousemountain.com/
Baggage was handled throughout our journey with me only having to confirm our baggage pull times and to clarify if bags should be left in the room or outside the room. Baggage pull times seemed early for our group members, however there are a lot of bags for the porters to pull. Many other RM clients are staying at the same hotel and morning pick up was quiet bustling. Thankfully, having a group, we were expedited onto our bus (mainly to clear the lobby a bit). All aboard! Train embarkation was seamless. Bagpipes playing in the distance with an early morning Rainbow to bless our adventure ahead!
Service and food was top notch, and the views are phenomenal onboard the train. We were in a recently updated train car with GoldLeaf service. Leather seats that heat, recline, optional lighting features in the rail car. I absolutely loved being able to walk out on the platform and feel the wind and smell the air. Even though the rail experience was great, I felt it was a long day. By the time we arrived into Kamloops. We stayed at the Thompson Hotel we walked around town a little bit then went to bed. I would compare the Thompson Hotel to a Courtyard By Marriott.
Second day of our rail journey was just as great as our first day. The day was a bit longer as we had to wait on rail traffic. Arrival into The Banff Caribou Lodge, check-in was seamless with a Rocky Mountaineer representative on location helped expedite our group with check-in (skipped the wait in line and received all group member’s keys). One client’s identity bag tag fell off, however since they had their RM Tour tag on it, we were able to get the bag to the owner promptly. I recommend having clients write their name on the back of the RM Tour tag just in case. A complimentary shuttle is available at the Caribou Lodge that will take you into town. Vouchers were at the front desk.
Our first full day in Banff was our “free day” since the Icefields excursion was cancelled. Banff is amazing with so many hiking opportunities, museums, and shops. We hiked all the way to the Fairmont Banff Springs. Went through the shops, and I would love to stay here some day!
Beware of Bear signs and elk droppings throughout the trails. You are in a National Park after all. Good thing we all came prepared and dressed accordingly with layers, hats, and gloves with a good pair of hiking/ walking shoes.
You will not run out of places to dine in Banff, everything is easily walkable in town with streets clearly labeled. The downtown area is blocked off during peak season so traffic does not run through. We were at the very end of the touring season. They are now getting ready for Ski Season.
All of the meals that were included in our tour did not disappoint. Most breakfast was buffet style. The Fairmont Chateau was amazing. They are building a pool/spa retreat so there was construction going on. Not sure of the expect time for completion.
Sightseeing was a bit of a bust, not many animals. Although we saw bear, porcupine, elk, deer, and birds (Stellers Jay, Magpie, Bald Eagles).
Excursion Banff Gondola
I highly recommend taking the Banff gondola to the top of Sulfur Mountain. Amazing views, you are touching heaven! https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/
Excursion Heritage Park
Very interesting “living museum” to visit. Gasoline Alley would be a perfect place to visit for your classic car enthusiast. https://heritagepark.ca/
Delta Calgary Downtown is a very nice hotel, attentive and accommodating. A sleek and contemporary hotel. The Shoe and Canoe Public house offers a casual dining experience with great service.
We had a lovely group – great fun to travel with!
