Rocky Mountaineer

Day one aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops is nothing short of spectacular.   After the check in experience, I was overwhelmed and pleased with the service and smooth operation for the onboarding, luggage collection, and general welcome.  Sue happened to notice that we were standing in fron of Kevin Rudd and his Wife.  Naturally, I went and introduced myself and we had a chat - guess where they are going after staying in a lodge to see Grizzly Bears - to Churchill to see the Polar Bears.

Once onboard, the journey begins early in the morning as the train departs from the vibrant city of Vancouver, with its towering skyline and coastal charm gradually fading in the distance. Settled into the luxury of the two-level Gold Leaf coach, you're greeted with panoramic views from the glass-domed ceiling, allowing an unobstructed view of the breathtaking scenery.  The chairs are very comfortale with excellent heating - mine was too hot and John's didnt work.  I also had the emergency ladder taking up my underseat storage which was a pain.

As the train winds its way out of the city, the landscape begins to transform. The lush greenery of the Fraser Valley emerges, with dense forests and winding rivers accompanying the journey. Your senses are indulged from the very start, as the attentive crew serves a gourmet breakfast prepared by talented chefs in the onboard kitchen. Enjoying the finest local ingredients while watching the world pass by is an experience that feels almost surreal.

As seen above and below: Logs are often seen floating in the Fraser River due to British Columbia’s long-standing logging industry, which has used the river as a natural transport route for moving timber from remote forests to sawmills and ports. Floating logs downstream, known as "log drives," was historically the most efficient and cost-effective way to transport large quantities of wood. Today, many of these logs are stored in "log booms," which are groups of logs chained together, kept in the river until they can be processed. While this practice has raised environmental concerns, such as riverbank erosion, it remains a practical method in an industry that plays a significant role in the local economy.

The train continues its ascent into the towering mountains, following the path of the powerful Fraser River. The air grows crisper as you leave the urban hustle behind, making way for the natural beauty of British Columbia. The landscape is dotted with waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, and each turn of the tracks reveals a new breathtaking vista—snow-capped peaks in the distance, shimmering lakes, and vast pine forests stretching as far as the eye can see.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable hosts share stories of the region’s history, indigenous culture, and wildlife. The sight of bald eagles soaring overhead and the possibility of spotting bears or elk near the tracks keep everyone on the lookout. The outdoor viewing platform is a favourite spot for immersing yourself in the fresh mountain air, with cameras poised to capture the moment.  It is bloody freezing and our Uniqlo jackets were perfect again.

Lunch is a culinary delight, served with whatever you wish to drink, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet full of excitement. Sue is sitting next to a lady called Margaret and she joins us for our meals.  She is from Toronto and was on the Alaskan cruise a day or two behind us and got caught in the storm as a result they did not stop at Ice Strait and Ketchikan.  Can't believe how lucky we were.  Jen is not well, she appears to be one of the 180 passengers that got gastro bug on the ship.  Poor thing! Our cruise Ship made the news with the gastro bug. 

The route continues through steep canyons and along rivers that seem to mirror the sky. Crossing over the dramatic Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon is a highlight, as the water churns violently through the narrow passage.

By the time the train approaches Kamloops, the scenery shifts once again, giving way to the more arid landscapes of British Columbia’s interior. Rolling hills and golden grasslands provide a stark contrast to the alpine beauty from earlier in the day. As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the land, the train pulls into Kamloops, where a comfortable night’s stay awaits.

Day one aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is a journey not just through British Columbia, but through a diverse and magnificent landscape, each moment filled with awe-inspiring beauty and the promise of more wonders to come.  Not what I expected but very interesting and I am hoping that tomorrow's contrast will avoid it being a bit "same-same".

Night night Kamloops, we are up very early for the train tomorrow.