A Mindful Journey exploring The Rocky Mountain Railroad by Jane Wilson follows the rails through majestic mountains and witnesses nature’s cinematic production from panoramic domed windows on The Rocky Mountaineer
The mountains soar above and around me. Their sheer strength of presence is like a coat of arms. Majestic and mighty. Proud and protective. It’s a moving cinema, a depiction of nature’s glory observed from my oversized picture window here on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.
My squishy, reclining chair is like a lounge sofa, comfy and heated to three settings. A leg rest to treat your feet, a lumber setting to please your spine and plenty of leg room. There’s even a mechanism to turn the seats to face the window. Above is a glass dome roof styled to ensure no view is missed. The Rocky Mountaineer tours during daylight hours to take advantage of the views. Overnights are spent in comfortable hotels in readiness for the next day’s sights.
Our journey on the Rockies’ railway crisscrosses bridges, follow streams and witnesses waterfalls throwing their weight. We peep into backyards. We look onto lakes edged with moored houseboats. And where we see people, waves and smiles follow us. Sightseeing by rail. A slow nature scape of ever-changing landscapes, from coastal waters, dry desert areas to tumbling forests and sheer cliff walls of gorges.
From time to time the highway runs parallel, a reminder of life’s hectic tempo in contrast to the genteel pace onboard. Leaves lick the windows, and trees tap the roof as we snake around bends and eagerly watch for wildlife. We spot bear cubs deep in the woods below, goats grazing in the open fields, while elks stare. We are transient visitors on a two-day microscopic experience into nature’s heart from this Canadian Rockies’ train.
A Mindful Journey On The Rocky Mountain Railroad
This is mindful travel at its best. Fellow passengers are mesmerised and captivated. There are no distracting digital devices except for cameras to capture moments. Onboard adult children are re-living childhood memories. Multi-generational families are celebrating anniversary milestones. For others, The Rocky Mountain Railroad it’s the special holiday planned years ago. The Rocky Mountaineer is near the top of many a bucket list, including mine.
I’m travelling in one of the twenty carriages following the historic First Passage to the West, from Vancouver, through Kamloops to Lake Louise/Banff. Back in 1855, the Canadian Pacific Railroad opened in a place renowned for fur trading and gold. The train retraces the tracks laid by labourers who risked life and limb to carve a rail route through solid rock to connect the west to the east of Canada. The railroad was a catalyst in the development of the nation.
It increased trade and introduced tourism. The Rocky Mountain Railroad Hotels were built along the route to accommodate the new wave of travellers. Back then, guests staying at the Banff Springs Hotels were required to prove they could afford to stay in such luxury. Today, this landmark property situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a popular stay for passengers on The Rocky Mountaineer.
The Gold Leaf class has two levels, the upper deck is stylish in cream, and is light, airy and spacious. The dining room is below and is a place to share stories and exchange travel experiences. For solo travellers, this is an opportunity to mingle and forge new acquaintances. I’m presented with a spoilt-for-choice menu. Would it be spinach and cheese soufflé, avocado toast, or berry parfait for breakfast? Oh, the dilemma.
The onboard executive chef caters for every diet and where possible sources food locally. He is eager to keep the nutrition high on the agenda in line with the wellness trends of today. Lunch is a leisurely three-course affair. The starter is a sharing platter followed by a choice of six main course options. A yummy dessert rounds off the meal. Food is colourful and imaginative to reflect the journey. The Rocky Mountain Railroad And to toast the occasion along the way, there are signature cocktails such as a Gin Rocky or The Mountainrita. There are also British Columbian beers and ciders to quench your thirst.
The onboard hosts of the Rocky Mountaineer provide narratives and facts which give context and meaning along the route. This is not just a train journey. It’s an experience and personal interpretation. As we delight in the diverse landscapes, they point out the sheer walls of the Fraser Canyon and Avalanche Alley.
They highlight the perilous rapids at Hell’s Gate and describe the many ecosystems. The unique landforms, known as the Hoodoos were formed after the last ice age. Finally, we arrive for our overnight stay in Kamloops which was the trading centre for the Shuswap people. On the second day, the narrative becomes more detailed and I’m fascinated by the Spiral Tunnels, A Mindful Journey On The Rocky Mountain Railroad entering and then exiting to the reversed views.
“The amazing accomplishment is a perfect maze, the railway doubling back upon itself twice, tunnelling under mountains and crossing the river twice in order to cut down the grade” In 1907 construction started, based on the tunnel system of Switzerland, taking 20 months to complete.
The Upper Spiral travels through Cathedral Mountain, 3.255 feet long turning approximately 290 degrees to emerge 50 feet higher than entering. The Lower Spiral tunnels through Mount Ogden at 2,923 feet long and turns around 230 degrees emerging 56 feet higher.
The Continental Divide is a landmark on this route, the highest point of our journey at 5,332 feet above sea level. It separates the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. We slow down at Craigellachie to acknowledge the exact place of the Last Spike driven into the ground in 1885 on Canada’s Transcontinental rail line. Our final stop is Banff
The Canadian Rockies has always been home to many indigenous people. Their nature and spirit lie in the mountains and their voices continue. And as we witnessed their lands, we listened in silence as were told of their traditions and challenges, a subject begging me to explore further.
At the back of the car on the lower level is the open-air platform, with shiny chrome bars to mark our safety. The wind in your face, the smells of wet cedar. Its nature’s aromatherapy is captured. An orchestra of trees whizz past, rocky mountaineer train like spindly strings shaped like cellos. And as we meander around bends we play catch up with the front carriage, turning the other way, there is the back! The mysticism of nature unfolds before me. Here, the mountains steel your mind, lock your thoughts and uplift your spirit. It is like being suspended in time, in nature and drawn into their soul and majestic wonder.
Their sheer strength of presence soared above as the locomotive clattered and cut through ravines and tunnels made from hard labour from years gone by. A Mindful Journey On The Rocky Mountain Railroad Clouds cloaks the rocks, like a thermal coat against the settled snow on the peaks.
Trees add a feathery texture like furry dusters, leaning into the steep, sharp escarpments to keep their balance. Blasts of dazzling white patterns accentuate the seams and ridges of the rock faces which seems so vivid as they come into view from the darkness of rock tunnels.
This rocky mountain railroad captures nature’s act during daylight hours with all the arrangements for the overnight rests conveniently organised. We disembark as nature’s guests, richer from the experience. A journey which acknowledges our place in this breathing, natural world.
https://www.rockymountaineer.com\
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A Mindful Journey On The Rocky Mountain Railroad Travel Tips:
The Rocky Mountaineer runs between April and October
The train travels in daylight hours
The route starts at Vancouver and stops at Kamloops and Banff overnight. There is a selection of hotels offered.
The company arranges transportation of luggage to and from your hotel room which travels separately.
It is advisable to have a small bag for the train with valuables and necessities during the day which can be stored under your seat.
