A Journey Aboard Canada

By Terri and Martin Hirsch Our Rocky Mountaineer Vacation started in Vancouver, British Columbia at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside, conveniently located on the waterfront. Within walking distance of the hotel is the cruise ship terminal, the historic Gastown and Robson Street, known for its designer stores, specialty boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The following morning our luggage was picked-up, put on a motorcoach and delivered to our hotel room in Whistler, B.C. Our journey started aboard the Whistler Mountaineers three-hour train from North Vancouver to Whistler, B.C. An Attendant escorted us to our assigned seats in the single-level Glacier Dome Coach. As the Whistler Mountaineer began its journey passing Vancouvers Lions Gate Bridge, a detailed commentary of the famous Sea to Sky Corridor was given. Afterwards, we were served a hot breakfast at our seats. Our Coach had panoramic windows and access to the open-air Heritage Observation Car. Our first sightings were forests and deep valleys, followed by spectacular whitewater rapids in the Cheakamus Canyon. The train tracks on the Cheakamus Canyon climbed almost 2,000 feet through the coastal mountain and continued to the trestle bridge over the rapids below. This was a breathtaking scene. Continuing to Whistler we passed Howe Sound a glacier carved-fjord. Before we reached Squamish we saw Shannon Falls with a waterfall cascading down the mountain, the spectacular Mount Garibaldi with its dome peak and snow-capped peaks on the Tantalus Mountains. Thirty-five miles later we arrived in Whistler, B.C. where we were transported to our hotel – the Westin Whistler Resort & Spa. Our luggage was already in our room. Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only alpine village and is set between two mountains Whistler and Blackcomb. We had an opportunity to view the high summer sport of mountain biking on the glacier ski slopes. Vancouver and Whistler will be hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games. The Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery Route links Whistler and Jasper, traveling eastbound 642 miles (1034km) along the new Fraser Discovery Route. Departing in the morning from the resort town of Whistler B.C., the Rocky Mountaineer traveled through the Cariboo and Chilcotin regions, with a stop in Quesnel, B.C., before reaching its destination of Jasper, Alberta. Welcomed aboard by an Attendant, we were escorted to our assigned seats on the upper level of the bi-level GoldLeaf Service Coach. This morning started with a champagne toast given by the Train Manager and the Onboard Attendants. Our GoldLeaf Service Coach had panoramic windows with full length views. On our bi-level coach a spiral staircase would lead us to an outside observation platform on the main level, which gave us extraordinary views of the spectacular scenery. This main level also led us to a private dining room where large picture windows allowed us to view the scenery while we dined. In a full-size kitchen a freshly cooked three-course hot meal was prepared by two gourmet chefs. Breakfast choice entrees consisted of scrambled eggs with smoked B.C. wild salmon, pancakes with turkey sausages and fresh fruits. After breakfast, we passed through river canyons and the farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Interpretative commentaries were given throughout the day on the culture and history of the Fraser Discovery Route. Complimentary snacks, alcohol and non-alcohol beverages were also available throughout the day. By noon we had passed the Anderson and Seton Lakes, once a large body of water cut in two by landslides. Then the train hugged a narrow shelf between the lakes as it went around the shoreline of Seton Lake. The scenery was magnificent. From Lillooet to Kelly Lake we were on our way to the Cariboo Standing on the outside observation car, breathing in the aromas of the region and admiring the scenery gave us an appetite. It was now lunch time. An extraordinary choice luncheon menu consisted of Fraser River rabbit, wild B.C. salmon and Alberta whole beef strip loin that were prepared in the kitchen by the chefs. This outstanding menu was accompanied by white and red wines from British Columbia and Alberta. A chicken breast and a vegetable meal were also available. It was a delightful dining experience we will never forget. As we entered the Fraser River Bridge the train rail crossed to the east side of the Fraser River. The bridge is 800 feet long and 190 feet high. Reaching the bridge the train climbed to the top of the hill. It was absolutely beautiful. A white tailed bald eagle appeared at the Hill Top. Passing Kelly Lake we noticed changes in the landscape, climate and vegetation. We had reached the Cariboo Plateau. Continuing on the Fraser route we passed waterfalls, lakes, rivers, canyons and an ancient volcano. Another Bald Eagle and an Osprey (known as fish eagle) were seen. The Osprey was building a nest at the top of a tree. The train entered Williams Lake, a supply center for the Cariboo and Chilcotin region. With just 75 miles to Quesnel we passed through Deep Creek Bridge, the highest railway bridge in North America and Soda Creek, where gold seekers boarded a paddle wheeler for their journey upriver to Quesnel. Arriving in Quesnel a Rocky Mountaineer motorcoach transferred us to The Sandman Hotel. Our luggage was in our room. A dinner voucher from Rocky Mountaineer Vacations gave us a choice of one of two restaurants in Quesnel. Quesnel, B.C. (pronounced kwe-nel) is considered the gateway to the North Cariboo. It has a rich history dating back to the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1862. We decided to spend time in the Cariboo/Chilcotin region and learn the history of the infamous Gold Rush with a four-day journey into Barkerville, Wells and Bowron Lake. But thats another story. Our overnight before re-boarding the Rocky Mountaineer was The Sandman Hotel. Today our journey continued eastward traveling on the Fraser Discovery Route towards Jasper, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies. The rail followed the Fraser Route north to the city of Prince George and continued east through the forests of northern British Columbia. At our seats were train maps and books that described our trip. We could follow the commentary and know where we were at any time. Canada is known for a variety of plants and animals. In the coastal regions and valleys we saw sagebrush, fireweed, red cedar, a variety of grasses and Pacific dogwood. Deer and elk were also seen along our train route. Someone claimed he had seen a black bear. At Willows Lake, the train turned southeast and we entered the Rocky Mountain Trench, a deep, wide valley with the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Cariboo and Columbia Mountains to the west. This is the longest valley in North America, extending south of the Yukon border to the Canada-US boundary and beyond. The tracks crossed to the south side of the Fraser River and then north to the high mountains and continued climbing. We were coming into Mount Robson. Cameras were ready. The highest mountain peak in the Canadian Mountains (12,972 feet) with its snow-capped mountain was waiting for us. It was incredible. It was beautiful. Afterwards, hot hors doeuvres and beverages were served at our seats by the two chefs. A thank you and applause went out to them for all their wonderful a la carte meals. The Rocky Mountaineer turned east and headed for Yellowhead Pass. The Yellowhead Pass marks the border between Mount Robson and Jasper National Park. As the train descended from Jasper National Park we saw signs welcoming us to the resort town of Jasper. We knew that our journey was ending and realized we would have fond memories of our wonderful train experience. For more information visit Rocky Mountaineer Vacations at: http://www.rockymountaineer.com www.rockymountaineer.com http://www.whistlermountaineer.co
m www.whistlermountaineer.com or call toll free in Canada and US: 1-800-665-7245?