Live from Canada & Alaska June 2023

[TraderSam]

On 6/14/2023 at 12:46 AM, bigAWL said:

Beautiful!

@bigAWL Thank you so much. ❤️ 

On 6/14/2023 at 4:45 AM, Georgia_Peaches said:

Stunning pictures of the scenery!

@Georgia_Peaches Thank you! Much appreciated. ❤️

On 6/14/2023 at 5:47 AM, mahdnc said:

I am planning on going to the Canadian Rockies some day, so I am definitely loving this.

Oh definitely! Get that planning started. @mahdnc

[cruiser52forever]

Wow, just wow on these pictures!!!  My dream is to see Alaska, but now I may prefer Banff and Canadian Rockies!  This report is terrific. 

[TraderSam]

On 6/14/2023 at 8:22 AM, newcruzer2 said:

Excellent job narrating and photos.

@newcruzer2 Thank you 💞 

On 6/14/2023 at 8:36 AM, The Traveling Man said:

Great photos and commentary @TraderSam.  I am hopeful that your next postings will include a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train to Vancouver, then boarding your ship to Alaska.  That's my idea of a great vacation in Canada and Alaska.

@The Traveling Man good things come to those who wait😉😁🚂⛰️🛳️

On 6/14/2023 at 8:39 AM, Muushka said:

Thanks OP, for giving me a glimpse of one of my Bucket List items.  Wonderful report.

@Muushka start planning today! 😁

On 6/14/2023 at 9:02 AM, Barwick Cruiser said:

Wonderful photos and commentary. Thank you for posting this and I hope you continue to enjoy your holiday and hopefully the inconsiderate tourists are now behind you! Welcome to 🇨🇦 

@Barwick Cruiser thank you for your kind words and warm welcome. This is our 9th trip to Canada and some  Canadians tell us that we have seen more of their country that they have. If we had found Canada when we were younger, we might have made that leap across the pond.  🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇨🇦

[horseymike]

Hi Trader Sam,

 I’m thoroughly enjoying your commentary and photos that are both excellent.

 Thank you for taking your time to share.

Hope you continue to have a great trip.

[JLMcruise]

We were married at the Banff Springs Hotel 35 years ago. I threw my bouquet in the the Bow River. We did Sulpher Mountain, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - then did the train to Vancouver. We love your pictures - it brings back such wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing!

[TraderSam]

On 6/14/2023 at 12:04 PM, MarKay525 said:

Traveling Man - we just did that in April/May. 9 night Alaska cruise on Solstice, Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff and a lot of sightseeing along the way before flying home from Calgary.

 

TraderSam - thank you so much for posting. We were in Banff for 4 days last month - one of the most beautiful, quaint places I've ever visited. We're not hikers, so really appreciate your photos. Smoke from the Alberta fires made for very limited visibility when we went up on the gondola, but we still really enjoyed it. Got to see a wedding when we were up there as well - obviously a popular spot for nuptials. Looking forward to more posts.

Thank you @MarKay525💞 Stay tuned. Lots more to come. 

 

On 6/14/2023 at 1:33 PM, PH2 said:

We are a week away from a driving trip from Kentucky through Toronto/Montreal/Quebec City and back (praying the smoke clears enough), but this trip to western Canada is definitely on the list as well.

@PH2 hope you have a safe and wonderful trip.  ❤️

On 6/14/2023 at 4:38 PM, mrgabriel said:

Thanks for posting your experiences in Banff!

 

It is truly on our doorstep (65 minute drive from our house) and we have visited the Scottish Highlands more often than Banff in the last decade. 
 

Hope you have received a warm welcome in our part of the world. 

Thank you @mrgabriel hope the warm welcome was reciprocated. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

On 6/14/2023 at 5:30 PM, Silkroad said:

Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Banff is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. I enjoyed some fantastic hikes while there.

Many thanks. @Silkroad❤️

[TraderSam]

On 6/15/2023 at 12:07 AM, Scottishclover said:

Great photos. Was first in Banff around 20 years ago in summer then again 10 years ago in the winter for my sister’s wedding in nearby Canmore. Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your trip. I don’t think you can beat the Rockies and Alaska combination for stunning scenery. 
 

Your “blue” Scottish skin comment made me laugh. I feel your pain….

@Scottishclover was it Billy CONNOLLY who said we'd be better off wearing a boiler suit and a balaclava? 🌞😎We've stayed in Canmore too. 👍🏻

On 6/15/2023 at 2:56 AM, cruise wizard said:

look out for the moose!!!!

@cruise wizard my hubby would love to see a real live moose...fom a safe distance of course 😂

4 hours ago, TMLAalum said:

Loving your Canadian Rockies photos! We spent a wonderful week last September in Jasper and Canmore. The year prior we sailed the Millennium r/t from Seattle to Alaska as the world was just beginning to reopen from Covid, so looking forward to your pix from your cruise!

@TMLAalum thank you so much ❤️ There's more to come 🚂⛰️🛳️

[TraderSam]

14 minutes ago, cruiser52forever said:

Wow, just wow on these pictures!!!  My dream is to see Alaska, but now I may prefer Banff and Canadian Rockies!  This report is terrific. 

@cruiser52forever thank you. 💞 I hope you fulfil your dreams. 

8 minutes ago, horseymike said:

Hi Trader Sam,

 I’m thoroughly enjoying your commentary and photos that are both excellent.

 Thank you for taking your time to share.

Hope you continue to have a great trip.

Many thanks @horseymike❤️

8 minutes ago, JLMcruise said:

We were married at the Banff Springs Hotel 35 years ago. I threw my bouquet in the the Bow River. We did Sulpher Mountain, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - then did the train to Vancouver. We love your pictures - it brings back such wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing!

Many thanks❤️. @JLMcruise@JLMcruise Lovely to hear the photos are bringing back memories for you.

[Altamar]

Thanks for the beautiful pictures! Enjoy.

[TraderSam]

Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer 

 

Background

Upon arrival in Banff, our documents said to check-in at the RM office within the Bear Street Mall which was just around the corner from our hotel. We joined the queue forming behind a gentleman, who must not have done any reading before booking and who took his time asking a long list of questions. The young lady assisting him was doing her best. There was also a young man behind the other counter, but he did nothing to help and ignored everyone in line. I thought this was extremely poor service. He could at least have made conversation with those of us waiting. It transpired that the couple in front of us had waited needlessly and it struck me that he could have identified this as soon as they arrived but he hardly looked up from his screen. Anyway, we waited patiently for our turn and we're duly given our pick up instructions, RM boarding passes and luggage tags and details of the hotel we would be staying at overnight in Kamloops.
Fast forward now, to the morning of pick-up and the rain had already started 😢

 

It was to be another early start to the day as pick-up was 7am.

We came down with our luggage at 6:45 and the representative was already in the lobby waiting for 12 of us. He advised that as we were in the pedestrian zone, we would have to walk with our luggage to the coach park behind the Mount Royal Hotel.  Fortunately, the rain wasn't too bad at this point and our group made our way across to stand under the portico of the other hotel until our coach arrived. I can't say that it was the start we had hoped for and to be totally honest, we expected a nicer, more luxururious experience than having to stand outside in the cold and damp and wait on a bus! 

 

 
I suspect this was all down to the in-town location of the Brewster Mountain Lodge and so if a coach can park right outside your chosen hotel, I'm sure your experience will be more refined. I'd certainly recommend checking. I know we might have reconsidered our choice if we had been made aware of this👍🏻

We arrived at the train station in after a short drive with heavy rain and heavy hearts. No scope for photos as we boarded. It was just straight off the coach and straight on to the train.

 

Sorry if this post is all doom and gloom. I promise that it all gets much better 😂

[TraderSam]

After some staff introductions, welcome remarks and safety announcements, it was explained that the rear half of our carriage would go down to breakfast and lunch first seating but that we would swop over tomorrow. That would be known as our revenge day😂

Us folks at the front were served tea or coffee and a slice of lemon & cranberry cake with a pour of lemon drizzle, to tide us over until it was our turn. This was very welcome as we'd all had a very early start, without time for breakfast at the hotel.

Our seats in Gold Leaf were extremely comfortable and had an amazing amount of leg room, even with our backpacks sitting there.

 Seat control in arm rest offered heating, footrest, lumbar support and seat recline features. Due to the clever design of the seat, reclining did not have any impact on the guest seated behind. 👍🏻 

 

As you can imagine, there are no overhead storage areas in the carriage as the fabulous domed glass roof takes that space.  

 

Still, as I said, there was plenty of leg room even with a bag at our feet. 

 

 

Let's return to that domed roof...the top has a coating which prevents glare and stops the carriage becoming too hot. Cool air blows up from the base of the windows too, which keeps condensation from forming on the glass. (some folks found that chilly so dress in layers) 

 

Having said that the top of the glass is coated, there were times where we had both eagles and ospreys flying above and alongside our carriage and we were all able to watch them crisscross through the roof so it doesn't restrict your view. 

 

 

A variety of informative reading material can be found in the seat back pockets, including the all-important bar menu. More on that later. 😁

 

 

The centre pages of the Mile Post newspaper show the route map and mile markers which allow you to track your journey. 

 

 

 

 

Finally, between each pair of seats. there is a charging port, which is really handy to keep all your devices charged. You will be taking so many photos and videos that it's good to stay charged and ready. 

 

 

Edited June 17, 2023 by TraderSam
Added another photo

[TraderSam]

23 hours ago, Silkroad said:

Just in case @Host Anne isn’t around today, you can make your request to the moderators by clicking the three dots at the top of your post. Select “report “ and write your request in the comment section.

Thank you @Silkroad

I didn't know that. 👍🏻

[Ciaranaman]

You're making me feel very excited (and guilty LOL) for exploring more of the country we live in someday.  Can't wait for retirement and more time!  Wonderful pics and commentary!  Thank you for showcasing our beautiful country and wishing you nothing but sunny skies ahead!

🇨🇦Bernadette

 

[JLMcruise]

Looking forward to your picks of Kamloops. 35 years ago we stayed in a hotel that was more like a bomb shelter but great memories.

 

[JintyGirl]

Loving your review so far 😍 We did a very similar trip 25 years ago and your report is being back lovely memories ☺️

[smtcan]

I am glad you are enjoying our country.  The Rocky Mountaineer has been on our Bucket List for years, but we have driven from Calgary to Vancouver several times.  The best trip for me was when my mother and aunt came over from Wales.  We flew to Vancouver and I drove all the way back to Calgary on our all woman trip.  We stopped just where we wanted,  Moraine Lake was a favourite spot and Peyto Lake had the most wonderful variety of wild flowers.

 

Does your cruise have a stop in Victoria?  If so you would enjoy Butchart Gardens since you are garden lovers.

 

Sheilal

[Silkroad]

15 hours ago, TraderSam said:

We came down with our luggage at 6:45 and the representative was already in the lobby waiting for 12 of us. He advised that as we were in the pedestrian zone, we would have to walk with our luggage to the coach park behind the Mount Royal Hotel.  Fortunately, the rain wasn't too bad at this point and our group made our way across to stand under the portico of the other hotel until our coach arrived. I can't say that it was the start we had hoped for and to be totally honest, we expected a nicer, more luxururious experience than having to stand outside in the cold and damp and wait on a bus! 

Having made my previous journey through portions of Alberta and some northwestern US states by car, I know how much beauty one misses while taking one’s turn in the driver’s seat. I had already been trying to convince my DH that we should consider prefacing our 2024 Alaska cruise with a Rocky Mountain Explorer journey when I read your post. I must say that, based on the website, I expected your luggage to be handled for you. I hope the rest of your journey lives up to the marketing blurbs on the website! The train does look very nice. I hope you’re having a great day as a passenger🙂

[TraderSam]

3 hours ago, Ciaranaman said:

You're making me feel very excited (and guilty LOL) for exploring more of the country we live in someday.  Can't wait for retirement and more time!  Wonderful pics and commentary!  Thank you for showcasing our beautiful country and wishing you nothing but sunny skies ahead!

🇨🇦Bernadette

 

The Covid lockdown made us explore Scotland more but then, our home country is a lot smaller than yours.😁

 

I hope you are able to retire and enjoy travelling soon.👍🏻 

3 hours ago, JLMcruise said:

Looking forward to your picks of Kamloops. 35 years ago we stayed in a hotel that was more like a bomb shelter but great memories.

 

😂😂😂 Oh my! 

[TraderSam]

3 hours ago, JintyGirl said:

Loving your review so far 😍 We did a very similar trip 25 years ago and your report is being back lovely memories ☺️

Thank you @JintyGirl😍

1 hour ago, smtcan said:

I am glad you are enjoying our country.  The Rocky Mountaineer has been on our Bucket List for years, but we have driven from Calgary to Vancouver several times.  The best trip for me was when my mother and aunt came over from Wales.  We flew to Vancouver and I drove all the way back to Calgary on our all woman trip.  We stopped just where we wanted,  Moraine Lake was a favourite spot and Peyto Lake had the most wonderful variety of wild flowers.

 

Does your cruise have a stop in Victoria?  If so you would enjoy Butchart Gardens since you are garden lovers.

 

Sheilal

Thank you @smtcan

Yes, Peyto Lake is a beautiful spot too. 

When we return from the cruise, we are taking the BC Connector to Victoria for a few nights. We will definitely be revisiting Butchart. 😁

[TraderSam]

47 minutes ago, Silkroad said:

Having made my previous journey through portions of Alberta and some northwestern US states by car, I know how much beauty one misses while taking one’s turn in the driver’s seat. I had already been trying to convince my DH that we should consider prefacing our 2024 Alaska cruise with a Rocky Mountain Explorer journey when I read your post. I must say that, based on the website, I expected your luggage to be handled for you. I hope the rest of your journey lives up to the marketing blurbs on the website! The train does look very nice. I hope you’re having a great day as a passenger🙂

Yes, concentrating on the road instead of the view is a must. 

I shall report back on the rest of the trip and how they handle things. 👍🏻

[TraderSam]

Soon it was time for breakfast and so we made our way downstairs to the dining area on the lower level of our carriage. 

 

We were served our fresh fruit plate and coffee, swiftly followed by our delicious pastries. 

 

 

We ordered the Boursin scramble and the smoked salmon avocado toast.

 

Breakfast was very leisurely and enjoyable. We could just about hear the commentary from upstairs but conversations with our new friends were just as exciting. 

We returned to our upstairs seats to enjoy the scenery and in time to hear that bar service was about to begin! It was around 11am by this point so 5 o`clock somewhere!😉

 

We started off with a Caesar and a Dark & Rocky. Both were fab. This was going to be tricky. How to enjoy some fabulous drinks but not enough to fall asleep and miss the scenery! 😂 

Dark & Rocky

The Ceasar was absolutely fab and just the right amount of spice. 👌🏻

[TraderSam]

The weather improved only slightly as our journey continued but it made for some very atmospheric scenes. 

 

The overnight rain was evident by the volume of water rushing through the rivers. 

Now would be a good time to mention the outside viewing platform at the end of our carriage. Great place to stand and stretch your legs and take photos. Lots of blethering (🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 for having a  conversation) went on out there too. 😂

 

 

 Next up... Dinner

[Silkroad]

Beautiful photos! The viewing platform looks very appealing. OK the Caesar looks appealing too😂

[TraderSam]

After a few more delicious cocktails, it was time to head downstairs again for Lunch. 

 

I seem to be missing the photo of the fish sharing platter🤦🏼‍♀️ I blame the Caesars! 

However, here are our striploin steak and pork tenderloin mains, followed by one each of the desserts. 

 

 

 

🍷Wine was flowing throughout too. Oh dear! 😂 

 Rounded things off with coffee afterwards. 

 

[TraderSam]

The journey continued through magnificent scenery with some time spent stationary due to whatever was happening on the line. The Staff kept us all happy with drinks and sweet & savoury nibbles. Then a plated snack of vegetable Gyoza and rice also appeared. I'm guessing this might have been because we were running rather behind schedule. 

 

We spent a good while outside on the viewing platform as the sun was going down as the weather had cleared up. 

 

I know I moaned about the arrangements for pick up but this time, everything was super-efficient. Everyone on the front half of our carriage was staying at the Delta in Kamloops and therefore we were all on the same coach transfer. Our coach was parked up on the platform alongside our train carriage and so it was very easy. 

We were handed our room keys whilst on the train so we didn't need to check in. Our luggage was waiting in our room too. All absolutely seemless. 👌🏻

As I mentioned, we were late in arriving in Kamloops so it was around 10pm when we arrived at the Delta. Our room was modern and very spacious with bottle. Water, tea & coffee and 2 queen? beds. We were so tired that we went straight to bed.😴

There had been a sign in the lobby about pick up... 

 

 

 

Next installment...

Rocky Mountaineer Day 2🚂