The Rocky Mountaineer in British Columbia, Canada is one of the World’s great train journeys. Although I am not especially a train buff I do enjoy travelling by rail and taking this special locomotive from Vancouver to Whistler and back was another milestone in my life as a traveller.
Its a class ride
This particular journey is considered a particularly special Rocky Mountaineer route; the scenery is stunning and of course terminates in epic Whistler. As I had never visited the adventure resort it was another highlight of a great trip.
Rail travel where it is possible is preferable to taking a plane for many travellers. It is more carbon friendly, the slower means of travel is relaxing enabling the passenger to enjoy the views and avoid the hassles of airports and security checks. I am also drawn to the romanticism of rail history, steam locomotives and the adventurous spirit of the pioneers that built the great railroads crossing vast expanses of open land.
Awesome engine
They blasted tunnels through whole mountains, built impressive rail bridges across mighty rivers and laid mile upon mile of track through some of the World’s greatest wildernesses, thousands of men involved in the back breaking labour. It maybe a somewhat flawed perception but it is the imaginative inner child in me that it appeals to rather than the more questioning adult.
Taking the Rocky Mountaineer is a full on luxury experience, which even includes collection directly from the major hotels in Vancouver. My own particular experience was the newly introduced ‘Silver Leaf’ Sea to Sky Climb Dome Service which includes overhead windows and a meal in the seat.
Passengers enjoying their front seat view
The rear view looks like an enchanted forest
It provides great views and is extremely comfortable but of course taking pictures through a window poses a few difficulties. For this reason as soon as the meal was finished I made my way to the open car where unobstructed views are possible. It is perfect for taking pictures and unsurprisingly can get a little crowded.
It does mean missing the enthusiastic and pleasant commentary of the train staff. Throughout the journey they provide passengers with detailed descriptions of the major sights and a few of the stories or myths behind them too.
Arriving at Squamish
The views from the open car however are worth it. Kodak moments are lined up along the route, every few miles there is stunning vista or interesting scene.
A pleasant surprise was that everybody seems to wave at the train as it passes. Villagers stand on their porches or in the gardens, they wave from cars, boats and buses, while waiting at level crossings or bus stops, everybody seems genuinely seems pleased to see the train.
Small but perfectly formed waterfalls or spectacular mountain scenery with huge rock walls and climbers testing their skill on recognised routes or creating their own line up the sheer faces. Idyllic little coastal coves where small boats are often moored, their owners hoping for the salmon of a lifetime to take their bait.
Freight cars in Squamish
Passing through small towns like Squamish which is squeezed between the ocean and the mountains, it almost seemed a shame not to be able to stop here as well. It appeared to be a great little town and a great place to experience all that both environments have to offer.
There was plenty more just crying out for a lens to be pointed at, logger boats herding the lumber in small inlets or the powerful, tumbling white-water of fast flowing rivers. At one point we crossed a bridge and all that we could see was the edge of an obvious huge drop of a cascade.
Sea to Sky country perfect for boating
Stunning scenery, beautiful train
It is a trip filled with jaw-dropping scenery and the added excitement of bald eagles soaring high overhead or even the possibility of seeing a bear.
Taking photographs from a moving train provides its own special challenges, ensuring a sharp image can be difficult and usually requires a fast shutter speed to capture the subject. The train driver helps whenever possible, the train is slowed at most of the major highlights and the passengers are warned which side to aim their cameras at.
Snaking its way through the Canadian countryside
The route is lined with trees on both sides along much of its length and this provides another challenge. Getting a picture of just the subject can be difficult; most images seem to have branches or trees obstructing the spectacular views. Timing is important and having the camera poised and ready is the best way to get a cool image.
On this journey though the train is as photogenic as the scenery and including it in many pictures as possible is equally as important. It is quite striking in the blue and gold livery though some lament the loss of individuality that the old décor used to provide.
Taking the scenic route
Nara; unexpected good company
Arriving in Whistler which was to be the next great adventure on my trip was exciting and more of that later. However this is one journey which really is as special as the destination.
Just a few days later I was making the return trip to Vancouver and the romance of the rails must have had an influence on me. I was seated next to a lovely young lady from Brazil called Nara and spent much of the journey chatting with her. She was in the city studying English and we got on so well, we hooked up in Vancouver too, with me acting as her personal tutor. Her teacher may not be so pleased with the results however.
Rail travel really is as romantic as it is perceived to be and this journey between two of Canada’s great destinations has piqued my appetite for further rail adventures.
The photogenic locomotive in the stunning Canadian scenery
Normally we drive from Vancouver (where we live) to Whistler, but once we did take the Rocky Mountaineer – and, we agree, it was great! That Sea-to-Sky route is incredibly scenic. Going by train allowed us to enjoy a different perspective (without worrying about keeping our eyes on the road). Highly recommended!
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Probably a great drive too especially if not the actual driver
I loved taking the train, especially as it always slowed down at any particularly scenic spot for taking photos.
Another thing I haven’t done in my own province! I really enjoyed this post Iain, great images! Lately I have been reminded to do more exploring closer to home and this sounds like a great adventure. I have been up to Squamish on my own boat and the scenery in Howe Sound is extraordinary.
I think most of us could do with exploring our own backyards a little more Anne. There is so much to discover within a short distance of home let alone in other counties/provinces. I hope you get to travel on the Rocky soon it is a great experience.
I too love traveling by train and the Rocky Mountaineer is high on my list! Lucky man!
Just came across your blog through a re-tweet Iain. Lovely article.. I can’t wait to go on this train ride now! Keep up the good work.
Thank you glad you enjoyed reading it and hope you get to ride soon too.
The rails are what drawn me whenever I travel and this one is inspirational. i love the thought that one can take the train, relax while the vista of the places it passes through unfolds for better appreciation.
I just love this.
I totally understand where you are coming from, it just a pity that train travel is still relatively expensive and unable to compete with flying.
Great photos! Would love to do something like this in the future. We both absolutely LOVE train travel and this just looks amazing.
Thank you Jess, here’s hoping you get to make a similar trip soon, a great train journey
I love train travel. It’s such a relaxing, enjoyable way to travel. So different than air travel. Plus how can you beat scenery like this. You don’t get this in an airplane! I love taking trains in Europe to get views like this as well. I’ve not been to the Canadian Rockies but I love the mountains and outdoors. Seems like an ideal train trip!
We took the Vancouver train to Jasper National Park in 2009 when we worked there for a year. One of the best train journeys I have ever been on. Are you doing the Ultimate Train Challenge this year?
Sounds awesome Cole, I’ve not visited Jasper yet, it was discussed for this trip but they opted for Whistler instead, great journey though. As for the Ultimate Train Challenge no not me, Michale has already invited the participants.
Fabulous photos – looks like a really wonderful ride.
Thanks Laurence it is really worth taking an amazing journey.
Great pictures! I would love to do this train ride someday. I think going through the mountains that way would be so fun and reminscent of the past.
I am glad you liked them Gina and hope you make the journey one day, it is a great adventure, the scenery is spectacular and I really enjoyed the trip.
I really enjoyed your lovely words and story about the Rocky Montaineer, this trip was a very specail for me because I was lucky to travel with you. You are good company Iain; my personal English teacher…
Thank you Nara the return journey went very quickly in your company, I really enjoyed our chat on the train and the following days we spent together were especially enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to comment.