It’s considered to be one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world and on a journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, you will traverse past vast lakes, the towering mountaintops of the Rockies and even see rare wildlife like brown bears.

The unique two-day journey from the coastal city of Vancouver, takes you to the Alberta town of Banff, and the journey, often combined with a cruise, is a unique way to see beauty of Canada and Alaska.

Travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer’s Gold Leaf class means that you will be in the train’s unique glass-domed carriage where you can see the towering trees and mountains from below, and spot bird like the bald eagle from your seat.

From Vancouver, the train heads to Kamloops, the heartland of British Columbia. On the first day, there will be a dramatic change of scenery as soon as you depart the big city of Vancouver. Soon, guests will see the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley through forests and winding river canyons.

This region is surrounded by the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the scenery is incredibly dramatic for your first day on the train. Some of the highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and then the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River.

As the train heads to Kamloops, the scenery quickly changes to the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior. And before arrival the train travels along the shores of the Kamloops Lake

Here in Kamloops, guests will spend a night where the can explore the town. What’s unique about the Rocky Mountaineer is that it is not a sleeper train – guests travelling aboard get to spend the night in different towns along the way, where they can dine at the local restaurants and see the wildlife.

On day two, the Rocky Mountaineer is on the journey to Banff and towards the Canadian Rockies.The second day of the journey is filled with history lessons about the region and guests will see where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven.
Some of the other highlights include the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels as well as a sight of the snow capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

While it might be a short but sweet journey, this train trip is just a taster of your holiday to come in Canada and Alaska.

Cruise Passenger readers can win a spectacular journey on the Rocky Mountaineer AND an Alaska cruise with Holland America.

For more see www.rockymountaineer.com