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“Fravelon- By vonaan, i te ~? » AL ABOARD The conductor yelled “All aboard”, and the train slowly began to chug away from the Vancouver Station. For many years | had wondered what travel on Canada’s famous Rocky Mountaineer would be like and finally, last fall, | had an opportunity to experience it. The Mountaineer is only a two day journey, but | combined it with Via’s ‘The Canadian’ and spent two weeks exploring a side of Canada | had never experienced. My adventure began with a three day stay in Vancouver and of course a one day trek to Victoria. | have been to B.C.’s capital numer- ous times, but am still in awe by the scenery from the ferry. In Vancou- ver | spent a day trekking up Grouse Mountain and struggling to cross the Capilano suspension bridge. It was an early morning start to board the Mountaineer. Transporta- tion from the hotel was on time and breakfast was served on board Itis important to note there are two distinct levels of service: Red Leaf and Gold Leaf and although the view outside the train is the same, the level of service is quite different... as is the price. The two day journey to Jasper (per person) is about $800 for Red Leaf and $1500 for Gold. It is a fair amount of money, but a small price to pay for being pampered beyond your wildest dreams for two solid days. Most people | spoke to were surprised to learn you do not sleep on board the train. Instead you are whisked to one of two superior hotels in Kamloops, depending on your class of service Breakfast on board was excellent. Eggs cooked any style, several No matter what way you look, spectacular mountains and lakes are everywhere. 02. FEBRAURY 2012.indd 31 types of meat, crisply cooked potatoes and of course a chilled glass of mimosa. All of this while sitting in comfortable seats in a dome car, looking at views in every direction. The Red Leaf service offers prepackaged meals and no domed viewing car, but the food is acceptable and the service is second to none. As a photographer | preferred the windows in the Red Leaf cars, as they were flat and clean. Most of the photos | took from the Gold coach were hindered by the reflection from the curved glass (I spent much of the time on platforms between cars). Another big difference between the levels of service is the luggage restric- tions. In Red Leaf you are allowed only one carry-on, which you must take to your hotel (the remainder of your lug- gage stays on a separate car). The Gold Leaf passengers have all their suitcases delivered to their hotel. Many people have seen the Rockies, albeit in most cases from automobiles and RV's. | found a distinct difference be- tween the views from the train and those | have seen many times from the road. The pristine remoteness is evident. There are few roads, even fewer buildings and seldom do you see people. Every turn of- fers an unimaginable postcard view. After a few days in Jasper | contin- ued my journey aboard Via Rail's ‘The Canadian’. Expecting a lesser level of service than | experienced on the Rocky Mountaineer, | was pleasantly surprised at what | considered to be equal to the Mountaineer’s Gold service, although alcohol was extra. The only thing missing were the views. Once you leave Edmon- ton the countryside becomes fairly flat and, as spectacular as the Prairies are, they are not the Rocky Mountains. If you have the opportunity to take Please tum to page 32 FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2012 31 12-01-28 9:51AM