Day 2 on the Rocky Mountaineer

Tim and I were up at a ridiculously early hour so we could board our motorcoach for the short drive to the Rocky Mountaineer. As we arrived at the train, I was so happy to see mostly clear skies. No rainy weather today!

After the crew at the railroad siding waved us off, it was soon time for breakfast. The Hosts in the dining room were so friendly, and they accommodated everyone’s specific requests. This morning, I decided to try the Classic Eggs Benedict, which was delicious.

A Friendly Send-Off from Kamloops and Another Delicious Breakfast

Before long, we passed Sicamous, located between Shuswap and Mara Lakes and often called the “Houseboat Capital of Canada.” Since it was so late in the season, we only saw a few houseboats in the distance.

Beautiful Lakes, but No Houseboats Today

The Gold Level service on the Rocky Mountaineer has been wonderful. Tim and I were quite comfortable in our seats, and we certainly enjoyed looking at the scenery through the glass-domed windows.

The Gold Level Was So Worth It

At the end of each car is an observation platform, which is a favorite of the photographers on board. Everyone vied for a space next to the railing to try and capture the perfect photo. The waterfall at Stonemason’s Bridge along the Illecillewaet River was a favorite subject.

Photographers Trying to Capture their Best Shots

As we crossed the Stoney Creek Bridge, we could see another waterfall. I was particularly enamored with the striking color of Beaver River, which flows into the lovely Kinbasket Lake. I’m not sure which I enjoyed more – the views out the windows or another fabulous lunch.

Stoney Creek Waterfall, Beaver River, and Kinbasket Lake

We crossed the Kicking Horse River several times as we traveled through the Kicking Horse Canyon.

Kicking Horse Canyon

The steep grade in Kicking Horse Pass posed a serious challenge to the Canadian Pacific Railway. A permanent solution was developed in 1907, when construction began on the unique Spiral Tunnels. Modelled after a tunnel system in Switzerland, this system allowed the grade to be reduced by gentle zigzags, allowing trains to make their turns in giant, spiraling loops. Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out how to photograph this area. Luckily, I was able to remedy that omission when we stopped at a viewpoint on one of our tours from Banff.

Not long after the Spiral Tunnels, we crossed the Continental Divide and the boundary between Banff National Park in Alberta and Yoho National Park in British Columbia. The mountain scenery just kept getting better and better.

The Magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountains

By this time, it was almost 7:00 pm, and we were all getting hungry. Not to worry, however. The Hosts served us yummy scones, with a vodka tonic (not tea) for me. This kept the hunger at bay for a little while as we passed more amazing mountain peaks, some beautifully illuminated by perfect lighting during the golden hour.

A Yummy Snack and More Spectacular Views

After dropping some passengers off in Lake Louise, we made our final passage along the Bow River, arriving in Banff at dusk. It was an amazing journey and one I’ll always remember.

Final Scenes from Our Journey Before Arriving at the Banff Station

The next part of the adventure was just beginning, however, as we were transported to the historic Banff Springs Hotel. That’s a story for tomorrow.