Bucket-list Trip!
What an unforgettable trip! Truly a bucket-list experience filled with breathtaking scenery, an incredible rail journey paired with fantastic food and wine, and a fabulous city with stunning vistas. This adventure is perfect for nature lovers who appreciate the beauty of the natural world. I feel incredibly blessed to have had this experience!
The Journey
Titan Home Pick Up Service
The Titan Home Pick Up Service is a fantastic addition to any holiday, especially if you live in Cornwall. The car was clean and spacious, and the driver was very courteous both ways. One tip: if you have an early flight from London, it’s worth taking advantage of this service the day before and enjoying Titan’s airport hotel stay. I was picked up at 2 am and, having not slept much beforehand, I was quite tired before the trip began. Planning ahead would make for a more relaxed start to your holiday!
Air Canada
We were fortunate to have lounge access at Heathrow, even while flying Economy. The lounge offered a nice space to unwind, with an excellent range of food and drinks, and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The flight itself was decent, with a great selection of TV and movies to keep entertained. On the outbound journey, we had bulkhead seats with plenty of room, which made for a comfortable experience.
Banff
What an amazing place this is! The town itself is located in Banff National Park, which is governed and maintained by the park authorities. No one in Banff actually owns their property, so the town is pristine and incredibly well cared for. It has a real alpine feel, with low-rise wooden hotels that are cozy and welcoming, many featuring open fires in their entrance halls. There are numerous fabulous restaurants serving typical Canadian food, as well as takeaways and coffee shops. The shopping scene is diverse, offering everything from designer wear to souvenir shops. The town can get quite busy with tourists, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. Interestingly, the local wildlife likes to pop into town too—two members of our group were even followed home one night by a herd of elk!
Hotels Visited: Royal Canadian and Caribou Lodge Hotel
Excursions from Banff:
Tour:
We enjoyed a tour of the town and its surrounding area, as well as a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where the visitor center offers incredible views. We rode the gondola up and back, although it is possible to walk either way—just be prepared for a challenging hike on the way up!
Columbia Icefields:
This is a two-hour drive from Lake Louise, but it’s a fantastic adventure. The visitor center is excellent, featuring a lovely restaurant and a modern hotel. The glacier trip begins with a bus ride to join the glacier vehicles, which resemble coaches with enormous wheels. The drive up to the icefields only takes about 15 minutes. Once at the top, we had about 30 minutes to explore the glacier. We captured some great photos of the glacier, which has an astonishing blue hue. This trip is available from May to October, so plan to wear very warm clothing, especially early and late in the season.
Glacier SkyWalk:
This impressive glass walkway is built over a cliff, showcasing incredible construction.
Helicopter Ride:
This was a surprise for us and not for the faint-hearted! It was a thrilling 30-minute flight over the mountains, providing the most incredible views that can only be appreciated from the air.
Vancouver
Arriving in vibrant Vancouver was a refreshing change from the previous days, with its stunning high-rises and picturesque bay views. We stayed downtown, overlooking the harbor where seaplanes frequently took off for Vancouver Island, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The city is impressively clean, not overly large, and wonderfully multicultural, creating a safe and friendly atmosphere. We enjoyed delightful food and great shopping options.
Hotels Visited: Pinnacle Vancouver, Coast Coral Harbour, and Georgian Court Hotel.
Excursions from Vancouver:
City Tour
Our city tour showcased all the major sights, with Stanley Park being a standout highlight. Its beautiful beaches, bowling greens, and cricket pitch made it a perfect green space for outdoor activities, complemented by extensive walking and biking paths. We also stopped at a bustling market area for lunch and shopping.
Fly Over Canada
One of the most memorable experiences was “Fly Over Canada,” a breathtaking 3D simulation that allowed us to soar over the entire country, complete with sensory effects like snowflakes and the mist from waterfalls. It was truly unforgettable!
Grouse Mountain
For a dose of adventure, we took a taxi to Grouse Mountain, a ski resort in winter. Our Visit Vancouver pass included a ride on the cable car to the summit, where we explored scenic trails and got to see two grizzly bears that have lived there for 23 years in a spacious enclosure. Getting up close to these magnificent creatures was incredible, especially since we hadn’t spotted any bears in the wild.
Rocky Mountaineer: Transportation
Our Rocky Mountaineer adventure began with a quick five-minute ride from our Banff hotel to the train station, where our luggage was seamlessly taken to Kamloops. The organization at the station was impressive, with our boarding passes directing us to a red carpet welcome by our hosts. Traveling Gold Leaf, we ascended to the upper level, featuring stunning glass ceilings, expansive windows, and comfortable heated seats.
Dining on board was a highlight, with delicious meals served in a cozy dining car. Breakfast offered delightful choices like Eggs Benedict and smoked salmon, while lunch featured steak, pork, and local salmon, all paired with regional wines. Afternoon snacks accompanied breathtaking views of the scenery as our knowledgeable hosts shared fascinating insights and pointed out wildlife.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this journey was a remarkable blend of nature and culture that I will cherish forever. From the picturesque landscapes to the delightful culinary experiences, every moment was a testament to the beauty and diversity of our world. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or simply seeking your next adventure, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embark on this trip. It’s a perfect reminder of the wonders that await us beyond our everyday lives, and I can’t wait for my next adventure!
Rachel Gill