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Trip Reports by our Clients:
RIDING THE RAILS IN CANADA
By E.D. & Peggy Newman
Dear Ted and Sylvia,
Thanks so much for the perfect trip arrangements to ride the rails in Canada. The service, the scenery, and the fun exceed our expectations. We could not have been more pleased.
The Canadian was an experience out of the fifties the old Budd-built sleepers, domes, and diners have been beautifully restored. Hostesses very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed a great dinner in the diner, watched from the dome, and returned to Bedroom F for a good night's sleep. (We had been moved from Bedroom C. Bedroom F is at least a foot wider and more spacious.) We left Vancouver with 30 cars, seven of them chartered.
Jasper was fun. We took a tour up to Maligne Lake for a one-and-a-half hour boatride and it was breathtakingly lovely. Weather perfect if unseasonably warm.
The bus ride to Banff the next day was one unbelievable sight after another. Rocky Mountaineer really knows what they are doing. Very careful, very thorough. Nice accommodations in Banff (Ptarmigan Inn). Wish we had had more than 30 minutes at Lake Louise, but totally enjoyed the Snocoach experience at the Columbia Ice Fields.
Day tour of Banff area very nice. The tram to the top of Sulphur Mountain was great fun. We took a river float trip that afternoon that was run in the Bow River that was swollen to record heights with spring runoff. Took the tram out to Banff Springs Hotel.
Pickup for Rocky Mountaineer was extremely efficient and right on the button time-wise. We checked our bags through at the motel. The crew of the train had out a real red carpet and flags and made us feel welcome the minute we were aboard. The cars are beautiful, clean, and roomy. We were spoiled to death by the hostesses. Enjoyed a great lunch and dinner, and scenery that was fantastic at every turn. It was great being able to get outside to take photos and the crew was great about letting us know about photo opportunities in advance.
The train was 2-3 hours late into Kamloops we decided to pass on the musical show. Here was the only hitch in the trip. The bellman had apparently put one of our bags in someone else's room. The hotel staff did everything they could, and Rocky
Mountaineer sent up a local staffer who brought toilet articles. She was helpful. The suitcase arrived at 10:30 PM when another guest came home from the show and found it in their room.
The second day on the train was as good as the first. Different kinds of scenery. Hostess knew right where we could see an eaglet in a nest. He was there. Couldn't believe how beautiful Fraser Canon was. (Puts Feather River to shame.) Arrival into Vancouver on time. We hated getting off. We walked through station. Our luggage was already loaded on the coach which took us straight to the Marriott. What a great worry-free way to travel.
You guys know your stuff. This could not have been a greater experience. Every detail was in place. We'd love to take other rail vacations. Thanks so much for a great job!
E.D. Newman & Peggy Newman
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