When I got the call to say that I had been named a Designer Platinum Performer and we were going to Canada, I simply could not believe my luck. I have always wanted to go on the Rocky Mountaineer, having sent many clients to experience this iconic train journey, and now finally it was my turn.
I travelled with seven of my Designer Travel colleagues, plus Daniel Gathercole, chief executive from First Class Travel Group who had put this amazing trip together for us and Steve Harris and Daniel Symons from Rocky Mountaineer.
Day one: We flew to Calgary with Air Canada and after a 45-minute transfer we arrived in Banff for our two-night stay at the Otter Hotel. After dropping off our luggage, in true travel agent style we headed straight out to do the Sulphur Mountain Gondola up Grouse Mountain. This is a must for any visitor to Banff as you get the most amazing views of Banff and there are lots of lovely walks, loads of photo opportunities and comfy sofas with fires to simply take it all in. After spending a couple of hours up the Mountain we headed into Banff for dinner in a lovely venue, the Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant.
Top tip: Try to ensure your clients have a minimum of three nights in Banff as there is so much to see in and around the town, and it’s really buzzing in the evenings.
Day two: We headed out to visit Lake Louise, which is simply stunning. You can spend hours there hiking, kayaking and just taking in the beauty.
We headed to Moraine Lake next and had a lovely walk and hike there, taking some fabulous pictures which just look too good to be true. In the afternoon, we had free time to wander around Banff, checking out the pretty little shops and cafes, and in the evening, we headed to a bar/restaurant where there was a live band.
Top tip: Suggest to clients that they stay at Lake Louise for one or two nights. The area attracts lots of day trippers, and once they have gone, you can truly appreciate its beauty without the crowds.
Day three: The day we were all excited for as it was our first day on the Rocky Mountaineer and what a magical start as we had the first snow of the season. All the trees were white and the scenery for the first couple of hours was a winter wonderland.
Moira: "Gold Leaf is a worthwhile upgrade on Rocky Mountaineer"
We were all giddy like a bunch of schoolgirls as none of us had been on the Rocky Mountaineer and it truly is a special experience. We were travelling Gold Leaf and were called to the dining car for breakfast and lunch.
The food was of a really high standard and the hospitality is continuous as once you are back in your extremely comfortable seat there is a constant drinks service to your seat. The seats recline and have a foot rest and of course you are in the famous glass dome car. There is a viewing platform where you can take in the stunning scenery, snap photos and chat to your fellow passengers. It is a very special experience. After arriving in Kamloops we were transferred to our hotel. The service is flawless; you don’t even touch your luggage at any stage, it is waiting for you in the hotel.
Top tip: It has to be upselling to Gold Leaf. If your clients can afford the upgrade from Silver Leaf it is so worthwhile.
Day four: It was day two on the Rocky Mountaineer and another special day to relax and take in the scenery. I was still pinching myself as I felt so lucky to be on this adventure with the nicest bunch of people. We had lots more food (the pancakes were to die for) and took tons more photos.
The Designer Travel group poses in front of the Rocky Mountaineer
In the evening we arrived in Vancouver and were transferred to The Fairmont Vancouver, which is a beautiful classic hotel in the city centre. We opted just to have some drinks in the hotel as we had dined so well on Rocky Mountaineer.
Top tip: The downtown area of Vancouver makes for a great base, with lots of restaurants and shops nearby, and it’s handy for both the waterfront and Stanley Park.
Day five: We enjoyed a delicious hosted breakfast at Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, a lovely boutique classic hotel with a roaring log fire in the reception area. Then it was time to head to the Cycle City tours bike hire shop and get our bikes (electric thankfully).
Our guide was fantastic, leading us on a lovely sing-a-long bike ride through Stanley Park (the tunes were from The Sound of Music!).
Lunch was in the Cactus Club on the Waterfront hosted by the Vancouver Tourist Board and it was delicious. After that we had some free time; I headed to Gastown to explore this cool neighbourhood and see the famous steam clock. In the evening we enjoyed more singing in one of Vancouver’s many karaoke rooms.
Top tip: The bike ride was great fun, a good way to see Stanley Park and so easy on an electric bike.
The autumn colours lent a spectacular backdrop for this October fam trip
Day six: We walked across the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, which I am proud to say I did, despite not loving heights. The park also has a skywalk where you can walk along the tops of the trees – you could spend hours there. It was all spectacularly decorated for Halloween when we visited. Next, we headed to Granville Island and a foodie tour in the Public Market, where we sampled meats, cheeses, breads and donuts.
I took the local ferry back to the city via a few boutiques and as the pound against the Canadian dollar is so favourable just now, I had to make a couple of purchases. In the evening we ate in Kobe, a Teriyaki restaurant, which had amazing food and was so much fun.
Top tip: It really surprised me how good the food tour was, and there was a great atmosphere in the market. A guided tour like this can really help your clients make the most of their time in Vancouver.
Day seven: This had last day vibes and a trip on the Flyover, which is fantastic. Although I had no idea what to expect, the experience really showcased Canada and not just the Rockies. We also squeezed in one last site visit – and a lovely lunch – at the JW Marriott before heading to the airport.
Top tip: If you have clients disembarking a cruise in Vancouver, the Flyover is right beside the terminal so they can kill some time before the airport. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park also offers transfers from the cruise terminal and has luggage storage facilities.
And so that was a wrap and what a trip of a lifetime. I know we are all privileged to work in the travel industry and we get to travel lots but this was an incredible trip and I would like to say a massive thank you First Class and Rocky Mountaineer for this special experience.
My trip has made me recommend the Canadian Rockies and the Rocky Mountaineer to lots of clients since I returned and I found all the arrangements First Class made to be flawless. I have always sold Canada but I think I needed a reminder just how special a destination it is.
Final top tip: October was a great time to see the Rockies as the fall colours were spectacular and we got the first snow of the season too.