The Canadian Rockies are known for scenic splendor in a pristine environment, where nature remains unspoiled and opportunities for wildlife viewing abound. The best means of enjoying the panoramic sights of the Canadian Rockies is to travel to the famed national parks by luxury rail which combines the best in first-class service with phenomenal scenery. Once there, stay at a first-class resort to experience the Canadian Rockies up close and personal.
Each major mountain range of the world is known for its scenic splendor and the Canadian Rockies are no exception. The Canadian Rockies are a must-see location for travelers who enjoy the majesty of mountain ranges or for anyone who desires to be counted among the well-traveled world explorers. For over 125 years, savvy travelers have taken advantage of the superior opportunities to view the panoramic scenery of the Canadian Rockies through luxury train excursions.
The historic trains of Royal Canadian Pacific (RCP) offer a luxury travel experience like no other. At the 2006 World Travel Awards ceremony RCP won the "World's Leading Luxury Train" award, winning over such notable train experiences such as the famed European Orient Express and The Blue Train of South Africa. RCP guests can be assured of five-star luxury service in an intimate atmosphere as only 32 guests are onboard each rail excursion. Chartered individual tours can be arranged for the ultimate in privacy and service.
The fully restored railcars hail from the 1920's, the era of luxury travel of such notable society names as Rockefeller, Carnegie, Churchill and the British Royal Family. Wealthy individuals traveled to the famed lodge on Lake Louise to spend the summer season in the cool natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Travelers seeking the best in luxury travel can relive the elegant lifestyle of the pre-war American and British elite, admiring the unchanged scenery of this majestic part of the world.
The Royal Canadian Pacific train originates in Calgary in the province of Alberta. The tour package includes limousine service between the airport, hotel and train locations as well as gourmet dining experiences in Calgary before and after the tour. RCP provides first-class amities and service from beginning to end.
Another well-known train service to the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer, travels between Vancouver, British Columbia on the west coast, to Calgary with stops at the popular tourist destinations of Whistler, British Columbia, and Jasper or Banff in Alberta. Travelers originating or terminating at Vancouver can easily extend their scenic experience with an Alaskan cruise which includes whale watching and spectacular views of Alaska's famed glaciers.
The Rocky Mountaineer takes a 2-day journey to the national parks at Jasper and Banff and features glass domed bi-level rail cars. Travelers enjoy the panoramic views from the second storey. Gold Leaf Service provides seated first-class dining en-route. Overnight accommodations and dinner are provided at a moderate hotel. While not the award-winning luxury trip of RCP, the Rocky Mountaineer provides an alternate means of reaching the famed tourist spots of the Canadian Rockies from the west coast of Canada.
A knowledgeable travel consultant can combine the train trip with a stay at a luxury resort nestled in the pristine forests of the Canadian Rockies. There are any number of modern first-class premier resorts that provide tourists with upscale accommodations and service nestled in the stunning forests near the numerous clear lakes of the area. Anyone seeking an eco-friendly luxury travel experience in a peaceful and private spot in the world need look no further than a Canadian Rockies adventure.
Resorts Of The Canadian Rockies
Warning: Yeah, it's cold. I mean, really cold. Of course, the best time to go is in the summer time, but you still need to take coats, gloves, and big warm sleeping bags.
Banff - Skiers' Paradise
Banff is probably the most popular spot in the Canadian Rockies, and this is because of the variety. There's not only camping and hiking, but great fishing and skiing. It's a destination for lots of motor home travelers.
But, let me give you a better description. Imagine camping by a rushing river lined with pine trees. In the background is a giant mountain. Add to that the cleanest air you've ever breathed and a quiet stillness you never experience back home, and you've pretty much got Banff.
Unlike some places in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is fairly easy to get to, and pretty convenient. You can stock up on supplies, shop or eat out in town, and you're not far from the pristine camping areas.
Lake Louise - Home Of The Grizzly
Lake Louise is just spitting distance from Banff, located actually in Banff National Park. This is another area full of wonderful views and pristine nature. Lake Louise boasts great skiing, and it's the "hiking capital" of Canada, but the lake itself is the biggest draw. Because of the silt in the water, the lake changes colors slightly throughout the year and time of day.
Lake Louise has glaciers and waterfalls, and it's far away enough from everything that you might run into some critters. I'm not talking about tiny critters like rabbits or squirrels, I'm talking about elk, deer... and grizzlies! Just keep in mind, they're as afraid of people as we are of them. Just don't get too close to try to take a picture or anything.
The area around Lake Louise is spectacular, because it is truly one of the last frontiers. When you head north from Louise, you are really going into no-man's land. There's not much up there until you get to Alaska!
North To Jasper
Well, there is something between Lake Louise and Alaska, and it's Jasper National Park. Like Lake Louise, Jasper has stunning views, abundant wildlife, glaciers, and not many people or conveniences.
If you want to really do the Canadian Rockies, I suggest taking driving your RV from Lake Louise to Jasper. But, I recommend going slow. This is because there is scenery on that drive that you will never see again.
Just off the road you'll see mountain vistas you've never dreamed could exist. Most people stop off at the Columbia Icefield, located about halfway to Jasper. This is a gigantic glacier, a leftover from the last ice age. It's melting slowly but surely, but there's still a lot of it to go.
Jasper is even more remote than Lake Louise, so if you want to head there I suggest stocking up before you leave; fill that motor home with supplies! Jasper is truly an adventure, and most people who go up there get a peek of a grizzly, wolf or mountain goat.
As long as you're in the Canadian Rockies, you might as well check out Kootenay and Yoho, two other great National Parks. There's also a variety of lodging options for those who don't want to rough it.
Why not go north this summer and check out the Canadian Rockies? It will be a traveling experience you'll never forget!
Both Justine Richards & Andrew Stratton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Justine Richards has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Writing and Cheap Travel Insurance for. Justine has been a journalist for 20 years and is a contributor to , the online luxury travel magazine for independent travellers.. Justine Richards's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Designer Clothes Cheap Prices With cheap designer sunglasses, you combine quality, style and protection. Soon, you might get a set of these and forget all about authentic sunglasses you had in mind earlier