Unforgettable Rocky Mountaineer Journey with Outstanding Service
In August, we embarked on the Rocky Mountaineer Silver Package from Vancouver to Calgary, with stops in Kamloops, Lake Louise, and Banff. The first two legs of the trip took us aboard the train from Vancouver to Kamloops and then Kamloops to Lake Louise. From there, we boarded a comfortable coach to Banff, where we enjoyed a 4-hour stop before heading to Calgary.
· *Accommodations:**
The hotels were excellent in every way. From the Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver to the Coastal Hotel in Kamloops, the Post Hotel & Spa in Lake Louise, and the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, every location offered outstanding service. Rooms were well-appointed, very clean, and conveniently located.
· *Onboard the Rocky Mountaineer:**
The journey began with a red carpet ceremony featuring bagpipes at the train station, where staff waved us off as we departed. The crew of Car 13—Ian (a top-notch entertainer), Kirk (a budding comedian), and Lalita (our exceptional culinary chef)—provided a truly memorable experience. Their professionalism, friendliness, and great humor enriched the journey. Ian and Kirk entertained us with historical insights and stories, while Lalita shared detailed explanations of the day’s menu, which offered delicious food. They catered to everyone’s needs and kept drinks flowing smoothly. The seats were spacious and very comfortable, and the entire train, including the bathrooms, was impeccably maintained.
As we traveled through the Rockies, the scenery was breathtaking—majestic mountains, endless rivers, pristine lakes, and, if lucky, wildlife. We were fortunate to spot ospreys, bald eagles, deer, big-horn mountain goats, a black bear, and even the famous Kamloops beaver (or so we think). Perfect weather and minimal smoke from forest fires made it even more enjoyable.
· *Handling an Onboard Engine Issue:**
During our trip, we encountered an engine failure between Revelstoke and Golden, which caused a significant delay. Despite this, the crew went above and beyond, keeping us informed and providing exceptional care. Amanda, the journey director (we hope we got her name right), visited each car personally, explained the situation, and outlined the steps being taken. The crew even served dinner—typically not included in the package—and ensured drinks were available throughout. Late at night, we continued our journey via shuttles, and when we arrived at our hotel near midnight, we were pleasantly surprised with breakfast vouchers waiting for us. The following day, we received an email about additional compensatory measures, showcasing the exceptional customer care and responsiveness of the Armstrong Collective. Their commitment to passengers was exceptional and rare.
· *Flawless Logistics:**
Everything ran seamlessly—from shuttle transfers between hotels and the train to prompt luggage handling and smooth hotel check-ins. The Armstrong Collective also championed local Canadian products, promoting BC wines and beer from small breweries—a thoughtful touch that supported local enterprises.
A huge thank you to the Armstrong Collective for their extraordinary customer service and to Ian, Kirk, and Lalita of Car 13 for making our journey truly special and enjoyable.