Honeymooning on a train? If your rail experience has been limited to riding to work on a commuter train, you might think it’s odd to equate railroads and romance. But consider for a moment all those nostalgic scenes in classic movies – boy meets girl by chance in a crowded railroad dining car; or star-crossed lovers stare longingly at each other through a window, she tearfully waves on the platform while he chugs o to who-knows-where. Steamier yet is the iconic cinematic image of a full-speed train charging through a tunnel. (If you don’t get the symbolism… ahem… look it up.) Rocky Mountaineer
Admittedly, today’s trains lack the allure of the vintage ones, but with one notable exception. Rocky Mountaineer’s world-famous luxury excursions through British Columbia, Alberta, and Washington have been delighting tourists from all over the world for more than 27 years. And, yes, many of the passengers have been honeymooners!
A trip on Rocky Mountaineer is not about the destination – it’s about the journey itself. Carving through the heart of the Canadian Rockies guarantees scenery (viewed through a glass-domed ceiling and on outdoor platforms) that’s nothing short of breathtaking. And aboard the train it’s all luxury all the time. Attentive hosts cater to every comfort; premium cocktails ow freely; and gourmet meals made from locally sourced ingredients are prepared by award-winning chefs and served in elegant dining cars. It’s no wonder this unique tour operator has won eight prestigious international travel awards.
One of Rocky Mountaineer’s taglines is “Just like true love the perfect package is out there,” and it’s apt. They offer 65 distinct packages, with varying lengths of time, and different departure and arrival cities that span Seattle, Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Jasper and Ban . Routes can even be combined for couples who can’t choose just one, or for those who simply don’t want to miss a thing.
Passengers don’t sleep aboard the train – instead they disembark every evening to enjoy a choice of accommodations, which include Canada’s iconic Fairmont hotels. Beware if you aren’t morning people—the train typically sets o by 7:00 am, translating to quite an early wakeup call.
A totally unplugged experience, Rocky Mountaineer is a terrific choice for newlyweds who want to slow down and genuinely connect with each other. There’s no wifi, no seatback movies and digital diversions, and cell service is practically nil. It may be hard to believe, but the majestic scenery is truly entertainment enough. Another plus? All the planning and schlepping is done for you, so there’s nothing to do but relax and enjoy each other’s company. It’s the ultimate environment for decompressing after all the wedding hoopla.
5 Things to Know About Rocky Mountaineer
- Honeymooners are indulged with extras: wine in hotel suites, special desserts, souvenir gifts, and whatever special touches the hosts dream up.
- Journey Through the Clouds is considered the “most romantic” excursion.
- They operate only from April through November. Plan accordingly.
- Craving more adventure? Tack an Alaskan cruise onto any excursion!
- There are two service levels, but opt for GoldLeaf Service for a true honeymoon-worthy experience.
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Fall/Winter 2017.
