Melissa Jones, a place editor for Lonely Planet, traveled. by coach through the Canadian Rockies. These are her ideas for someone organizing a similar journey.

Melissa He, a destination editor for Lonely Planet Destination, just took the Rocky Mountaineer to travel from Vancouver to Jasper and then to Banff. These, she shares some ideas and insights for someone planning a similar journey. I’ve always wanted to visit the Canadian Rockies, particularly in areas like Jasper and Banff, as an avid traveler and “outsider no adventurous” person. If you’ve also had that wish, chances are you’ve even thought about taking the train through it and staying in some of the photo-worthy cabins and resorts close to mountains and lakes. Rocky Mountaineer is one of the companies offering coach go through this magnificent scenery, drawing tourists from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The GoldLeaf service includes exposure to a vaulted top-deck viewing area. The next day, we made our way to Jasper to spent the day before getting on a bus to take the stunning Icefields Parkway to Banff, stopping at ice, rivers, and lakes along the way. Here’s a look at what I experienced to help you determine if it’s the correct trip for you. What’s it like to take a train for a time? Nevertheless, the station lives up to its high standard of service, though your choice of level of service will affect how you experience it. Rocky Mountaineer breaks those into GoldLeaf ( highest level of service ) and SilverLeaf ( still very nice, just a bit less space and no dining car ). For this two-day route, SilverLeaf’s service starts at$ 1, 599 per person, while GoldLeaf’s higher level service starts at$ 2, 399 per person. ( The cost depends on your travel dates and rises based on additional days, hotel types, and tours you include on your itinerary. ) Roll earlier rivers on Rocky Mountaineer’s Canadian Rockies way © Melissa Yeager / Lonely PlanetI enjoyed GoldLeaf support on this trip, therefore my information is of that expertise. Read Lonely Planet Editor Alex Howard’s accounts of his Rocky Mountaineer journey from Moab to Denver to find out what Osd support is like. The GoldLeaf cars are unique because they double-deck: the higher level has a dining car and an outdoor system where you can stand and take photos or simply enjoy the outdoors, and the lower level has a dining car. There is an airplane for convenience and two bathroom in the car. We ate our foods in Rocky Mountaineer’s classy dining vehicles, Melissa Yeager / Lonely Planet. Not lengthy after I boarded, I entered the dining car for a new meal that a group of restaurants had prepared in the kitchen. Generally, half of the train travellers enjoy coffee and pastries while the other half eats and then switches places. After breakfast, I returned home to enjoy the scenery punctuated by entertaining information from our network. Between meals, the staff serves a seed mix and drinks ( both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ). The car was a little cooler than normal on the first day because of the rainy weather, which I appreciated. The votes recline and are heated. There are energy sources at each section in case your system runs out of wine. The team welcomes you up to the dining car for a newly ready meal and dessert at lunchtime. The materials are obtained from the nearby towns along the route. Some of the things are repeated between the two weeks, some are not. Ask your sponsor for guidance if you’re having trouble making a decision. After lunch, head home for more scenery, drinks, and snacks, or study the on-board newspaper to find out what the next stops will be. The onboard paper outlines the scenic points along the route © Melissa Yeager / Lonely PlanetBy the method, Rocky Mountaineer uses American National and CPKC tracks but, at times, the train did pause to wait for the various trains to go. This may be the only train that will make you feel okay if it takes a little longer than you expected, not just because of the stunning beauty but also because the chefs will prepare a second meal for you if the arrival time passes lunchtime. During my journey, that included a plated cannelloni supper that was served at our tables. If I take a guide or something to amuse myself? Yes, but do n’t bring a lot because you might not need it because almost everything on this picturesque train ride is worth gazing upon. The tour guide informs you when you arrive at a famous page, and the coach slows down to a walk so everyone can take pictures. You can enjoy the sights from the comfort of your own desk or take a walk to the outside program where you can see it all without the cup. From Vancouver to Jasper, which was where I enjoyed the most, the landscape getting more and more breathtaking as we climbed the hills. From the coach tickets, you can see the majestic views of the American Rockies. It was more interesting to listen to a video on my phone and enjoy the scenery moving by. The guests gave out playing accounts as we approached a pause. However, it appeared that the majority of travelers enjoyed observing the beauty and conversing with the other visitors. Get in the spectacular scenery from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park © Melissa Yeager/Lonely PlanetWhere did you stay? How did the accommodations look like? You do n’t sleep on the train on the Rocky Mountaineer. Instead, each day includes a ticket at a lodge with attendants delivering your baggage to your next stop. Your bag is now waiting for you as soon as you enter the room. A little daypack of essentials, a camera, a book, and, as I did on the train, a tiny watercolor set are all you need. My initial two evenings were at the Fairmont Waterfront, which as the title indicates, has spectacular views of the shore. The location is quite accessible, with the boat switch across the street. I had a beautiful walk from Stanley Park to the resort, and I was able to sneak past the Vancouver Art Gallery and Bill Reid Gallery’s art exhibits. My second day was my first on the train and it ended up in Kamloops. You’re here for only a short while ( dinner and sleep), so the Delta ( Marriott Brand ) hotel’s stay is comfortable and convenient with a walkable location to eateries nearby. The spectacular Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge served as the hotel where the train’s final ( and final ) day ended. This was my beloved of the qualities I stayed at. A grizzly bear and her adult kid were seen hanging out by the little river as our bus approached the entry. I stayed here for two nights, and I wish I could have spent more time enjoying the property’s peace as well as the heated pool, cottage, and spa. I spent two times at the houses of Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park © Melissa Yeager / Lonely PlanetAfter a van trip on the Icefields Parkway, my last night was spent at the Rimrock Resort in Banff. The hotel has a stunning view of the mountains and Fairmont Banff Springs, its renowned girl property. A fast walk away is the boat and hot springs, which are more like heated pools. The house prides itself on its cooking offerings, and you can reserve a sipping at its praised wine cellar through Open Table. The proprietors of the Fairmont just purchased The Rimrock, so while the rooms are cozy and offer incredible views of Banff, I anticipate seeing the hotel reveal a reset that will complement the mood of its normal surroundings in the coming months. On a wildlife bus tour in Jasper, visitors can observe wildlife from a safe distance. There is so much spectacular wildlife to observe – obviously from a safe distance! I was really impressed by the wildlife tour I took in Jasper. A tour guide points out the various wildlife, informs you about each species, and provides safety advice as you ride in a bus around Jasper. There’s also an opportunity to get out and walk the Maligne Canyon to see the waterfalls – a really incredible way to safely and accessibly see creatures, such as bears and elk, and learn about their seasonal habits. What were the most important things you packed? Comfortable, comfortable, and with a good playlist, my iPhone and my stretchy pants! Pro- tip: also put your iPhone charger in your daypack. You’ll take so many photos that you might need to recharge at the charging stations in each seat. Also, some of the tracks ‘ locations do n’t have cell service, so use airplane mode on your phone to conserve battery life. What do you wish you had packed? I was incredibly jealous that a few people on the trip had Octogrips for their phones. You can fix your iPhone to a window with them by attaching them to the back of it. This will let you take photos while eliminating the glare reflecting off the windows. Additionally, they’re useful to adhere to other surfaces so you do n’t accidentally drop your phone. Best advice for someone who is going on the same train ride is to slow down and enjoy nature. Just slow down and enjoy it. This is a fantastic trip for those who require a multigenerational or accessible train, but I believe everyone who ca n’t sit still will enjoy it. Pack light clothing and plan on wearing layers. With the top deck being nearly all glass, the temperature can be changeable depending on the weather. Bring your sunglasses when the cabin becomes bright. On an invitation from Rocky Mountaineer, Melissa traveled on the Journey through the Clouds to Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, and Banff. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.