Known as the “Heart of the New West”, the frontier spirit of Calgary is alive and well amidst the thriving energy sector that has entrenched this city as a corporate powerhouse. Your luxury rail tour will depart the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion in the late afternoon bound for Crowsnest Pass. Meet your traveling companions during a cocktail reception and enjoy a splendid dinner as the sun sets over the Alberta prairie.
At the gateway to the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass are some of the best fly-fishing rivers in North America. The Crowsnest, Livingston and Castle rivers all feed into the Oldman river drainage, along with miles of other small tributaries making this area a small stream paradise. Experts on the local waters, our private guides will provide you with an exceptional fly-fishing experience as they take you by float, or walk and wade to the clandestine waters of this fisherman’s dream come true. Returning to the train, continue your luxury rail journey across the continental divide to the mountain town of Fernie, B.C.
Leaving Fernie in the early morning with your fishing guide, enjoy a day exploring and fishing an area of pristine Canadian wilderness: British Columbia’s Elk Valley. Renowned for its dry-fly fishing, the Elk River can be fished either by drift boat or by walk and wade of it’s numerous tributaries. Satiated, rejoin the Royal Canadian Pacific and journey to the Columbia Valley where the train will station for the evening.
Incredible scenery, secluded waters and a wide range of fishing opportunities await you in the southeast Kootenay mountains. Glacier fed rivers and bubbling alpine streams are home to numerous species including cutthroat, rainbow and bull trout. Both the St. Mary and Bull rivers are located in this region along with many other small streams full of fish awaiting your cast. As sun sets over the valley, travel north to Golden.
Enjoy the views from an open air vestibule as the train climbs through Kicking Horse Pass. This pass was one of the biggest challenges to the building of the transcontinental railroad, now demonstrating the ingenious engineering feat known as the “Spiral Tunnels” which have allowed safe rail movement through the pass since 1909. Amongst the many towering peaks are the classically stunning mountains Victoria, Temple, Castle, Rundle and Cascade. The Royal Canadian Pacific will stop in famous mountain community of Banff, Alberta allowing some free time to explore and shop. Returning to the train, enjoy one last dinner as the Royal Canadian Pacific transports you back to Calgary for your final overnight stay.
After breakfast and checkout, return to the Calgary International Airport, marking the end of your journey with Royal Canadian Pacific.
