Canadian & Rocky Mountaineer: Society of IRT Inspection Journey
As I write this, IRT’s Nora Elzy just stepped aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian for a two-night trip from Winnipeg to Vancouver.
Nora’s mission over the next ten days: review two of The Society of International Railway Traveler’s World’s Top 25 Trains® — after she disembarks the Canadian, she’ll be boarding Rocky Mountaineer — being sure to test all the beds, enjoy all the food, and luxuriate in the scenery.
It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.
We checked in with Nora before she left to ask what she was most looking forward to during her inaugural journey for IRT.
What is the destination you are most excited about visiting? I’m extremely eager to see the Canadian Rockies. The furthest west I’ve been in the United States is Wyoming – so these mountains will dwarf my previous experiences! And I can’t wait to see the natural beauty of Lake Louise.
One thing on both the Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer that you are curious to see in person? I’ve traveled on local trains in England and France but not on any of our World’s Top 25 Trains®. Getting the chance to sleep on the Canadian will be an excellent opportunity to acquire some foundational knowledge about our specialty. I am going to pay special attention to the Prestige Class sleeping accommodation on the Canadian, which most of our clients book, and the domed observation cars on both the Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer.
Which aspect of the trip will make much more sense once you’ve seen it in action? After this trip, I think I’ll have a keen sense of how all the puzzle pieces of flights, trains, transfers, hotels, and sightseeing fit together. Our goal at IRT is to create seamless, worry-free and memorable travel — and I think my time in Canada will translate directly to my ability to make all of these things a reality for our clients.
Which hotel are you most interested to visit in person and why? The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff sounds captivating. I look forward to seeing how architecture and luxury combine — since it’s built into the side of a mountain to take special advantage of fantastic views. And I will be able to advise our clients my favorite room type there — and why.
Which general aspect of the trip excites you most (ie wildlife, scenery, food)? I’ve been told by so many people that Canada is unbelievably beautiful, so to experience it in spring will be incredibly memorable. My only regret is that my little dog, Pico, won’t be on the trip with me to sniff all the new smells!
Check back for Nora’s full report on the Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer in the next few weeks.
And in the meantime, call or email us when you are ready to start planning your own Canadian rail adventure! Call us at 800-478-4881 (502-897-1725 if outside the US/Canada), or e-mail us: tourdesk@irtsociety.com.
Or, visit our website here for a list of our favorite Canadian rail journeys.
Nora Elzy, of Louisville, KY and a graduate of Centre College, joined IRT in 2016. Among her international travels was her study abroad in Japan. She is a luxury advisor in training and will soon begin the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor educational program. Pico is our IRT mascot, who meets and greets all visitors to our office with a friendly wag of his very fluffy tail.
