We flew out to Vancouver, but decided to take the train home because … well, just because it sounded like a cool thing to do.

The Canadian has several different levels of service. All the way from spending four days in a basic seat, to a private room with a double Murphy bed. We opted for something in the middle – a private room and toilet, but with seats during the day, and bunk beds at night.

It’s cosy, but in a good way. At first, the trip out of Vancouver was through miles and miles of rail yards. Not a great start, unless you are a train enthusiast.

Though even here, it does offer unique views of well known Vancouver sights. This picture is of the “Golden Ears” bridge, from an angle that you can’t usually see.

As we headed up along the Fraser river, we saw more and more of the mountains.

And the river …

And more mountains…

During dinner we were treated to stunning views of the Fraser canyon. No pictures – I was eating, and it was getting dark – so you will just have to take my word for it. After a good night’s sleep, we were treated to truly stunning views on our way into Jasper. As you will see, there are often trees along the track, but you still get wonderful views through the frequent gaps. In some ways, they even make the views better by giving some perspective. I’ll post some of the best shots from the hundreds I took this morning.

This next picture is of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The summit was completely cloud free – something that apparently only happens about 12-15 times a year.

This next one is interesting because even though it is the end of April, the ice on the lake was just beginning to break up.

And more snow covered mountains.

We stopped in Jasper mid afternoon and had a chance to stretch our legs, and restock our supply of B.C. Pinot Noir. It is quite a picturesque little town.

Here is another picture, showing a street in Jasper with a totem pole, pride flags, and our train with the mountains in the background.

Next we head onto the prairies. I’ll try to keep you updated, but (mercifully) without quite as many pictures.