Tonya Fitzpatrick

After several flight cancellations from Washington DC we finally arrived in Vancouver at 11:15pm on Saturday evening, February 13, 2010.  Regrettably we missed the Opening Ceremony but in our short time here we have experienced a wonderful flavor of cultural diversity and national spirit.   We have been to Vancouver many times and each time our feeling about this city and our experience here is very special.

At Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we enjoyed watching playful dolphins that swam very close to the short. These playful marine creatures created a mesmerizing and unforgettable beach day as they froliced in the waves, captivating everyone nearby. We certainly couldn't take out eyes off of them.

Our final morning in Lake Louise began with a breathtaking sunrise over the pristine lake and snow-capped mountains, which we admired from the comfort of our room’s large picture window. Lake Louise's beauty is unparalleled; it feels like a glimpse of heaven—though we’d hope for warmer temperatures! If you're seeking the perfect place to escape, reflect, and recharge, Lake Louise is a must-visit destination.

As part of our unforgettable Canadian Rockies train journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, day seven brought us to the heart of Banff National Park. After arriving last night, we checked into the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, a tranquil retreat nestled in a secluded, forested area just above the town of Banff. Our cozy two-level loft chalet, complete with a real fireplace and a fully-equipped kitchen, offered stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and plenty of small wildlife sightings—pure bliss! To our delight, the kitchen was stocked with breakfast essentials like bacon, eggs, and coffee, setting the stage for a peaceful morning.

Our day began a little sleepily as we made our way to the Rocky Mountaineer Station, located on the outskirts of downtown Vancouver. Over 500 excited passengers were gathered, eagerly anticipating the long journey ahead. We were about to travel from the lush coastal rainforests of British Columbia, through the majestic Canadian Rockies, and into the unexpected desert landscape of Canada, en route to our overnight stop in Kamloops.