Tonya Fitzpatrick

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.

Traveling along Missouri's Black History Trail offers an immersive journey into America's rich and diverse past. Spanning from the bustling streets of St. Louis to the serene landscapes of the Ozarks, this trail highlights the significant contributions of African Americans to the state's cultural and historical fabric. In this video, we offer a glimpse of our travels along this historic trail.