Day Five of our Canadian Rockies Journey: A Birthday Celebration from Vancouver to Kamloops
Rocky Mountaineer train. PhotoL Tonya Fitzpatrick
Posted September 6, 2008
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.
The journey kicked off in style with a champagne toast, courtesy of the warm and welcoming Rocky Mountaineer crew. Traveling aboard the luxurious, bi-level Gold Leaf car, we experienced rail service reminiscent of a bygone era. The attentive crew offered top-notch service, from tablecloth meal service to an endless array of food and drink. The panoramic views from the observation level were nothing short of breathtaking, with the massive windows curving into skylights, offering a full view of the stunning landscapes around us.
Inside the Gold Leaf car of the Rocky Mountaineer. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
Scenic Stops: Hope, British Columbia – Chainsaw Carving and “Rambo” Fame
About 40 miles into the trip, we passed through the town of Hope, British Columbia, also known as the Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World. The town is most famous for being a filming location for “Rambo: First Blood,” where Sylvester Stallone helped put Hope on the map. The town’s quirky carvings and rich film history were just a few highlights as we continued our scenic journey through the Rockies.
A Special Birthday Celebration Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
The day was extra special for us because it marked Tonya’s birthday! The Rocky Mountaineer crew made sure to celebrate her in style, presenting her with a personalized birthday card and a railroading book—a thoughtful gift that added to the day’s festive atmosphere. As the train rolled through the beautiful landscape toward Kamloops, the birthday spirit continued to fill the air.
Lumberjack Show. in Kamloops. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick.
Kamloops: An Unforgettable Evening with Lumberjacks and Music
Kamloops, the third-largest city in British Columbia, welcomed us with its rugged charm as the Rocky Mountaineer pulled into town. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Royal Canadian Mounted horses, adding a quintessentially Canadian touch to the experience.
The highlight of our evening in Kamloops was attending the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show, an entertaining and action-packed event showcasing the region’s rich logging history. Before the show, we shared a table with a lovely couple from Australia, who became fast friends. The crowd, made up of travelers from around the globe, added to the festive atmosphere.
Acoustic folk singer Margit Bull of the band Whiskey Tango led the audience in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Tonya, setting the tone for an evening of fun. The show kicked off with a short film on the history of logging in Western Canada, followed by a thrilling lumberjack competition between a real-life father-and-son duo. The competitors chopped, sawed, and threw axes while keeping the audience laughing with cheeky double entendres, the kind that might even inspire a Will Ferrell comedy—there’s definitely a film idea here, Will!
One of the crowd-favorite moments was the crosscut saw competition, where the two lumberjacks invited two women from the audience to join them onstage for a showdown. The night culminated in a dramatic best two-out-of-three log rolling contest, which had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
A Memorable Night in Kamloops
Our time in Kamloops was unforgettable. The lively lumberjack competition, the warm camaraderie of fellow travelers, and the personal birthday celebrations made this leg of our journey through the Canadian Rockies truly special. Kamloops provided the perfect mix of fun and relaxation after a full day of scenic travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
Stay tuned as our adventure continues, with even more awe-inspiring sights and experiences on our journey through the Canadian Rockies!
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