The Canadian Rockies that Captivated Catriona Rowntree

Canada Land Journey Highlights 

1. Inside the Rocky Mountaineer rail experience 

2. Lake Louise and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 

3. Resort experiences by the lake 

4. Standing on the Columbia Icefield 

5. Why the Canadian Rockies stay timeless 

6. Emerald’s experience‑rich Canada land journeys 

Inside the Rocky Mountaineer rail experience 

For Catriona, travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer was about far more than moving between destinations. “I might say I loved the experience within our cabin more than the natural beauty beyond. It was wonderful to meet the chef, laugh alongside guests from all over the world and surrender to the genuine excuse to just relax and enjoy the constantly changing view,” she says. 

Although the Rockies were the main highlight, what stayed with her most was the polished, world-famous rail service itself. “Sure, the Rockies are the star, but I loved to experience this world-famous rail journey,” she reflects.

On an Emerald Tours land journey, the Rocky Mountaineer train is seamlessly woven into the wider itinerary, with transfers, luggage handling, and key arrangements already organised so guests can simply settle into their seat and watch the landscapes unfold. It is a comfortable and rewarding way to experience one of the world’s great railway journeys, while the rest of the Canadian adventure is also carefully planned. 

Lake Louise and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 

Staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a dream for many travellers, and Catriona’s first impression was memorable. “The moment I walked into my room and laid eyes on the view of the lake, I knew I want to keep the curtains open all the time, the view is so magnetic,” she recalls. 

“I actually felt quite emotional when it was time to leave, you’re truly humbled by the location and the privilege of staying within the park,” Catriona says, noting that even simple touches add to the charm. “Don’t forget to send a postcard from the hotel, they’ll post it for free.”

For Emerald Tours guests, thoughtfully chosen hotels like this are a hallmark of selected Canadian Rockies itineraries, adding a sense of occasion to each stay. 

Resort experiences by the lake   

Catriona also embraced some of the Fairmont resort experiences that make evenings at the lake feel especially memorable. “Imagine my joy making S’mores by a campfire, lakeside, when the 'day trippers’ had departed and you felt as though you had the whole lake to yourself,” she says. 

The wellness offering left a strong impression, too. “The wellness centre here is considered one of the world’s finest, as you literally soak up the epic view,” she explains, emphasising the calm that comes from being fully present in the setting. For her, “Fairmont’s exclusive location, front and centre, will propel Lake Louise to the top of your bucket list,” reflecting the appeal of staying in one of Canada’s most iconic locations. 

Standing on the Columbia Icefield 

Few landscapes feel as otherworldly as the Columbia Icefield, and Catriona’s time here was filled with surprise and laughter. “To be so close to such a massive glacier is simply breathtaking, and it was also such a fun experience,” she says. 

Guests around her were trying “glacial facials”, splashing icy water on their faces, while she chose to savour the moment in a different way. “I opted to take a glass up and drink some of the purest water on the planet.” The experience continues with the glass walkway extending over the Sunwapta Valley. “It’s truly a lot of fun, then you follow it up with the engineering feat of a glass walkway that juts out over the Sunwapta Valley, stunning,” she recalls. 

Along the way, there are the spontaneous Canadian moments too, like her first “bear jam”, where “cars had to slow down and make way for a Black Bear just ambling along the highway on its way. Only in Canada...”, a reminder that a well-planned land journey can still leave space for unexpected wildlife encounters. 

Why the Canadian Rockies stay timeless

For Catriona, the reason why the Canadian Rockies with Emerald Tours remains such a timeless experience points to the people behind the itineraries. “They have this innate ability to access the most unique, fresh and certainly finest experiences,” she says, noting that what stands out is not always the most expensive option, but the most memorable. 

With a focus on relaxed luxury, contemporary hotels and value-packed inclusions, Emerald Tours’ Canadian land journeys offer a fresh, modern way to experience destinations many travellers have dreamed about for years. 

Emerald’s experience‑rich Canada land journeys 

Emerald Tours land journeys are designed to give you freedom to explore, with many of the important elements, like transfers, premium hotels and more two-night stays in the locations that matter, and selected meals already included. Carefully planned itineraries balance guided exploration with free time, key experiences such as Rocky Mountaineer and Inside Passage cruising, iconic sightseeing, and the support of experienced Tour Directors and local guides. 

In fact, Catriona highlights how the people guiding the journey makes as much difference as the landscapes. “I treasure the moments I get to chat to the Tour Director and local guides, to learn about the love they have for their home, hear their stories, and it’s not unusual to remain friends,” she says, pointing out how a great Tour Director can turn a beautiful itinerary into a deeply personal travel experience. 

With Emerald Tours, groups are kept to a comfortable scale, so you can travel with like-minded people without feeling rushed, while optional DiscoverMORE touring choices help shape each day around individual interests. 

Tour Directors and local insight   

From sipping glacial water on the Columbia Icefield to toasting marshmallows by Lake Louise once the day visitors have gone, an Emerald land tour through the Canadian Rockies rewards both first-time visitors and those returning. With the comfort of knowing much of the detail is already organised, there is still room to make the journey your own, whether that means lingering over coffee with a mountain view, chatting with your Tour Director or simply taking in the scenery from your hotel window a little longer.