All-inclusive rail vacations are quickly gaining popularity as the no-hassle way to enjoy semi-remote scenic areas, while leaving all the transportation, lodging and dining logistics to someone else. Unfortunately, because of some of the remote locations served, very few rail vacations are wheelchair-accessible. The exception can be found at Rocky Mountaineer Railtours, which offers multi-day rail excursions through the rugged Canadian Rockies in comfortable and accessible domed rail cars.
Rocky Mountaineer offers a myriad of itinerary choices; however the most accessible option is the Vancouver to Calgary Kicking Horse route.
All Aboard with Accessibility!
Wheelchair access to Rocky Mountaineer’s bi-level Gold Leaf rail cars is remarkably good, with lift boarding at all stations. Although there is a spiral staircase to the upper level of the cars, a small elevator, (which can accommodate an aisle chair), is available for wheelchair-users. Up on top, wheelchair-users must transfer to a seat for the journey, but rest assured there’s plenty of room to accomplish this in the roomy cars. A wheelchair-accessible bathroom, with a wide doorway and grab bars, is located downstairs.
Once the train is underway, passengers are invited downstairs for an elegant breakfast. Although this is doable for wheelers, the narrow booths make for a very difficult transfer; but not to worry, as the Rocky Mountaineer staff will gladly serve your meals upstairs, white linen and all.
After lunch you’ll pass through Avalanche Alley, then continue on through Hells Gate and cross over the Jaws of Death Gorge before you roll into Kamloops, for an overnight stay.
Kamloops Overnight
Now here's where the Rocky Mountaineer service really excels; before the train even stops in Kamloops, passengers are given the keys to their hotel rooms, where they will find their luggage awaiting them. Transfers are available in a van with a wheelchair ramp, and accommodation choices include accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
The evening activities in Kamloops include a buffet dinner and a lighthearted melodrama at Two River Junction. There's lot of singing and dancing and music, and plenty of laughs. There is barrier-free access to Two River Junction and wheelchair seating is available anywhere in the dinner theater. It's a nice way to top off the day.
Railing Through the Rockies
The final day of the tour begins with an early departure from the Kamloops station, as the train travels along the shore of Lake Shuswap and into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way the on-board attendants talk about the wildlife and natural history of the area. Soon you'll pass over Stony Creek Bridge, travel through the spiral tunnels, and cross Continental Divide before arriving in Banff in the late afternoon.
After a brief stop in Banff the train continues on to Calgary. Along the way, passengers are treated to a final round of hors d’oeuvres and wine as they enjoy the sunset views.
All in all, it's a great trip, with excellent service and spectacular scenery. It’s a fun Canadian rail tour, and a very accessible way to enjoy the Canadian Rockies.
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.
