Howe Sound

My mission is to spot a bear. The way I see it, I'm in bear country, speeding through miles of pristine wilderness in a glass enclosed soundless metal snake. I've got the best seat in the house, how hard could it be to spot a bear, or two?

It is not that I have a particular fascination for bears, my motives are far more mundane - I want bragging rights.  First and foremost, I want to impress the walking-talking Canadian-wiki Train Manager Wade Bush, who houses an unbelievable amount of knowledge about his country, its history, flora and fauna, and trains (lots of trains). 

Porteau Cove

When you think that must surely be his level of expertise, he whips out insider tips of the best vantage points in minute-by-minute accuracy on this three and a half hour Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Whistler, using all 15 years of his experience. 

As we scurry along the countryside, Wade tells me he stays with the company because of the leadership and its people, who all share a common goal to "provide guests with an outstanding, memorable, spectacular experience while they visit Canada".

Heritage Observation Car

"While the scenery is amazing, it is the guests that come from all over the world that make it different and interesting every time the train departs the stations.  The experience the guests have onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is something that we all build together ... it is never the same twice."

He imparts insider facts freely with his passengers, knowing that for most, this is their first time experiencing the winding way to the popular ski village, or as in my case, their very first visit to Canada.

This brings me to reason number two for wanting to spot a bear: to be the remarkable girl who, after only three days in the country, was submerged in the wilderness thick of it.  There is no doubt in my mind; envy will be reflected in countless eyes when I re-tell the tale.

Nestled comfortably in the large, cushioned "business class" seat in the quietly buzzing Dome compartment of the train, my bear spotting is momentarily halted when one of the well-appointed Rocky Mountaineer service members presents an assortment of hot breakfast delicacies, signaling meal time has officially commenced on this Whistler Sea to Sky Climb.

Afternoon Tea in Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Dome Service

Surveying the impeccable, silver-service cart full of happy patrons, it is clear Rocky Mountaineer has carved out a perfect niche for holiday makers of all ages.  Encapsulating the luxury and sense of adventure that comes from chugging through Canada's mountainside, the true essence of the journey lies in its ability to offer guests the unique. 

From sights, sounds and unparalleled vistas, to the heart of the operations, its people, Rocky Mountaineer is one of Canada's most respected, oldest, and treasured national icons, but it is the stories of the land that is animatedly told and re-told by its staff that sets it apart as one of the world's most remarkable train journeys.

After my fourth cup of crisp Fairmont tea and countless sightings of brown logs instead of brown bears, I take a moment to welcome fellow passengers to my seat so they too can take in the expanse from the upcoming waterfall, which is as dramatic as Wade promised, however he did point out the best vantage point would be from the middle carriage, an open air compartment for those that choose to brave the biting cold wind for once-in-a-lifetime pictures.

Before long, the train comes to a halt in the picturesque township of Whistler where for most, their next journey begins.  In its soft-adventure way, I did expect to experience more of Canada's wildlife, but unfortunately, the bears seem to be hibernating or hiding from view, but there are plenty of other wildernesses to keep one occupied and enthralled.  I haven't given up, deciding as I disembark, to keep my eyes set on the prize for the return leg back to the big smoke.