There is a special kind of magic that happens when you reach your sixties. You begin to appreciate travel not as a race to cross off landmarks, but as a deliberate, slow-crafted experience meant to be savored. My husband Mark and I returned home to Atlantic Canada just last week, yet if I close my eyes, I can still hear the gentle rhythm of train tracks underfoot, smell the fresh pine mist of the Rockies, and feel the warm autumn sunshine on our faces as we looked out over spirit-filled glacial lakes. We had just completed the 11-day Canadian Rockies in Luxury - The Best of The West tour with Collins Tours, and I can honestly say it was one of the most fulfilling journeys of our lives.
Sitting here in my living room with a hot mug of tea, going through hundreds of photos on my tablet, I wanted to put down my thoughts while the memories are still vibrant. If you are anywhere near our age and considering this trip, let me tell you: put it at the very top of your bucket list. Here is our story of 11 unforgettable days through Western Canada.
How We Decided on This Luxury Tour
Mark turned 62 this past spring, and with our kids fully settled into their own careers and lives, we realized it had been far too long since we did something truly luxurious just for the two of us. We wanted an anniversary trip that felt grand, romantic, and deeply relaxing. For years, Mark had dreamed of seeing Mount Robson and taking the train through the Rockies, while I had my heart set on visiting Butchart Gardens in Victoria and staying in iconic Fairmont properties.
However, at this stage in our lives, the thought of renting a car, navigating unfamiliar mountain passes, hunting for parking spots in crowded tourist hubs, and hauling heavy luggage in and out of hotels every day sounded more exhausting than relaxing. We wanted comfort. We wanted an itinerary that respected our physical pace without sacrificing any of the iconic sight-seeing. When we discovered Collins Tours’ luxury package—promising 4 and 5-star accommodations, small group intimacy, full luggage handling (their signature group check-in service is a godsend!), and dedicated seats on the famous Rocky Mountaineer—we knew we had found our perfect match.
First Impressions: Coastal Elegance in Victoria and Vancouver
Our adventure began with a seamless direct flight to Victoria, British Columbia. From the moment we stepped off the plane and met our tour manager, a comforting wave of ease washed over us. Everything was orchestrated down to the finest detail. When we arrived at the 5-star Marriott Inner Harbour in Victoria, we didn't have to wait in long lines or worry about our bags; our room keys were handed to us with a warm smile, and our luggage was whisked directly up to our room. That night, during the welcome reception over hot and cold appetizers, we toasted with our fellow travelers—a wonderfully friendly group of mostly like-minded couples and solos—and knew we were in good hands.
Victoria captivated us immediately. The city has a gentle, refined energy that appeals so much to seasoned travelers. Day two started with a wonderful hot breakfast inside the hotel before our guided city coach tour. The undisputed highlight was our visit to Butchart Gardens. Spanning 55 acres, it felt like wandering through a living watercolor painting. Mark and I strolled hand-in-hand along paved, easily accessible paths through the Sunken Garden, taking our time beneath canopy bowers, enjoying the quiet morning air, and taking endless photos of the magnificent floral arrangements.
On day three, a pleasant scenic ferry ride took us across the Strait of Georgia to mainland British Columbia and into cosmopolitan Vancouver. Our home for two nights was the magnificent 5-star Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver. The hotel location could not have been better, boasting direct access to the famous seawall. That evening, our group gathered for an exquisite welcome dinner complete with fine food, great wine, and lively laughter.
The following morning brought a delightfully paced 4.5-hour city tour. Our local guide took us through Stanley Park—a breathtaking temperate rainforest right on the city's doorstep. We stood in awe beneath towering old-growth trees and colorful indigenous totem poles at Brockton Point, taking in views across English Bay. We wrapped up the morning exploring Granville Island Public Market, sipping artisanal coffee and sampling fresh local pastries while watching boats glide through False Creek. Having the late afternoon entirely free allowed Mark and me to take a leisurely stroll down the paved seawall right outside our hotel, feeling zero pressure to hurry anywhere.
All Aboard! The Rocky Mountaineer Experience
If you ask Mark what the ultimate highlight of the trip was, he won't hesitate for a second: boarding the legendary Rocky Mountaineer. On day five, after a quick early morning coach transfer, we stepped onto the platform for our daytime rail journey from Vancouver to Kamloops, and eventually on to Jasper.
We had opted for the GoldLeaf Service, and oh my goodness, was it ever worth every single penny! Sitting in the upper level of a two-tiered, glass-domed train car provided us with a 180-degree panoramic window to the wild heart of Canada. The reclining seats were so plush and heated, offering incredible lumbar support that made hours of sightseeing feel like resting in our own living room recliners.
The culinary journey aboard the train rivaled five-star restaurants on land. Instead of eating at our seats, GoldLeaf guests descend to a lower-level private dining car with crisp white tablecloths and picture windows right at river level. On our first morning, we were served a gourmet brunch featuring fluffy soufflés, smoked salmon, and fresh berries, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and mimosas. Throughout the day, attentive hosts kept us entertained with rich historical storytelling, pointing out passing eagles, dramatic river canyons, and rugged granite cliffs along the Fraser River Valley.
Because the Rocky Mountaineer operates exclusively during daylight hours to ensure travelers don't miss an inch of scenery, we disembarked in Kamloops for a restful overnight stay at a local hotel. Our luggage was already waiting in our room when we walked in! The second day on the train brought us deeper into the wilderness toward Alberta. Crossing the Continental Divide, seeing the cascading bridal-veil sheer of Pyramid Falls, and gazing up at the snow-dusted peak of Mount Robson—the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies—was a profoundly moving experience. There is a quiet reverence to sitting with your partner, holding hands, watching untamed mountain wilderness roll by without a care in the world.
Wilderness, Glaciers, and Serenity in Jasper National Park
Arriving in Jasper on day six felt like stepping into a serene alpine dream. We checked into our 4.5-star hotel centrally located within Jasper National Park, where the air was crisp, clean, and scented with sweet spruce. The pace here was perfectly tailored for comfort and appreciation.
Our guided "Highlights of Jasper" tour on day seven took us to the sheer limestone walls of Maligne Canyon, followed by what I consider one of the most romantic excursions of the whole vacation: a private boat cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. Spirit Island is world-famous, but standing there in person, surrounded by glaciated peaks reflecting off tranquil glacier-fed waters, is an almost spiritual moment. The paths from the boat landing were easy to walk, giving everyone in our group ample opportunity to take in the quiet majesty without feeling rushed or tired.
Reflections on Mountain Dining
That evening, our group shared a wonderful hotel dinner overlooking iconic mountain views. What Mark and I appreciated so much throughout this tour was the balance in dining. Group meals were always hosted in upscale, atmospheric settings with thoughtful menus (and complimentary glasses of wine or beer to toast the day!), yet there were enough open evenings for us to slip away to quiet local bistros just for two.
Glaciers, Emerald Waters, and the Magnificent Rimrock Resort
Day eight was a showstopper as we journeyed south along the Icefields Parkway toward Banff. Traveling in our deluxe motorcoach with elevated seating meant we had magnificent views over highway guardrails, effortlessly spotting wildlife along the tree line.
We stopped at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre to embark on an adventure aboard an Ice Explorer—a massive, specially engineered vehicle that took us directly onto the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Walking on ice formed hundreds of years ago was thrilling! Afterward, we stepped onto the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-bottomed observation walkway hovering suspended over the Sunwapta Valley. Looking down into the canyon below was exhilarating, yet the structure felt completely safe and accessible.
Following a picturesque photo stop at the iconic Lake Louise, where the turquoise water looked almost surreal against the Victoria Glacier backdrop, we made our way into Banff to check into our home for the next two nights: the 5-star Rimrock Resort Hotel.
Words almost fail to do the Rimrock Resort justice. Built into the side of Sulphur Mountain overlooking the Bow River Valley, it avoids the dense crowds of downtown Banff while offering unobstructed, jaw-dropping panoramas. The recent renovations have elevated it to pure alpine luxury. Our room was an haven of peace, featuring a dream-worthy bed, lush linens, and a deep soaking tub that worked wonders on our legs after a day of light walking.
On day nine, after a delicious full breakfast, our local guide led us on a half-day tour of Banff's surrounding wonders. We took the famous Sulphur Mountain Gondola up to the summit. The fully enclosed gondola cabins made the smooth ride up stress-free, and the boardwalk at the top provided breathtaking 360-degree views of six mountain ranges. Later, we visited Bow Falls and viewed the fascinating limestone pillars known as the Hoodoos.
That night, Collins Tours treated us to a special group dinner in the magnificent Primrose Dining Room inside the Rimrock. Looking around the table at the glowing faces of our group, sharing stories over slow-roasted prime beef and fine Canadian wine, Mark and I agreed that this evening alone was worth the entire voyage.
A Triumphant Finale in Calgary
Our final leg of the journey took us gently down from the mountain heights into the energetic city of Calgary on day ten. A short guided city tour brought us to the iconic Calgary Tower, where high-speed elevators swept us up to the observation deck for an unrivaled perspective of the city skyline merging into the distant rolling foothills.
We checked into the modern Residence Inn Hotel in Calgary's vibrant downtown Beltline district. That evening, we gathered one last time for a heartwarming Farewell Dinner. There were toasts, tears of joy, and a lively exchange of contact details. What started eleven days prior as a group of strangers from Atlantic Canada had transformed into a warm community of friends bound by shared wonder.
When our direct flight brought us home on day eleven, Mark and I felt something we rarely feel after an extensive holiday: we were completely relaxed, recharged, and physically rested. There was no "vacation hangover" or physical burnout, only a deep sense of gratitude.
Why This Tour Is Perfect for Travelers in Their 60s
If you are considering booking the Canadian Rockies in Luxury - Best of The West tour, particularly through Collins Tours, let me summarize why it is so uniquely suited for mature travelers and couples seeking a refined experience:
- Unmatched Physical Comfort: From luxury coach seating to the 180-degree glass dome recliners on the Rocky Mountaineer, physical stress is virtually zero. You spend your days sitting back in total comfort while the world's best views come to you.
- Five-Star Hospitality & Porterage: The signature group check-in service means no standing in lines or lugging heavy suitcases. Your bags magically appear in your room and are collected when you depart.
- Thoughtful, Leisurely Pacing: Multi-night stays in Victoria, Vancouver, Jasper, and Banff eliminate the exhaustion of packing up every morning. Free afternoons are built into the schedule so you can rest, shop, or explore at your own speed.
- Sensational Dining: Gourmet meal inclusions—from GoldLeaf dining cars on the train to fine dining at the Rimrock Resort—guarantee that every day feels like a special occasion.
- Top-Tier Sightseeing Inclusions: Every major bucket-list item is included and handled professionally: Butchart Gardens, Spirit Island Cruise, Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer, Glacier Skywalk, Sulphur Mountain Gondola, and Calgary Tower.
Final Thoughts
Life after 60 is a golden chapter, and it deserves golden experiences. Standing atop Sulphur Mountain, looking out over endless sea-green valleys with Mark's arm around my shoulder, I felt a deep, peaceful gratitude for the beauty of our country and the ease with which we were able to experience it. If you have been waiting for the right moment or the right way to see the Canadian West, don't wait any longer. Pamper yourself, book the luxury tour, upgrade to GoldLeaf, and create memories that will keep your heart warm for decades to come.