Rocky Mountaineer is more than a train journey; it’s a moving celebration of life’s most meaningful moments. Through our Cherished Moments blog series, we share the inspiring stories of guests who choose to mark their milestones amidst breathtaking landscapes, heartfelt hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.
In this edition, we’re honoured to feature Mike and Erin, a couple whose story spans decades and continents, beginning in childhood and culminating in a heartfelt vow renewal onboard our train. From a serendipitous first meeting as toddlers to their 20th wedding anniversary celebration in the Canadian Rockies, their journey is a beautiful testament to love and the power of lifelong connection.
Read on to learn about their Rocky Mountaineer journey complete with unforgettable scenery, thoughtful surprises, and a moment they’ll remember forever.
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Myself (Mike) and my wife (Erin) travelled from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to visit the Canadian Rockies. We have a pretty amazing story as we first met when I was three years old and Erin was two weeks old. Our parents knew each other and were close friends and still are today. The bottom photo on the left is me holding Erin as a newborn with my Mom and the top picture is us 20+ years later, sitting on the same couch, holding the original picture.
For our 20th wedding anniversary, we decided to celebrate in Canada and fulfill Erin’s bucket list dream by booking a trip on Rocky Mountaineer. We did the First Passage to the West Excursion Banff, westbound.
What was the reason for taking this journey with Rocky Mountaineer?
Firstly, because this was Erin’s only bucket list destination, we had to do it. Secondly, every five years, Erin and I renew our wedding vows. On our first wedding, we had a destination wedding and got married in Antigua. For our 5th wedding anniversary, we went to Las Vegas, where we were picked up by Elvis in his pink Cadillac and taken to the iconic ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign and he married us again there.
For our 10th wedding anniversary, we did a traditional Hawaiian ceremony and got married next to a volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Our 15th wedding anniversary didn’t happen due to Covid so for our 18th wedding anniversary, I planned a surprise wedding ceremony on a roof-top terrace in Italy. This was extra special because our two sons were able to join us.
Which brings us to our 20th wedding anniversary – what to do next? It all became very clear once we booked our Rocky Mountaineer trip that we could renew our wedding vows on the train!
What made you choose to celebrate with Rocky Mountaineer?
We’ve both seen a lot of Canada but not to the extent that Rocky Mountaineer shows you the Rockies and the surrounding landscape. We’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Rocky Mountaineer and what better way to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and support a Canadian company, right?
What did you get up to in Banff prior to boarding our train?
We had a lovely and relaxing day in Banff before boarding the train. Erin found an amazing spa in downtown Banff where we had almost two hours of pampering and bliss. We left our two2teenagers and dog at home, so this was much needed relaxation. We also got to explore a bit of Banff and see some of the amazing sites it has to offer, including the Lake Minnewanka Cruise and the Banff Gondola.
How was your experience onboard for your vow renewal?
To say ‘epic’ doesn’t do it justice. The Rocky Mountaineer team were unbelievable and at times even more excited than we were to renew our vows. Marika (our onboard Host) quietly whisked us away to our own private train coach and left us in private. We played our wedding song and renewed our written wedding vows to each other. It was a beautiful moment and will be remembered forever.
What were the highlights of your time onboard?
First and foremost, the Rocky Mountaineer team. Billy and Marika were our upstairs Hosts while Oz and Eliza took care of us downstairs. They even treated us with a lovely dessert on our last leg. Animal sightings included birds, bears, and bighorn sheep.
The scenery stole the show. We had many people ask us, “What did you do on the train? Did you watch any movies?” We never cracked an iPad; the movie was right outside our window. Plus, we had both Billy and Marika sharing wonderful stories and history about Canada and the landscape we were passing through.
The outdoor viewing platform was amazing! I’m so happy I took a video of the outdoor train car as people didn’t understand when we described it. They would say, “What do you mean you went outside?!”
Would you recommend a Rocky Mountaineer journey to celebrate a special occasion?
It goes without saying but absolutely YES. It’s not only the Rocky Mountaineer journey that was amazing, but it was all the little things, care, and thoughtfulness that made the journey magical. For example, at every hotel stop, we had wonderful surprises waiting for us in our hotel rooms. Whether it’s a milestone anniversary, a birthday celebration, a bucket list adventure, or simply supporting a Canadian company, I can say firsthand and with experience, you will not be disappointed with Rocky Mountaineer!
A Journey to Remember
As their journey through the Canadian Rockies ended, Mike and Erin reflected on a milestone celebrated in the most unforgettable way, with breathtaking views, heartfelt moments, and the hospitality of Rocky Mountaineer. From the peaceful streets of Banff to a private vow renewal onboard our train, their anniversary journey became more than a trip, it was an unforgettable chapter in their lifelong love story. They return home with joyful memories, renewed promises, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of both the landscape and the journey they continue to share.
If you have had a special celebration while onboard Rocky Mountaineer or will be celebrating on an upcoming journey, we welcome you to share your story with us at [email protected].
