It’s a new adventure, a new chapter, or a celebration of love or accomplishments. In our Cherished Moments blog series, we share the stories of couples, families, and friends who have chosen to celebrate their special milestones and occasions onboard our trains.
This edition features Jack and Marilyn, two friends from Ontario whose paths connected later in life. What began with shared dinners and concerts soon blossomed into a love story, culminating in a magical proposal, a summer wedding on the shores of Georgian Bay, and a honeymoon spent crossing the Canadian Rockies onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Read on to discover how their trip combined celebration and breathtaking scenery into memories they’ll cherish forever.
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Jack and I (Marilyn) are from a little town on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, 2 hours north of Toronto, called Thornbury, in the Town of Blue Mountains. We have known each other for many years, having attended community dances when they were popular as we grew up. Jack's wife of 60 years and my husband of 58 years passed away in 2022 and 2023, respectively, in the same Long Term Care facility.
Jack and I started going out for lunches and dinners, as well as to concerts the next year. We are from similar backgrounds and share similar likes and dislikes.
Jack & Marilyn walking the streets of Kamloops, British Columbia.
What was the reason for taking this journey with Rocky Mountaineer?
I had always wanted to go on Rocky Mountaineer ever since I had heard about it many years ago and decided to celebrate our honeymoon with this train journey. We were invited to the wedding of Jack's great niece in Calgary and so the plan to go West was sprung. We had to be in Calgary for the wedding, so we chose a Rocky Mountaineer journey to travel from Vancouver to Calgary to coincide with that. We chose GoldLeaf, as family and friends who have been on Rocky Mountaineer recommended, and were treated royally.
We booked the First Passage to the West Excursion Banff, starting in Vancouver and concluding in Calgary. We visited Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, and Calgary.
Jack & Marilyn on their wedding day.
Congratulations on your marriage! Can you tell us about the proposal and your wedding?
On Dec. 21st, the first day of winter, he knelt in front of me as we were watching TV and presented me with a beautiful engagement ring. We went to our favourite restaurant for dinner and went through a park decorated like Fairyland for Christmas. It was a magical night that we will remember for years.
We were married on June 21st, the first day of summer, in a beautiful wedding on the shore of Georgian Bay with family and friends numbering 165 guests.
What were some highlights from your time onboard?
The reception each morning was delightful, the food delicious and beautifully presented by courteous staff, and our coach clean, bright, and comfortable. The 650 guests were friendly and punctual. The Fairmont Hotels were fantastic in Vancouver and Calgary. We cannot think of any improvements that you could make to make it any better.
With sadness, we stepped down from the train to walk on the red carpet in Banff to end the rail portion of the trip. Saw some wildlife from the windows of the train - wild horses, mountain sheep, Osprey, eagles, etc. Many people waved to us as we passed through villages and towns en route.
Where did you stay upon arrival in Banff?
We were guests of the rustic Moose Hotel in Banff. They went out of their way to ensure that Jack's suit for the wedding in Calgary, which was left inadvertently in the clothes closet of our room in Banff, arrived 5 hours before the bridal march.
What did you get up to while you were in Banff?
We walked and shopped in Banff. Jack and I purchased sweaters made from Muskox wool, which are extremely soft. They were very expensive, but we will have wonderful memories from the summer of 2025 when we wear them. We enjoyed the bus tour of Banff and the gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain before our ride to Calgary via motorcoach.
What is your favourite memory from your journey?
As a favourite memory, I cannot pinpoint one. We made a number of good memories and friendships on this trip. Both of us have done a fair amount of travelling in Canada and other countries in the world over the years, but Rocky Mountaineer ranks at the top. You do not need a special occasion to see a beautiful part of our country. Several people to whom we have talked about our trip say that it is on their bucket list. Hope that it comes true for them.
Everlasting memories.
As their journey through the Canadian Rockies came to a close, Jack and Marilyn reflected on the unforgettable experiences that made their honeymoon so special. From the warm hospitality onboard to wildlife sightings and time spent exploring Banff, each moment added to the magic of their adventure. They returned home with treasured memories of majestic landscapes, new friendships, and a journey that truly ranked among the best of their travels.
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].
