Summary
In this episode, John Werner, President & COO, MAST Travel Network and Dawn Burtch, Key Accounts Manager, North America from the Armstrong Collective discuss the unique luxury rail journeys offered by Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit. These rail experiences focus not just on transportation but on immersive, scenic travel through some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest. Dawn explains the company’s 35-year legacy, its family-owned origins, and the recent expansion and rebranding efforts under the Armstrong Collective umbrella. She highlights the iconic Canadian routes—First Passage to the West, Vancouver to Jasper, and Rainforest to Gold Rush—and details the popular US Rockies to the Red Rocks route, extended to Salt Lake City under the Canyon Spirit brand.
The experience is characterized by daylight-only travel to maximize sightseeing, overnight hotel stays for comfort, and premium onboard amenities such as glass-domed rail cars, locally inspired gourmet meals prepared fresh in each rail car’s kitchen, and engaging onboard hosts who enrich the journey with storytelling and wildlife spotting. The US route crosses the Rockies, showcases vineyards, travels through Ruby Canyon’s red rock formations, and incorporates ghost towns on the newly added extension to Salt Lake City. Dawn emphasizes the seamless logistics, including luggage transport and hotel check-ins, designed to ensure guest comfort and convenience.
The video concludes with a discussion of the appeal of the American Southwest’s landscapes and culture, encouragement to work with MAST professional travel advisors, and current promotions offering significant discounts for past guests. The rail journeys operate seasonally with high demand, underscoring the importance of early booking.
Highlights
- 🚂 The Armstrong Collective was founded 35 years ago with a vision for luxury rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies.
- 🇺🇸 The Rockies to Red Rocks route launched in the US during the pandemic and is now expanding to Salt Lake City under the Canyon Spirit brand.
- 🌄 Rocky Mountaineer offers three iconic Canadian routes, all daylight-only to maximize scenic viewing.
- 🛬 Extending the US route to Salt Lake City addresses travel logistics and greatly increases accessibility for guests.
- 🚃 The glass-domed train cars feature onboard kitchens for freshly prepared meals and panoramic views unique to each region.
- 🦌 Expert onboard hosts enhance the journey with storytelling, history, and wildlife spotting, creating a highly social and immersive experience.
- 🍷 Meals feature locally sourced ingredients and regional wines and craft beers, emphasizing a connection to the landscapes outside.
If you are interested in traveling by rail with Rocky Mountaineer, please visit www.mvptravel.com to connect with a travel advisor near you.
Listen and learn on this week’s episode!
