A perfect start to an adventure in Canada is a two-day rail tour aboard the 1950's vintage cars of the Montana Daylight. Operated by Montana Rockies Rail Tours, this historic train travels during daylight hours from Livingston, Montana to Missoula, Montana and finally to Sandpoint, Idaho passing through the western landscape and often following parts of Lewis and Clark's path to chart the West. When passengers board, they are warmly welcomed by crew members. This attention to the passengers continues throughout the 2-day journey. Staff members pass through the cars several times offering snacks and beverages. There are 3 classes of service on the train. The highest level, Montana Gold, allows the passengers to stay overnight on the train and enjoy meals prepared by a chef who caters to the dining options of those guests. This is the ultimate experience and the costliest, too. It is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. Small and intimate, this experience services a maximum of 14 people. It is also ideal for small groups and corporate retreats.

The Big Sky service comes with a view. Guests at this level stay in the classic cars, but have access to vista dome cars, which give a 360-degree view of the landscape. Lunch is serviced in a traditional dining car with white linens, table service and freshly prepared regional cuisine.

Discovery class offers reclining seats in the car and lots of legroom. The enormous picture windows provide lots of area for viewing the scenery. Those guests receive lunch service at their seats.

All levels of service provide an ongoing narration by rail buffs and authors who know every detail about every trestle along the way. Each car has its own attendant who serves snacks and beverages and answers questions about the tour. The attentive service onboard ensures that all guests will have a memorable experience riding the rails through this vast western landscape.  Passengers do spend their overnight in Missoula, where they may visit the popular carousel or explore the town on their own.

In spite of the name, the company also offers scenic bus excursions in conjunction with the rail portion of the tour. One of the 13 itineraries that the company offers is a Glacier Canada Tour, which explores both Waterton and Glacier National Parks, thus crossing international borders.

After leaving the train in Sandpoint a motor coach transports guests to a beautiful Sandpoint area hotel, where passengers find respite in a delightful resort. Continuing through the Canadian Rockies, the bus stops at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, quite an appropriate stop to continue the rail theme. The renovated cars at this interesting museum give a glimpse into the glory days of luxurious rail travel. Fernie, British Columbia is the stopping point for this day. This resort offers excellent dining options and very comfortable accommodations.

The Frank Slide Interpretive Center relates the story of the tragic events of a horrific mining disaster in the area. Remnants of this huge landslide give evidence of the tremendous devastation caused by the slide burying an entire town.

Traveling through a pastoral landscape with rolls of hay scattered across the expansive fields brings the motor coach to the Waterton Lakes National Park. The first spot to visit is the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, which overlooks the lake and the park. Following lunch and some free time in town, passengers board a boat for a cruise that goes to the opposite shores of the lake. Lucky spotters may get a chance to see a bear or other wildlife along the shore. A knowledgeable tour guide points out the features of the park along the way.  The hotel itself is timber framed and quite the architectural feat.

After leaving this part of the Peace Park, which shares its border with Glacier in the US, the motor coach travels to another historic inn at East Glacier. The lobby displays huge trees that support the structure. The rooms are simple and lack air-conditioning, but the ambience transports guests into another era. Guests will enjoy riding in the famous red cars, known as Jammers, that transport passengers over the Going to the Sun Road. Spectacular views around each corner and steep drop-offs along the roadside inspire awe in those who travel along this road. The park has changed little over the years and although it is one of the smallest in the National Park System, it also is one of the most spectacular.

Montana Rockies Rail Tours offers an assortment of tours and also a self-drive option in combination with the rail package.

Happy Traveling.

Montana Rockies Rail Tours - www. montanarailtours .com

Waterton National Park - http://www.watertonpark.com/

Glacier National Park - http://www.nps.gov/glac/

Frank Slide - http://www.frankslide.com/

Canadian Museum of Rail Travel - http://www.crowsnest.bc.ca/cmrt/