My parents rode the Rocky Mountaineer last summer, and they loved it!

Well, until they got to Calgary, that is. The Palliser Hotel is one of the old CN hotels, built above the train station. Their baggage was supposed to be brought up to their room from the train while they had dinner in the restaurant, but they were surprised to discover just one suitcase in their room when they arrived. Sure 'nuff, a few minutes later a bellhop showed up with the rest of their stuff, and his hand out for a tip. Not classy. At all. :p

The trip through the mountains was fantastic, though. You get to see scenery that can't be viewed from the highways. And its nice to be able to sit and watch without worrying about keeping your car between the ditches, or wondering if the other drivers are paying due attention.

Edmonton is a pretty city, especially along the river. And the glacier at Jasper is something you should definitely take a look at. There are special tours that take people out on the ice, regular as clockwork. 'Touristy' yes, but still worthwhile. Note the markers that trace the receding edge of the glacier. That's a huge mass of ice, and its been melting since long before Al Gore decided to make a buck off global warming.