Dawn and Dave recently joined APT for what would become one of the most memorable journeys of their lives. Flying from the UK to Vancouver, they embarked on a spectacular adventure with a group of fellow travellers. As they traversed Western Canada’s stunning landscapes from Vancouver and Banff to Lake Louise and Whistler, their adventure took on a deeply personal significance. Amid the snow-capped peaks and pine-strewn valleys of the Rockies, Dave’s carefully planned marriage proposal unfolded on a two-day Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure.

Written in the Alpine Stars

For Dave, an adventure aboard Rocky Mountaineer had long been a dream — one he planned to share with someone special. “Back in May 2024, seven months after we met, Dave began planning a proposal without my knowledge,” Dawn recalls.

The couple first met through an over-55s dating site. “By mistake, as Dave says, he had not messaged me, but we decided to meet up anyway,” Dawn adds. “From then on, it was obvious to us both this was going to be something special.” Little did she know that Dave’s dream trip would set the stage for a truly extraordinary moment.

Behind the Scenes of a Rocky Mountaineer Proposal

In the lead-up to the trip, Dave collaborated closely with APT Tour Director Mary SimpsonGalna to transform his idea into a reality. Thoughtfully considering every detail, Mary worked with Dave to plan the perfect marriage proposal. Travelling in GoldLeaf Service — included on every APT holiday — promised an extraordinary occasion, complemented by five-star service, gourmet dining and free-flowing beverages. With panoramic glass-domed carriages offering uninterrupted views of the Rockies, the backdrop would be one of nature’s finest masterpieces: endless forests of pine and fir, with majestic rivers carving through deep canyons.

“We were aware of the planned engagement long before the tour began, and Rocky Mountaineer did a wonderful job of assisting us in executing the surprise proposal,” Mary shares. The team at Rocky Mountaineer helped choose the perfect location, organised for a photographer to capture the special moment, and arranged for onboard hosts to present the pair with small gifts afterwards. Everyone was in on the surprise — except for Dawn — ensuring that when the moment arrived, it would be seamless and unforgettable.

A Milestone Moment in the Mountains

On the second day of Dawn and Dave’s Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, travelling from Kamloops to Banff, it was time for the plan to be brought to life. As the train emerged from the legendary Spiral Tunnels — one of the highlight landmarks along the route — a discreet Rocky Mountaineer team member approached Dave and Dawn, along with their fellow travellers, offering to take photos of each couple at the front of the coach. As Dawn posed for the camera, with the first magnificent views of the Rockies unfurling outside the train’s panoramic windows, an attentive onboard host passed Dave a microphone.

A towering mountainscape dotted with looming pines and white spruces unfolded in constant motion, setting an awe-inspiring backdrop for this fairytale moment. Dave rose to his feet and began to share a heartfelt message before asking Dawn to marry him. Taken by complete surprise, she said yes — and the carriage erupted in cheers and applause. Onboard hosts presented the newly engaged couple with a bouquet of red roses, handwritten cards, and two Rocky Mountaineer teddy bears as mementos of the occasion. Then, a passenger drew everyone’s attention outside, where Mother Nature joined in on the celebrations with a mesmerising spectacle: a magnificent double rainbow arched over the river.

A Luxury Tour Through the Rockies and Alaska

Dawn and Dave’s engagement was just the beginning of an incredible adventure through Western Canada and Alaska, unveiling Whistler’s rugged mountains, Victoria’s quaint charms, and the pristine treasures of Glacier Bay National Park. A memorable highlight was two nights at the extraordinary Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where the pair woke to serene turquoise waters framed by larch trees and snow-dusted peaks. “APT has amazing partnerships with our suppliers, and all our partner hotels were thrilled to help Dawn and Dave celebrate after the event by placing amenities in their rooms prior to their arrival in each location. During our stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, our whole APT group met up to celebrate the big event,” Mary recalls.

Immersive experiences such as a First Nations-inspired breakfast at Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and before-hours access to The Butchart Gardens in Victoria showcased Canada’s vibrant culture and history. With a range of included Freedom of Choice™ sightseeing and dining options at several destinations, Dawn and Dave enjoyed the flexibility to tailor the tour to suit their interests. In Jasper, the pair opted to wind through Jasper’s pristine wilderness on a chauffeured Harley-Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour, while a heli-flightseeing tour through the Rockies offered a bird’s-eye perspective of the region’s jagged mountains and expansive alpine meadows.

"We enjoyed every minute of the 23 days we spent there. All the food and restaurants were fabulous. The whole experience was a once-in-a-lifetime holiday,” Dawn shares. For Dawn and Dave, their journey through the spellbinding landscapes of the Rockies was a chapter in their love story they will cherish forever.

Start Your Own Story with APT

For 100 years, we’ve created unforgettable journeys for millions of guests. As we step into our second century, we’re dedicated to crafting extraordinary experiences and continuing to deliver what has defined APT since the beginning — impeccable service and every detail expertly curated to the finest touch. Celebrate your finest moments in all-inclusive luxury and discover your dream Canada and Alaska journey today.