Train Beyond the Mountains: Journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer

by Rick Antonson

A captivating journey blending memoir, history, and biography that takes the reader on one of the world's most famous trains and tells of carving the dramatic route it follows, while pondering other international railways through the eyes of travellers past and present. Rick Antonson has ridden trains in more than thirty-five countries—but almost everything he thinks he knows about train travel changes when he boards the Rocky Mountaineer with his ten-year-old grandson, Riley. As they wind over trestles and through tunnels, each mile of track uncovers stories of dynamite and discovery, surveyors and schemers, explorers and visionaries, and the people who helped to build Canada against the odds of geography and politics. Surrounded by a wild landscape that sparks imagination, fellow passengers recount train travels in other countries, get nostalgic for the era of steam locomotives, and consider life’s unfinished journeys. Peppered with spirited dialogue, heartrending vignettes, and intriguing anecdotes, Train Beyond the Mountains is a travelogue with to make your travel dreams happen now. As one passenger muses, "The mistake we make is that we think we have time."

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Adventure, Canada, Trains

288 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

About the author

Rick Antonson's latest book is Slumach's Gold: In Search of a Legend - and a Curse (Heritage House Publishers, 2024). Rick is author of 5 acclaimed travel books including Train Beyond the Mountains: Journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer (Greystone, 2023) and Route 66 Still Kicks: Driving America's Main Street which The New York Times called "One of the best books of the bunch" in their Christmas travel book roundup, and To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey Through West Africa (2013) which the Chicago Tribune noted as a "travel classic." Full Moon Over Noah's Ark: An Odyssey to Mount Ararat, also, Walking With Ghosts in Papua New Guinea: Crossing the Kokoda Trail in the Last Wild Place on Earth (Skyhorse, NY). Rick is the former CEO of Tourism Vancouver, an Ambassador for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, chair of Destination Marketing Association International (based in Washington, DC), former deputy chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (based in Bangkok, Thailand), and president of Pacific Coast Public Television, Antonson now enjoys a career as a full time author,

Reviews

[Dave Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Train Beyond the Mountains," fellow author and tourism pro Rick Antonson has created a compelling, inspiring and emotional combination of train journey, Western Canadian history, and legacy travel.

This is a wonderful, powerful story not only of the Rocky Mountaineer and its courageous and forward-thinking founders, but of the many men and women who provide life-changing experiences on those trains every season. And it's also the story of the men and women (both Indigenous and non-) who were the foundation of Canada's cross-Canada rail system as we know it today.

Antonson's story of days on Rocky Mountaineer trains with his grandson Riley is emotional and thought-provoking. It's clear that Rick learned as much from Riley as Riley did from Rick.

After reading "Train Beyond the Mountains," I'm sure most readers will -- like I have -- come away with a deep desire to book a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer with either parents or grandparents, or with children or grandchildren. There's not time like the present to share such a gift.

[Moiz Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written book that covers the travels through Rockies and through time of the area's history. The Author travels on the luxurious (And out of reach for most) Rocky Mountaineer offering a window into the history of the rails in western Canada, the indigenous groups and the very rocky tale of the Banff-Vancoiver route.

since he travels with his 8 years old grandson, he does offer some poignant experiences of how age effects our ability to venture out and have adventures which I personally found to be quite meaningful.

[Jordy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broke: privileged white dude goes on a luxury train voyage to help promote his friends business

Woke: learn about the history of railway travel in western Canada with breaks in between to talk about smoothies and The Chainsmokers

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

96th Retirement Read Aloud. Very enjoyable

[Phillip Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine look at the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train and the magic of rail travel and the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Very enjoyable!

[Smith Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Train Beyond the Mountains: Journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer by Rick Antonson offers a scenic and reflective journey through one of the most iconic rail experiences in North America.

Centered around travels on the Rocky Mountaineer, the book captures not just the landscapes of the Canadian Rockies but also the spirit of exploration that comes with rail travel. Antonson blends personal narrative with observations about place, history, and the unique rhythm of long-distance train journeys.

What stands out is the immersive sense of setting towering mountains, winding tracks, and ever-changing vistas become more than just a backdrop they shape the experience itself. The slower pace of train travel allows for reflection, giving the memoir a thoughtful and almost meditative tone.

Beyond scenery, the book highlights the human side of travel fellow passengers, shared moments, and the stories that unfold along the way. It’s as much about connection and perspective as it is about destination.

A rewarding read for those who enjoy travel writing that emphasizes atmosphere, personal insight, and the beauty of the journey itself.

[Brian Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, a confession: I’m not much of a non fiction reader. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
I took Train Beyond the Mountains with me on my travels. What a wonderful way to wile away the hours whilst waiting in airports. It was as much the eccentric people Rick and Riley encountered as it was the intricate and detailed description of the Rocky Mountaineer that drew me in and kept me reading. And these are freebies, considering it is in fact a travel guide extraordinaire. Antonson paints with masterful strokes the scenery, the mountains and the histories of the peoples and landscapes he and his 10 year old grandson, encountered on their journey. I did get a few bizarre looks from fellow travellers as I literally laughed out loud …often. The humour woven within the stories was most heart warming. And when I finally did turn that last page. It was a bit like saying goodbye to friends.
I highly recommend this insightful and moving travel memoir.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author describes his trip with his grandson on the tourist train "Rocky Mountaineer" from Banff to Vancouver to Jasper and a drive back to Banff. There are a number of interesting history lessons including the first European explorers to the areas along the tracks. Also described are the interesting people they meet on the train. Less interesting are his interactions with his grandson. The kid seems spoiled and entitled for a portion of the time. He is sometimes too occupied with his electronics and other times he is just being a bit of a jerk and not appreciating the opportunity. I would have loved to take a trip with my grandfather at age ten. This would have been a better read without the grandchild along.

[Char Freund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read before a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer. The book relates the history of the railroad as the author uses his trip with his grandson to propel the story which is told geographically as they visit various landmarks. I like to know as much as possible about a place before visiting to gain better understanding and this did assist that goal. I understood the anecdotes and historical trivia presented by local and rail tour guides as most were in the book. And this was the only book I could find on the history of the railroad and area. Yet it read “dry”, even for someone who loves history and science. Read it before visiting but can’t recommend as a leisure read.

[Steve Boyko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more sentimental and story telling than it is historical, but the author managed to pack a lot of history into a tale of two journeys - a physical one aboard the Rocky Mountaineer trains, and an emotional one with his grandson.

[Tora · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable book, but I only gave it 3 stars as it was tricky to follow, but a must for anybody going on the Rocky Mountaineer. Sadly our trip was amended so we missed the Jasper to Quesnel leg, but one day . . .

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and interesting. I want to
go on a train adventure.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to do this trip!

[Abbie Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. It jumps around a little bit but interesting information, history, and descriptions of travel

[L M Beaupre Scorgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight to read as I knew the places he talked about! A humorous writer! Thoroughly enjoyed this!!