Trains to the Rockies: A France 5 Broadcast

Philippe Gougler Embarks on an Arctic Adventure Through the American North on France 5

On Monday, July 21, 2025, at 8:55 PM, France 5 will broadcast a captivating new episode of Philippe Gougler’s renowned documentary series, “Trains like no other.” This installment takes viewers on an remarkable journey through the frost-covered landscapes of the northern United States, exploring a region adn its rich history from the unique vantage point of a train.Throughout the summer, Gougler has been sharing his immersive travel experiences, delving into diverse cultures and histories via distinctive rail journeys. This season’s destinations have been as varied as Bolivia, Chile, Hungary, Belgium, Mozambique, the Philippines, and now, the United States.

From Chicago to the Majestic Rockies

This particular episode ventures into the heart of an American winter. Gougler’s adventure begins in Chicago, where he encounters the extreme cold and discovers innovative methods to keep the railways operational, including the dramatic spectacle of warming the tracks by setting them alight.The journey then proceeds towards the frozen expanse of the Lake of the Woods, situated near the Canadian border.Here, the pace of travel shifts, and Gougler embraces a different way of life. He experiences the thrill of ice fishing from the comfort of a mobile home placed directly on the frozen lake. Despite the biting -20°C temperatures outside, the interior offers a warm sanctuary. Though, Gougler’s encounters are far from over. On the very same frozen lake,he stumbles upon an igloo-shaped bar and witnesses a unique local tradition: a live fish,plunged into a shot of potent alcohol,to be consumed swiftly.This custom, Gougler observes, perfectly encapsulates the resilient and festive spirit of the locals, even in the face of polar conditions.

The railway adventure continues aboard the legendary “Empire Builder,” a train renowned for its impressive route through the Rocky Mountains. This iconic journey offers an unparalleled perspective on the best way to traverse the United States by train. The expedition includes a visit to Yellowstone National Park, where Gougler marvels at its vividly colored hot springs, erupting geysers, and the stoic bison braving the blizzards, showcasing the raw, untamed beauty of winter in the region.

The journey culminates with a breathtaking ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad. This panoramic train navigates the depths of a dizzying canyon, offering Gougler a chance to explore the historical context of the fierce railway rivalries during the American West’s expansion. The final destination is Aspen, a elegant ski resort nestled in the heart of Colorado. Here, Gougler discovers another facet of American culture – its culinary delights – with a tasting of caviar pancakes prepared by Chef Tomorrow.

Following this premiere, France 5 will also rebroadcast the episode “Trains like no other in Serbia.”

What specific historical impacts on Indigenous communities were highlighted in the France 5 documentary regarding the arrival of railways?

the Allure of Rail Journeys Through the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies have long captivated travelers with their majestic peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. A recent France 5 broadcast, “Trains to the Rockies,” offered a compelling visual journey through this stunning landscape, focusing specifically on the enduring appeal of train travel as a means of experiencing its grandeur. This article delves into the details of the broadcast, the history of rail in the Rockies, and why choosing a train remains a popular option for exploring Western Canada. We’ll cover everything from scenic routes and luxury train experiences to practical travel tips for planning your own Rocky Mountain rail adventure.

A Look at the France 5 Documentary

The France 5 documentary, aired in early july 2025, showcased the iconic rail routes traversing the Canadian Rockies. It highlighted:

The Rocky Mountaineer: A luxury tourist train renowned for its glass-domed cars offering panoramic views. The broadcast detailed the meticulous service, gourmet dining, and curated excursions offered on board.

VIA Rail’s “the Canadian”: A more customary, yet equally scenic, rail journey connecting Toronto to Vancouver. The program explored the diverse landscapes encountered along this transcontinental route, including the prairies, boreal forests, and the dramatic peaks of the rockies.

Historical Footage: Archival film and photographs illustrated the pivotal role railways played in the development of Western canada, from the construction of the Canadian pacific Railway to the opening up of remote regions.

Indigenous Perspectives: The documentary included interviews with Indigenous communities whose lives were profoundly impacted by the arrival of the railways, offering a nuanced understanding of this historical period.

The broadcast emphasized the slower pace of train travel, allowing passengers to truly immerse themselves in the scenery and appreciate the scale of the Rockies. It contrasted this with the often-rushed experience of air travel or driving.

The History of Rail Travel in the Canadian Rockies

The story of rail in the Rockies is inextricably linked to the creation of Canada itself.

1. The Canadian Pacific railway (CPR): Completed in 1885, the CPR was a monumental undertaking, connecting Eastern Canada to British Columbia. Its construction faced immense challenges, including navigating treacherous mountain passes and securing funding. The railway was crucial for unifying the country and facilitating westward expansion.
2. Early Tourism: Almost instantly, the CPR recognized the potential for tourism. Grand hotels, like the Banff Springs Hotel and the Chateau Lake Louise, were built along the rail line to cater to wealthy travelers seeking to experience the beauty of the Rockies.
3. Evolution of Rail Services: Over the decades,rail services evolved,with VIA Rail taking over passenger operations in 1977. While freight transport remained vital, passenger rail experienced fluctuations in popularity, eventually finding a niche in luxury tourism with the emergence of the Rocky Mountaineer in 1990.
4. Modern Rail Infrastructure: Today, the rail network continues to be maintained and upgraded, ensuring safe and reliable transport for both passengers and goods. Investments in new technologies and infrastructure are ongoing.

why Choose a Train to Explore the Rockies?

Opting for a train journey offers several distinct advantages:

Unparalleled Scenery: Trains follow routes specifically chosen for their scenic beauty, often inaccessible by road.The large windows and glass-domed cars provide unobstructed views of the mountains, forests, and rivers.

relaxation and Comfort: Train travel allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey without the stress of driving or navigating airports. Luxury trains offer premium amenities, including comfortable seating, gourmet meals, and attentive service.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Compared to flying or driving, train travel generally has a lower carbon footprint, making it a more enduring option for environmentally conscious travelers.

Social Interaction: Trains provide opportunities to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.

Access to Remote Locations: Rail lines often serve towns and areas that are challenging to reach by other means of transportation.

Popular Rocky Mountain Rail Routes

several rail routes cater to different budgets and preferences:

rocky Mountaineer Routes: offers various packages,including the “First Passage to the West” (Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise),the “Journey through the Clouds” (Vancouver to Jasper),and the “Rainforest to Gold Rush” (Vancouver to Jasper via Whistler). These are premium, all-daylight travel experiences.

VIA Rail’s “The Canadian”: A multi-day journey from Toronto to Vancouver,offering a more affordable option with sleeper cars and dining services.

Regional Rail Services: Smaller rail lines operate in certain areas of the Rockies,providing access to specific destinations.

Planning Your Rocky Mountain Rail Adventure: Practical tips

Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes like the Rocky Mountaineer,booking well in advance is essential,especially during peak season (June-September).

Consider Your Budget: Train travel can range from relatively affordable (VIA Rail) to very expensive (Rocky Mountaineer). Factor in the cost of accommodation, meals, and excursions.

* Pack appropriately: