The Canadian Rockies are the easternmost part of the Canadian Cordillera, the collective name for the mountains of Western Canada. They form part of the American Cordillera, an essentially continuous sequence of mountain ranges that runs all the way from Alaska to the very tip of South America. The Cordillera in turn are the eastern part of the Pacific Ring of Fire that runs all the way around the Pacific Ocean.

Boarding on the first east bound train leaving Vancouver, Alton, Helga, Theresa and Steve share a 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip through the majestic mountain range, beyond the continental divide, through the frozen plains of Alberta into Winnipeg.

For all the beauty passing outside their windows, the personal journey of family separated by miles is just as rich and rewarding if not more so.

Share their journey through these photos.