“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen
Traveling is one of the best ways to experience the world while forging lasting friendships. This year’s Ventana Voyage adventures took Members from the winding canyons of the Pacific Northwest to the breathtaking peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Both trips were filled with the thrill of shared discovery, meaningful experiences, and the kind of moments that stay with you long after the suitcases are unpacked.
Here’s a look back at the journeys that shaped our 2025 travel season.
Columbia and Snake River Cruise
In May, a group of Ventana Voyagers set out on a nine-day journey through the dramatic landscapes carved by the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Beginning in Clarkston, Washington, trip participants stepped onto the same route Lewis and Clark traveled during their expedition more than two centuries ago. The scenery shifted from rolling mountain valleys to rugged canyon walls, creating a cinematic backdrop for the entire voyage.
“It was a fun-filled journey with beautiful scenery at every turn,” said Nancy C. “Everything felt effortless and we could simply enjoy being together.”
A few Members kicked off the trip with a jet boat ride through Hells Canyon before boarding the American Song for a week of guided excursions, enriching onboard programs, and evenings filled with good food and great conversation. The group experienced Astoria’s coastal charm and the towering beauty of Multomah Falls, with each stop offering something unique and absorbing to explore.
Rocky Mountaineer: Calgary, Banff, and Beyond
July brought another unforgettable experience as trip participants keen on beating the Texas heat headed north for a week in the Canadian Rockies. The adventure began with the excitement of the Calgary Stampede, setting the tone for the week ahead.
From there, the group made their way to Banff and Lake Louise, two of Canada’s most iconic outdoors destinations. The grandeur of the glassy blue water, dramatic peaks, and picturesque alpine trails were awe-inspiring and truly unforgettable to experience in person. But the crown jewel of the trip was the Rocky Mountaineer itself.
Aboard the Gold Dome Car, Members were treated to panoramic views, seamless service, and delicious, freshly prepared meals. The train wound through mountain passes, river valleys, and glacier-carved landscapes that had everyone reaching for their cameras.
“Banff and Lake Louise were breathtaking,” said trip participants Bill and Jan E. “The Rocky Mountaineer was filled with scenic wonder, amazing food, and top-notch staff. Canada lived up to every expectation.”
Looking Ahead
Ventana Voyage continues to grow, and each trip brings a fresh opportunity for Members to explore the world around them without the hassle of traditional travel planning. We love providing this exclusive service to our Members and to make every aspect of travel seamless and fun. Here’s to another year of seeing the world, side by side.
For more information on upcoming trips, Contact a Senior Living Counselor today to learn more.