On April 28, 2026, 79 students from John Norquay Elementary and Renfrew Community Elementary stepped onto a bus for what many assumed would be a fun field trip. By the end of the day, it had become something much more.
Hosted in partnership by JA British Columbia (JABC) and Rocky Mountaineer, this special Career Day took place at Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver and brought together students from two elementary schools in underserved communities, where access to economic, educational, and employment opportunities can be more limited. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to explore the many careers that power one of Canada’s most iconic travel experiences.
Through interactive career stations, hands-on learning, and JABC’s Economics for Success program, students explored real-world pathways across tourism, technology and more.
From the outset, the day was designed with care and intention. One educator shared, “From the moment the students boarded the bus to the thoughtful gift bags they received at the end of the day, every detail reflected incredible care, generosity, and intentional planning.”
Students were fully engaged throughout the day, asking questions, making connections, and exploring how classroom learning connects to real-world opportunities. The interactive format helped bring career pathways to life in a way that felt tangible and accessible.
The Economics for Success program’s budget activity was a standout moment, inviting students to think through real-life financial decisions and trade-offs in a practical and engaging way. One student reflected, “I learned there is so much to consider when finding a job.” Another shared, “It is important to plan ahead for the future.”
Beyond the learning itself, the day was also defined by the care and generosity of the Rocky Mountaineer team. Food and hospitality were a central part of the experience and clearly stood out for students throughout the day. It played an important role in supporting students’ ability to stay engaged, comfortable, and present throughout the learning experience. Students responded with enthusiasm throughout the experience, with one declaring, “BEST FIELD TRIP EVER!!!!”
“One of the most rewarding moments came after we completed our budgeting exercise,” said Megan Cash, CFO of Armstrong Collective. “Whenever a scenario showed income exceeding expenses, the children enthusiastically responded, ‘I would save it!’ It was inspiring to see how quickly they embraced the importance of financial planning and saving for the future.”
“We know that students learn best when they can connect classroom learning to real life,” said Wendi Campbell, President and CEO of JABC. “We are grateful to Rocky Mountaineer for bringing that to life in an incredible way, giving students the chance to explore careers, ask questions, and build practical skills in such a unique environment.”
The day clearly resonated beyond the students in attendance, with educators already expressing interest in future participation.
JABC extends sincere thanks to Rocky Mountaineer and its volunteer team for their time, care, and commitment to creating such a meaningful experience. Special recognition goes to Peter Armstrong, President and CEO of Rocky Mountaineer and a Business Laureate of British Columbia, whose connection to JABC reflects a shared commitment to inspiring and supporting young people through real-world learning opportunities.
One educator also shared a particularly meaningful personal connection to the day, having previously worked at Rocky Mountaineer before becoming a teacher. Bringing her class into the same space represented a full-circle moment, one that added an additional layer of meaning and excitement for both students and staff.
This experience also reflects a simple but powerful idea often shared in conversations about opportunity: you can’t be what you can’t see. For many students, opportunities like this open doors to careers and pathways they may not have previously imagined possible.
Career exploration was a key part of the day, but what stayed with many students and educators alike went beyond careers: the feeling of being supported and encouraged to imagine what is possible, while also beginning to build practical skills in budgeting, decision-making, and thinking through the choices that shape their future. At Rocky Mountaineer Career Day, 79 students experienced exactly that.