Switzerland

The Gift of a Lifetime

Story by Serafina Piasentin
Photography by Glenn Gervais

Switzerland is a gift to this world, and for Glenn Gervais, it was the perfect Christmas gift. He chose to surprise his wife, Vinka, with a two-week trip during December 2024 since she loved it so much the first two times they visited. Although they primarily wanted to see the city’s Christmas spirit, the couple also toured the mountainous countryside. Though Switzerland is an expensive country, Gervais assures that a gift is worth more than how much you buy it for. 

From Zurich to Basel to the capital, Bern, the purpose of their trip was to visit the Christmas markets in each city. These outdoor markets are a collection of festive wooden stalls that sell handcrafted goods, traditional food and seasonal activities. They sprawl through the towns like an inviting aroma through a house. In a Swiss market, the smells of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, crepes, gingerbread and fondue will entice each and every tourist. Not only are these markets a delight to indulge in, but they also embody the spirit of Christmas in Europe and the country’s local specialties and idiosyncrasies.  

And the Gervais’ had many Christmas markets to choose from. Cities like Montreux, Fribourg, Sion, Zermatt and St. Moritz showed the Gervais’ what it was like to “travel the back roads” and explore the hidden gems in the Alps. Oftentimes, those gems were Christmas lights, and there were a myriad of them. They grew enchanted by Zurich’s old city which convinced them that they were in “an old European movie.” With the twinkling lights, the clean streets and the friendly people, Zurich quickly stole their hearts. However, Gervais mentions that at Montreux’s Christmas market, “each hour at night, Santa’s sleigh, pulled by his reindeer, flew across the lakefront.” This truly brought Christmas to life, convincing the onlookers to believe in the children’s tale once more. That’s the thing about Switzerland—it is full of real life magic.

Glenn gifted one of these fairytale-like moments to Vinka—a ride on the Glacier Express Train, often referred to as the Polar Express. He explains how “this train ride is considered to be one of the best in the world. You have to book seats months in advance.” An 8 hour ride between Zermatt and St. Moritz’s, this train winds its way at a leisurely pace up to the top of the Alps, allowing for picturesque views from its glass roofs and windows. Although it is a long time to be on a train, you will be treated like royalty. “The treatment was luxurious.” Gervais explains, “We were served a 3-course dinner in leather booths.” The biggest advantage of taking the train is seeing mountain towns and glacial peaks that the average tourist wouldn’t see because they are difficult to get to. “It’s a photographers dream; I probably took a few hundred photos,” Gervais quips. 

Although expensive, the Gervais’ assure it was worth every penny. For budget-travels, an alternative would be to purchase the Swiss Rail pass which gives you access to all modes of transportation for the duration of your stay for just a few hundred Canadian dollars. Even the most average train in Switzerland boasts incredible mountain views. Gervais says, “Once in Switzerland, the hiking and scenery are free, though there are nominal costs for trains and gondolas into the mountains.” 

However, going out for a meal in Switzerland will cost you much more than you are used to spending in Canada. A sandwich and drink could cost you $50. Gervais advises travelers to take advantage of local grocery stores for cheaper pre-made meals or to purchase the ingredients to cook for yourselves. But going out once in a while for traditional dishes is recommended. While in Bern, the couple visited a traditional fondue place. Though averaging around $70, this dish can be split with up to four people to make the cost more affordable. It consists of a bowl of hot cheese as well as bread, potatoes or vegetables that you can dip into the fondue. It’s a must-try while you’re in Switzerland.

The Gervais’ were also invited to see a Swiss Hockey game in Bern by their dear friend, former NHL player, Jacob De La Rose. “Sixteen thousand fans, unbeatable energy and incomparable to the games in North America,” Gervais notes. 

Another unexpected surprise was the town of Sion. Not a popular tourist destination, the couple visited for a more local experience. A huge castle and monastery sit above the old city’s narrow streets, and the whole place is framed by mountains, wineries and terraced vineyards. “It was surreal,” says Gervais. “We drove the back roads up through the Alps as far as we could until we returned our rental and went by train to Zermatt.”

Glenn and Vinka spent time hiking the upper valley in the snow-covered forests above Zermatt. Known for its triangular mountain—the Matterhorn—that inspired the Toblerone logo, as well as being a great location for both skiing and mountain climbing, Zermatt is a popular tourist destination. Since it is a car-free town that can only be reached by train, this little slice of Switzerland offers an exclusive and magical experience. “It is a true winter wonderland,” Gervais says. “We stayed at a small boutique resort that was in walking distance to everything.” The only place they took a train to reach was the Gornergrat Summit which gave panoramic views of the Matterhorn.

Switzerland is the perfect gift to give a loved one. Not only is the country full of natural beauty, but there is also a deep-rooted magic in the mountain towns. The people are helpful, the cities are safe, the train system is impeccable and everyone speaks English, even off the beaten path. Having visited both big cities and smaller villages, Gervais confidently says, “I would return anywhere in Switzerland. The entire country is beautiful and we’ve seen almost all of it on our 3 trips. Each time we return, I swear it gets more amazing.” 

The best part of Switzerland is that it reminds you to be present in the beauty of nature and in the presence of your loved ones. Sharing a trip to Switzerland together is truly a grounding and unforgettable experience. 

Published in the Autumn 2025 Edition.