#242 - Marcel Heim - From Switzerland to the Canadian Rockies, Bus Driving and a Debut Album

#242 - Marcel Heim - From Switzerland to the Canadian Rockies, Bus Driving and a Debut Album

From Most memorable journeys by Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis

June 9, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 242

About this episode

Marcel Heim shares his inspiring journey from Switzerland to Canada, discussing his experiences as a bus driver and his debut album at age 66.

What happens when a Swiss-born business man who become a bus driver living in the Canadian Rockies decides it's never too late to follow a dream? In this inspiring episode of Most Memorable Journeys , I speak with Marcel Heim, a man whose life journey proves that reinvention has no age limit. Born in Switzerland and now living in Cochrane, Alberta, Marcel spent much of his professional life working in export, technology, project leadership, and business development before making the life-changing decision to move to Canada with his wife Irene. What followed was a journey filled with uncertainty, perseverance, culture shock, and ultimately the creation of a new life in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Today, Marcel still drives a public transit bus through the spectacular Bow Valley between Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise, where he quietly observes the people who board his bus every day. Their stories, struggles, humour, and humanity became the inspiration for something entirely unexpected. At the age of 66, Marcel is releasing his debut country/Americana album, The Water Never Asked My Name , a collection of twelve songs inspired by real people, real roads, and the…

People in this episode

Host: Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis

Guest: Marcel Heim

Topics covered

  • reinvention
  • life journey
  • music production
  • cultural experiences
  • personal stories
  • travel
  • age and creativity

Keywords

  • Marcel Heim
  • Canadian Rockies
  • bus driver
  • debut album
  • country music
  • reinvention
  • technology in music
  • personal journey
  • Cochrane
  • cultural shock

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Water Never Asked My Name

Places: Switzerland, Canada, Cochrane, Alberta, Bow Valley, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise

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