Anyone taken the "Canadian" train from Toronto-Vancouver

[Zero]

I noticed Via has a 50% fare (ending today of course) and for $1,160 I can get a cabin for 4 nights.

Was thinking of grabbing 2 tickets but wondered if someone has done this trip and could share their thoughts/experiences.

 

[RunningBum]

It was over 10 years ago so things may have changed, but I thought VIA was a lot better than Amtrak. We only went from Jasper to Vancouver.

 

[sunnysideup]

I also hope someone can provide more info--I hope to do this sometime too!


Norma

 

[Zero]

It was over 10 years ago so things may have changed, but I thought VIA was a lot better than Amtrak. We only went from Jasper to Vancouver.

Was the Jasper to Vancouver part very scenic? I have been on Amtrak from Reno to Denver and that was awesome, literally reach out touch the mountain face is some parts.

Did Amtrak from Chicago to Seattle and had a Roomette that was kinda comfy and fun but not real "Orient Express" quality.

Anybody? Day of 50% off is almost over.

 

[sengsational]

There's a bunch of discussion that you might find valuable in another thread. My post is about not expecting really great night's sleep: Have you stayed overnight on a train? - Page 3 - Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community

 

[Danmar]

I believe the really great scenery in Canada is mostly between Calgary and Vancouver. Although I have never taken the Canadian I have heard it is pretty boring from Toronto to Calgary. Why not take the Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary to Vancouver. two days and you spend the night in a hotel in Kamloops I think. Maybe it is more expensive than the Canadian but probably a better ride in my view.

 

[RunningBum]

Yes, very, very scenic.

 

[Lsbcal]

A long time ago we went from Calgary to Banff to Jasper. A very scenic drive with places to hike and visit along the way.

This tread has got me to wondering if it is possible to check out of a rental car in Jasper, take the train from Jasper to Vancouver, then fly home from Vancouver? Or any other better plan?

 

[Danmar]

A long time ago we went from Calgary to Banff to Jasper. A very scenic drive with places to hike and visit along the way.

This tread has got me to wondering if it is possible to check out of a rental car in Jasper, take the train from Jasper to Vancouver, then fly home from Vancouver? Or any other better plan?

I might suggest you fly to Calgary, drive through the mountains to Jasper over a period of 3-4 days, then take the train to Vancouver. This would be a great trip.

 

[Lsbcal]

I might suggest you fly to Calgary, drive through the mountains to Jasper over a period of 3-4 days, then take the train to Vancouver. This would be a great trip.

That's what I'm talking about. But what are the issues with leaving a rental car in Jasper? I could call the rental company.

Am hoping someone has done this trip and has suggestions.

Found this link that might help a bit: http://www.canadarailtours.com/vancouverrailroadvacation/vancouver-rrvv17.html

 

[Zero]

Wow, I looked at the Mountaineer tours and that looks like fun. $3,700 with 10 nights in hotels, that's all in the Rockies area. Cool, thanks for all the info.

 

[RunningBum]

I might suggest you fly to Calgary, drive through the mountains to Jasper over a period of 3-4 days, then take the train to Vancouver. This would be a great trip.

I did exactly this (again, 10-12 years ago) and there was no problem with returning the rental car immediately adjacent to the Jasper train station. I still have my itinerary notes and don't see anything about a drop-off charge for not returning it back to Calgary. It's possible I used a corporate contract for this but I used National for this trip, and always used Hertz or Avis for business travel, so I don't think so.

 

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

Zero, I hope you jumped on this.

That train ride is said to be one of the greatest of all. Canadian television had a special years ago on the last trip when regular service was discontinued. It was one of the very few things on my bucket list (the Cobre Canyon trip was another, but bandits make it unwise today). Now I will have to buy a tour ticket like you.

I remember trains and train trips. One of the great things about growing up in the US.

 

[Zero]

Ed, I missed the 50% VIA discount (only saw it the day before it expired) but I am in the process of getting the Mountaineer train ride set up.

I have done coast to coast both ways on Amtrak and enjoyed it. Nothing like a ride thru the mountains of CO.