One of our most popular Canadian itineraries starts with a flight to Calgary, followed by time spent in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Exploring the Canadian Rockies by self-drive, private, or shared transfers, with highlights including the Banff Gondola (cable car), kayaking on Lake Louise and exploring the Columbia Icefield.
There are so many more options, perhaps to start your trip by flying and staying in Toronto for a few days, adding a Bear and Whale watching adventure in Vancouver Island, or an Alaskan cruise – you decide!
Rocky Mountaineer
Most clients continue their journey by joining the luxury scenic train – the Rocky Mountaineer – which takes them to Vancouver (with an overnight stop in a hotel in Kamloops).
The Rocky Mountaineer is a ‘bucket list’ rail trip for many, and it is a fabulous way to travel to Vancouver (or in reverse) but it is expensive and can swallow up to 50% of a £10k tour budget for just two days. However, there are more affordable alternatives.
The Canadian
My personal recommendation is the trans-continental train called the Canadian (operated by VIA Rail Canada, Canada’s national train operator) which links Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper and Vancouver, with services twice a week all year round, unlike the Rocky Mountaineer which only operates between mid-April and mid-October.
The complete journey takes 4 nights, however, the leg between Jasper and Vancouver only takes around 23 hours, leaving at 9.30am from Jasper and arriving in Vancouver around 8am the following morning.
TRAVEL CLASSES
I’m not recommending that anyone (except the very budget conscious!) attempt Economy class, albeit that the reclining seats are quite comfortable.
There is also a Sleeper Plus class, and a deluxe Prestige class however this ‘top’ class is a similar price to the Rocky Mountaineer, but it’s almost always sold out from the day of release (331 days before travel), but you’ll enjoy a much bigger and more luxurious cabin plus all drinks are included. However, I would recommend Sleeper Plus!
TRAVEL CLASSES
I’m not recommending that anyone (except the very budget conscious!) attempt Economy class, albeit that the reclining seats are quite comfortable. However, I would recommend Sleeper Plus, where you’ll enjoy your very own private sleeping-car, plus complimentary meals in the restaurant car.
There is also a deluxe Prestige class which is a similar price to the Rocky Mountaineer, but it’s almost always sold out from the day of release (331 days before travel), but you’ll enjoy a much bigger and more luxurious cabin plus all drinks are included.
SLEEPER PLUS
The prices do vary but Sleeper Plus is around 600 to 900 Canadian dollars (depending on the date you’re travelling) so if you budget for around £1200 to £1800 (for two) this is less than 20% of your £10k budget. You can book Sleeper Plus cabins for solo travellers or for 2, 3 or 4 passengers.
Cabin for two (shown in the photo):
• Toilet and wash area available inside each cabin;
• Day time: two comfortable sofa chairs;
• Night time: upper and lower beds replace chairs (see photo);
• Large window with blind;
• Access to a shower room (one shower room per car);
• Amenities include small closet, drinking water, towels, pillows, sheets and blankets supplied.
By day you can enjoy wine tastings, presentations, access to lounges and scenic dome cars plus freshly cooked meals and regional specialties in the dining car, all accompanied by stunning views.
Book an appointment to start planning your Canadian adventure.
