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My wife and I are thinking of taking a vacation on one of the tourist trains in British Columbia -either the Rocky Mountaineerr (from Vancouver to Banff) or the Whislter Northwind this summer
Has anyone had any opinions on these tourist lines either first hand or heard from others who went on them
I would appreciate any opinions pro or con.
Thanks
By all means book a trip on the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER one of North America’s truly great trains for an unforgettable ride and a crew that can’t seem to do enough to make your trip enjoyable. Book early as as this trains sells out on many dates early and seats are hard to come by on the waiting list.
The Whistler Northwind has been dsicontinued but it is rumored a similar service operated by Rocky Mountaineer will be reinstated soon not this coming summer but maybe as soon as the summer of 2006.
Passengerfan is correct on the Northwind, if you got to the rocky mountaineer website you can read all about the new “Whistler Mountaineer” that is supposed to be up and running by 2006.
http://www.rockymountaineer.com/
I have talked with many people that have taken the Rockey Mountaineer rail trips, and have heard nothing but excellent reviews, I also have a friend that used to work as a waiter/host on the Rocky Moutaineer and he spoke very highly of the vacation and said that there really is something for everyone.
The best part, of course, is the fact that all the trains run during the day, and you are in a hotel for the night, so you don’t miss any of the fabulous scenery.
The Fraser Canyon is an amazing part of the trip, I’ve been up and down it many times by train, it’s teaming with wildlife, and of course you have the Fraser River and the beautiful mountains.
Definately give it a go.
Would have to agree with the others on the Forum - if you have the chance do the Rocky Mountaineer – either Jasper or Banff - you wont be dissapointed - You get to see BC from a different angle you don’t see from doing it by road.
Thanks for everyone’s feedback to date!
I still look forward to hearing any first hand knowledge, especially in terms of helpful travel tips for this type of excursion
Thanks
Just put yourselves in the hands of Rocky Mountaineer and you will have nothing else to worry yourselves about. They even have a choiuce of Hotels in Vancouver for the night before your trip begins. I personally recommend the elegant Hotel Vancouver it is truly one of North America’s finest. I personally would recommend the book Canadian Treasures Two Trains Across Canada by Geoffrey H. Doughty published by TLC publishing. The book is about equally divided between the Via Canadian and The Rocky Mountaineer. It should answer any questions you might have.
Thanks for everyone’s input!
Passenger Fan - I will definitely look into the book you recommeded.
Thanks again
Just keep in mind that Via goes through the rockies at NIGHT, and the Rocky Mountaineer ONLY travels during the day.
There is a lower-budget alternative on Vancouver Island…the daily RDC round trip from Victoria to Courtenay. Not as scenic or glamorous at the trips through the Rockies, though there are some forests and canyons along the way, along with distant views of the strait. At CDN$ 94 round-trip, it’s a bargain. And how many places can you ride an RDC these days? It is actually not a tourist train, but it does get a regular assortment of tourists (I rode it in July of this year).