Planning Your Canadian Rockies Train Trip
Some people think about a train trip to the Canadian Rockies for years before they do it. Others decide on the spur of the moment to take the train and make plans on their way to the airport (well, almost).
While both methods work, some advance planning increases your odds of getting what you want and having a stress free, rewarding experience. Here are some decisions you’ll consider as you plan your trip.
1. Which month do you want to travel?
May is the most popular month to travel because winter is over and train prices are lower than they will be in June, July, August and September. To balance the lower prices, temperatures are lower in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper in May.
Banff is situated at an altitude of 1384 m (4541 feet) and Lake Louise is situated at an altitude of 1661 m (5449 feet). Lake Louise thaws, on average, about June 15. Jasper is situated at an altitude of 1062 m (3484 feet).
Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, on the other hand, are less rainy in May than they are in June, July and August.
Traveling in the first week of October is generally less expensive than traveling during the summer and the temperatures tend to be warmer in October than they are in May. Generally speaking, you are more likely to encounter snow in May than in early October.
The busiest time in the Canadian Rockies is July and August, not surprisingly. June is quieter than July and August since most Canadian children get out of school about July 1.
2. How Long a trip do you want?
A number of factors determine the length of your trip: amount of time you have, your budget and how much you enjoy being away from home. Rocky Mountaineer train packages range from a two day / one night trip between Vancouver and the Rockies to our 12 night Golden Circle package.
To determine the optimal length for you, decide what you want to see and do. Will you spend time exploring Vancouver before or after your train trip to the Rockies? (Personally, we think Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and that, especially if you’ve never been here before, it’s definitely worth a day or two or three in its own right.)
Do you want to focus on the train experience, the Canadian Rockies experience, or both? How many nights do you want to spend in the Rockies? How many days do you want to spend on the train?
Do you want a one way trip that begins in Vancouver and ends in Calgary or the reverse? Or do you prefer a round trip package that begins and ends in Vancouver?
3.Which type of service do you want on the Rocky Mountaineer?
You have two service levels available: SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf.
SilverLeaf Service includes reserved seating in a custom built single level car expansive windows curving into the ceiling, hot breakfast and lunch served at your seat, and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during the day and overnight accommodations in Kamloops.
GoldLeaf Service includes reserved seating in the elevated GoldLeaf dome car, breakfast and lunch in the GoldLeaf dining car and access to the GoldLeaf outdoor viewing platform. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included on the train and overnight accommodations are included in Kamloops.
4. What kind of hotels do you want?
Some people think of hotels as places to sleep and others think of them as oases of pampering, luxury and beauty. Your take on hotels will determine the hotels you include with your train trip. All of the hotels included with your Rocky Mountaineer train packages are nice but some, particularly the Fairmont hotels, are elegant, beautiful and luxurious with spas, great restaurants and amenities.
You can include Fairmont hotels with any train package and you can also choose comfortable, moderate hotels with any package. You can also mix and match. You can also add hotel breakfasts, dinner or breakfast and dinners to any train package.
5. How many will be in your party?
While many couples and singles enjoy train trips to the Canadian Rockies and have the time of their lives, these trips are perfect for groups. You’ll have an opportunity to spend quality time in spectacular environments with the people who matter most to you. And these trips are so spectacular that it’s thrilling to share them.
Call today for details:
1-800-913-9207 or
604-990-9299