Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Toronto and Vancouver via Edmonton, Jasper, Kamloops, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. Ser-
viceisprovidedintwoclassesoftravel:
Economy
featureslotsoflegroom,readinglights,
pillows and blankets, and a Skyline Car complete with bar service while
Silver and Blue
is more luxurious, featuring sleeping rooms, daytime seating, all meals, a lounge and din-
ing car, and shower kits for all passengers.
Passes and Practicalities:
If you're traveling to Vancouver from any eastern province,
the least expensive way to travel is on a
Canrailpass,
which allows seven trips within a
21-day period anywhere on the VIA Rail system. During high season (June 1-Oct. 15) the
passis$1008foradults,$930forseniors(over60)andchildren.Therestoftheyear,adult
tickets are $630, seniors and children $567, respectively.
On regular fares, discounts of 25-40 percent apply to travel in all classes October-June.
Those over60andunder25receive a10percent discount that canbecombined with other
seasonal fares. Check for advance-purchase restrictions on all discount tickets.
The
VIA Rail website
(
www.viarail.ca
)
providesroute,schedule,andfareinformation,
takesreservations,andofferslinkstotownsandsightsenroute.Orpickupatrainschedule
at any VIA Rail station.
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations
(604/606-7245 or 877/460-3200,
www.rockymountaineer.com
)
runs a variety of luxurious rail trips, including the Whistler
Sea to Sky Climb from North Vancouver to Whistler (May-mid-Oct., adult $311
roundtrip),betweenVancouverandBanfforJasper,andfromWhistlertoJasperviaPrince
George. On the latter three routes, travel is during daylight hours only so you don't miss
anything. Trains depart in either direction in the morning (every second or third day),
overnighting at Kamloops or Quesnel. RedLeaf Service ($1,009 pp d, $1,145 s one-way
from either Banff or Jasper; $1,165 pp d, $1,289 s from Calgary) includes light meals,
nonalcoholic drinks, and accommodations. GoldLeaf Service ($1,969 pp d, $2,149 s from
Banff or Jasper to Vancouver) is the ultimate in luxury. Passengers ride in a two-story
glass-domed car, eat in a separate dining area, and stay in luxurious accommodations. The
Rocky Mountaineer terminates behind Pacific Central Station (1755 Cottrell St., off Ter-
minal Ave.).
