Canadian Rockies Train Trip – A Planning Guide

The anticipation of a holiday can sometimes be more exciting than the holiday itself.  It would therefore be normal to feel overwhelmed with the task of planning a big event such as visiting the Canadian Rockies.

A visit to the Canadian Rockies by train is something that is on the bucket list of many people. Some people may wait for several years before they decide to take the trip while some others simply make an impromptu decision and make plans as they approach the train station.

Whichever category you fall into; you need to understand that a good plan is needed to boost your chances of having the vacation of your dreams. You can use a rail tour company or if you are good at organizing things, you can plan the trip yourself.

That being said, we have put together this planning guide to enable you to understand the process involved in making your trip successful.

Tips for Planning a Trip to the Canadian Rockies By Train

Here are a few tips to help you plan properly:

1. Choose a Month to Travel

Every time of the year certainly has its pros and cons. Usually, in the months of June, July, August, and September, train prices are expensive compared to May which has lower train prices. Therefore, the month of May becomes the most popular month to travel due to the completion of the winter season.

You can click here to read more about the best time to visit the rocky mountain.

As a way of balancing the low prices, temperatures also become lower in places like Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise. For example, Jasper is located at an altitude of 1062m (3484 feet), Banff is located at an altitude of 1384m (4541 feet), while Lake Louise is located at an altitude of 1661m (5449 feet). On the other hand, in May, these places are usually less rainy than they are in June, July, and August.

When people travel during the first week of October, it is usually less expensive than traveling during summer. Unlike May, the temperatures have a tendency of being warmer. However, in the Canadian Rockies, the busiest time is July and August because of the long days and stable weather.

The only challenge with traveling around July and August is that there will be so many tourists on the same trip. There will also be haze due to wildfires, especially towards the end of summer when the entire place will be dry.

Note that the months of favorable weather differ slightly from year to year. Hence, you must fully equip yourself with a fore knowledge of the weather for the period you plan to travel.

You may want to read more about the Canadian weather: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine-in-Canada

2. Decide on How Long to Spend on the Trip

There are so many factors to this point; the period you would be available, whether you enjoy staying away from home for long, and your budget. They all contribute to making that decision. Making a decision on the length of your trip also depends on the places you want to see and what you want to do.

Ask yourself questions like:

1. How many days do you want to spend on the train?
2. How many nights would you prefer to spend in the Rockies?
3. Do you prefer the train experience, the Canadian Rockies experience, or both of them?
4. Is a round trip package that begins and ends in Vancouver okay for you or do you prefer a one-way trip?

These questions will help you plan how long you want to spend on the trip. Remember that Canada is a vast place, so you must make sure you create time to visit places. Anything between ten days and three weeks is perfect to enable you to experience the beauty of the land.

3. Choose a Service Type

There are different train operators in Canada. But if you are traveling with the Rocky Mountaineer, they offer two levels of service. They are SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf.

SilverLeaf Service

This service level offers you hot breakfast and lunch at your reserved seating and in a custom-built single car with large windows making a curve into the ceiling. They also provide overnight accommodations at Kamloops and complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages during the day on the train.

GoldLeaf Service

This service level makes provision for an elevated dome car where each person has a reserved seating to enjoy breakfast and lunch. You also have access to the outdoor viewing platform. Overnight accommodations are also made at Kamloops with complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages served during the day.

4. Decide on a Hotel Package

Your perspective on hotels will influence the way you plan your trip. Some just think a hotel is for sleeping while others see it as a place of luxury, beauty, and pleasure or satisfaction. You can choose any comfortable, moderate hotel with any package. Be flexible with your choice; always mix and match.

Hotels like the Fairmont are elegant, luxurious, and sophisticated with great restaurants, spas, social amenities, and every other thing to make for your comfort.

5. Decide on the Number of Persons that Would Take the Trip

The Canadian Rockies train trips are usually enjoyed by many singles and couples, but these kinds of trips are ideal for groups. In this way, you get to spend quality time with those who matter to you in a spectacular environment. And what’s more, these trips are really sensational that you have to share it with them.

6. Choose an Itinerary

This is also one of the hardest parts when planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies because Canada is a large country. And since it is impossible to visit all the places during a visit, choosing an itinerary is very important. It will help you make a better plan for your trip.

Conclusion

Visiting the Canadian Rockies by train is surely a wonderful experience. From the weather, the scenery to the quality of service rendered to you, everything is simply great! – Travel Feeder