What better way to see the spectacular Canadian landscape than from the window of a moving train? Paul Blaney reports
When it comes to experiencing the dramatic mountains and wide open spaces of the Canadian West, you can’t beat the railways for comfort and style.
Of course, clients could do self-drive or take a coach, but wouldn’t they be happier letting the train take the strain? Here are three of the finest ways to ride the Canadian rails.
Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is Canada’s most famous train, making the two-day journey between British Columbia and Alberta in the majestic Canadian Rockies.
The train operates four routes: Vancouver-Banff/Calgary, Vancouver-Jasper, the newly introduced Whistler-Jasper and Vancouver-Whistler.
All journeys are during daylight hours with overnight hotel stops, so passengers don’t miss a single snow-capped peak. Other highlights are the onboard service (choice of Gold and Redleaf classes), first-class Canadian cuisine, and knowledgeable commentary on the passing scenery.
New for 2008/09 are a number of rail and cruise packages (Rockies by Rail plus a cruise in Glacier Bay National Park) and the option for guests to break their journey on the Whistler-Jasper route to explore the Cariboo region.
The Malahat
The Malahat offers passengers wild and wonderful Pacific scenery as it makes the journey from Victoria in the south to Courtenay at the northern end of Victoria Island (from where visitors can connect to Vancouver by fast ferry).The route hugs the island’s east coast.
The Malahat travels once a day in either direction and passengers can break their journey for a visit to Chemanius, Nanaimo or Qualicum Beach without buying a new ticket. The four-and-a-half-hour trip costs as little as £15.
Royal Canadian Pacific
The Royal Canadian Pacific is Canada’s highest-end railway experience, ideal for clients seeking exclusivity and five-star service, with prices per person starting around £3,000.
Based in Calgary, the RCP has three carriages that were built in the 1920s and 1930s. The train has a capacity of 32 guests in 19 en suite cabins.
Its signature Royal Canadian Rockies Experience is a six-day, 650-mile excursion through the Rocky Mountains stopping at Banff, Lake Louise and the Columbia River Valley.
Two other excursions include the Royal Fly-Fishing Adventure and the Royal Culinary, Wine and Music Experience. For 2009, the RCP has added an extra night on board the train for each of its three excursions and extra onboard dining.
