Trains? really? a train trip? NOT WDW?

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Okay, so DW an I got back from WDW. had a great time, talked with a lot of nice CM's, had some nice meals, got a lot of pictures(1,400+) and generally had a (hot and muggy) good time.

AS is our "tradition" after we get the grumpy pups back from the boarding place, we start discussing the next vacation.

DW wants to take a train trip across Canada.

I did a little research and am amazed at the number of things we can do for vacation.

since I know that there are some experienced train travlers, and some people from "that frozen northern neighbor" (okay I still remember the Canada pavillion movie opening!)

perhaps someone wants to give some pointers or "must see or do" on such a trip?

my only experience with a train trip was when we flew into fairbanks, took the Alaska train down to Denali park, stayed a few days, then down to anchorage.

we were thinking of May.

any suggestions to enhance a (small) vacation trip?

[GaTechGal]

My in-laws did a train trip in Canada somewhere out near Calgary I think. It was one of those trains with the big glass windows that actually wrap over the roof. They loved it and said that the scenery was lovely. We took a train once from Atlanta to Charlottesville, VA for the Tech vs UVA football game. Also lovely and a great trip. Sleeping in a berth was a hoot. Especially since I was 6 months preggers.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

we are looking at the "cross canadian" Toronto to Vancouver, or the opposite direction.

Just wondering if anyone else had some good suggestions!

I might even have to break out the telephoto lens, and the SLR!

hehehehe

RUM onboard?

[KidAtHeart]

I'm from Edmonton, about 3 hours north of Calgary.

There's lots to do. Some of the scenery will be stunning (the Rockies) and some will be boring (Saskatchewan and Manitoba). There's plenty to do in most cities between TO and Vancouver.

To suggest specific things to do, it'd be better to know a more specific itinerary of destinations (IE: Do you plan to spend 2 days in Calgary? 3 in Vancouver? Or just ride the train?). I might also suggest taking the train onward to either Montreal or Quebec City, as both are beautiful cities with plenty of history.

[delsdad]

we are looking at the "cross canadian" Toronto to Vancouver, or the opposite direction.

Just wondering if anyone else had some good suggestions!

I might even have to break out the telephoto lens, and the SLR!

hehehehe

RUM onboard?

The train that you want for scenery would be this one http://www.rockymountaineer.com/ but for the cross country portion, it would be http://www.viarail.ca/en/fall-fares/west which goes from Toronto to Vancouver and points in between. Sleeping car accommodation allows you access to the dome car unless the policy changed since I last rode it. And you do not want to do that trip in coach ! It takes 30 hours just to cross fro Toronto to the western border of Ontario. Only once did I try that. Yuck.

You should be able to combine the two trips, switching from Rocky mountain to VIA at Banf or Jasper. The problem with VIA through the rockies is that it passes the most scenic parts at night ! That`s why the Rocky Mountaineer came into being. here is a combo tour http://www.rockymountaineer.com/vacatio ... dventures/

I will buy you and Mrs. Pirate a tasty rum drink when you come through Toronto !

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

WOW, we were only looking at the cross canadian, but the combined looks MUCH better.

darn...back to the planning stage! heheheheheh

they have RUM in canada? I was going to look for molsons!! hehehehhe

[delsdad]

WOW, we were only looking at the cross canadian, but the combined looks MUCH better.

darn...back to the planning stage! heheheheheh

they have RUM in canada? I was going to look for molsons!! hehehehhe

Not only do we have rum, we have Cuban rum ! Available everywhere.


Molsons is beer for people who don't like beer. But we have plenty of real locally brewed non factory beers to keep you busy. One bar near my place boasts of almost 200 beers, most available on tap.

The downside to the Rocky Mountaineer train... it is expensive !

[Main Streeter]

Molsons is beer for people who don't like beer. But we have plenty of real locally brewed non factory beers to keep you busy. One bar near my place boasts of almost 200 beers, most available on tap.

Excuse me Delsdad, but what do you mean by Molson's is for those who don't like beer? Isn't beer beer? Lock your doors. I can just see darph heading your way. ;)

[hobie16]

Isn't beer beer?

Not when it's Bear Whiz Beer.

[Main Streeter]

Not when it's Bear Whiz Beer.

Ewwwww. Wish I hadn't asked. :D: