This Glass-domed Train Through the Canadian Rockies is One of the Most Scenic Rides in the World

[MULTIZ321]

This Glass-domed Train Through the Canadian
Rockies is One of the Most Scenic Rides in the World.


https://www.travelandleisure.com/tr...e-rail-cars-to-popular-western-canadian-train.


Richard

 

[susieq]

WOW!!! Just Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[CanuckTravlr]

No question it is one of the most scenic train rides in the world and it is a true luxury service. However, I should point out that it is also one of the most expensive ways to cross the various mountain ranges between Alberta and Vancouver.

A less expensive train ride is on the VIA Rail train, The Canadian, which is Canada's national passenger rail service (like Amtrak in the USA). It runs from Toronto to Vancouver, but you can pick it up in Edmonton or Jasper for the ride through the mountains to Vancouver.

The disadvantage of the VIA Rail train is that it doesn't stop overnight, so part of the journey is in darkness. The Rocky Mountaineer, being a privately-operated, dedicated, excursion train, only runs during daylight hours. So you stop overnight and stay in a hotel on the two-day trip. The Rocky Mountaineer also offers a choice of two routes; the northern route from Jasper to Vancouver and the southern route from Lake Louise or Banff.

 

[MULTIZ321]

No question it is one of the most scenic train rides in the world and it is a true luxury service. However, I should point out that it is also one of the most expensive ways to cross the various mountain ranges between Alberta and Vancouver.

A less expensive train ride is on the VIA Rail train, The Canadian, which is Canada's national passenger rail service (like Amtrak in the USA). It runs from Toronto to Vancouver, but you can pick it up in Edmonton or Jasper for the ride through the mountains to Vancouver.

The disadvantage of the VIA Rail train is that it doesn't stop overnight, so part of the journey is in darkness. The Rocky Mountaineer, being a privately-operated, dedicated, excursion train, only runs during daylight hours. So you stop overnight and stay in a hotel on the two-day trip. The Rocky Mountaineer also offers a choice of two routes; the northern route from Jasper to Vancouver and the southern route from Lake Louise or Banff.

Hi CanuckTravlr,

Would you have a preference for the northern or southern route?

Richard

 

[CanuckTravlr]

Hi CanuckTravlr,

Would you have a preference for the northern or southern route?

Richard

Both routes are quite unique. And the portion from Kamloops to Vancouver, down the Fraser Canyon and past Hell's Gate, is the same on both routes and very spectacular. I have done the southern route by train. But I have driven the northern route and the rail line parallels the highway, so it can be enjoyed by car at a much lower expense.

The northern route from Jasper to Kamloops runs past Mt. Robson (the highest peak in Canada). From there to Kamloops it runs down the Thompson River Valley. It is relatively unpopulated, but a very scenic, rugged wilderness. As much as I enjoyed the northern route, if you can't do both, then I would have to give the edge to the southern route.

The southern route from Banff/Lake Louise to Kamloops is probably the more famous and historic, being the original route of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Even though it is a more populous area, it has spectacular forested river valleys and majestic peaks throughout its route. A highlight is its journey through the famous Spiral tunnels. You will also see the spot in Craigellachie where the Last Spike was driven in 1885, to join the eastern and western sections of the Canadian Pacific Railway and finally connect Canada from coast to coast.

 

[DaveNV]

This route, by one rail or the other, has been on my travel list forever. I have no excuse - I only live an hour or two south of Vancouver. I need to get it in gear and plan something...

Dave

 

[Talent312]

I'd put this on my list for next Summer, but alas...
It'll have to wait as I'll be doing Switzerland by rail instead.
.