W L TRAVEL
GET ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Ann Anglesea is one of the UK ’ s Premier Canada Specialists . Here she talks about the various train journeys that can be added to a holiday itinerary to give a different perspective .
Over the years , I have enjoyed a few train journeys in Canada and , whilst I am not one for sitting and staring out of a train window for hours on end , train travel in Canada is different . So much of the scenery is breathtakingly majestic , which is just as well because , due to the sheer size of the country , many journeys can be up to four nights . But , as a result , Canadian trains are built for comfort : cosy sleeping cabins provide a romantic - if rather small - overnight retreat and the quality of food and drink on board is a match for most restaurants .
This type of journey gives you the chance to switch off from the usual pressures of life and to , quite literally , watch the world go by . Conversation with fellow travellers is easy and the atmosphere is relaxed .
So what routes are available on which trains ? The Rocky Mountaineer is considered to be the most popular tourist train as its route and schedule is specifically designed for daylight viewing and the experience is spectacular . There are three routes between the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver and each one takes two or three days , depending on the route . Breakfast and lunch is served on the train but you don ’ t sleep on board ; instead you stay each night in a hotel with free transfers . There are two classes - Silverleaf and Goldleaf Service . As you might expect , there is a difference in the comfort level ( and price !) but both are excellent value . For many this is a ‘ once in a lifetime trip ’ so it is important to make an informed decision ; take a look at their website and view their videos on the classes so you know what to expect : www . rockymountaineer . com
Many clients ask me about “ the train that goes across Canada ”. This is a VIA Rail service train called The Canadian . Unlike the Rocky Mountaineer , this train travels overnight and has various class levels and sleeping accommodation , ranging from upper and lower berths with a privacy curtain to the high-end Prestige Sleeper Class with spacious cabins , private bathrooms , flatscreen TV and minibar . In this class , all meals , bar service and snacks are included .
The four-night journey between Toronto and Vancouver can be done in one trip or can be broken to include some of the towns along the way . There are many itineraries that can be designed around this journey . For instance , if you were to leave the train in Jasper in the Canadian Rockies , you could easily pick up a car ( or a coach ) from here and travel through the Columbian Icefield Parkway to Banff and then take the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver . This way , you would experience both train services .
If you fancy shorter trips on Via Rail , the Corridor Service between Toronto and Montreal is scenic and comfortable and a great alternative to hiring a car . In fact , it is possible to visit Montreal , Quebec , Ottawa and Toronto on this service , so an excellent city hopping itinerary can be designed for those who prefer rails to wheels . For more information on VIA Rail routes and trains visit www . viarail . ca / en
The Ocean Route which operates between Montreal and Halifax is an overnight scenic journey . If you travel in the Sleeper Plus class , you will have access to the Park Car : a carriage with a 180 degree glass dome allowing all round viewing . Once you are in The Maritimes - which comprises New Brunswick , Nova Scotia , and Prince Edward Island - the area has a lot to offer and it is very easy to get around by car .
All of these wonderful journeys can be combined around with other enjoyable experiences to maximise your time in Canada . For instance , bear and whale-watching , scenic mountain lodge stays and exciting cities such as Toronto , Calgary and Vancouver .
For more details contact Delmar World and Perfect Cruises in Heswall on 0151 363 6115 .
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