Toronto to Vancouver

beany

Has anyone travelled from Toronto to Vancouver by VIA train?
Were going to fly but thought this might be a nice alternative. Would like to hear from anyone who has done the trip, good or bad.

Thanks

fluffymuffin

hi - not dont it on a train but did it on a greyhound bus! Went all the way from New York to Vancouver via niagara, toronto, calgar, the rockies etc was great - took ages though - we got quite a few night journeys so we could sleep and saved money on accomodation - those were back in the good old days of youth however - if its comfort you want - best avoided - and definately if you have kids! We loved it though - like being in a chewing gum advert! Hope you have a great time - it was amazing!

chalky_bertie

Only just seen post as I have just come back from Vancouver yesterday. I should think it takes the same route as the Rocky Mountaineer which is very scenic. IIt could be a problem if you sleep on the train it depends what your sleeping habits are like, but if you fancy it then do it. Need any advice on Vancouver then just ask.

from_suffolk

Using the 'Canadian' service of VIA Rail the national operator, you can do the journey in three days spending two whole nights on the train there are various standards of accomodation.

The most scenic parts through the Rockies unfortunately are done in the dark arriving in Vancouver around 7am.

If you want to see the best of the Rockies by train then take the Rockie Mountaineer a privatley operated service that runs from Vancouver to Jasper or Calgary and visa versa.

The train takes two days and includes an overnight in a Hotel as you can expect this can be quite expensive.

VIA Rail sell a Can Rail Pass which can be used for Train travel on thier entire network.

Check out the web site.

frugal_dougal_3

from_suffolk wrote:

If you want to see the best of the Rockies by train then take the Rockie Mountaineer a privatley operated service that runs from Vancouver to Jasper or Calgary and visa versa.

The train takes two days and includes an overnight in a Hotel as you can expect this can be quite expensive.

I have been to these areas many times travelling independently and still find it really exciting to see bears and other wildlife on the verges at the side of the road, and to stop and watch or photograph them. As much as I like travelling on trains I would find it difficult to sacrifice the freedom of being able to stop and sightsee in whatever place takes your fancy.

I appreciate that this is only my opinion but car hire is so cheap in Canada compared to the UK that it seems a shame to go whizzing through when you could stop along the way.

VardreRFC

The wife and I are going to Canada this year too ( 3 weeks in August).

What put me off 'the Canadian' was (apart from the price) the lack of showers in the comfort class, the thought of queing up for a pee first thing in the morning when everyone else is washing/shaving etc.


Our current itinery (subject to change every 12 hours or so) is to fly from Toronto to Vancouver, hire a car, Drive to Calgary (the car hire firm National seems to discount cars travelling this way ie Can$648 as apposed to Can$1365 for the same car and dates but in the opposite direction) then fly from Calgary back to Toronto.

Any advise on Vancouver, car hire, the Rockies, accomodation,whale watching and everything in between would be very very greatfully recieved.

LCard

For any internal flights I can recommend Westjet, flown with them many times https://www.westjet.com - far better than Air Canada

frugal_dougal_3

VardreRFC wrote:

Our current itinery (subject to change every 12 hours or so) is to fly from Toronto to Vancouver, hire a car, Drive to Calgary (the car hire firm National seems to discount cars travelling this way ie Can$648 as apposed to Can$1365 for the same car and dates but in the opposite direction) then fly from Calgary back to Toronto.

Any advise on Vancouver, car hire, the Rockies, accomodation,whale watching and everything in between would be very very greatfully recieved.

Hi Vardre, Myself and OH had three weeks in Vancouver and Vancouver Island last month. I booked the car hire through ebookers and although I can't remember the exact figure it was about £350 with Alamo. We got a brand new Pontiac Grand Am and I opted to pay another £128 to have an additional driver put on.
Hotels in Downtown Vancouver tend to cost a bit more than the suburbs for obvious reasons, but if you do stay Downtown you can pretty much walk to all the attractions like Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Gastown, Canada Place etc. You will need the car to get to Grouse Mountain and Capillano Suspension Bridge.

It is safe to walk around at night although you might want to avoid the southern part of Granville Street as it appears a bit sleazy and has some panhandlers.

I strongly recommend Vancouver Island for whale watching, you can go out from Victoria or various other locations on the north or west of the Island. The west of the Island is gorgeous, you can go whale or bear watching from Tofino or Ucluelet.

Well, whatever you decide to do you aren't going to able to fit in everything you want to do ! The Rockies are also fabulous you could do a circuit out from Vancouver and take in Jasper and Banff.

I've been to Canada loads of times and never get tired or disappointed with it.
Let me know if you want to know about Newfoundland.
But Toronto I know nothing about.