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We completed a three week western trip this week that included 7 nights on VIA and Amtrak. Rather than try to make a trip a report, I thought I might just give a few highlights.
The Canadian was everything I had expected – good service, food, equipment, and scenery. It was an expanded 21 car summer consist but the only noticeable impact was some of the on board staff were seasonal. They were all energetic, friendly, and wanted to do a good job, but lack of experience showed at times. While it was 4 nights, the time went quickly. I liked the east to west trip as it helped build the anticipation for the mountains on the last full day and the morning ride down the Frazier river to Vancouver (helped by an early sunrise that June provides).
The long stop in Winnipeg was a nice opportunity to stretch our legs with a walk across the river and then into town. A shorter but more scenic long stop was made in Jasper. Our train arrived Vancouver about 20 minutes early so we were easily able to make a 30 minute connection for a bus to Victoria. That was just enough time for another cup of coffee and station inspection. Our full day in Toronto before departure was a great way to get relaxed before our evening departure and enjoy some of the sights of that nice city.
Amtrak did well too. We rode the EB from Glacier, then the CS from Portland, and CZ from Sacramento to Denver. All trains were within 20 minutes of schedule arrival. The food seemed better than on other trips (but not at the level of the Canadian). Our bedrooms were clean (although one of the cars needed an updating); the crew was o.k.; and the scenery as good as the Canadian Rockies, if a bit more familiar. We definitely want to return to Glacier. We were there five days and there were still lots we didn’t see. It’s spectacular. The thought of a camper rental from Jasper (they were parked at the station) through Banff to Glacier crossed our minds. We also certainly want to ride the Canadian again, perhaps in the winter when the landscape would look far different.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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I loved the Canadian on both the trips I've taken from Toronto to Vancouver.
But it is very expensive. How expensive? I checked ticket prices on both VIA and Amtrak and came up with this:
A "cabin for 2, discounted fare" on the Canadian over the roughly 2200 miles from Hornepayne, Ontario, to Vancouver in early October costs CAN$2705.22 for two people.
A full bedroom on the Empire Builder over the roughly 2200 miles from Chicago to Seattle at the same time costs U$1352.00 for two people.
(This assumes that CAN$1=US$1, as has been common in recent years. Today it's CAN$0.96=US$1.)
Obviously those wonderful meals and that splendid service come at quite a premium.
True, Hornepayne to Vancouver takes three nights, thanks to long station dwells, especially in Winnipeg, while the Builder takes just two nights. So while it's fair to say that mile for mile the Canadian costs twice as much as the Builder, the cost for the experience as a whole needs to be calculated by looser standards.
Still, it's tooth-rattlingly expensive.
Worth it? Of course! Just start saving your loonies and toonies.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Thanks for the report. I fully agree about Glacier Park--can't wait to get back there. I've also been thinking about a trip from Edmonton to Vancouver; it's pricey, but it sounds like it's worth the cost.
It doesn't appear that VIA uses bucket or dynamic pricing for their trains. The fare quoted for a ticket or room in October is the same as the price quoted for trains leaving this weekend.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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The Canadian was expensive and Henry's comparison is certainly accurate. But according to my economic theory of QTT (Quality Train Time) it wasn't too bad. We were able to snatch a spring sale and the cost was around $2,000 or about $500 a night. This compares favorably with the Amtrak per night fare of $675. Amazing how you can rationalize about anything, but in this case you did get what you paid for.
But, for the combination of raifan activities and scenic attractions, it's hard to beat Glacier. Louis W. Hill knew what he was doing when he established that destination for the passengers on his trains.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Sounds like you had a great trip, Palmland. Thanks for the report.
If you get a chance to return to Glacier, and have time, the red "jammer" bus tours are a lot of fun.
And, if you get back to Glacier, I suggest at least a one day stay at Whitefish. Don't miss the Great Northern RR museum at the Amtrak station.
One other note, if you rent a camper or auto, in Canada, you have to return it to Canada. You can't rent a vehicle in Canada and drop it off in the US, or vice-versa. Much to my chagrin.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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